Review of the Ritter RSK Mk1-G2, a Brilliant Creation by a Legendary Knife Designer

In 2001, Benchmade Knives released the iconic Griptilian line of knives. Created to be the ultimate outdoor pocket knife, the Griptilian went through several changes and upgrades over its 23-year lifespan. But for many people, the most significant version of the Griptilian was the 552, designed by survivalist, pilot, and all-around good guy Doug Ritter.

Recently, I told Ritter I believed he was the reason behind the Griptilian’s ultimate success. A modest guy, Ritter responded, “It was only one model out of many.”

The 552 Griptilian and its little brother, the 558 Mini-Griptilian, earned their place in the history books. Since their inception, people have relied on those models on adventures and in daily life, and certainly in a variety of sticky situations. But because they were discontinued, you can only occasionally find them on eBay or Arizona Custom Knives — albeit slightly beat up or modified.

If you want to pick up a new, improved version of those classic models, Ritter worked with Hogue Knives to make sure you can.

In short: Sometimes sequels are better than the original, as is the case with the Hogue Knives Ritter RSK Mk1-G2. Utilizing MagnaCut steel, textured G10 handle scales, and an improved lock mechanism (above and beyond Benchmade’s legendary Axis lock), the Mk1-G2 is a fantastic upgrade over its predecessors.

Hogue Knives Ritter RSK Mk1-G2: Review

Design & Features

The RSK Mk1-G2 is a full-sized folding knife made of machined and textured G10 handle scales that provide exceptional grip. It uses a MagnaCut steel drop point blade with a high flat grind and an oversized thumb stud for quick deployment.

One of my favorite features on the Mk1-G2, carried over from the 552 Griptilian, is the blade thumb ramp above the pivot, on the spine of the blade. This bit of detail is covered in jimping and allows for better blade control overall.

That said, the real shining star on the