Hands-On Ruike Karambit Review: Specs, Performance, and Testing

By: Sherrie Prescott

Unboxing the Tactical Titan

Upon first glance, the Ruike Karambit Fixed Blade Knife RK-F181-W makes an immediate impression with its bold, tactical design and desert sand aesthetic. Unboxing this fixed blade powerhouse reveals a sturdy ABS sheath, a stonewashed blade gleaming with promise, and a substantial G10 handle textured for grip. Everything about the presentation feels premium and purpose-built for professionals and enthusiasts alike. From its solid weight to the confidence-inspiring shape, this is clearly no ordinary knife—it’s a workhorse forged for the rigors of field, combat, or rescue use.

*The Ruike F181-W arrives ready for action, with a rugged ABS sheath and a commanding presence straight out of the box.*

Form Meets Function: Design and Build Quality

Measuring 229 mm (9.02 inches) overall, with a 115 mm (4.53 inch) blade, the F181-W balances size and weight beautifully. At 198 grams (6.98 oz), it feels substantial without being burdensome. The karambit-inspired silhouette—with its signature finger ring at the pommel—promotes enhanced retention and control, especially in reverse grip scenarios often favored in tactical applications. The stonewash finish gives the blade a rugged, wear-resistant appearance, while minimizing glare—ideal for discreet field work.

*Ergonomic, tactical, and battle-ready—the F181-W’s form factor is engineered for mission-critical tasks.*

Specifications Recap:

• Overall Length: 229 mm / 9.02″
• Blade Length: 115 mm / 4.53″
• Blade Thickness: 4.5 mm / 0.18″
• Weight: 198 g / 6.98 oz
• Blade Material: 14C28N stainless steel (58~60 HRC)
• Handle Material: G10
• Sheath: ABS
• Finish: Stonewash

Materials That Matter: Steel and Handle

The blade steel is Sandvik 14C28N, boasting a 58-60 HRC hardness rating, making it a high-performing stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance and edge retention. This choice of material strikes a superb balance between toughness and ease of maintenance—an essential quality for survivalists and first responders. The G10 handle, textured and contoured, offers reliable grip under wet or gloved conditions. It’s one of the most durable handle materials available, known for resisting impacts, heat, and moisture.

*Crafted from 14C28N stainless steel and grippy G10 handles, the F181-W is built to withstand abuse.*

Ergonomics and Handling

Ruike clearly put thought into the ergonomics of the F181-W. The handle’s shape molds to the hand, while the rear safety ring increases retention during aggressive use or tactical maneuvers. Whether used for slicing, stabbing, or carving, the knife stays firmly in hand. The grip feels natural in forward or reverse holds, making it equally effective for utility or defensive tasks.

*The contoured grip and safety ring allow for secure handling in both forward and reverse grips.*

Performance Tests: Pushing the F181-W to Its Limits

1.Hair Shave Test – Razor’s Edge

Right out of the box, the Ruike F181-W proved scalpel-sharp. A gentle stroke across the arm effortlessly cleared patches of hair, confirming a finely honed edge. This test demonstrates the factory sharpening quality and shows the blade is ready for detailed cutting tasks right from the start.

*The blade aces the hair shave test, gliding through arm hair with zero effort.*

2. Denim Cut Test – Fabric Execution

Next up, the knife was pitted against folded layers of rugged denim. With minimal effort, the blade cleaved through, leaving a smooth, precise cut. This shows its suitability for cutting through clothing or heavy fabric during rescue missions or outdoor survival situations.

*Thick denim posed no challenge—the blade sliced through in a clean single motion.*

3. Hardened Plastic Cutting Test – No Resistance

Cutting through a piece of rigid PVC piping, the F181-W performed admirably. The robust 4.5 mm thick blade powered through with impressive efficiency, underscoring the knife’s strength and durability. The thick spine and acute tip offer the perfect combo of brute force and slicing finesse.

*Hard plastic tubing was no match—the F181-W sliced it like butter.*

4. Wood Shaving Test – Featherstick Champion

When put to the test in the woods, the F181-W showcased excellent control while shaving down dry wood for kindling. The G10 handle helped maintain precision, while the sharp blade easily produced fine curls—a must-have trait in bushcraft and survival contexts.

*Feathersticks? No problem. The blade carved curls with surgical precision.*

5. Cardboard Cut Test – Edge Retention Check

The knife was then tasked with repeatedly slicing through multiple layers of corrugated cardboard. Even after a dozen cuts, the edge remained remarkably sharp, a testament to the 14C28N steel’s outstanding edge retention and heat treatment.

*Layer after layer of cardboard, the blade kept cutting clean.*

6. Nylon/Rope Cut Test – Slice and Sever

Using the F181-W on thick paracord and climbing-grade nylon rope demonstrated its cutting power. One firm pull was enough to slice clean through, with little resistance and high accuracy. This makes it especially suitable for emergency use, where seconds matter.

*Nylon rope sliced cleanly with one pull—ideal for rescue or tactical use.*

7. Paper Cut Test – Finely Tuned Sharpness

To test how well the edge held its fine sharpness, a sheet of standard printer paper was used. The blade passed with flying colors—gliding effortlessly without snags, indicating an evenly sharpened and finely ground edge. This sharpness is not just impressive, it’s functional for intricate tasks.

*Delicate cuts through paper highlight the blade’s refined edge geometry.*

8. Can Test – Brute Force Durability

Finally, the blade was used to puncture and slice through a standard aluminum can. The tip dug in easily, and the blade sliced through the curved metal without damage. This test proved the knife’s formidable strength and durability under abuse, crucial for rescue or EDC applications.

*Even a tough tin can wasn’t enough to dull the F181-W’s bite.*

Practicality and Portability

The included ABS sheath is lightweight, tough, and designed for quick access. It secures the blade snugly, while offering multiple mounting options—belt, molle, or backpack. Though it lacks a retention strap, the design ensures the knife stays in place even during vigorous movement.

Final Verdict: Ruike F181-W – A Tactical Blade Worth Every Penny

Whether you’re a tactical enthusiast, survivalist, or outdoor explorer, the Ruike Karambit Fixed Blade Knife F181-W is a formidable tool. With its combat-grade 14C28N steel, tough G10 handle, versatile sheath, and stellar performance across a variety of cutting tasks, it more than justifies its price. From slicing paper to puncturing cans, this blade doesn’t back down. The karambit-style design adds a layer of retention and control unmatched in many fixed blade knives in its category.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Razor-sharp 14C28N blade with excellent edge retention
✔ Karambit-style safety ring for superior grip and retention
✔ Ergonomic and highly textured G10 handle
✔ Performs well in a wide range of real-world cutting scenarios
✔ Durable, discreet stonewashed finish
✔ Tough ABS sheath with multi-mount options

Cons:
✖ Sheath lacks active retention strap
✖ Bulkier than some compact EDC knives
✖ Reverse grip may not suit every user

Where to Buy
For more details or to purchase the Ruike F181-W, visit: https://goinggear.com/

Whether you need a knife for rescue work, outdoor survival, or tactical defense, the Ruike RK-F181-W stands out as a reliable, razor-sharp companion ready for anything.