Review EKA RTG-1

  

- a serious step towards a broadened range

With this new venture, the long-standing Eskilstuna Knivaktiebolag is leaving or perhaps rather supplementing its more traditional range. There you will find, for example, classic folding knife models in the Swede series and fixed blades of all kinds for hunting and other outdoor activities. Not least, the G3 "Swing blade" is a well-known model among hunters.

The modernization has previously mostly consisted of some models getting handle materials other than wood, read "orange or black rubber", even though they have been producing knives with plastic handles for a long time as well.* However, the models have mainly been of the classic type with slip joints and lock backs. But then something happened and the catalog was expanded with a couple of more modern folding knives and not least this knife called RTG-1. 

It can be said to be EKA's flagship when it comes to both capacity and quality among the fixed blades, which made me curious. It simply looks very competent!

EKA RTG-1

As for the new venture, it must be admitted that I, certainly without having handled them, is not entirely convinced of the merits of some of the folding knives. Especially not after taking a closer look at what the Classic 8 Titanium has to offer. There, for example, the sales text enumerates all the merits of titanium and what it is used for, but then it turns out that the knife is not made of titanium but of steel with a titanium coating and all that entails. An extremely dubious text and probably a knife in my eyes. Nor does the design of the T9 impress, which already shows visible flaws in the design to name a couple of examples.

Therefore, expectations were not very high when I was waiting for the RTG-1 must be confessed. Imagine my surprise as this knife is as solid as a knife can be and to a very high standard.

But EKA has also turned to experts in the field. Unfortunately, this knife is not made in Sweden and no Swedish materials are involved either. But the next best thing is to use the production capacity of those who know their stuff. In this case, they have turned to the Idaho-based American company Rowen Manufacturing. That's why those who think they recognize the style of the knife when it comes to the sheath, blade finish, and handle screws are right. They are the ones who make ESEE's knives too! Something that can be traced in appearance.

The knife can be obtained in a number of different designs where the color of the blade and the handle material are varied. Either the knife comes with G10 in the handle like this black version or linen Micarta is used.

RTG-1 är en robust kniv som klarar det mesta

Twitter version: EKA RTG-1, an abbreviation to be read "Ready to Go". The name describes this Swedish-American in a good way. It's actually ready to spring into action and can handle almost anything you ask of it.

Blade

Blade shapes can be made more or less complicated. In this case, the person or persons behind the design have invested in simplicity. This means a drop-point blade with harmonious proportions. Concretely, this means a length of 15 cm and a height of 3.3 cm. The thickness of the blade is 5 mm, which I think is well-balanced to balance durability against the ability to cut well.

Now the thickness is not the only factor for performance, but other geometry, including thickness behind the edge, plays a big role. RTG-1 measures a full 1-1.2 mm there by the way. A strong and durable edge, but it needs to be properly sharp in order for it to cut. Given that and that the transition to the thicker part of the blade is quite abrupt, this is not a "slicer" as they say in English. The knife is more suitable for chopping and cutting. 

1095 carbon steel is found in the 15 cm long drop point blade

The blade is fully flat ground with a distinct secondary bevel. And while I'm on the subject, it can be said that the factory edge was really good! It is both straight and symmetrical and also sharp as hell. The knife shaved hair without any resistance and despite the relatively thick blade with its coating, it slid through paper with a faint hiss.

The coating given to the blade is the same as found on many of ESEE's knives.** About that there is a lot to say and I really would have preferred a smoother finish than what powder coating gives. The one that exists actually provides some resistance in some materials. In return, it is very durable and there has been no wear and tear during this time. But given the choice, I prefer some form of DLC.

The steel used is a familiar carbon steel in the form of 1095. EKA themselves claim that it is chosen because it is superior to stainless steel in terms of strength. With modern steel, it is probably something that can be discussed from a practical perspective, but basically, they are right and I see no problem with the choice of material. Properly treated, it is a steel that can be made extremely sharp and which also exhibits high impact resistance. Something that can be good in this type of knife where some abuse can be relevant. It is also steel that is easy to both maintain and resharpen. The downside is that it has a tendency to rust. That's why they chose to coat the blade, which solved that problem for the most part.

The blade is powder coated to prevent corrosion

As I said, the factory edge was sharp, but it is noticeable when you use the knife that the steel is quite soft. Sharpness must be maintained fairly frequently. EKA does not specify a hardness number, but only writes on the website that the steel is "specially treated". If we ignore the poor language it doesn't say much, but I guess it is the coating rather than the sharpness that is referred to. But in ESEE's own models, the steel is usually kept as soft as 55-57 HRC. We are thus talking about "Victorinox soft". Unlike small folding knives, the RTG-1 does not cut very well when the edge is dull. 

The material I have worked with the most is, of course, wood in various varieties, both dry and fresh. As I said, this is an outdoor knife and is, therefore, of course, used for fire making. I'm not a "bushcraft person", so rubbing sticks against each other using "bow drills" and the like is not relevant. But some chopping of thicker branches, batoning wood and sometimes cracking smaller pieces are. For all this, the RTG-1 is an exemplary knife. It doesn't have the weight and size to be used as a chopper, but there I use a small ax instead. On the other hand, it is sturdy enough that one should dare to hit it when batoning or if it is to be forced through hardwood crosswise against the grain.

RTG-1 cuts through most anything including car tires

The knife is almost as sympathetic when it comes to carving. The balance combined with good control and a good edge angle for that type of work helps. So for a knife that falls into the military/survival knife category, it's not bad at all even for detail work. But it is clear that it doesn't compare favorably to a smaller knife when it comes to finesse. But there are always compromises to be made with this type of knife.

The tip is relatively thin to be found on such a robust knife. But the fact that it lasts has been confirmed by the fact that on many occasions I have rammed it into my throwing knife targets**** and bent the knife sideways. Otherwise, it can be pointed out that the penetration ability is very good. Something that is emphasized by the shape of the handle and the finger guard. No risk of slipping. This means that you also dare to drill with the knife if necessary.

Other materials such as cardboard and fabric are no problem to handle either. However, this is not my first choice for outdoor cooking. Sure, a sharp edge can be used for most things, but the RTG is thick behind the edge, the blade is thick and the coarse coating doesn't help if you have to chop onions. But that was probably not the intended use of the knife either.

The ultimate test of a knife's construction, is knife throwing!

An extreme form of abuse is throwing a knife. In addition to possible misses, strong vibrations occur in the knife upon impact, which can cause any normal knife to self-destruct. The RTG-1 survived a while of throwing which is impressive!

In addition, I have actually tried chopping and cutting car tires (abandoned ones should perhaps be emphasized, the car owners will be so sad otherwise) and cutting thick carpet just to see how it feels. It can be said that the knife can perform such tasks without damage to the edge or tip. The same applies to ropes of a tougher variety. But there the knife loses its sharpness after a while. This especially applies to slightly dirtier tamps that have been in the lake for a while. There is often a little dirt and sand in them. In those contexts, I highly recommend that you carry a sharpener in your pocket.

Handle

The RTG-1 is a classic full-tang knife where the steel is exposed all the way from the ricasso to the pommel. It also sticks out, so it can be used as an improvised impact tool. There is also a hole for a lanyard. The handle sides are made of G10 which are screwed in place with three very strong bolts. A construction that won't break in the first place. In addition, it means that the knife can be disassembled for cleaning if desired. Or to switch the handle material if you feel like it. I think a pair of dark wooden sides would look nice. 

It can also be added that the G10 is, if not indestructible, at least extremely difficult to break. In addition, it is resistant to many corrosive substances as well. Both G10 and the other option Micarta are therefore good choices for this type of knife.

RTG- is a full tang knife with sides in G10 or Micarta

In terms of shape, the handle is rather short and thick

However, the sides that come original are well shaped and fit my hand well. Or rather, the grip took some getting used to in my case. Namely, it differs from most in a couple of respects. In general, it is shorter than many others*** The available grip length is just over ten centimeters measured from behind the finger guard to the end of the handle sides. 

The finger guard is otherwise very well designed and fulfills its function well without adversely affecting the ergonomics. This means that it does not cut into the finger as soon as you stab with the knife.

To provide a good grip, there is a combination of a finger guard and a deep recess for the finger complemented by grooves on the underside of the handle. Then the G10 material itself provides some traction 

The sides of the handle are flat but well-chamfered towards the edges. The surface is fairly smooth, which does not give much traction, but this is compensated by a ribbed pattern on the underside. Then the deep finger recess makes the grip significantly stronger. Without it, I wouldn't have appreciated the handle as much. Now it's good.

The standard grips work well, although the handle shape required a bit of getting used to on my part

The thickness of the handle is 22.5 mm but feels thicker, probably because the handle is short as I said. Even so, the most used grips work. This applies to both a normal hammer grip and a saber grip with a thumb on the intended grooves on the back of the blade. Sympathetic is also that the reversed grips are comfortable. Unlike folding knives, it happens that I hold a fixed blade like an ice pick or turn the edge if I am going to chop or carve against the body with "draw cuts" when needed. 

Sheath

The RTG-1 comes with a well-made Kydex sheath. It is of the "taco" type, ie it consists of a sheet of Kydex which is then folded around the knife and shaped. It has then been fitted with nine eyelets which both hold the sheath together and act as attachment points. It is therefore easy to attach the knife to whatever you feel like. I myself used the knife for a long time without the belt clip. Instead, I carried the knife loosely in a bag or alternatively attached it to the outside of one of my backpacks.

The well-made sheath is made of Kydex and holds the knife in a firm grip

The sheath has a very good fit, which means that the knife sits fairly securely. But still not so hard that it is difficult to pull. But if I were to carry the knife upside down, I would use the supplied cord with a drawstring to secure the knife in the sheath, just in case. It doesn't fall out by itself or with light shaking, but if you know that you're going to throw yourself out of an airplane, be around deep waters, or the like, extra security isn't bad. Therefore, I would have liked to have seen a complementary retainment strap on the sheath. 

The belt attachment consists of a metal clip that is attached to a removable Kydex plate

The fit also makes the knife quiet when sheathed. This a detail that is rather important, not least for the hunter who needs to be silent. But even in general, wearing a rattle on your hip is annoying. That is avoided here.

At the bottom is a drainage hole, a detail that is especially needed on a knife equipped with a carbon steel blade.

The knife can either be lashed to equipment or backpack as said or perhaps more commonly carried with the included clip. The clip is attached to a plate of Kydex that allows you to carry the knife high or, as I prefer, a little lower on the belt. It was attached with four Chicago-type screws with rubber spacers in between. One limitation is that the size only allows up to 50 mm belt width. It might be good to know. Since it is a steel clip, it can certainly be attached to wider straps than that, but then it does not sit as securely. 

Conclusion

With the RTG-1, in my opinion, EKA have succeeded well in their goal of broadening and modernizing the range. The knife is very robust and may be counted in the class of military/survival knives as it is usually called in mainly Anglo-Saxon parlance. I consider it an all-around knife for outdoor life of all kinds. But I have no problem seeing the knife in the first-mentioned roles either. The design feels well thought out and the construction is tough enough.

The competition is fierce and comes, for example, from the Czech ANV. But the EKA RTG-1 stands up well in comparison

However, competition is fierce in the segment. Among many others, there is the Fällkniven A1, the well-established M07 Sissipuukko from JP Peltonen, and not least the ANV M311 Spelter I recently reviewed. Then there are always ESEE knives such as model 6, given the kinship.

But the fact is that the RTG-1 compares well with other knives. It can live on its own merits. There are a few things in the plus account that contribute to that. 

RTG-1 is, in my opinion, a good knife for outdoor life, although I like to supplement this type of knife with a folding knife

Firstly, in terms of quality, the RTG-1 can compete with most if we are to count knives in the slightly more robust school. This is a simple but very well-built knife. Rowen knows what they are doing and EKA was right to turn to them even if it probably affects the price tag.

But what I think is one of the main merits of the knife is good balance. This means that the knife, which is certainly not huge, feels almost nimble in the hand. Being quick and lively makes it a joy to work with. Especially since at the design stage, they chose to refrain from the American invention of "finger choils". There are those that work but the exceptions prove the rule in my opinion. The fact that the edge is drawn close to the handle makes the knife easier to work with. This is where the precision is found and not least the power if you need to put weight behind the cuts. 

The shape of the handle, and not least the width, provides a good contact surface against the hand and thus you can use force when required. Incidentally, the handle of the RTG-1 was one of the things that surprised me the most. It feels short and thick but with some getting used to it is comfortable.

Then the RTG-1 is a durable knife. That's one of the selling points and I'm inclined to agree with them. If you can throw a knife without it falling to pieces after a while, it is sturdy. Likewise, I failed to bend the tip despite some deliberate abuse.

EKA RTG-1 is a knife for those looking for a robust knife for mixed outdoor life

Having said that, I can't help but recommend the EKA RTG-1 to anyone looking for an extremely robust knife for mixed outdoor life. It also doesn't hurt that it's pretty good-looking for being of this type.

Specification:

Length Overall: 270 mm
Blade Length: 150 mm
Blade Thickness: 5 mm
Steel: 1095 with powder coating
Weight: 290 g / 420 g with and without sheath
Handle: G10
Sheath: Kydex

Produced by EKA, made in the USA


/ J

* Among them, the Swedish design classic Swede 38 can be mentioned.

** I already have experience with it from a small Candiru.

*** For comparison, the ANV M311 can work which is a similar knife with roughly the same size. There, the grip length is 11.5 cm, and then the front part is angled, which makes the handle even longer. Then a "forward finger choil" is added for even more grip options.

**** The material is slow-grown thick birch. Before they are watered, they are quite hard. Incidentally, one task for which I frequently use knives is to "shave" the targets. That is, cut away any loose material to make them firmer again.