Knife review Ruike LD41B

-  heavyweight contender

The theme for today is multi-function knives often called "SAKs" or Swiss Army Knives. That is now not an entirely correct term since they were not invented there and all brands are certainly not from there either, only the most well known. This is an example of one of the newest challengers with a totally different origin. The model is called LD41B and is produced by Ruike, a Chinese based company. They are the knife division of the perhaps more well known Fenixlight which concentrates on lighting gear of all kinds and are well established within the EDC-community with their excellent flashlights. 

Ruike LD41B

This knife is a rather massive piece that in weight and size more competes with the largest red knives from the Alp-country and multi-tools built around pliers than small pocket knives.

It means that the tools are sturdier and that the knife blade is larger than most of the competition. If you add modern features like one-hand opening and locking blade, screwed construction, sides in G10 and a pocket clip you got a tool worth considering.  

This knife offers no less than 22 features

 Twitter version: Ruikes LD-series, a serious contender in the heavyweight division among multi-function knives!

Overall measurements and weight 

LD41b is the second largest model in the Ruike line-up. It is only surpassed by the "51" that has an extra layer that allows for an addition of a wood saw. The nomenclature usually indicates how many layers these kinds of knives have and the LD41 boasts four. That's enough to hold 22 functions although I found it a bit redundant to include a lanyard hole and clip in the list. But it is customary in the multi-tool world to state everything that can be used in one way or another. 

Not a fly-weight as can be seen. The grams are compensated by stability

That we are talking about a tough knife is reflected in the dimensions. If you are going to include over twenty functions and a larger knife blade that requires some space. In this case, it translates to a folded length of eleven and a half centimeters, a thickness of 2,2 centimeters and a weight of 235 g. It is actually the latter that is most evident when you first grab the knife.

Tools

Knife blade

For all multi-tools not built around a pair of pliers, the knife blade, in my opinion, is the primary tool. You can tell that Ruike shares that view. The knife blade is a full 8,5 centimeters in length and is 3 millimeters thick. The shape is a classic drop-point with an almost full flat-ground topped with a polished finish. Besides size, there are three distinguishing features: the one-hand opening via a thumb stud, the liner lock and the choice of steel. As a material, they used the well known and well-chosen Sandvik 12C27. A steel that is fairly rust-proof, easy to sharpen and as you might know takes a very keen edge. It's definitely a step up for them in this context more common 1.4116 and 1.4110 steels I think.

Combined with the dimensions it provides a really versatile blade that can handle most chores with ease. I especially appreciate that it is good even for handling wood which for me is almost a demand for these kinds of tools. At least if they are going to be used in the great outdoors in any way. Moreover, the wide handle makes it possible to put some force behind the cuts.

Without a doubt, the blade is the main tool. A sturdy one-hand operated blade in 12C27 steel

The opening of the blade is quite easy with good access to the thumb stud but what can surprise the ones used to ordinary one-hand openers with a liner lock is the amount of resistance. It takes some force and the blade also has a (late) halfway. Of course, it is related to the design which includes back-springs. That combined with a liner lock offers plenty of safety but also less of a fidget factor.

One of the few misses on this specimen. The lock bar travels all 
the way to the other side when engaged

Releasing the lock isn't entirely comfortable but given that this is no fidget toy but a tool it doesn't matter that much to me. The lock bar is thin and thus becomes angular even if all surfaces are rounded correctly. However, there is one miss and that is the precision of the lock. There is a tendency to a small up and down movement in the blade because the lock bar travels all the way over to the other side. That is not good. I certainly hope it is something unique for this particular sample. What saves the function is the back spring which prevents the blade from moving while in use. There is no safety issue with the lock though. Not even spine whacks cause failure.

Belt cutter/secondary blade

LD41 is equipped with a smaller secondary blade. It is presented as a seat belt cutter which means a curved and serrated edge with a rounded tip. A tip that doubles as a small flat head screwdriver. It has a somewhat odd 135 degrees stop instead of the usual 180 degrees to create a more effective angle of attack. The blade works but since it's so short it requires some force to cut things with. The edge isn't simply long enough to let the material (seat belt or the like) slide over the serrations.

The short serrated blade call for some power



My lady who acted as a stand-in for these pictures definitely 
preferred the main blade for heavier tasks

And if you are going to add emergency functions as seat belt cutters they should be one hand opened too. To fiddle with fine motor skills like finding a nail nick when the adrenalin is flowing during a crisis is not easy.

Awl, Reamer, and Drill

This tool has a powerful spring that makes it fall into place with authority. Luckily enough I might add since the awl is really sharp. I managed to cut myself the first time I opened all the tools at the same time for taking pictures. This combination of awl, reamer, and drill is one of two tools that is hidden under another. Here you have to open the scissors first. In combination with the strong spring, it makes the awl a bit hard to reach. But it is logical, it is perhaps not the most frequently used tool. But still very good to have.

The combined awl/reamer/drill works really well. At the base, you find a spoke wrench and a wire stripper

However, the function is really good. Used as a drill it is very effective and also as an awl. The sharp edge bites good both in plastic and wood and makes short work of leather. It also has an eye for heavy-duty sewing but that is not a function I ever used on any knife. But it can sure be handy if you need to mend a boot or tent or repair a backpack or the like.

Pliers and scissors 

The pliers are as usual presented as a multifunction tool that besides the obvious also acts like a nipper and a specialty tongs for a fishing line in this case. The pliers are relatively sturdy but are, of course, no way near a Leatherman Super Tool or similar kind of tools. It is more to be compared with say a Victorinox Mechanic or Tinker. The format thus implies certain limitations in which tasks can be handled.

But sure, there are no problems grabbing things with it. The small nippers also work as advertised but any coarser dimension isn't allowed and I didn't attack any of the brake wires on my bikes with this tool. It is hardly fit for "piano wire".*

Both scissors and pliers are spring-loaded which really facilitates handling



The nippers work but only for smaller tasks

The scissors are unusually large and sturdy and are actually suitable for both paper and slightly thicker cardboard. But I choose not to use it for other than detailed work since the knife blade is better suited for heavier duty. They turned out to be perfect for trimming plants indoors though. Both pliers and scissors are spring-loaded which really helps when working with them.


Drivers

This tool includes three different screwdrivers. One larger 6,5 mm flat head and a smaller 3 mm ditto complemented by a larger screwdriver for Phillip's heads. That combination capably handles most common screws. They are also sturdy enough to handle some torque. Something that is underlined by the powerful backs springs that keep them in place. They don't lock though.

 

The combination of screwdrivers can handle the most common screws 

The Phillips driver is like the awl hidden under another tool. This time you have to open the pliers in orders to use it.


Wire stripper x2 and wire benders

LD41 has no less than two different kinds of wire strippers. One of the more common types that isn't sharpened but more like looks like a semi-circle cut out. It can be found at the base of the cap lifter/large screwdriver. On the same tool, you will also find two wire-benders in different sizes for the ones who like exact angles on their wires. Perhaps they are a bit redundant because the pliers can fulfill the same function with ease.

The second wire stripper is of a much more aggressive character. It can be found at the base of the awl and is really sharp.


Must-haves

Certain small functions have almost become synonymous with this kind of knives. That includes cap lifters, corkscrews, and tweezers. Perhaps also can openers since they were one of the original features for this category of knives. However, it is not often they are needed these days so Ruike didn't include one on this knife. But why they choose to include a corkscrew instead is somewhat of a mystery to me. Instead, I would have preferred some other tool, why not a really small screwdriver for glasses and the like. The corkscrew works I might add but you have to be a bit careful when using it. It's short and therefore doesn't get a very firm grip on corks.

There is not much to say about the cap lifter. It works as it should. The tweezers, on the other hand, are worth mentioning. They are actually much better than their Victorinox counterparts. They are a fair bit larger and beefier and therefore much easier both to hold and gripping things with. It is also a function that is surprisingly often used by me. Splinters and grit in small wounds are no fun when outdoors.


Additional tools

In addition to what has been mentioned above the LD41 also has some more uncommon features. One is the foldable lanyard hole/key holder that perhaps can be included as a tool but foremost I have the glass breaker in mind. It is, of course, a good idea to include such a tool as a logical complement to the seat belt cutter. I did test the function out of curiosity. I can tell you that the tungsten reinforced tip works. No old car windows laying around so I attacked some ordinary glass instead.

Then, as a cyclist, I have to say that it was appreciated but unexpected to find a spoke wrench on a multitool. It too works the way it is supposed to. Perhaps it is a bit awkward to use it on such a big knife. But it certainly works as an emergency tool to hunt down a spoke that decided to embark on own adventures to get home from that MTB-ride.

Handle

Like all of Ruikes multi-function knives, the LD41 is built on a frame in stainless 420-steel. It is by the way weight relieved. On the outside, you find scales of black G10.  The construction is screwed together if someone feels like taking the sides off. The surface gives plenty of traction and the corners have been chamfered. Despite that, I used a bit of sandpaper on the corners to make them even softer.

The bulky handle fills the hand well and is relatively comfortable given the shape

For being a knife of this type the LD41 has relatively good ergonomics. As mentioned the sides give traction without being too harsh and the width of the handle gives plenty of support for the hand. The tools themselves ride low enough in the handle to not cause any major hot spots. But sure, there are some edges and corners where they extend and especially where they meet your little finger. Some things must be sacrificed to fit everything.

To Carry

Since the knife comes equipped with a clip and no belt pouch it is obviously meant to be carried in a pocket. That works pretty well given the format. Much of that can be attributed to a good clip with proper tension that allows for deep carry. That paired with the weight of the tool makes it stay put. A rather important trait. You don't want to lose your knife. 

The "deep carry"-clip is not proprietary and can be found on other knives



The LD41 is as can be seen wider than both a large Victorinox model like the 
111 mm Rucksack and  the original Leatherman Super Tool

But I wrote "pretty well", you can't ignore the volume and above all the weight. I have no other pocket knife that comes equipped with a clip and weighs in at over 230 grams! If you add a thickness of over two centimeters without the clip and you get a knife I rather put in my bag as a matter of fact. In a pair of jeans, it's uncomfortable and in thinner cargo-shorts, it moves too much.

For me personally, this is a little more than my pockets or rather my taste can handle. It actually makes a Buck 110 feel light!

To Conclude

The multi-function knife market is a veritable hornet's nest and it's not easy to establish a new brand. The competition may not be the broadest in terms of the number of brands but the one that exists is fierce.** First and foremost you have Victorinox with their wide and hyper established line of knives. Although not first in the world they have become synonymous with the phenomenon. As an example, here in Sweden we simply refer to this type of knives as "Swiss-Knives" for short. "SAK" or Swiss Army Knife is an established term. But also manufacturers like Böker exists and with 150 years of experience of making slip joints, they recently continued their legacy of making these types of knives that goes back all the way to their "Camp Knife" with their line of Tech Tools.

So the question is how does Ruike stand in this context and what do you get if you choose an LD41B?

A partner on all adventures, at least the ones that don't demand light packing that is

First and foremost, you get a large and well-built knife that, with its sturdy construction instills confidence. The finish is good but not really on par with say a Victorinox. That can be noted in details like that the pliers could have been more rigid and that the lock bar on the knife blade wasn't correctly tuned. Nothing that affects the function though.

You can tell by the weight that it is a sturdy construction. The first impression is that this is a heavy piece. But there is a natural explanation, there is plenty of steel hiding inside. Whether it is regarded as confidence-building or a disadvantage is probably highly dependent on personal taste.

For this reason, this is not a knife I choose for longer walks or hikes. Instead, it has established itself as a faithful companion in my bag. Because both the features and execution are highly appreciated. I also see it as an excellent complement when traveling by car, boat or canoe for instance. So basically all outdoor life and EDC where weight is not so much in focus.

The toolset is predominantly well chosen. The alternative to incorporate a saw instead of pliers is always an option but that can be found on the "big brother" if you need that feature. Personally, I wouldn't mind a really small screwdriver for glasses and such since they are present in my everyday life. 

Another detail I might have changed is the shape of the secondary blade. Instead of a belt cutter, I would have chosen a standard pen-blade. Belt cutters are (hopefully) not seeing very much or any use and are not as flexible in use as a non-serrated knife blade. For me, they have their place in rescue-tools like the model LD43. In that tool, the belt cutter is by the way much larger and therefore probably much more effective in its intended use.  

A competent toolbox for, well, the pocket

The main competition can found in some of the bigger knives from Victorinox but they can't really match LD41B in size and tool-combination. Although they generally weigh less, those that correspond to the number of functions do not have one-hand opening and a locking blade and vice versa. This is where this knife really shines. The knife blade is very good in this implementation. There is simply no blade in Victorinox lineup that matches it.

Then this knife adds a few more modern details like G10 scales, screwed construction and a pocket clip. The latter is something that the Swiss are notorious opponents of, at least so far. These details can, on the other hand, be found on Bökers Tech Tool City 5 as well. It also features almost exactly the same set of tools as the LD41B and they share the same blade steel. But that model has no one-hand opening and no locking knife blade. The blade is also significantly smaller.   

So overall, the LD41 is a knife that I can recommend for anyone looking for a multi-function knife of the more sturdy variety with a focus on the knife blade and where the pliers are secondary. Thus far I haven't come across a better knife blade on this type of knife.

Specification:

Overall Length: 199 mm

Folded Length: 114 mm

Weight: 235 g (weighed by me)

Blade Lenght: 85 mm

Blade thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N

Handle: G10 on a steel frame (420)

Lock: Linerlock for the main blade, slip joint for the rest of the tools
Number of functions: 22

Produced by Ruike, made in China

/ J - multitasking

* Which by the way my old Leatherman Super Tool was either. I ruined the pliers that way. 
** There are quite a few more brands on the multi-tool market where you find everything from brands like Leatherman, Gerber, SOG to Ganzo and other Chinese brands. 

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