New Knife - EKA RTG-1

It was a long time ago since I presented a new knife from Swedish EKA here on the blog so it could be on time was my thought. The last time I reviewed something from them, it was one of their at this classic folding knife models in the form of a Swede 92. The most modern model I looked at was a Swede 8, which certainly belongs to the later generation of knives from Eskilstuna but is hardly new to the market. It was four years since I wrote about it and it was not completely new then either.

But now it is not just my "fault". In fact, EKA has not been very good at releasing new models or keeping up with trends for that matter. But something has changed and with it, some new knives have seen the light of day.

One of the latest is this fixed blade named RTG-1. A knife I thought looked interesting the first time I saw it. It made me associate with knives like Fällkniven F1 or maybe A1 and especially the Finnish Peltonen's Sissipuukko M07.

EKA RTG-1, a proper "Swedish American"

RTG-1, which incidentally stands for "Ready To Go", is an odd bird to be included in EKA's range. Otherwise, classic folding knives and some fixed blades that previously had a clear focus on hunting and outdoor life dominate. I am thinking of knives like EKA Swingblade and Nordic W12 for example.

Against this background, this and a few other models stand out by belonging to the modern "tactical" style. It can be discussed whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage and what should be included in that concept, but often it is about marketing that includes the military, possibly police (mainly in other countries than Sweden), and rescue personnel of all kinds. Sometimes they are called military knives, sometimes survival knives.

Well-designed knives do well as outdoor tools

But if they have a healthy design and are well made, you have a real tool ready for most things that can be expected to meet a knife. That was what I thought I saw in the pictures on RTG-1. The knife is solid without being overly large, the blade is simple and looks competent in my eyes. The materials seem well chosen as well. The handle sides in this version consist of black G10 and the blade is 1095 carbon steel with a coating. Those who think they recognize the type of somewhat rough surface from, for example, an ESEE are quite right. For example, if you turn on a "Candiru" and read, it says "Rowen". They are the ones who make this knife for EKA as well.

If you are unsure, it says "made in the USA" on the box as well, just in case. In other words, it's not something they are trying to hide. In this case, it also means a quality stamp and the first impression of the knife is very good. It feels solid, it is well balanced with a really sharp factory edge and the sheath is a very well-made one in Kydex. 

I look forward to testing this knife!

/ J 

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