EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Since getting back into buying and collecting pocket knives a couple of years ago, I’ve gone in cycles, alternating between traditional patterns and modern knives as my main fixation and then back again.
Of course, I love traditional patterns like the Barlow and have discovered some others that are new to me but have been around for years – the canoe, trapper and stockman. I had seen these different types of traditional knives, especially when I was a kid, but didn’t know what they were called.
As for modern knives, I tend to like styles that have some traditional elements, like liner locks. And I definitely don’t like anything too flashy or something that looks like it would come out of a science-fiction movie.
This week, let’s take a look at an offering from Ruike Knives, in particular its model P878.
This is the last knife I got from Big Red EDC in a “box of knives” he sent to me around New Year’s. I have slowly and steadily been going through them all and featuring them in this space.
I had only heard of Ruike, a Chinese knife maker, in passing and wasn’t really that familiar with them. They have a reputation for making quality budget knives but have been making mid-point and higher-end knives in recent years.
This particular model has a cut-out handle pattern that gives it a weave-like look with its green aluminum. That cut-out pattern gives you a partial look at the blade inside the handles.
The knife features a concealed back flipper, a drop-point blade and a liner lock (one of the traditional elements I am always comfortable with).
Here are some measurables – 3.4 inch blade, a closed length of 4.5 inches and a weight of just 1.6 ounces.
It has a deep carry pocket clip for tip-up, right-hand carry.
My first impression was that it was a little too flashy for me and “not my style.”
But after a week or so of carrying it around, I am much more comfortable with it.
The big thing: It has a super “slicey” blade that comes in handy around the house and office for small tasks, like opening letters or small packages. (Anything with a lot of tape, I break out my utility knife from Olight).
Overall, it has the feel of a CEO or gentleman’s knife.
This particular knife also comes in a bronze-colored aluminum.
Both seem hard to find right now, even though they initially came out last summer.
They are not listed as available on the Ruike Knives website.
They are also not available at some of the websites I usually shop at like Smoky Mountain Knife Works, Chicago Knife Works or Atlantic Knife.
I did find the green version available at the KnifeCenter, which bills itself as the “original and largest online catalog of cutlery.”
It is currently listed there for $59.95 as of this writing. Here is a link.
Here are some YouTube channels on knives and EDC gear that I regularly watch:
Read: Read More