- small and well built
Really small knives have of course been around for a long time. Sometimes it has even happened that manufacturers make something extremely small to demonstrate their craftsmanship, going all the way down to miniatures. That's one side of the coin, the other is that many tasks simply don't require a large knife. Only a sharp edge is needed to open a letter in the rare cases they still exist or perhaps a package, as well as to remove a label from a newly purchased shirt. It doesn't have to be long.
However, if the edge is made of quality steel and properly hardened, it will stay sharp longer and if the handle is well-built, the knife feels better even if it is small. The format can then be combined with another concept, "modern traditional". It simply means classic pocket knives, not infrequently "slip joints" but with some deviations from the traditional. For example, they are often screwed instead of riveted, and the materials in both the blade and handle are updated.
It is exactly the kind of knife I intend to present here as it is both small and equipped with modern materials, the Ruike S11.
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| Ruike S11-G |
In this knife, Ruike has used quality materials, even though it is primarily a complementary knife. A very small knife intended for the key ring or similar. Here we find Swedish steel from Sandvik in the blade and G10 in the handle. Everything is built around a well-executed steel frame. Details that can be found in significantly larger and, by all means, more expensive knives.
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| S11 is a simple but capable micro knife from Ruike |
Twitter version: Ruike S11, a small but surprisingly competent complementary knife for the key chain that can handle most things that do not require a large knife blade.
Blade
Ruike S11 offers a little delicacy of a knife blade. The shape is not much to talk about, it is a classic drop point even if it is stumbling close to a spear point in exactly the same spirit as, for example, a Victorinox. A variant that is also called "pen blade" in a smaller version. So there is no doubt about where they looked for inspiration. But there is nothing bad in this case. It's a good shape for a small blade.
The blade measures 52 mm in length, of which a full 50 mm is the edge, which is appreciable. The blade is just over a centimeter high, more precisely 12 mm, and as thin as 2 mm.
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| The blade shape resembles a classic pen blade |
The blade has had a round with the polishing machine which gives a high gloss finish. Something that helps with the rust inertia. The marking found on the blade consists of the Ruike logo on one side and on the other side is the model designation, S11 followed by a letter that stands for the color choice. Then they also managed to squeeze in the steel type and month of manufacture along with another logo, a stylized "RK". I don't understand why you need two logos. But in return, they are small in size, so it's not something that annoys me too much.
The material is something as unusual as 12C27 from Sandvik. The steel itself is of course not uncommon, but finding it in knives this small is somewhat rarer. It is quality steel even if they are not among the more expensive ones. For us Swedes, it is best known as the "Mora knife steel".
Otherwise, it can be added that the knife is thin behind the edge, and when paired with a stock thickness of two millimeters it works well. Especially as the factory edge was very sharp. It is also fairly even, which gives a good rating. It is not completely perfect as one side has a steeper angle than the other. There is also the hint of a small "smile" towards the ricasso. The recess, which facilitates future grinding, could have been slightly larger. But the smile is small and the execution is, after all, better than what many other manufacturers manage to achieve.
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| Swedish steel, 12C27 from Sandvik, is found in the polished blade |
Put to work, this little rascal surprises in a positive way. The hope was, of course, that it would cut relatively well, but it's always nice when expectations are met. Here Ruike transformed a stock thickness of two millimeters and reduced it to around 0.3-0.4 mm behind the edge via a hollow grind. This means that the S11 easily slides through ropes and the like as long as they are not too thick. With knives this tiny, you have to use a couple of cuts, and given the format, of course, you cannot create any direct force to put behind the cuts.
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| You can actually shred cardboard with this little knife. The handle is what is limiting the most |
But as a "pocket scalpel", to be used for all kinds of small tasks in everyday life, it is extremely functional. Especially when both the construction and the feel of the small blade inspire confidence. I have also tried to carve some grill sticks and it actually goes well. If you really have to, it is best to add. The knife's strengths are, of course, things like opening packages, cutting tape and strings, opening letters, cutting some string to put bind a steak (I happened to do it), removing tough plastic that encased a piece of salami, and so on.
Then it's a slip joint, so I don't like to stab with the knife and if you do, as usual, you have to be careful and do it at the right angle so that the blade doesn't fold.
Handle
One of the greatest assets the S11 has is that it is built like any large knife. This applies not only to the blade but also to the handle. Here you will find a steel frame on which sides of G10 have been screwed. Everything is made with good fit and precision, which gives a solid impression. Examples of this are how the frame is both polished, just like the blade, and how all corners and edges are softly rounded.
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| The handle slabs are made of G10 |
In addition to the marking found on the blade, a serial number has been imprinted on the back spring. Exactly what it should be good for is beyond my understanding, but if you must now necessarily have it on the knife, it is the next best place. The best would be inside the knife. But like the rest of the text, it is very small.
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| The back consists of the lock bar |
The G10 material used in the sides of the knife is of good quality. This results in a certain structure that provides friction and thus better traction. That's good on a knife this small. The sides are screwed in place with T6 screws.
At the back end of the knife, there is an attachment for a lanyard or rather for a key ring in this case. One is even included in the purchase. It gives a clear indication of how the manufacturer intended the knife to be classified.
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| The handle allows for a three-finger grip |
The handle shape is simple and anything else would be stupid considering the format. In return, it works well. This knife can be gripped relatively firmly. The shape means that all seven centimeters that the handle measures can be used to grip. But even so, the space is only enough for three fingers. But it is a good three-finger knife. Not the best, but good.
Opening and Lock
The S11 is a pocket knife with a classic cut, even if the way it is put together is modern. Classic means two-handed opening. To facilitate the procedure, the blade has been provided with a solid nail nick. Some people think it makes knives or rather blades uglier, but it is practical after all. Even I who am a nail-biter can use the notch to get a better grip with the pinch I use to open the knife.
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| A classical two-handed opening is facilitated by a nail nick |
The force to overcome the detent on a slip joint is usually called "pull" and considering how small the knife is, S11 offers a relatively good fight. The rating ends up around 5 out of 10. This blade does not pop out on its own.
The walk is soft and the resistance offered by the back spring I put around 4-5 as well. The sound the little knife makes when the blade falls into place is satisfying.
This means in plain language that in the unfolded position the blade is relatively solid. The back spring is strong enough for me not to feel uneasy. It is fully comparable to, for example, a Victorinox Cadet for those of you who have tested that knife. But then, of course, it's a slip joint with all that that entails. You don't stab with such a knife and some caution is recommended when using the knife so you don't accidentally hit the back of the blade too hard. Especially since the S11 lacks the halfway stop that is otherwise common on this type of knife.
To Carry
A knife that weighs a paltry 30 grams and measures 9x14x70 millimeters does not, of course, take up much space or make a fuss, whether it is found on a key ring or in a pocket. Nor does the handle material play any role in how the knife feels to carry on such a small scale.
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| It is in this easy-to-carry class of micro-knives that the S11 is found |
Ruike S11 is worn either as the description suggests on a key chain or loose in the pocket. If you want to wear it attached to something, there is a specially designed key ring attachment. Personally, I wear it loosely for the simple reason that I'm not a big fan of big key chains. Then I'm so lucky in life that I don't have to lug around very many keys either.
The biggest problem with carrying this knife loosely in a pocket is remembering you have it there. Admittedly, it lays crosswise, but the outer dimensions are so diminutive that it is still not noticeable. It also means that it requires a bit of rummaging in the bottom of your pocket to find it. It can be experienced as a little frustrating when, for example, you sit down. Knives with clips have spoiled us and accustomed us to knives being more readily available.
To Conclude
Ruike's model S11 is a knife that, despite its discreet format, can be sorted into the "modern traditional" category. It is a simple, single-bladed slip joint, which stylistically makes it traditional, while the materials and construction give it a modern touch. Both G10 and Sandvik 12C27 are found here. Then it should be pointed out that the other knives in Ruike's "S-series" have more functions and are thus small multi-tools to be compared with Swiss army knives.
The knife is screwed and not riveted. Something that is not quite common on pocket knives of older times. The screws are of course small, but that is something I have no problem with when they are found on a small knife. Especially as it is a slip joint. They should not be disassembled over and over again in any case. That's asking for trouble.
The steel is not only a good mid-range Swedish steel, if you may put it that way, but also well-treated it seems. The knife kept its sharpness well during the test period. Because the edge is relatively thin and the steel is not extremely hard, it is easy to maintain with a strop.
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| The Ruike S11 is a small knife that cuts better than you might believe |
The S11 is a model that belongs to those knives that cut a little better than you might think. There have been a few of these popping up lately and I'm grateful for that. Because no matter how nice a Victorinox Classic is, it's basically impossible to cut anything with. This knife, on the other hand, works quite well despite similar dimensions. A feature it shares with knives such as the Spyderco Manbug and Civivi Mini Elementum.
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| S11, is simple and tasty like an espresso |
Speaking of slip joints, you usually talk about certain specific things in connection with them. One such thing is how they sound. In this case, the S11 provides a satisfyingly strong snap when the back spring falls into place in both the outer and inner positions. Also, opening and closing the blade is fairly smooth. Thus, the "walk and talk" is satisfactory. The precision of the construction is also good. There are no gaps between the frame and the back spring and the transition between the sides and the frame is nicely done. The blade is centered with a fine finish and everything on the handle is rounded and polished.
The knife also comes with a five-year warranty. It's enough for this format, if the S11 hasn't given up at the time, it won't do it later either is my assessment.
Then it can be added that the well-worn cliché "that it disappears until you need it" is so true that I have lost it on several occasions and on at least one occasion washed the knife in the machine as it is easily forgotten at the bottom of a pocket. In other words, it is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
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| Ruike S11 is a keyring knife that offers good quality |
Overall, it seems as if Ruike invested in quality despite the Lilliput format. It is an interesting touch that is not one of the most common. Kudos to Ruike for that effort. Especially as the S11 is not a particularly expensive knife. Some of the others in the comparison pictures above cost both two and three times more. In Europe, this knife costs from €17 and up. A good and solid alternative as a complement to a slightly larger knife or for those who don't feel they need more.
Specifications:
Length Overall: 122 mm
Length Folded: 70 mm
Weight: 30 g
Blade Length: 52 mm
Blade Thickness: 2 mm
Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27N
Handle: G10
Lock: none, slip joint
Produced by: Ruike, made in China
/ J
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