Hi Mark, I love your reviews. Your are honest, straightforward, and impartial. I have just ordered this knife to be delivered to a friend in the USA who will be bringing it out for me when he visits. I live in Islamabad and you unfortunately can’t get them here. I based my decision to buy this knife largely on your review, so thanks!
I was at my local farmers market and the "knife guy" had a few of these Ruike knives. I bought the same one as in the video and on only had it a few days now. So far I've been loving mine. First knife I've ever gotten with a hard/plastic sheath, all my others have leather or nylon. The things I love are: -The machining on the knife is flawless, it's rare that I see knives of this price with about perfect symmetry in the grinds. -The handle scales are quite comfortable in my hands particularly. I have a long slender hand. The grooves being ground at a 45° angle to my grip do an excellent job at preventing slipping even when my hands are wet/slimy from prepping food. -The sheath has good overall retention, I'm not overly worried about the knife being dislodged and falling. Still not so tight that I'd have to use two hands to draw it without hiking my pants up past my navel.(the Buck knife I was comparing it with was significantly harder/tighter to pull from the sheath than this Ruike) -Love the adjustable rotating belt clip mechanism. The things I hate or would improve: - Nothing on the knife, for me, at it's price, it's about as good as your gonna get without jacking the price up to compensate. - As for the sheath, I'd maybe add a little locking mechanism or something to prevent the knife accidentally being dislodged and falling. I'd also change the belt clip loop to stainless, but keep the same hooked profile. At least with a metal clip it would be a little smoother, and have some more spring action, making it easier to clip onto your belt or over fabric. Quality steel belt clips just tend to outlast and out perform plastic ones and do so without being as bulky. Overall a great knife, for the price especially. I'd definitely recommend it to others, or even get it as a gift. Even non knife enthusiasts would be happy with something like this. I'll definitely be buying more from this manufacturer in the future.
Great video review. Very detailed and honest. I bought the same knife to be used primarily for camping as a food prep knife. I have it attached it to my backpack shoulder strap. I have other knives for hunting and bushcraft so I wasn't concerned that it will not strike a ferro rod. All of my fire kits have a ferro rod with their own dedicated striker. Thanks again.
Great review. Well spoken. Good video emphasizing the details of the knife, and how it fits your hand. The blade might be a perfect compromise to the person who wants a concealible fixed blade that looks good and is easy to afford and carry while it covers all daily tasks, defense, survival and basic chores. The design is out-shined only by your thorough knowledge and passion for the outdoors and blades.
Its more knife than i need for hunting too. I run the ruike hornet for the bush but the jaegar is terrific for deboning at home. Also a beautiful tactical feel and look
Love this knife. Had one, ended up selling it (really not sure why), and had to buy it again. Definitely one of the best possible purchases in its price range. I Agree with the handle being a bit too thin, but nothing too serious. Thanks for the excellent review!
A neat little knife The sheath looks like you could remove the clip and mount it to the other side, also it could be attached to the shoulder strap of your pack in a down draw position
I believe Armatus carry make a dangler attachment for kydyx sheaths, should work here, could also add a d-ring attached to a leather loop to the belt clip
Great review Mark, I've just today ordered the F118 after a few months interest and finally watching your video for the 8th time 😎. I think the knife is great for less heavy tasks but very good for the lighter tasks, food prep, light wood work, pitch prep camp tasks. I found the Lionsteel M3 covers the heavyweight and high stress tasks and compliments the F118 as a duel EDC carry on wild camping and longer distance tabs. All the best Cheers 🇬🇧
Interesting . I have just got the M3 for wildcamping (will make a good spatula!) and was also looking at the Ruike. How do you like it and compare None?
I don't own a Lionsteel M3 but I love the look of it. On paper, it looks like a better knife with better steel and might fit my hand better. Hard to tell without actually holding it though
Little Tip Mark slacken off the screws on the sheath and add some Loctite or similar this helps to prevent them loosening over time due to vibration etc
I also wonder how this knife looks under the sheath since it claims to be a full tang and yet, the only picture of it disassembled seems to be a partial tang. The metal under the handle has 3 huge holes, which can create weak points. However, the image was on amazon, which isn't the greatest source. However, I've seen no one take this knife apart.
The knife is full broad tang but does have three large holes toward the butt that lighten the handle. It is plenty strong for any reasonable use. Thanks for commenting
I've been looking at this knife for quite some time. But unfortunately it costs what's equivalent to 90 us$ here & not exactly a budget knife here. May I know what was it's price when you made this video? Upto what price (USD) would you consider it a good value knife?
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank u so much for your honest & unbiased opinion. I guess for 90 usd, garberg or strong arm would be a better choice. Bdw, is the Ruike f815 a good option for 60 USD?
I assume you mean the sheath. I am unable to give it a long term comment as I test and wear so many knives, this one does not get much attention. The sheath is of good quality but not my favourite style. Thanks for commenting
Looks very similar to the Cudeman Scout which I have been considering but I actually like the design and look of this more, not dissimilar pricing in the UK.
Great review Mark! I really like that sheath better than the ESEE sheath. What are your thoughts on its long-term durability? I’ve had Chinese knifes that have started strong but after a few months of regular batoning and carving the blade usually gave out and snapped. Even on some of the high carbon steel pricier versions. My Mora and ESSEE have taken a serious beating and haven’t failed yet, although I feel my mora Companion is being pushed to its limits sometimes. Have you ever done a review on a mora companion? I’ve had one as my EDC for about a year now and I put a 90 degree grind on the spine. I know I’m not supposed to, but I’ve used it for light batoning, striking a ferro rod, carving wood, processing game, and food prep. For a budget knife, with a minor mod it does it all and has yet to fail me.
Mora and especially Esee will take a lot of abuse. This knife uses the same steel as the Mora Garberg and so far has done very well. I do worry a bit about the tip but not the edge. I have a Chinese knife with D2 steel that I do not have as much confidence in. Thanks for commenting
The handle looked small as you were using the knife...the gripping for me becomes trigger finger (both hands, middle finger). I have to use my other hand to release it. Very painful. Really important how it feels in my hand.
It is small for my XXL hands but should fit most people. I also had trigger finger. I had a cortisone shot in the joint and it went away completely. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, Awesome looking knife you got there !! I got a Knife Suggestion for you to use, IF you never already. Cold Steel S.R.K Apparantly, its a great all around knife for everything ?? I never heard anything bad about it, except the price. Take Care Mark & be safe out there in the Bush. 💯👍🤝
Hi Derek. I have looked at the SRK and may buy one yet. It is more of a survival knife than a bushcraft knife so I am not sure if I want it. Thanks for commenting
About hip belt and the knife. You yourself made recently a video about external frame for a backpack. That's the answer. There is no need for a hip belt at all! I use a vintage Swiss army backpack (the so called salt&pepper camouflage) with a built-in frame; on my (not so big) back the tension strap (or whatever it is called) sits in-between the lower back and the butt. Your belt will be free to attach anything you want at the sides and front of body
I have been fortunate to find two of these Canadian Army wool (80/20) shirts for $5.00 at our local thrift store. Absolutely love them. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft good score there! I see Varusteleka is producing them under their Sarma brand now, been tempted to try a number of wool items from them.
I am very doubtful that this is real Sandvik 14C28N. It wouldn't make sense for a Chinese company to import this steel from Sweden and sell the finished product at such a low price. My guess is that's some sort of Chinese steel with a similar composition to Sandvik. Correct me if I'm wrong!
Just bought a Puukko knife from Varesteluka that is one of the most beautiful knives I’ve ever had for about the same price. Curly birch handle, veggie tan leather sheath, carbon steel blade. It has a slight upturned point (which I’m not sure if I like) that is meant for lifting pot handles and stuff. It’s supposed to be patterned off some very old traditional style. Made in a third generation family business. A real joy to have, for me. I will say though that my "beater" knife is a Remington Chinese made stainless steel with a hollow grind. Typical largish $50 hunting knife, but I gotta say it takes a hell of an edge, and I’ve opened tin cans, and all sorts of other nasty tasks and man it does take and hold an edge well. Thanks for the review, but that skinny handle makes it a sure no go for me, I have fairly long fingers, and a broken knuckle on my pinky finger, so I need not only a think handle, but one with a swell at the end.
Hey Jim. I have looked at that puukko on Varusteleka and have been considering buying it. So nice looking. Like you, I struggle to find knives that fit my hand. I may commission one of my custom knife maker friends to build me a traditional puukko. It will likely cost me a lot more money though. I also have the Terava Jaakaripuukko I will be reviewing. Thanks for commenting
Yes, the reason I did not give a price range for budget knives or this knife is because the value of Canadian-US-Euro currency and what viewers see as budget. For some it is around $100.00 it is budget but for others it may be less than $50.00. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, I love your reviews. Your are honest, straightforward, and impartial. I have just ordered this knife to be delivered to a friend in the USA who will be bringing it out for me when he visits. I live in Islamabad and you unfortunately can’t get them here. I based my decision to buy this knife largely on your review, so thanks!
I hope you enjoy using it. Thanks for commenting
First time on your channel Mark. Really like your clarity, honesty and delivery.
Thank you for your kind words
I was at my local farmers market and the "knife guy" had a few of these Ruike knives. I bought the same one as in the video and on only had it a few days now. So far I've been loving mine. First knife I've ever gotten with a hard/plastic sheath, all my others have leather or nylon.
The things I love are:
-The machining on the knife is flawless, it's rare that I see knives of this price with about perfect symmetry in the grinds.
-The handle scales are quite comfortable in my hands particularly. I have a long slender hand. The grooves being ground at a 45° angle to my grip do an excellent job at preventing slipping even when my hands are wet/slimy from prepping food.
-The sheath has good overall retention, I'm not overly worried about the knife being dislodged and falling. Still not so tight that I'd have to use two hands to draw it without hiking my pants up past my navel.(the Buck knife I was comparing it with was significantly harder/tighter to pull from the sheath than this Ruike)
-Love the adjustable rotating belt clip mechanism.
The things I hate or would improve:
- Nothing on the knife, for me, at it's price, it's about as good as your gonna get without jacking the price up to compensate.
- As for the sheath, I'd maybe add a little locking mechanism or something to prevent the knife accidentally being dislodged and falling. I'd also change the belt clip loop to stainless, but keep the same hooked profile. At least with a metal clip it would be a little smoother, and have some more spring action, making it easier to clip onto your belt or over fabric. Quality steel belt clips just tend to outlast and out perform plastic ones and do so without being as bulky.
Overall a great knife, for the price especially. I'd definitely recommend it to others, or even get it as a gift. Even non knife enthusiasts would be happy with something like this. I'll definitely be buying more from this manufacturer in the future.
Obviously, you have given considerable thought to this knife. I agree, it is a great knife for the price. Thanks for commenting
Great review and a good insight on what a Bush Knife should be. Thank for showing the different ways to use a Knife. That was a class in itself.
Glad you found it helpful my friend. Thanks for commenting
Great video review. Very detailed and honest. I bought the same knife to be used primarily for camping as a food prep knife. I have it attached it to my backpack shoulder strap. I have other knives for hunting and bushcraft so I wasn't concerned that it will not strike a ferro rod. All of my fire kits have a ferro rod with their own dedicated striker. Thanks again.
I like this knife quite a lot, except for the slightly small grip for my size hand. Thanks for commenting
Great review. Well spoken. Good video emphasizing the details of the knife, and how it fits your hand. The blade might be a perfect compromise to the person who wants a concealible fixed blade that looks good and is easy to afford and carry while it covers all daily tasks, defense, survival and basic chores. The design is out-shined only by your thorough knowledge and passion for the outdoors and blades.
Thank you for your kind words
The Ruike Jager knife looks good. Thanks. toronto.
The whole Ruike line impresses me. And I like that Ruike is distributed by Fenix.
It is a high value knife for sure. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for the review, Mark. I'm thinking of getting a drop-point fixed blade and this will make the short list.
Hey George. Maybe I could loan it to you to try out
Its more knife than i need for hunting too. I run the ruike hornet for the bush but the jaegar is terrific for deboning at home. Also a beautiful tactical feel and look
It is a lot of knife for sure. Thanks for commenting
Did not buy one yet, but as soon as my hands touched this I knew I had something good in my hands
Right on. Thanks for commenting
Love this knife.
Had one, ended up selling it (really not sure why), and had to buy it again.
Definitely one of the best possible purchases in its price range.
I Agree with the handle being a bit too thin, but nothing too serious.
Thanks for the excellent review!
Right on. Easy to widen the handle with liners but then I would need to change out the sheath. Thanks for commenting
A neat little knife
The sheath looks like you could remove the clip and mount it to the other side, also it could be attached to the shoulder strap of your pack in a down draw position
Yes, you could do that for sure. I may see how I can add a piece to let it sit lower. Thanks for commenting
I believe Armatus carry make a dangler attachment for kydyx sheaths, should work here, could also add a d-ring attached to a leather loop to the belt clip
Great review Mark, I've just today ordered the F118 after a few months interest and finally watching your video for the 8th time 😎. I think the knife is great for less heavy tasks but very good for the lighter tasks, food prep, light wood work, pitch prep camp tasks. I found the Lionsteel M3 covers the heavyweight and high stress tasks and compliments the F118 as a duel EDC carry on wild camping and longer distance tabs.
All the best
Cheers
🇬🇧
The Lionsteel M3 looks like a great knife. I really like the Ruike but wish the handle was just a bit longer for my hands. Thanks for commenting
Interesting . I have just got the M3 for wildcamping (will make a good spatula!) and was also looking at the Ruike. How do you like it and compare None?
@@MarkYoungBushcraft hi Mark. See question below. Have the m3 and lso looking atthe Ruike Jager. How do they compare.
I don't own a Lionsteel M3 but I love the look of it. On paper, it looks like a better knife with better steel and might fit my hand better. Hard to tell without actually holding it though
@@MarkYoungBushcraft really enjoying mine Mark. New favourite!
Little Tip Mark slacken off the screws on the sheath and add some Loctite or similar this helps to prevent them loosening over time due to vibration etc
Yes, Loctite works well for something like this. Thanks for commenting
Buck makes a great knife similar to this one Selkirk . Great review for this one ! Btw the buck is 60$
Yes, I am considering buying the Selkirk to test. Thanks for commenting
I looked for the Buck Selkirk & came across the”Small” Selkirk. I like that size even better!
You know, I am actually impressed with the image quality of your camera. What camera do you use? Any particular lens? Thanks!
My current camera is a Canon M50 with the Rode Wireless Go mice system. Great set up.Thanks for commenting
Thanks for another great video Mark.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
I also wonder how this knife looks under the sheath since it claims to be a full tang and yet, the only picture of it disassembled seems to be a partial tang. The metal under the handle has 3 huge holes, which can create weak points.
However, the image was on amazon, which isn't the greatest source. However, I've seen no one take this knife apart.
The knife is full broad tang but does have three large holes toward the butt that lighten the handle. It is plenty strong for any reasonable use. Thanks for commenting
Excellent review! Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting
The blade groove strikes fire steel
Thanks for commenting
I've been looking at this knife for quite some time. But unfortunately it costs what's equivalent to 90 us$ here & not exactly a budget knife here. May I know what was it's price when you made this video?
Upto what price (USD) would you consider it a good value knife?
I don't recall the price at the time of this video but I would say you can get some reasonably good knives for under $75.00USD. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank u so much for your honest & unbiased opinion. I guess for 90 usd, garberg or strong arm would be a better choice.
Bdw, is the Ruike f815 a good option for 60 USD?
Good Overall Field Review, Thanks Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks for commenting Terry
hi Mark how is the locking of the knife after a year? worn out? falling out? i want to wear it on my backpack tip up. thanks for info
I assume you mean the sheath. I am unable to give it a long term comment as I test and wear so many knives, this one does not get much attention. The sheath is of good quality but not my favourite style. Thanks for commenting
Thanks, Mark. Looks like a nice knife for the price. The multi-tool knives on their website look interesting. 🙂👍
Ruike make some amazing folders as well. Thanks for commenting
Looks very capable Mark👍
Nice budget knife for sure. Thanks Wade
Looks very similar to the Cudeman Scout which I have been considering but I actually like the design and look of this more, not dissimilar pricing in the UK.
I am hoping to get a hold of a Cudeman knife for testing. They look like great products as well. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark! I really like that sheath better than the ESEE sheath. What are your thoughts on its long-term durability? I’ve had Chinese knifes that have started strong but after a few months of regular batoning and carving the blade usually gave out and snapped. Even on some of the high carbon steel pricier versions. My Mora and ESSEE have taken a serious beating and haven’t failed yet, although I feel my mora Companion is being pushed to its limits sometimes. Have you ever done a review on a mora companion? I’ve had one as my EDC for about a year now and I put a 90 degree grind on the spine. I know I’m not supposed to, but I’ve used it for light batoning, striking a ferro rod, carving wood, processing game, and food prep. For a budget knife, with a minor mod it does it all and has yet to fail me.
Mora and especially Esee will take a lot of abuse. This knife uses the same steel as the Mora Garberg and so far has done very well. I do worry a bit about the tip but not the edge. I have a Chinese knife with D2 steel that I do not have as much confidence in. Thanks for commenting
The handle looked small as you were using the knife...the gripping for me becomes trigger finger (both hands, middle finger). I have to use my other hand to release it. Very painful. Really important how it feels in my hand.
It is small for my XXL hands but should fit most people. I also had trigger finger. I had a cortisone shot in the joint and it went away completely. Thanks for commenting
Would it work for a front pocket carry I use a cheap 8" total knife and want something more durable
Yes, so long as you have some room in your pocket. I carried it this way for most of the time I was testing it. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank you
Thanks for the review. So what would be your first knife for survival? If you had only room for one knife?
Not an easy question to answer but it would most likely be the Terava Skrama 240. I have two videos on it
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank you!
Retention area can be adjusted... just tighten!
Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, Awesome looking knife you got there !!
I got a Knife Suggestion for you to use, IF you never already.
Cold Steel S.R.K
Apparantly, its a great all around knife for everything ??
I never heard anything bad about it, except the price.
Take Care Mark & be safe out there in the Bush.
💯👍🤝
Hi Derek. I have looked at the SRK and may buy one yet. It is more of a survival knife than a bushcraft knife so I am not sure if I want it. Thanks for commenting
About hip belt and the knife. You yourself made recently a video about external frame for a backpack. That's the answer. There is no need for a hip belt at all! I use a vintage Swiss army backpack (the so called salt&pepper camouflage) with a built-in frame; on my (not so big) back the tension strap (or whatever it is called) sits in-between the lower back and the butt. Your belt will be free to attach anything you want at the sides and front of body
For some packs I find a hip belt unnecessary but for large, heavy haulers they really help take the weight of my shoulders. Thanks for commenting
But the bullet on this one too. Love it for off duty EDC.
You will like it I am sure. Thanks for commenting
What is the jacket you are wearing?
It looks like a surplus wool field shirt, I can’t remember the designation number, m50 maybe?
@@randal1470 thanks Randal
I have been fortunate to find two of these Canadian Army wool (80/20) shirts for $5.00 at our local thrift store. Absolutely love them. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Nice! thanks Mark
@@MarkYoungBushcraft good score there! I see Varusteleka is producing them under their Sarma brand now, been tempted to try a number of wool items from them.
Great knife I compare it to a Lion steel m5 at a 1/3 of the price---nice review
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting
Grip tape can improve handles as well as providing an emergency fuel source for fire starting. Peace
Good tip. Thanks for commenting
Is the spine sharp enough to used for scraping a stick to make dust?
No he addresses that at around 18:39 on the video. Lol I was literally just about to post the same question.
If it can’t strike a Ferro rod it probably would do a poor job of shaving some scrap materials off some fat wood
Not even close. Could be modified. Thanks for commenting
Yeah the sheath. I'm hearing they are being returned because knife falls out... So I'm skipping on buying this one
I can understand that. Great knife, sheath, not so much
THANK YOU
most welcome. Thanks for commenting
That’s a nice hunt knife! Anything smaller would not cut it for a Elk or Moose; looks great and for the$$ Nice
Right on. Good assessment. Thanks for commenting
I am very doubtful that this is real Sandvik 14C28N. It wouldn't make sense for a Chinese company to import this steel from Sweden and sell the finished product at such a low price.
My guess is that's some sort of Chinese steel with a similar composition to Sandvik.
Correct me if I'm wrong!
I can't say for sure what the origin is on this knife. Thanks for commenting
I would think you would review Swedish knives??
I have a few Moras I could review. I wanted to showcase items not usually seen. Thanks for commenting
Just bought a Puukko knife from Varesteluka that is one of the most beautiful knives I’ve ever had for about the same price. Curly birch handle, veggie tan leather sheath, carbon steel blade. It has a slight upturned point (which I’m not sure if I like) that is meant for lifting pot handles and stuff. It’s supposed to be patterned off some very old traditional style. Made in a third generation family business. A real joy to have, for me.
I will say though that my "beater" knife is a Remington Chinese made stainless steel with a hollow grind. Typical largish $50 hunting knife, but I gotta say it takes a hell of an edge, and I’ve opened tin cans, and all sorts of other nasty tasks and man it does take and hold an edge well.
Thanks for the review, but that skinny handle makes it a sure no go for me, I have fairly long fingers, and a broken knuckle on my pinky finger, so I need not only a think handle, but one with a swell at the end.
Hey Jim. I have looked at that puukko on Varusteleka and have been considering buying it. So nice looking. Like you, I struggle to find knives that fit my hand. I may commission one of my custom knife maker friends to build me a traditional puukko. It will likely cost me a lot more money though. I also have the Terava Jaakaripuukko I will be reviewing. Thanks for commenting
Nice Knife
Thanks for commenting my firend
considering the name Jager (german for hunter) it probably is supposed to be a hunting knife i guess
I agree. I do like this knife but its shape and grind are better suited to hunting than bushcraft. Thanks for commenting
Overall, it’s a nice general purpose knife. I’m just disappointed that you didn’t do any food prep….😋🤣🤣🤣😉😘
Oh man, next time😉. I have done a fair amount with it in past videos. New knives to test now. Thanks for commenting
You spoke of the ‘price range’ but never gave the ‘price range’. It appears to be an adequate ‘camp knife’.
Yes, the reason I did not give a price range for budget knives or this knife is because the value of Canadian-US-Euro currency and what viewers see as budget. For some it is around $100.00 it is budget but for others it may be less than $50.00. Thanks for commenting
I have xtra large, big, huge, enormous hands… No knife is good enough for me. 🤣
I hear you. I have XL to XXL hands as well. This knife is small. Thanks for commenting
Дякую за огляд. Ви більш розгорнуто ніж всі показали ножни, дійсно якість відео добра, та увага до деталей.
Привіт з України ! 🇺🇦
Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for commenting