If it comes from a good name, it should be good steel. I'm a little leary of 420 Stainless, but that's about it if it has good breeding.

Asking about steel is about like asking about any other personal things, like underwear. I don't ask, I don't suggest, just go with what you like.

There are some constants about steel - what holds and edge better etc. I'm sure Doug Ritter considered what type of steel he would want to bear his name - for everyone else who buys it.

Have someone close pull you aside and teach you the difference between underwear and steel <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your input.

I don't really like the looks of the blade on that one (RSK Mk1). I showed it to a couple of guys here in the office, and asked them their opinion (separately) they both actually laughed and said the blade looked funny in comparison to any other blade they've seen - they likened it to a toy or amateur design.

I wouldn't go that far, but I don't like it. To each their own. And I certainly am greatful that you shared your opinion and I respect it.

I think that is a case of most people prefering aesthetics over function.

However, that is understandable. Looks play a lot into everything we do and certainly we make compromises for those reasons.

If you look at other Benchmade knives, I'd go for one with the Axis lock. It is quite slick. I got my wife a Mini Ritter RSK Mk1 and it is a great little knive. Very addictive and a great value for the price IMO.

Not sure if it is in your price range, but you might check out the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza. It has a (two options actually) bit more sexy blade shape.

The Sebbie is sort of a minimalistic knife, but VERY well made. Basically, everything in it is distilled to pure function. On the surface, you wouldn't think that would result in a desirable knife, but there is an elegance to it and the materials and quality are great. It is one of those knives that might not rate a second glance - but once you pick it up - look at it - use it, you start to appreciate what a masterpiece it is.

It has solid titanium handles and clip and good S30V steel.

I've got a few pictures of mine here.

-john

I am on similar search and do not know what to get myself, Rat Trap or Benchmade Griptilian. Probably, it will be interesting for you to read why these two knives came up in my selection because I already did my homework on many knives while doing my selection.

Rat Trap. It is in your price range, but I compared it to other knives like Sebenza and Strider.
I think the majority of knife collectors in the world will know Sebenza. It has reputation similar to Swiss watches at the beginning of 20th century ? cannot get better for any money (it is arguable, of course). It is also quite a symbolic knife, I think, which shows you know well knife industry. It has steel which many people will believe is the best stainless steel, which is S30V. However, as I understood from reading this and other knife forums, Sebenza is not as good as Benchmade Doug Ritter for survival/outdoor purposes. This, combined with high price, put me off this knife.
Strider. It is a bit out of your and my budget. It has one of the best warranties, correct me if I am wrong, guys ? if you break it, the manufacturer will replace it. It is made for self-defence/military purposes, therefore a lot of people found it is not that comfortable to do other tasks. And I read several complaints about handle ergonomics.
Rat Trap. I guess I just do not want to see its weaknesses, but I read some people felt ergonomics of the handle was not comfortable. Otherwise it has warranty which, to my understanding, is to the level of Strider. It is quite rare knife, but I think knife collectors do know Swamp Rat as a manufacturer of very tough knives made primarily for non-military consumers. They are not cheap, but cheaper than Sebenza or Strider. This is what I like: made specifically for non-military consumers, so it should be quite fine for hunting/outdoors and other activities, including survival. Steel is good on this knife, it is S30V.

Benchmade Griptilian. I wanted to find the best knife for less or about $100 for field work/survival/office/shooting/travel. The main criteria were ergonomics of handle and comfort to cut tree branches, wood carving, cooking (includes peeling vegetables, I think this task reveals how versatile knife blade is). I was selecting from a huge number of knives. My initial list was probably about 140 knives. After first selection I chose 2-3 Cold Steels (do not remember names), 1-2 Gerbers (do not remember names), 2-3 Columbia Rivers (one was Kasper), Buck Strider, new Leatherman (not tool), Spyderco Native, Benchmade Doug Ritter, Benchmade Pika, Spyderco Delica, Spyderco Endura, Victorinox Trekker, Wenger Ranger, Camillus Sierra and VTech (Chinese copy of Sebenza). I narrowed my choice further and ended up with choice between Benchmade Doug Ritter or Benchmade Griptilian. From information I gathered, I concluded there was no difference in performance of these knives (even blade shape did not play much difference), but Doug Ritter had better steel (S30V). Since I do not care about steel, the decisive factor price. Griptilian was twice cheaper (steel 440C, one of the best 440 steels).

I would probably love to have Rat Trap as a present, but Griptilian to buy for work - Rat Trap is more to show off, while Griptilian is workhorse. But this is my opinion only though (I guess I need to decide what I want and this will solve my problem, I think I want a present <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />).

No serration on blade ? plains is better for most common cuttings (food and tree branches).

Ask your office buddies what they think of this <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Seriously though, I can assure you that the Ritter is no toy. I EDC one and it is a serious tool. But you are correct that tastes vary.

Regards, Vince

Wow... Revulsion... I think I threw up in mouth a little just then... HAHAHA

But seriously, Is it a quality knife?

I like to call things that fall in the arena of function over form that tend to move into f'ugly "rebel tech"... Yeah, I'm an old school Star Wars geek. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You can readily see from the responses that there are as many opinions as there are knives. It's likely your friend's needs and wants have changed over time; that, along with evolving technology and designs, makes selection a moving target.

Ron summed it up well: "A good knife is a personal thing, really hard to pick for someone else."

It's not as gratifying as actually presenting your friend with a knife you went to great pains to select, but have you considered a gift certificate from a knife dealer?
Here's one such possibility (not necessarily an endorsement, just an example). Or, if you do purchase a knife, make sure the dealer has a reasonable exchange/return policy just in case. And pick a retailer who carries a wide selection of good brands.

What floats an individual's boat in knives is indeed a personal call.

But re you're friends thoughts on the RSK blade design, many knowledgeable knife (and survival) people probably got a smile out of that one. Your office friends may not find it attractive, but it is an excellent working design in general, and Doug's in particular has received rave reviews from some quite qualified folk. The wide-chord drop point -- "sexy," no; useful, yes.

But choice is each user's call. I'd suggest a look at Doug's other folding knife recommendations. You'll find several quality folders in a quite reasonable price range. Another option is the Cabela's version of the Griptillian in D2 tool steel.

I'd also second the gift certificate idea.

Raeba, there are so many knives to choose from these days, I just have a dresser drawer full to satisfy my cravings for sharp stuff. For most folks, I would stay away from serrated edges. They are problematic for sharpening for MOST people. Not everyone has the tools needed to get those little edges properly sharpened. As to recommending individual knives, that's easy. I agree with about everyone on here, Benchmade, Spyderco, Buck, Columbia River, and a few others for folders.
I am including a few links to some kniuves I have personally. These are the very best both economically, and utility minded folks can appreciate.

http://www.crkt.com/M21.html
http://www.crkt.com/litem1.html
that Lightfoot M1 is a little thick for some, it's a TOUGH folder and has a GREAT edge and steel is real good. AUS 8 steel is what lots of companies use. It's easy to sharpen, and keeps a good edge.
The Benchmade Griptilian is a good all around knife as some suggested. There are a couple different steels available on those, but it really doesn't matter. I could sit here all day and tell you this stuff and offer suggestions. Several others suggested for you to let him pick out his own, that knife guys are picky, but the thing is if you buy it for him, he'll love it, no matter wht it is. Good luck.