1) Has there been a resolution regarding the chipping problems with these knives? Was it something about the S30V steel itself or the way it was being ground/treated?

2) Disregard for the moment the issue of handle size & personal fit. What does the large version of the knife do for me that the smaller one doesn't?

1) I had one small nick occur in the original edge. Whether this was due to my negligence or not I had no idea. I honed it away. The blade is FINE. No problems. I have used it since October of last year EDC,. HEAVILY. Sharpened alot. Blade has worn from 3.44 inches to 3.42 inches long just from usage. Never owned a better folding knife. I surmised the "chipping" scare was just a lot of hype from people with inexperience on how to treat or care for blades in general.

2) I carry the larger version, because I just want more blade in my hand for the tasks that I have to do. It's a matter of personal preference for many people. I used to think a 2.5" blade I carried was enough for my EDC, but found that it wasn't for the things that I use a blade for. If the 2.88" blade on the Mini-RSK works for you, go for it.

One of each size; no chipping. The mini gets a lot of use.

I have both the fullsize and mini and haven't had any chipping.

My mini is carried every day and gets much more use than the fullsize. If I had to give up one it would likely be the fullsize one, though I do like the feel of the fullsize in my hand much better. Its just that the mini rides on my pocket better.

I EDC a full size RSK and didn't know there was a chipping issue. I haven't had any problems. It's not like Benchmade is new to heat treating S30V.

Are you thinking about the posts on bladeforums.com about the chipping?

I echo the others, I have had no problems. To be honest, I don't carry the S30V (mini) much since I got the M2. I have both a full size and mini in M2. I agree with Ken, for me, the mini rides in my pocket better. It's had all the cutting power I've ever needed too. I'm not parting with the full size, because it's got some real authority, but for EDC, I choose the mini.

Yes, exactly. I was all set to get a Ritter knife in S30V until I saw the comments at bladeforums.

I looked at AeroMedix and did not see the Mini in M2, just the full size. Anyone know if the Mini is still available in M2?

My guess is if it doesn't show up on the Aeromedix site, then they're sold out. Never hurts to shoot them an email to make sure though.

No chipping - in any of them!

The chipping was limited to one or two knives. The person that was vocal about it never sent the knife in for evaluation. I beleive he sharpened the chips out and has not posted any more information about it.

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While I haven't specifically heard much about the Ritter S30V knives chipping, I can say that S30V knives are usually easier to chip than most other common production steel knives. It is not a Benchmade-specific problem either, it happens with S30V knives from many manufacturers.

The "problem" is that there is generally a trade-off that must be made with the edge-holding ability of a knife, and the knife's ability to resist chipping. The harder a knife is, the more likely it is to chip, but the higher the edge retention will be. S30V posesses great edge-holding ability, but as a result, it is more likely to chip than a softer steel.

The choice of steel is usually made based on the usage that the knife might see. A folding knife with a sub 4" blade probably won't be seeing much impact shock like a knife would experience while chopping or batoning wood, so it is usually a safe choice to use a harder steel with better edge retention. Conversely, if a knife is larger and will most likely be doing quite a bit of impact work, it would usually be a better idea to use a softer steel with a higher chipping resistance and a lower edge retention, like S7. This is also generally why axes are hardened to a lower RC rating than knives.

So, it's not really a problem with the blades at all, it's just a general knife characteristic. I wouldn't worry at all about buying a Ritter folding knife, or any S30V knife for that matter, as long as you respect the limits of such a blade. It's not a Swamp Rat or Busse chopper. You can't take it out and chop a concrete block and expect it not to chip. It will. However, for the task that the knife was designed for, it will do an excellent job.

All: thanks for the great replies. I went ahead and ordered a mini RSK from Aeromedix. You're right, it's not a chopping tool. I will put it through its paces in non-emergency tests. I feel confident that Benchmade will stand behind the product.

Thanks again to Doug for bringing these knives, and other great gear, to market.