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.