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.
24*years ago I moved to AZ. One of my first ventures was to seek employment at Ruger’s Prescott faculty. With 17*yrs as an apprentice trained tool and die , machinist. The employment they offered was $8.50 an hour, one half of what I was payed in an aerospace company. The 17*yrs of experience mentioned nothing to their HR. Their issue was cheap affordable labor, if you weren’t interested step aside someone else will take the abuse. So on that note the bottom line for the majority of US corporations is profit. This is why they won’t buy American, as they… Read more »
No chi com!!
AS PER ALL THE ABOVE REMARKS, I AGREE 100 PERCENT. RUGER SHOULD HAVE GONE TO CASE OR ANY GREAT USA COMPANY. SHAME ON YOU RUGER.
Made in China! Why are we upset about this? Let’s just do like Americans always do in this situation. Let’s hand Ruger our money, smile, and say “Thank you. May I please have another?”
Sorry, I don’t do Chi-com.
I agree with the message, NOT MADE IN CHINA!!
Come on Ruger, Love your fire arms but you you can’t find a US mfg. to make some knives. Hpw about Tops, OKC. Kabar, Buck, etc. I promise when you do, I will buy one. +1 on the convex blade in 1095 carbon steel.
How about an American made with a convex blade grind. Keep everything else. I’ve been a Ruger guy since my first Blackhawk way back in the 70’s.
Sorry, made in Amrrica only
Made in America – or not.
Anything else would be un-american!