It's finally here!!! (Almost! You can't quite order just yet.)

The first shipment of RSK Mk3 Fixed Blade Survival/Utility Knives from Benchmade has now arrived at Aeromedix. The first 100 knives are serialized first production and Aeromedix will make them available for purchase starting Monday, August 7th, at 9AM MDT.

The Doug Ritter RSK Mk3 fixed blade (Benchmade model 152) is my first fixed blade design to reach production and it is a direct descendant from the very successful RSK Mk1 folder. The RSK Mk3 is a medium-sized lightweight fixed blade with premium steel designed for practical survival, hunting and everyday utility use. The 4.5 inch (11.43 cm) CPM S30V blade is a bit over an inch longer than the full- size RSK Mk1 folder, but is otherwise similar to that well-received design in many respects.

For a preview including photos and specs: http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk3.htm

The RSK Mk3 has proven adept at all the normal survival camp and hunting chores, such as making survival shelters, splitting wood for fires, skinning game and the like. It is just the right size, in my experience; a perfect compromise in size and weight between a typical folder carried for wilderness use, such as my RSK Mk1, and a larger and much heavier fixed blade.

Price for the serialized first production: $175 + s/h

Remember, the first 100 knives are serialized. If you have been collecting the Doug Ritter knives and want a certain serial number call Aeromedix on Monday (888-362-7123) or place your order online and specify which number you have been collecting. We can only hold these serialized knives for 2 weeks after that we cannot make any guarantees on the availability of specific serial numbers.

Once the regular production run knives are available, the introductory price will be $165.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Doug Ritter RSK Knife goes to support the non-profit Equipped To Survive Foundation.

What part of the knife is the chord? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Is it the side of the blade?

Thanks!

If you look at a folding knife, the chord is the part that connects the cutting edge of the blade to the bolt. Worth knowing about if you get into a "discussion" with a LEO about blade or edge lenth.

I'm about to droool.............

All knives sold by the end of next week methinks.

The chord on a knife blade is the distance between the edge and the spine of the knife and is typically measured at the widest point, disregarding any unusual protuberances on the spine, such as a thumb ramp.

Ooops, sorry. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I just confused chord with choil. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Doug. I just called Aeromedix and reserved my sn. I'm surprised the sheath didn't come with a small pocket for PSK.

Count your blessing that there's a sheath, period.... Sheaths are almost more trouble to get done than the knife itself.

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have the RSK MK1 and love it. What advantage will the fixed-blade give me over that knife?

The RSK axis-lock is strong, but the full-tang fixed blade eliminates the lock entirely, thereby removing any chance that the lock will break or give way. And for an outdoorsman in particular the fixed blade is much faster to deploy--either in self-defense or as a tool.