The Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 is latest version of Doug Ritter’s do-it-all folding knife. It’s better than ever and it’s now made by Hogue in the U.S.

This Doug Ritter RSK the Best Yet 

Benchmade manufactured the original RSK Mk1. Hogue’s G2 model features some good updates. The knife features a 3.44-inch drop-point blade of CPM 20 CV steel. It’s a premium stainless steel known for its wear and corrosion resistance and edge retention. The blade has a stone-washed finish. Scratches won’t show as readily after hard use. A model with a black Cerakote-finished blade is available too.

Hogue Ritter RSK closed

The Hogue Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 folder is an easy-opening knife with sturdy lock.

This knife features dual thumb studs for one-handed opening. Bronze washers are used to ensure smooth operation. There is jimping on the thumb ramp of the blade as well as on the liner lock. The handle scales on the RSK Mk1-G2 are CNC-machined G10 composite and are available in either black or hard-to-lose orange. The new G2 texturing provides for a secure hold without being abrasive to the hand during extended use.

An index bump on the underside of the handle provides for a quick, repeatable grip and forms a finger groove for the index finger. The G2 features steel spacers to provide an open-back design. That makes cleanup easier and lets moisture-wicking lint fall right through. The handle is slightly longer on the G2 and features a lanyard hole. The steel, deep-carry pocket clip has a stone-washed finish. The Hogue / Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 features an ABLE (Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced) locking mechanism. It’s a beefed up version of Benchmade’s Axis lock, for which the patent has expired.

Hogue Ritter RSK blade

The Hogue Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 offer several improvements over the original design.

STAYING SHARP

The RSK Mk1-G2 (the RSK stands for Ritter Survival Knife) came very sharp and stayed that way as I used it for a number of cutting tasks. The blade firmly locked in place and there was no wobble. The thumb studs were well positioned for easy one-handed opening. That’s not true with all knives. I found the down-turned contour at the back of the grip to fit the palm of my hand very well.

HELPS TO SUPPORT KNIFE RIGHTS

The designer, Doug Ritter, is on the front lines in the war against nonsensical  knife laws. His organization, Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) has helped to repeal bad laws and enact common sense legislation across the country. Sales of his knives help to fund his work. On another of Ritter’s websites, Equipped to Survive (www.Equipped.com), you’ll find worthwhile reviews of outdoor and survival gear.

UP TO THE TASK

Whether you use this knife on hunting trips, carry it in your pocket every day or tuck it in with your survival gear, the Hogue / Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 can handle the job. Its handling qualities are so good, you’ll seek out more things to cut. This is a knife you’ll like so much that you’ll toss your other perfectly good knives in a drawer somewhere and forget about them.

The knife is being sold exclusively through KnifeWorks.com. And be sure to check back with KnivesIllustrated.com for more of the latest news from the knife industry.

THE SPECS 

Model: Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2

Manufacturer: Hogue (www.Hogueinc.com)
Blade Material: Crucible CPM-20CV
Blade Length: 3.44 inches (87 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.115 inches (2.92 mm)
Blade Hardness: HRC 61-62
Blade Edge: Plain
Blade Finish: Stonewashed / Tumbled
Handle Material: G10 Composite
Closed Length: 4.72 inches (120 mm)
Open Length: 8.15 inches (207 mm)
Weight (with clip): 4.5 ounces (127 g)
Lock: Ambidextrous ABLE™ Lock
Liners: 410 Stainless Steel
Pivot Washers: Phosphor Bronze
Opener: Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs
Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel, Deep Carry, Reversible
MSRP: $159.95

Source: www.KnifeWorks.com

A version of this article was originally published in the Fall 2020 issue of Engaged Media’s EDC — Everyday Carry Essentials magazine.