Doug Ritter sent me the following by email, and I offered to post it as a comment here (as he doesn't have an account well suited to commenting), and I think it's worth sharing... -------------------- Thanks very much for your compliments and I am humbled by your “gem 100%” conclusion. For the most part, you liked the parts we worked the most on, so that makes me happy. Few comments on your dislikes. WRT the omega springs: First, they upgraded to Wolfe springs. Wolfe has a well-earned reputation for quality and reliability. Second, putting one in the box with a knife would be like saying they are an expendable or you risk them breaking, when they are not and it is unlikely, by design and in reality. Finally, IMHO 98% of owners wouldn’t know where to start. We are enthusiasts who wouldn’t hesitate to take a knife apart to fix or clean it or whatever. The vast majority of folks buying knives are not us. We are a very tiny minority of knife buyers. Thankfully, else there wouldn’t be enough volume to make them affordable. WRT the clip: Most people seem to either love it or hate it with a fair number who don’t care either way. I wanted a deep carry clip, especially as we moved the lanyard hole to the end of the handle which lengthened the handle a few tenths, so that’s what you get. I don’t get a hot spot. Lot depends on hand size and grip. Some hate the clip and I knew that’s always an issue (clips and sheaths are always that way, no way to give everyone what they prefer) and it has a standard hole pattern because I wanted folks to have the choice of easily substituting any of the very common clips with that pattern or any of the many custom clips with that pattern. WRT the rough spot on the blade tang: It is a moderately priced production knife and that doesn't affect function at all, but I will look into that bearing in mind that we also have to keep our eye on production costs. Keeping it a good value is a number one priority for me. WRT the width and weight, you are 100% correct. If you are looking for a thin knife, neither this or the original would be a good choice. OTOH, the great ergos come partly from that thickness. So, I’m good with that. As for weight, G10 adds a "ton" of weight, proportionally, over hollow plastic. We could mill some weight out on the backside I suppose, but the weight difference would be minimal, really, and the decrease in strength and toughness might be not so good. Wouldn't know that for sure until we tried it. It also might adjust the balance, as you note, but OTOH, I am happy with it balancing neutrally on my index finger. That what I prefer for a folder. All knife design is a compromise, as you well know. If someone wants a really lightweight one, I suppose they look for a used RSK Mk1 original off eBay, at least for now. Again, I appreciate the in-depth and honest review and thought your viewers might like some insight into the issues you raised. Thanks for the opportunity.

The upgraded steel of the omega spring alone is worth the $20 price increase imo. Hogue & Doug did a great job with these.

The very best looking version of the Griptilian ever👊

Great review Nick! I didn’t even know this knife existed till a week ago. I was looking at another Hogue when I saw this the I started watching reviews. I ordered mine last week and got it in two days and I am very impressed with the quality. Blade centering is perfect. Action is butter. Also thanks for posting the reply you received from Doug Ritter. Great info.

I just ordered mine from knife works, I cannot wait for 3 days! Thanks Nick, this will be the 4th knife I have purchased on your reviews..all have been great. Thanks for honest reviews.

Finally got mine and it has turned into my top pick very quickly, thanks for your review, and they have a mini now too

hey nick everybody here

Just got mine today. Nick’s review convinced me. Thanks Nick! This is a great knife. Out of the box worked just like Nick said in his review. I have Cold Steel, Spyderco, WE, Benchmade (including the Super Freek, Grip and 940-1) and I really like this one, even though Spyderco (in general) is my favorite brand.

New favorite knife. I've had mine for about a month and no complaints other than the pocket clip but that was an easy enough fix as the screw pattern happens to be identical to a brand with a butterfly without the tax. :P Keep up the good work.

I've had my Hogue Ritter RSK MK1-G2 for a little less than a year, mine is from the earlier runs with M390. In my opinion this is the best knife hands down under $200. Like you said everything was perfect from the beginning and has been since the beginning. I have a lot of knives fighting for pocket time and this wins more than most especially if I am going to be working harder than usual for the day. As far as the spring goes I'm a benchmade fan as well so I've dealt with my fair share of omega springs, the springs hogue uses are better. It's the difference of a spring being produced in Pennsylvania versus China. If you're at all even close to considering buying this knife do it. Actually if you enjoy using knives and care about being able to do so legally morally you probably should buy one. Doug Ritter runs knife rights and by purchasing this knife you are supporting knife rights and helping fight stupid knife laws nation wide like the laws Doug has helped repeal these last few years particularly the "gravity" knife laws he got rid of in my home state of NY. Support knife rights, do your part for the knife community.

Really like the improvements DR made with Hogue on this knife! I carry both too, the original and the new designed one! If parts were easily available or extra pocket clip options in the box that would be awesome from many knife makers! Very cool to have DR email you and reflect on your thoughts! Thanks for the review!

I have the M390 version which sold for $153 and was a KnifeWorks exclusive. An outstanding gem that out performs the much praised Benchmade Freek.

Because of your review Nick, I got an orange one. Received it today. This critter is wicked sweet.

I am officially writing your name into every ballot for every office I ever vote for after this video. I would cheer for your points here more than any sports event I’ve ever attended. I enjoyed your reasonableness and rationality here as much as the knife displayed. Thank you sir!

Absolutely great review! Thank you. I own two RSK Mk1 G2 and they are great. If they ever decided to make a mini version, I'd be ready to purchase. Hogue warranty....hmmmm....not something I like and yes, it would be great if they would change it but it would also be nice if the retailer (Knifeworks) would offer support to those of us who like to maintain and properly clean our "boring" tools. Please keep up the great work. Happy 2020.

I’ll be picking up one of these soon. I can’t wait to use it as my daily driver. Great review Nick!

I got the mini with the purple gmascus scales a few months back and it hasn't left my pocket since. This is an awesome knife. About to get the full size.

They just came out with the mini version. Looking forward to your review on that!

I know this post is a little late, but I’ve had mine for the last 8 or 9 months now, and I’ve had it in my carry rotation. I love it. The blade shape is a gorgeous. I just love that polished stone wash. Mines in m390. I think I got mine from the last batch in that steel, because after they were sold out, they started using 20cv. Not a big deal, because 20cv/m390 are my favorites. The blade came wicked sharp, like scary sharp. It’s the sharpest in my collection. I’ve used it a fair amount, and it still slices phone book paper clean. The ergos are great, although the clip can be a bit of a hot spot. Its not like I’m using it to cut down trees or process miles of carb board, so it’s not a big deal. For my uses, it’s comfortable. I did try a bench made split arrow clip for a while, and that made a significant difference. Ultimately, I wanted the deep carry clip back, because it spends more time in my pocket than being used, and out in public, especially in shorts, there’s a big knife handle visible. People sometimes scare easy. The thumb studs are a tad too aggressive. When I first got it, I was monkeying with it, trying to break it in, and my thumb was so sore, I had to put it away for a day or so. I understand why it was made that way, so you can use it with gloves on. Over all, a beautiful design, great ergos, and a perfect blade. I love it.

I have a pretty good knife collection and have carried one since I was quite young. I carry most of them, but this one will be my main one for a long time to come. It's a great knife and I like that it supports a great cause.

Excellent review and an outstanding response from the maker. I will be purchasing one of these now. I will take the good with the "may be bad" for some ergos as it seems most say good ergos.i already have a grip and love it, except the scales. Add 20cv and g10 and you have my full attention.

Have both the coated and stonewashed finish in the M390, zero issues with either and have probably been my most often carried over the last year. Just ordered the Mini today once I saw it was available at Knifeworks.

Just ordered mine. Yes, a mini version of this would great!

I was really surprised when you said that was g10! Also when you said the price! What a knife man (I’ll buy one when they change their warranty policy)

That 3D machining on that G10 is freaking gorgeous! That and it has that super slicer Ritter blade which is always awesome.

I was gifted one of these following a mission that I was on. My version has the coyote grips and the black blade. Hands down my favorite knife. I’ve got a couple that cost 2-3 times as much and this is still my favorite for EDC.

This one is on my short list for sure. Thanks Nick

I the M390, it is a great working knife for EDC on the farm.

Thanks for the review!

Being a buyer in late 2020, I'm late to the party....but like the party very much. Part of my desire to get one IS Nick's review. In my limited experience, he doesn't dole out praise without praise being deserved. This is a very well made, comfortable, and useable knife. It does occur to me, particularly after reading Doug Ritter's response, that those things that were nominated as "Bad" were mainly personal preferences, and I took that into account when watching the review. The handle thickness is GOOD as far as I'm concerned. There is a point where "thin" is not a good thing. And the clip hot-spot obviously depends on the size of ones hand. (No issue for me). The overall size of the knife may be the very definition of personal preference. People do buy those behemoth knives being made! Already having a Mini-Griptilian, I was more than happy to try the "full sized" knife, and found it quite satisfying. Too big for EDC? Probably, for me. The Mini-Grip is more my EDC size. But not EVERYTHING I own needs to be that size. As for quality, yeah. I've had some rather "icky" experiences with Benchmade out of the box. Sure, they broke in after a few days, but there really is no excuse for that. Here we have (essentially) the same design, and it was absolutely a dream on the first flip, and close. I'm sure I was smiling. :) Anyway, thanks to Nick for the continued thoughtful reviews, and Hogue/Doug Ritter for a really satisfying knife.

Can we now expect a review on the BM super freek now? I own both and they're remarkably similar.

Great video. I hope they release a mini model of it, it would be an automatic buy for me.

Another great review, thanks Nick! I have one of the early productions in M390 and think it’s a gem. Don’t care for appearance of scales, but it’s designed as a working knife - as such, 5 stars. Now rhetorical questions: how many other manufacturers void their warranty if knife is disassembled (several big names)? How many provide spare springs? Width & weight - sure, a little large but again it’s a working knife. I don’t disagree with you at all but it comes down to why you’re buying this knife. For me it’s a gem but hate the hot spot from pocket clip as mentioned. Para 2 for $150 with M390 or equivalent- haven’t seen them... Thanks again Nick!

I carry the Ritter grip with with G10 replacement scales as my hiking folder and it has served me rather well. I'm really glad to see the design carried on through Hogue. Even as a Benchmade fan, I must admit that it left a bad taste in my mouth when they discontinued it around the same time they released the Freek as sort of a "Griptilian II", with an eerily similar blade design to the Ritter.

I have two Hogue-Ritter (black M390 and Orange 20CV) and I confirm it's a wonderful knife. I like the thick and contoured handle. It's much more confortable than the usual flat G10 scales used in other knives. And it's more solid than the Griptilian plastic handle.

OMG I got mine today and it came super sharp and stropped. It had super loose action but a very small amount of blade play . I tightened the pivot and no blade play. It still flicks out but feels glassy and drops shut with a little shake.

Great knife , great review !

Amazing knife glad i grabbed one when they first came out ans it's a lazer out the box...

As usual a fantastic review that caused me to order one of these Gems! THANKS!! Does anybody know if a Benchmade clip (classic arrow style) would fit into this hogues pocket clip pattern? It sure looks the same.

Reminds me of the Wilson Combat starburst pattern

Just got one today based on this video love this knife

Great review. Sign me up for a mini version!

Left handed thumbs up. On my wish list.

Conspiracy theory: Nick works for the Vaseline corporation

Thanks, Nick... Now I want one.

I can’t begin to say how much nicer this is then the Benchmade version of old . I hate thier plastic handles and that loud clack sound where the whole house hears it . Lastly I hated the old clip also the steel wasn’t nearly as good . This is beautiful looking , it’s g10, the steel is top of the line it doesn’t clack loud and I absolutely love the deep pocket clip . This to me is a hall of fame piece . Thanks for the review Nick .

Down with the thickness...I love it!

About 27 years ago i got the Benchmade black154 version, $69.00. Still sits in my emergency pack. Yup............

Got this knife about a week ago. Wasn't sure I'd like it, as I'm not a huge fan of the Griptilian. Have a Grip, the model with a big round hole, and don't necessarily love it. Also not a big fan of the Axis lock. More of a PM2/Para 3 kind of guy. The Ritter is nothing short of fantastic! The only thing I can pick on is its weight, yet it doesn't _feel_ much heavier than a PM2. Everything regarding the RSK is almost perfect: the blade geometry, the milling of the G10, the fit and finish, and their improved lock. Agree, it's a gem.

I have the early version in M390 steel and agree with most of your points. In summary, this is not a knife for edc use IMHO, it is a great tool to bring to any construction site or any place where hard worker knife is needed. However it remains a beautiful knife so I hope myself the release of a mini version which could easily become my best edc knife.

Orange isn't "boring". Orange is a good color for a user knife. Because it is good for folks who live in deep dark far northern regions, (et. al.), when said citizens drop it and are looking to find it again.

Anyone catch that loogie fly across the middle of the screen at 4:08? I had to rewind, and giggle! Might buy this knife right now! Been waiting for that Micarta Shaman FOREVER!

Been through of lot of Benchmades and never once seen a spring break. Hogue does an impressive job on their blades for sure though.

You should do a benchmade turret review. Its peaked my interest and I wonder what you would think of it.

Eeeyyyy it's my favorite knife! Frekkin' love this thing. Wonderfully ergonomic and grippy. The clip doesn't bother my hand at all, not sure if I'm just lucky or it has to do with Shabazz's relatively smaller hands or what. I really like balance where it is and prefer the full thick g10 rather than milling it out. I agree with the warranty being a bit o.O but if anything goes wrong I'll just send it in and have them tune it up (it'll probably need it at that point anyways).

I just bought a Kershaw heist In d2 , grn, and similar specs for 50 bucks . Excited to have a beater with bar lock

Hogue/Ritter are using Wolf springs NOT Omega springs in their ABLE locks. Apparently, The Wolf Springs are a lot more durable than The Omega Springs and their engagements(opening and closing) of their ABLE Locks are a lot easier and smoother to engage and disengage. This knife to me is certainly a winner and I agree with Nick on the overly thick liners. They should decrease the width size slighter.I would also like to see a 3.8-inch version too.

What a wonderfull piece...

“Down With The Thiccness” nearly killed me!

I got this knife for Christmas this year and the reason I wanted this knife was coz my grandpa has a gen 2 from benchmade with m390 steel and I loved it😂 it’s just like my griptilian but feels better quality

Got mine yesterday!

How often do the knife springs fail? I'm not wild about springs in knives due to them needing maintenance.

Got a magnacut one on the way. Thinking it might kick the manix 2 lw out of my pocket.

Hey Nick, awesome review as always 👌 Just a question, what exactly was the knife you showed at 17:10? Sounded like you said Musket.. I like the look of it and I’m just curious about it. Thanks mate, stay safe and keep them coming.

Can this version fit the BM Grip aftermarket scales?

Isn't the Benchmade built Ritter just a modified Griptillian/Mini Grip? I am gonna grab one of both large and small. Sold my grips due to my issues with Benchmade. Love the 20cv and the price.

I was taking a drink as you said “down with the thickness” 🤣. I love the references you put in your videos.

Swap in the AWT scales and that is a complete rockstar. Thanks Nick

Getting tired of waiting for the Spyderco GB 2 to come back into stock and thinking of picking this up instead. Seems well suited for working.

New to knives. Would you consider comparing the mini-rsk and the Spyderco Native 5 LW? Their stats seem very similar and I haven’t seen any real comparisons. Thanks

Knifeworks is out of stock (on the black one) or I would order this RIGHT NOW. I want this knife! That said, as far as the hoopla about "omega" springs (not from Nick, just everyone in general) - I have the first BM ever offered with the Axis lock (710 McHenry and Williams). It was a gift in '99 (iirc) and has about 16 total years of pocket time. Never had an issue with the springs.

Do you have issue with ABLE lock bar gouging where it in contact of the tang? I thought it was because of the unpolished surfaces. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be flat spots developed in very short time frame. It's like rubbing aluminum against steel. Never be an issue with Benchmade's axis lock.

I love that they had AXIS to 20cv for the blade. I wish i had your AXIS to the man himself in obtaining the knife, though. At this price point, though, it really does give many people AXIS to a really great knife. What did you say the lock mechanism was called again ?

That blade shape in 20CV is very compelling but I’ll have to import it in to the U.K. so it won’t be cheap. Hopefully U.K & European sellers can get them in eventually?

I'm getting this in orange to match my orange Griptlian and orange Ritter Griptilian I bought before the RSK designation.

I've always been interested in Hogues, but the spaceman-knife aesthetic really isn't my deal. If they make a small version, I'm sold.

I wish they made this in the mini grip size like they did with the previous version

Do you think titanium griptilian scales will fit this

I have the all black limited and I LOVE IT!!!!! prefer this one over the Benchmade run.

That name is a mouthful

nice review , would be nice in different colors

Just got a new RSK MK1-G2 G-Mascus Purple G-10. This Knife is my first higher end type of knife, and I am very please with this knife. FYI, the Warranty Statement has been changed to the following: “Houge Knives are precision instruments manufactured and assembled to exacting tolerances by Houge technicians. Aftermarket disassembly and reassembly is at your own risk. Problems found to be caused by improper disassembly, assembly or modofications are not covered under warranty and may be assessed with additional fees for service or repair."

I just ordered a lightly used Mk1 in FDE. I've needed to change out my Barrage for an every day carry knife that's legal in my state. I owned a Griptillion, which I lost years ago, but I wanted to try a non-Benchmade knife. ( Ha! ) I carried a Benchmade Griptillion for about 8 years or so before losing it but I always though the Griptillion felt a bit like a cheap knife because of the scales so I went with this knife.

Every knife I've ever handled with an AXIS or AXIS-style lock (four Benchmades and an M390 Hogue Ritter which I have sold) has had wild blade play with a stiff action. Am I doing something wrong or have I just had a string of very bad luck? I like Benchmade's designs a lot but I really can't enjoy them based on my experiences. I've been using 10w nano-oil inside and blue loctite on the pivot screws. All my Spydercos get the same TLC and they have awesome actions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm really looking forward to the Mini Version, then I'll open my Wallet... !!

Just when I thought I had purchased my last griptilian... I gotta buy another one!

Do you sharpen your knives yourself? If so can you make a video about what you use to do so.

i am a bit surprised that nick has not reviewed the fox knives suru

I have the M390 version. IDK why but I want a 20CV version now!!

I have the Benchmade version. It’s the perfect knife. Yeah it’s no pocket jewelry, not even a little bit. But as a working knife I never fancied another after that one.

I just received my Hogue ritter and the knife definitely lives up to its reputation. With that being said, the edge definitely doesn't look factory. It's a pretty shallow angle and doesn't have the grind lines you typically see on factory blades. It looks as though someone reprofiled and resharpened it, then returned it. Have any other Hogue knife owners (especially the ritter) noticed an edge that didn't look factory when you first received the knife? Its sharp as hell, if someone did sharpen and return the knife they did a good job. I'm just wondering if I paid full price for a "new" knife and recieved one that had been sharpened by another person than the factory. Thanks!

After watching this review I need some anxiety meds. (thumbs-up +1) Hogue is doing a good job.

Is this knife spring assisted?

I just ordered mine, on Friday. Waiting for Knifeworks to send an email saying it's in the mail is driving me nuts. I understand it's a holiday weekend, but by tomorrow I'll be climbing the walls. Thanks for your insight, brother.

Really like the handle machining, wish it was aluminum.

👍

Hi Nick, I am really interested in purchasing one of these Houge Ritter knives in M390. I live in the UK and unfortunately I cannot find it anywhere. I was wondering if you knew anyone who would have a Ritter in M390 new or want to part with there Ritter second hand. Many thanks Phil

Keep hoping for a mini

Once i found out Hogue picked up the design from Doug Ritter i had to have one. I've knew it would be better built and higher tolerances then Benchmade garbage grips. For the money you get away from the Benchmade plastic scales, better spring (wolfe springs) and better blade steel (mine has the M390). So if you're a Grip style fan and you want to stop over paying for the Benchmade name go with the Hogue Ritter, you won't regret it!

Should I send my griptilian g10, 20cv packing and get this instead? Tbh, the superfreek knocked the griptilian out of my pocket.