Benchmade Rukus Family

The Rukus is thoughtfully designed, meticulously assembled of first-rate materials, has good balance, and is strong. As a stand-in for a fixed blade the Rukus holds up very well.

Though not an assisted opening knife, the action is smooth and easy to operate with either hand. Lock up is solid. The Axis lock mechanism is a real confidence builder; once opened this baby is not going to close until you unlock it. The S30V steel blade takes a very sharp edge and holds it well. The G10/micarta scales are thick, tough, and handsome, and provide a good grip even when wet or dirty. The pocket clip allows the knife to ride fairly low in the pocket or on a belt, but does not interfere very much with a good grip. It is removable and reversible, but only allows point down carry.

There are some negatives, however. This is a bulky, heavy folder. If you want a knife that disappears into your pocket and lets you forget it is there until you need it, keep looking; this is not your best choice. Its weight (7 ounces) will also be a negative to many users. Handle ergonomics are fair, but the boxy, squared-off edges are less comfortable than they could be.

Bottom line: I like this knife and enjoy using it in rugged back country settings. It is a knife you can carry in the roughest situations with confidence that it will never let you down when the going gets tough.

However, it is not well suited for casual carry or common, light to medium duty use. Nor would I take so large and heavy a tool backpacking. In those situations, less would definitely be more.