by Dennis Johnson MD, PhD. Capt USN (Ret) and Carolyn Johnson, RN
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- This year’s SHOT Show had superior knife displays but we thought CRKT’s Ruger series had the best blade array.
We liked the simplicity and durability of the RMJ Tactical design, fixed blade survival knife featuring a black stonewashed 4.60 inch plain blade with a rubber over mold, full-tang handle inset with a Ruger medallion and leather sheath. They call it the “powder-keg” and it was designed by Ryan Johnson.
Ruger Powder-Keg Drop Point Fixed Blade Knife by Columbia River Knife & Tool
We took this blade home and used it on our ranch in Tennessee. The 8Cr13MoV 58-59 steel blade held its edge after severing a variety of materials. Ranch life puts unusual demands on knives from wedging nails out of fence posts to cutting coarse rope. We found this knife more than up to the task.
I like to throw knives and I found this balanced blade and sturdy construction perfect for this practice. The old oak tree in our back yard was an ample test of this knife’s durability and sharpness. I know that it wasn’t designed for such juvenile activity but I always felt this procedure was a great test of a knife’s ability to endure the harshest treatment!
We will carry this knife with us on daily chores. It is a reliable tool in outdoor life and I just like the feel of its sure-grip handle. We’re still looking for a job this blade won’t dispatch but it’s clear that won’t happen.
Features and Specifications:
- Model number: R1401K
- RMJ Tactical Designed/Ryan Johnson
- Type: Fixed blade
- Blade type: Drop point
- Blade length: 4.60 inches
- Blade width: 1.31 inches
- Blade thickness: 0.185 inches
- Blade grind: Hollow ground
- Blade finish: Black stone washed
- Blade material: 8Cr13MoV
- Full-tang handle
- Handle Grip: Rubber overmold
- Reinforced leather sheath
- Hardness: 58-59 HRC
- Overall length: 9.44 inches
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Country of origin: China
- 2016 MSRP: $99.99 (Less $$ Online)
This is just another of the long line of superb Ruger CRKT Knives. They just keep coming up with winners and we were lucky to have tested this one.
CHinese Craipes – worth 9.99 bogo
A made in China knife for $100? It couldn’t cost much more if Ruger would have had it made here in the United States! We always wonder at the amount of mark-up taking place on these retail sales? I know things are not as simple as we would like them to be, there could be lot’s of explanations for Ruger contracting with a foreign manufacturer — the Chinese manufacturer approaching Ruger to do nothing more than add its name to the product and promote its sale — No US knife making company developing new designs and aggressively marketing them, being… Read more »
You had me till China. Buh- bye.
I love Ruger firearms, 80% of what I own are Ruger. I just purchased an SR1911 in fact, very high quality, ACCURATE and 100% AMERICAN made ! This knife, would also be in my safe IF it was manufactured 100% in the U.S.A.
Buy a Chinese Ruger, product, absolutely not…. I look at everything I buy anymore, if it has “MADE IN CHINA” on it, it stays on the shelf.
I agree with Scott..
The knife looked great until i seen China..
Get it together America..
Country of origin: China, No Thanks. I only purchase from free countries. Come on guys and gals, we can do better…