Ruger Powder-Keg Knife by CRKT

By Dennis Johnson, MD and Carolyn Johnson, RN


Ruger Powder-Keg Knife
Illustration courtesy of Columbia River Knife & Tool, Inc.

The 2016 SHOT Show had several excellent knife displays, but we thought CRKT's Ruger series had the best blade array. We especially liked the simplicity and durability of the RMJ Tactical design, fixed blade survival knife. It features a black, stonewashed 4.6 inch plain blade with a rubber over mold, full-tang handle inset with a Ruger medallion and a leather sheath. They call it the "Powder-Keg" and it was designed by Ryan Johnson.

Features

  • RMJ Tactical Designed/Ryan Johnson
  • Full-tang handle
  • Reinforced leather sheath

Specifications

  • Model number: R1401K
  • Type: Fixed blade, tactical
  • Blade type: Drop point
  • Blade length: 4.60 inches
  • Blade width: 1.31 inches
  • Blade thickness: 0.185 inches
  • Blade grind: Hollow ground
  • Hardness: 58-59 HRC
  • Blade finish: Black stone washed
  • Blade material: 8Cr13MoV
  • Handle Grip: Rubber over-mold
  • Overall length: 9.44 inches
  • Weight: 7.7 ounces
  • Country of origin: People's Republic of China
  • 2016 MSRP: $99.99

We took this blade home and used it on our ranch in Tennessee. The 8Cr13MoV steel blade, hardened to 58-59 HRC, 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 these tasks.

Dennis likes to throw knives and he found this balanced blade and sturdy construction perfect for practice. The old oak tree in our back yard was an ample test of this knife's durability and sharpness. We know it was not designed for such juvenile activity, but we have always felt this 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 we like the feel of its sure-grip handle. We are still looking for a job this blade cannot dispatch, but it is clear that will not happen.

This is just another of the long line of superb Ruger CRKT Knives. They just keep coming-up with winners and we enjoyed testing this one.




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Copyright 2016 by Dennis and Carolyn Johnson and/or chuckhawks.com. All rights reserved.


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