I received my RSK Mk1 as a Christmas present from my wife in December 2005 (after me hinting a few times… ok, a lot). This was my first knife with the Axis lock, and my first knife with S30V steel, so I was excited on three counts. I was looking forward to the Axis lock and the S30V due to the hype surrounding both; but more importantly, the blade shape itself caught my eye as soon as I saw it. I have had it now for almost 3 yrs and during this time I have asked it to do everything that a folding knife should. I have taken it with me on every trip that I have been on since I got it. It has been with me in every type of weather, and temperatures from -30C to +30C.
During a trip to the Maritimes in February 2007, the RSK Mk1 saw action in the kitchen preparing venison stew for me and two friends; I found that the high sabre grind made it great for slicing and preparing our meal in general. On the same trip, we ventured out on the frozen Atlantic Ocean in -30C weather, to reach a nearby island which had a seal colony. While I was out on the ice, I had no trouble using the axis lock.
On my most recent trip with the same two friends last fall, we were fortunate enough to get a whitetail deer, and again the RSK Mk1 came through with flying colours. The RSK Mk1 was used to dress and skin the whitetail deer, and out of all the knives that we had at the time, we all agreed that it was the best by far.
Over this last winter, the RSK Mk1 was with me on all of my hikes, no matter what the weather, I knew I could rely on it. I find the Axis lock great for the winter months here in Canada, as I can manipulate the lock without removing my gloves. This knife is totally reliable in all weather conditions, and I have carried and used it in temperatures ranging from -30C to +30C, without any problems.
In order to be totally honest with my review, I will mention that I did have some chipping issues initially. I found that the factory edge was too thin, and under some light use (food prep.), the blade did chip slightly. I used my Lanskey sharpener and re-profiled the blade to steeper angle and I have not had a problem with it since. I have used it for everything from peeling apples for my son on Saturday morning hikes, to skinning a whitetail deer while on a trip with friends.
More recently, it was with me on some rainy summer hikes, and after a quick rinse the RSK Mk1 looked brand new, and once again up to any task.
Overall, I am still as pleased with my “Ritter Grip” as the day that I got it. It has never failed me and I find it totally reliable.
James Gamble (J_Roc on Bladeforums)
Ottawa, Canada