just curious what this not at all biased group thinks

for the money is there a better folder for overall hunting/survival use?

Better? Loaded question -- The standard Benchmade 550HG Griptilian has some good attributes and it's less expensive. But, it's hollow ground rather than flat and it's 154CM instead of S30V. Personally I think the RSK Mk1 is priced about right, but there are other knives.

Well I am new here so y'all don't really know me yet, but I generally am pretty loaded as are my questions

I'm a huuuuuge fan of Doug Ritter's knives. I own every model he's offered - Mk1, Mini Mk1, Mk1 in M2, Mk3 (fixed), and the Mk4 (Gentleman's knife).

I heartidly recommend Doug's knives to all. They are well worth every penny!!!

Still, once you throw in the word "for the money", then I'm forced to look at much lower priced knives that still provide very good value.

I bought each of my kids a Kabar Dozier Folding Spear 406

While this Kabar Dozier folder is not nearly as refined as the Rittergrip Mk1, it is a VERY nice knife for $20. It takes a nice edge (edge doesn't last as long as the Mk1), it has a grippy handle (kind of squarish though - not as comfortable as the Mk1), it has a lockback (generally considered less secure than the axis lock on the Mk1), its thumb stud is only on one side of the blade (could be a problem if you writting arm/hand are injured), and it has a lanyard hole (very important for a survival knife).

Would I trade in the Mk1 for the $20 Kabar Doziers? NEVER!!

Ken

My timex keeps time accurately enough, seems to be waterproof, and occasionally has the right date, if I pay attention to that "30 days has September..." thing. If you like elegantly designed and flawlessly executed tools, and have the money to spare, a Rolex might be more pleasing.
For the price, you can get a rucksack full of mercators, or opinels, or a few SAK's. The RSK will not make you taller, or smarter, or better looking.

In My opinion, no. If you can find one let us know though.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

The folks here are very knowledgeable, very nice people, as you'll soon find out.

Blitz

To get anything significantly better you really are talking around the $200 mark.

something in ZDP-189 or 3G Powdered Laminate from Fallkniven.

i.e.

Fallkniven PXL Folder @ $210 (this is a really, really nice knife for the price )

http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=FALPXL

review http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wdklLprSB6s

or

Spyderco C90CFPE Stretch - ZDP-189 @ $200 (some folks can't stand the style)

http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SPYC90CFPE

Define 'better.'

Yes, me thinks a "better" definition of "better" is in order.

For the money, I don't think you'll find a better overall quality of knife. But quality might not be the issue. Maybe blade length, or blade shape, or handle thickness might be better found for 1/5 of the price.

......but those things are subjective to the individual user which, in this case, is you.

Quality-wise, S30V will absolutely NOT out-perform 154CM to the tune of $60 or $70, nor will the difference of hollow-ground vs. flat-ground, now will both combined. Not in my opinion, anyway. Yet I'm one who is always on the edge of ordering a RSK1 while I rarely dally more than a second looking at a BM 550 or 551 (flat ground), even though they cost nearly 50% less than a Ritter knife. There is something about the Ritter knives that keeps me on the edge.

In the end, it's subjective... to you.

Welcome to the forum, Username! ((( )))

Hmmm... I will not get into the debate which knife is better but I will tell you that there are other options out there if maybe Benchmade is not your cup of tea. Choosing knife is a personal thing. I used to follow advices from majority on what's right and what's junk but realized that chosing what fits my lifestyle the best requires more than just someones opinion. It requires handling a blade, putting it in your pocket that's why now I mostly buy knives I've handled.

With the MSRP of about $110-$125 RSK1 is a good valued folder. It uses good steel and proven lock.

My other options that I would put on the line are:

Spyderco Paramilitary about the same price. I prefer handle shape and thumb hole instead of a stud which I find easier to open with cold hands.

Buck Strider Tarani folder also about the same price. Same type of handle as paramilitary. Great blade with solid lockup. Uses thumb stud instead of the thumb hole. But I've put that knife thru hell and back and it works as well as day one.

And now if you want to go for something cheaper I would try either CRKT M16 series or Spyderco Delica (smaller blade). If your primary work environment is water and you want a knife that wont rust and works everytime try SPydercos FRN.