I am thinking of investing some $ into a nice knife to carry with me when I do my treks out into the wilds. Since I do a certain amount of these with the BSA, as I'm an Assistant Scoutmaster, I want it to be a folder. Why they are picky about fixed bladed knives, I'll never know.

So, my question is thus: Is the RSK Mk1 the best bang for the buck? If so (or not) why?

Thanks!

Hi Mike_H

The RSK Mk1 is very highly regarded from those that own one. I myself have a Kershaw Mini Cyclone in ZDP-189 with Titanium handles. Both are quality products made in the USA.

If you're on a budget the regular Benchmade griptilian is a very similar knife to the MK1, but can be commonly found at lower prices. As I recall the only differences are the blade geometry and the blade steel.

Also, FWIW, I was recently informed that the rules of safe scouting have been changed to allow fixed blade knives:

"A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool... Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish...."

Of coarse if your local troop, district, council, etc still strongly discourages fixed blades, then I guess it's a moot point. The full text of the safe scouting rules can be found here: http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.aspx

Rio

I have a full size Cyclone and it's great. That said it will never replace a good fixed blade.

Whatever you buy, make sure it's sturdy enough (including the lock) to stand up to what you're going to do with it...that's the only real concern when comparing fixed vs folding...all other issues apply to all knives in general like hand feel, steel quality, etc.

Yeah, I got a fixed blade, and showed it to my ASM, and showed him the text in my book and then he said "NO, new troop rule, no fixed blades", We are family friends so I know that its not me but rather I think, if I have one then there is no reason that the "Little Scouts" can't have one, and that would be bad!

IMO the RSK Mk1 is a better knife (blade profile and steel) than the standard Benchmade Griptilian 550HG (hollow ground). The RSK Mk1 comes with wider flat ground S30V blade and the standard griptilian with hollow ground 154CM (which is not as tough as S30V but it's still an excellent steel).

However, best bang for the buck also brings in that dollar sign as a qualifier and in that regard the standard 550HG can be had for ~$70 whereas the RSK Mk1 runs $115. Is the RSK Mk1 $45 better than the standard Griptilian? Your call -- I bought the RSK Mk1.

I'm kinda a Griptilian "nut", and have both full and mini size Ritters and Regular Grips'.



It's ultimately your call if the Ritter is worth the extra, I really like them, but the 550HG Grip' is also an amazing knife for the money.

You really won't go wrong with either IMHO.

"...the "Little Scouts" can't have one, and that would be bad..."

Amazing. Back in my scouting days, we all had the BSA folder hanging from our belts, and a fixed blade in the pack for use when you got to camp. Of course, we also used out trusty hatchets to chop down living trees to make tables, chairs, etc. I guess that is out too these days...

Much appreciation for everyone's response!

I did a bit more research into the fixed blade issue with scouts and found many interesting things. First of all, many of the scout camps do not allow a sheath knife as part of an everyday carry.

This is an except pertaining to Philmont: Sheath knives (fixed blade) are not allowed except as part of an interpretive costume.

Typically, leaders have a bit more leeway, but there is still the issue of setting an example.

Looks like I will be doing a comparison of the 550HG and the RSK. Then again, a purchase of a RSK contributes to the Equipped to Survive effort.

PS. Bear, nice collection... ;-)

Thanks, I'm trying to get a "Grip" on it!

They are nice

The small one is a lil small for my hands and I do not have LARGE hands by any means. The grip is still one of my favorite, secure, easy to hold onto and use. In some circumstances a blade that flicks-open assisted would be nicer but this flicks open with a nice flick of the wrist. This will be my next purchase (The larger one as I have the small). Great KNIFE! I would buy this if I were you (And I am a knife nut with many expensive knives)

(PIC OF SOME OF THE FAV FROM 3 YEARS AGO)

(I want to be clear in the above... my next knife is either a full size Grip. or a full sized RSK MK1 both are awesome (and VERY similar) and the RSK MK1 is only slightly more money. You can't go wrong with either.)

I was definitely planning on going with the large folder as the small one wouldn't fit my needs.

So, the blade quality seems to be better with the RSK one, eh?

Decisions, decisions... ;-)

I'll STRONGLY recommend an RSK Mk1. The real question is whether you want a fullsize or a mini. That all depends on what you want to carry. I myself carry the mini with me all the time. It fits very nicely in my pocket and is plenty big enough to do most of what I need to do. I do own and LIKE the fullsize, but in all honesty it tends to stay inside my daypack on troop campouts/activities, with the mini staying clipped to my pocket.

Both GREAT knives, but my mini gets used 99.99% of the time since it is always there. I like it a lot!!!!!!

Now, about fixed blade knives. I'd had a Buck 119 Special since I a kid (early 70's), but I never like the blade shape or handle finish much. I waited sooo patiently for Doug to come out with the RSK Mk3, I bought one as soon as it came available (I can still picture my wife rolling her eyes), and I almost always carry it in my daypack when on campouts/activities. I REALLY like that knife - great design though a tad expensive. I've had discussions with the Scoutmaster (I'm an Asst. Scoutmaster) and he is (rightly so) just fine with reasonably-sized fixed blade knives. I'm very careful when I use it, and it mostly gets used in the "kitchen", but I like knowing that it is there.

I even bring them along when camping on council properties, but I keep it quite and don't pull them out unless they are being used for kitchen duties - then its no longer a sheath knife, but a kitchen knife in a case. Yeah, I'm not a good role model, but its a reality since our patrol boxes don't have knives in them, and its sooo much easier to clean a fixed blade knife.

He already decided full size, his question involved "bang for your buck", which makes the BM 550HG Griptilian a contender. Even without the wider chord and flat grind, it's still a good knife.

Correct, I was looking for a full size one. I already carry a SAK and Wave for normal day to day small knife chores. Wanted something with a big more punch for a just-in-case type knife. A knife that will be used where the small blades aren't appropriate, but without being a sheath knife.