First Impressions: RSK® Mk1-G2

My knife came today!

Starting with the box; it arrived pristine and if you keep knives in boxes you'll like this one. It also has the words "All of our knives are built to last and carry a limited lifetime warranty."

Inside the box is a small packet of silica gel; a small packet of Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil; a Hogue Knives sticker; a pamphlet containing information about the knife (don't cut yourself!), customer satisfaction information (please call if something isn't right), and care and maintenance (keep it sharp and don't let it rust). Oh, and one more thing, a very nice knife pouch with the Doug Ritter and Hogue logos on it, with the knife inside.

Comparing the knife to a well-used and -loved full-size MK1 for a few minutes, here are my initial observations:

• The Mk1-G2 is noticeably heavier in the hand than the original, presumably due to the scales.
• The blade profiles are indistinguishable between the two, other than the jimping which is coarser on the G2.
• The jimping is less sharp-feeling to the thumb on the G2 despite being coarser -- subjectively, I like it better on the G2.
• Lettering on the blade is sharp and clear, appearing darker (and more legible) on the G2. This isn't wear -- I have a new-in-box safe queen original model that I took out to compare.
• The thumb studs are different, and on my sample appear to be slightly different on each side, perhaps by design, one would have to look closely to see the difference.
• The lockbar studs are also different, but symmetrical.
• The scales are slightly longer and slightly more rounded on the G2, with a pleasing (to me) and less aggressive texture than on the original.
• The action locks up more quietly and with a higher-pitched sound on the G2 compared to the original; but every bit as solid.
• The stonewash on the G2 is less textured, more of a solid gray.
• Out of the box fit and finish are superb, with a perfectly centered blade and everything looking gorgeous.
• It's screaming sharp, as sharp as any factory blade I've ever handled.
• The G2's pivot seems a little tighter than I prefer, but I haven't lubricated it yet or used it much.
• The pocket clip is folded over for deeper carry, has a longer curve for more contact with what it's clipped to, but still retains the semi-standard three hole configuration on the scales (with only two screws used) so you can swap in many other pocket clip options.

Considering my test venue was my desk, I'm loving the new knife.

Ditto. I concur with all that Chaos reported. It’s a great knife, mine’s under the Christmas tree — I’ll be so surprised.

Did you gentlemen get your orders in right away?

Just wondering how the backorder fulfillment is progressing

Mine was definitely not right away. My order was placed on November 11th and arrived on December 21st (I live in a different timezone from the ETS Forum timestamp).

I place my order the day DR announced the knife here. It took a while, mine arrived Dec 18th.

Just got my order in...they’re estimating two months for delivery...

Be a while longer before I join the ranks of the G2 owners!

Does anyone know if there are plans for a mini version with ~ 3 inches of blade?

I've been using the mini Ritter since it came out and was wondering about a replacement if lost.

Other than a couple of short trips by air (I almost never check bags) and a day or two in outdoor endeavors where I selected my Mk1 with orange scales, the Mk1-G2 has been clipped to my waistband every day since I got it. I’ve used it every day I’ve carried it, primarily for straightforward tasks such as envelopes, boxes, twine, tags, a little food here and there; nothing heavy duty or abusive. As I’d expect with M390 it’s stayed quite sharp, and seems like it’s ready for a quick touch up at the end of my current road trip.

I love it enough that I bought a spare.

Any questions that I had about how Hogue does the M390 heat treat have been put to rest. After over three months of daily use I noticed that the edge wasn't quite as sharp. And sharpened it.