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BENCHMADE 552 DOUG RITTER RSK MK1
ORIGINAL BENCHMADE PRODUCTION | DISCONTINUED COLLECTOR KNIFE
CPM S30V STAINLESS STEEL | MADE IN USA | EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION
A DISCONTINUED BENCHMADE COLLECTOR\'S PIECE
For the serious knife collector, few things are more appealing than finding an original, discontinued American-made knife that represents a collaboration between a respected manufacturer and a recognized knife designer.
This is the original Benchmade 552 Doug Ritter RSK Mk1, a highly regarded American-made folding knife that combines Benchmade\'s iconic Griptilian platform with Doug Ritter\'s distinctive blade design and premium CPM S30V stainless steel.
Introduced in 2004, the original Benchmade-manufactured Ritter RSK Mk1 was produced during a collaboration that ended in 2016. The original Model 552 is no longer manufactured by Benchmade.
For collectors of discontinued Benchmade knives, American-made cutlery, classic production folding knives, and designer collaborations, this is an opportunity to add an original Benchmade Ritter Griptilian to your collection.
This is the full-size, original Benchmade RSK Mk1 — NOT the smaller Mini-RSK, a standard Griptilian, or the later Hogue-manufactured RSK Mk1-G2.
THE DOUG RITTER DESIGN — A DISTINCTIVE BENCHMADE COLLABORATION
What sets the original Ritter RSK Mk1 apart from a conventional Griptilian is its distinctive, specially designed blade.
Doug Ritter\'s wide-chord, high flat-ground drop-point blade gives this knife an instantly recognizable profile that distinguishes it from Benchmade\'s standard production Griptilian models.
Manufactured by Benchmade in the USA, this original Model 552 features premium CPM S30V stainless steel, a stonewashed blade finish, Benchmade\'s amofferextrous AXIS locking mechanism, and the original black textured Griptilian handle.
The blade carries the Doug Ritter designer logo on one side and the classic Benchmade butterfly logo, USA marking, Model 552 designation, and original patent marking on the reverse.
These original markings make this a distinctive addition to a collection of classic Benchmade knives, American-made pocket knives, discontinued production folders, and notable knife designer collaborations.
The original Benchmade-manufactured Ritter RSK Mk1 represents an earlier chapter in the history of this enduring knife design.
EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION — VIRTUALLY NEW OVERALL
This knife is in excellent collector condition and presents beautifully.
The blade retains its distinctive stonewashed finish, with clearly visible Doug Ritter and Benchmade markings. The black textured handle scales are exceptionally well preserved, and the knife retains its original-style Benchmade pocket clip.
The knife presents as virtually new overall, with light cosmetic handling or storage wear visible on the pocket clip.
The photographs show the actual knife being offered, including detailed views of both sides of the blade, designer and manufacturer markings, handle, locking mechanism, and pocket clip.
For the collector looking for an original Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 in excellent condition, this knife is an outstanding addition to a display collection or a collection of discontinued American-made folding knives.
Please examine all photographs for the exact cosmetic condition.
WHY ADD THIS KNIFE TO YOUR COLLECTION?BENCHMADE 552 DOUG RITTER RSK MK1
ORIGINAL BENCHMADE PRODUCTION | DISCONTINUED COLLECTOR KNIFE
CPM S30V STAINLESS STEEL | MADE IN USA | EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION
A DISCONTINUED BENCHMADE COLLECTOR\'S PIECE
For the serious knife collector, few things are more appealing than finding an original, discontinued American-made knife that represents a collaboration between a respected manufacturer and a recognized knife designer.
This is the original Benchmade 552 Doug Ritter RSK Mk1, a highly regarded American-made folding knife that combines Benchmade\'s iconic Griptilian platform with Doug Ritter\'s distinctive blade design and premium CPM S30V stainless steel.
Introduced in 2004, the original Benchmade-manufactured Ritter RSK Mk1 was produced during a collaboration that ended in 2016. The original Model 552 is no longer manufactured by Benchmade.
For collectors of discontinued Benchmade knives, American-made cutlery, classic production folding knives, and designer collaborations, this is an opportunity to add an original Benchmade Ritter Griptilian to your collection.
This is the full-size, original Benchmade RSK Mk1 — NOT the smaller Mini-RSK, a standard Griptilian, or the later Hogue-manufactured RSK Mk1-G2.
THE DOUG RITTER DESIGN — A DISTINCTIVE BENCHMADE COLLABORATION
What sets the original Ritter RSK Mk1 apart from a conventional Griptilian is its distinctive, specially designed blade.
Doug Ritter\'s wide-chord, high flat-ground drop-point blade gives this knife an instantly recognizable profile that distinguishes it from Benchmade\'s standard production Griptilian models.
Manufactured by Benchmade in the USA, this original Model 552 features premium CPM S30V stainless steel, a stonewashed blade finish, Benchmade\'s amofferextrous AXIS locking mechanism, and the original black textured Griptilian handle.
The blade carries the Doug Ritter designer logo on one side and the classic Benchmade butterfly logo, USA marking, Model 552 designation, and original patent marking on the reverse.
These original markings make this a distinctive addition to a collection of classic Benchmade knives, American-made pocket knives, discontinued production folders, and notable knife designer collaborations.
The original Benchmade-manufactured Ritter RSK Mk1 represents an earlier chapter in the history of this enduring knife design.
EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION — VIRTUALLY NEW OVERALL
This knife is in excellent collector condition and presents beautifully.
The blade retains its distinctive stonewashed finish, with clearly visible Doug Ritter and Benchmade markings. The black textured handle scales are exceptionally well preserved, and the knife retains its original-style Benchmade pocket clip.
The knife presents as virtually new overall, with light cosmetic handling or storage wear visible on the pocket clip.
The photographs show the actual knife being offered, including detailed views of both sides of the blade, designer and manufacturer markings, handle, locking mechanism, and pocket clip.
For the collector looking for an original Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 in excellent condition, this knife is an outstanding addition to a display collection or a collection of discontinued American-made folding knives.
Please examine all photographs for the exact cosmetic condition.
WHY ADD THIS KNIFE TO YOUR COLLECTION?
ORIGINAL BENCHMADE PRODUCTION
An authentic example of the original Benchmade-manufactured Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 collaboration.
DISCONTINUED COLLECTOR MODEL
The original Model 552 is no longer manufactured by Benchmade, distinguishing it from the later Hogue-produced RSK series.
RECOGNIZED DESIGNER COLLABORATION
Combines Doug Ritter\'s distinctive blade design with the classic Benchmade Griptilian platform.
PREMIUM CPM S30V STEEL
Features premium American powder-metallurgy stainless blade steel.
CLASSIC BENCHMADE AXIS LOCK
Incorporates Benchmade\'s well-known amofferextrous crossbar locking mechanism.
ORIGINAL COLLECTOR MARKINGS
Features the Benchmade butterfly logo, USA designation, Model 552 marking, Doug Ritter designer logo, and original patent marking.
AMERICAN-MADE CUTLERY
Manufactured by Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City, Oregon, USA.
EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION
A beautifully preserved example that presents as virtually new overall.
Whether your collection focuses on Benchmade knives, discontinued pocket knives, premium folding knives, American-made cutlery, classic EDC designs, survival knives, or notable designer collaborations, this original Ritter RSK Mk1 deserves a place in your collection.
COMPLETE KNIFE SPECIFICATIONSMANUFACTURER & MODEL
Manufacturer: Benchmade Knife Company
Model: 552
Model Name: Doug Ritter RSK Mk1
Common Name: Ritter Griptilian
Series: Ritter Survival Knife (RSK)
Size: Full-size
Knife Type: Manual folding pocket knife
Country of Manufacture: United States
Original Introduction: 2004
Production Era: 2004–2016
Production Status: Discontinued
Individual Manufacture Year: Not verified
Designer Collaboration: Doug Ritter / Benchmade
Blade Designer: Doug Ritter
Original Griptilian Platform Designer: Mel Pardue
BLADE SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless steel
Blade Shape: Wide-chord modified drop point
Blade Grind: High flat grind
Blade Finish: Stonewashed / stone-tumbled
Blade Length: Approximately 3.44 inches
Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.115 inches
Blade Edge: Plain edge
Blade Configuration: Single blade
Blade Markings: Doug Ritter designer logo
Reverse Blade Markings: Benchmade butterfly logo, USA, Model 552, and patent number
Patent Marking: U.S. Patent No. 5,737,841
Opening Mechanism: Manual, dual thumb studs
Opening Configuration: Amofferextrous
HANDLE & LOCKING SYSTEM
Handle Color: Black
Handle Material: Textured glass-filled Noryl GTX polymer
Handle Design: Ergonomic Griptilian pattern
Handle Texture: Molded diamond-pattern grip panels
Handle Construction: Stainless steel liners with molded handle scales
Locking Mechanism: Benchmade AXIS Lock
Lock Configuration: Amofferextrous crossbar lock
Thumb Ramp: Jimped
Handle Spine: Textured
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Pocket Clip: Black Benchmade-branded steel clip
Clip Attachment: Three-screw attachment
Clip Position: Reversible, left or right side
Carry Orientation: Tip-up
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Open Length: Approximately 8.06 inches
Closed Length: Approximately 4.62 inches
Blade Length: Approximately 3.44 inches
Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.115 inches
Weight: Approximately 3.8 ounces
Handle Thickness: Approximately 0.64 inches
COLLECTOR INFORMATION
Original Production: Benchmade / Doug Ritter collaboration
Model Configuration: Original Model 552
Production Status: Discontinued Benchmade production model
Country of Manufacture: USA
Designer Identification: Doug Ritter designer-marked blade
Manufacturer Identification: Benchmade butterfly logo
Patent Identification: Original AXIS Lock patent marking
Blade Steel: Premium CPM S30V stainless steel
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Handle: Original black textured Griptilian handle
Overall Condition: Excellent collector condition
Cosmetic Appearance: Virtually new overall
Noted Wear: Light cosmetic wear on pocket clip
Original Box and Paperwork: Not shown or included in photographs
AN ORIGINAL BENCHMADE RITTER RSK MK1
A distinctive piece of Benchmade history, this original discontinued Model 552 offers the combination of recognizable designer markings, American manufacturing, premium steel, classic Benchmade engineering, and excellent collector condition.
Add this original Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 to your collection of American-made folding knives and discontinued production cutlery.An authentic example of the original Benchmade-manufactured Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 collaboration.
DISCONTINUED COLLECTOR MODEL
The original Model 552 is no longer manufactured by Benchmade, distinguishing it from the later Hogue-produced RSK series.
RECOGNIZED DESIGNER COLLABORATION
Combines Doug Ritter\'s distinctive blade design with the classic Benchmade Griptilian platform.
PREMIUM CPM S30V STEEL
Features premium American powder-metallurgy stainless blade steel.
CLASSIC BENCHMADE AXIS LOCK
Incorporates Benchmade\'s well-known amofferextrous crossbar locking mechanism.
ORIGINAL COLLECTOR MARKINGS
Features the Benchmade butterfly logo, USA designation, Model 552 marking, Doug Ritter designer logo, and original patent marking.
AMERICAN-MADE CUTLERY
Manufactured by Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City, Oregon, USA.
EXCELLENT COLLECTOR CONDITION
A beautifully preserved example that presents as virtually new overall.
Whether your collection focuses on Benchmade knives, discontinued pocket knives, premium folding knives, American-made cutlery, classic EDC designs, survival knives, or notable designer collaborations, this original Ritter RSK Mk1 deserves a place in your collection.
COMPLETE KNIFE SPECIFICATIONSMANUFACTURER & MODEL
Manufacturer: Benchmade Knife Company
Model: 552
Model Name: Doug Ritter RSK Mk1
Common Name: Ritter Griptilian
Series: Ritter Survival Knife (RSK)
Size: Full-size
Knife Type: Manual folding pocket knife
Country of Manufacture: United States
Original Introduction: 2004
Production Era: 2004–2016
Production Status: Discontinued
Individual Manufacture Year: Not verified
Designer Collaboration: Doug Ritter / Benchmade
Blade Designer: Doug Ritter
Original Griptilian Platform Designer: Mel Pardue
BLADE SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless steel
Blade Shape: Wide-chord modified drop point
Blade Grind: High flat grind
Blade Finish: Stonewashed / stone-tumbled
Blade Length: Approximately 3.44 inches
Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.115 inches
Blade Edge: Plain edge
Blade Configuration: Single blade
Blade Markings: Doug Ritter designer logo
Reverse Blade Markings: Benchmade butterfly logo, USA, Model 552, and patent number
Patent Marking: U.S. Patent No. 5,737,841
Opening Mechanism: Manual, dual thumb studs
Opening Configuration: Amofferextrous
HANDLE & LOCKING SYSTEM
Handle Color: Black
Handle Material: Textured glass-filled Noryl GTX polymer
Handle Design: Ergonomic Griptilian pattern
Handle Texture: Molded diamond-pattern grip panels
Handle Construction: Stainless steel liners with molded handle scales
Locking Mechanism: Benchmade AXIS Lock
Lock Configuration: Amofferextrous crossbar lock
Thumb Ramp: Jimped
Handle Spine: Textured
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Pocket Clip: Black Benchmade-branded steel clip
Clip Attachment: Three-screw attachment
Clip Position: Reversible, left or right side
Carry Orientation: Tip-up
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Open Length: Approximately 8.06 inches
Closed Length: Approximately 4.62 inches
Blade Length: Approximately 3.44 inches
Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.115 inches
Weight: Approximately 3.8 ounces
Handle Thickness: Approximately 0.64 inches
COLLECTOR INFORMATION
Original Production: Benchmade / Doug Ritter collaboration
Model Configuration: Original Model 552
Production Status: Discontinued Benchmade production model
Country of Manufacture: USA
Designer Identification: Doug Ritter designer-marked blade
Manufacturer Identification: Benchmade butterfly logo
Patent Identification: Original AXIS Lock patent marking
Blade Steel: Premium CPM S30V stainless steel
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Handle: Original black textured Griptilian handle
Overall Condition: Excellent collector condition
Cosmetic Appearance: Virtually new overall
Noted Wear: Light cosmetic wear on pocket clip
Original Box and Paperwork: Not shown or included in photographs
AN ORIGINAL BENCHMADE RITTER RSK MK1
A distinctive piece of Benchmade history, this original discontinued Model 552 offers the combination of recognizable designer markings, American manufacturing, premium steel, classic Benchmade engineering, and excellent collector condition.
Add this original Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 to your collection of American-made folding knives and discontinued production cutlery.
