{"id":5793,"date":"2017-02-19T08:33:37","date_gmt":"2017-02-19T16:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/?p=5793"},"modified":"2023-05-07T21:54:28","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T04:54:28","slug":"rike-knife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/rike-knife\/","title":{"rendered":"Rike Knife"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"author-info\"><img src = \"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/contributor1.jpg\" class=\"user-avatar\" \/> <span class=\"entry-author\" itemprop=\"author\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\"><a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/author\/matt\/\" class=\"entry-author-link\" rel=\"author\" itemprop=\"url\"><span class=\"entry-author-name\" itemprop=\"name\">Matt Davidson<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><p class=\"tdm-descr\">We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.<\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5796\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike.jpg\" alt=\"Brand-banner-Rike\" width=\"809\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike.jpg 809w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike-150x46.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike-300x93.jpg 300w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike-768x237.jpg 768w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Brand-banner-Rike-450x139.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"brandspecs\">\n<h6>Brand\u00a0Summary<\/h6>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Parent Company: <\/strong>Rike Knife Co. Ltd.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>Guangdong, China<\/li>\n<li><strong>Product Focus: <\/strong>EDC, Mid-Tech, Collector<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target Markets: <\/strong>High End ($200-$400),\u00a0Ultra High End ($400+)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Production Facilities: <\/strong>China<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Rike Knife<\/strong> was founded in 2008 by Richard Wu, who took the first two letters of his name, RI, threw on a couple more and settled on &#8216;Rike\u2019. \u00a0Claiming to represent Chinese characteristics, Rike began their journey as professional knife makers after a humble beginning bringing other designer&#8217;s creations to life in the OEM\/ODM market. \u00a0In due time, Rike hired their own team of top designers, and pivoted to producing their own line of branded knives. \u00a0In the words of Richard himself, \u201c<em>Rike dares to be an innovative brand, challenging the knife making practice. \u00a0We strive to use the very best materials to produce excellent knife products for customers from all over the world.<\/em>\u201d \u00a0He went on to compare their methods and ideologies to respected names like <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/zero-tolerance-knives\/\"><strong>Zero Tolerance<\/strong><\/a>, <strong>Shirogorov<\/strong>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/microtech-knives\/\"><strong>Microtech<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Rike\u2019s been hard at work since those early days, and it\u2019s been nearly a decade now. \u00a0Today, they offer a fantastic line of about a dozen knives (each with many variations), as well as some other EDC products, such as pens. \u00a0They produce out of a facility packed to the brim with CNC machines, tools, and everything else required for high-end manufacture. \u00a0They don\u2019t state how many employees they have, but with pictures that frame a location with an office space, front desk, rows of machines, and more, it\u2019s fair to suspect they\u2019re quite the operation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5798\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/RikeFactory1.jpg\" alt=\"RikeFactory1\" width=\"800\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/RikeFactory1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/RikeFactory1-150x50.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/RikeFactory1-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/RikeFactory1-768x256.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Their flippers are well received for their dazzling looks and unique auras. \u00a0Rike is clearly working hard to gain equal footing with their highly reputable competition in <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/we-knife\/\"><strong>WE Knife Co.<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/reate-knives\/\"><strong>Reate Knives<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0It will be worth keeping a close eye on the company as we head to events like Blade 2017, to see what they have in store to compete with WE Knife\u2019s latest concepts and Reate\u2019s growing business as a producer for household names like <strong>Todd Begg<\/strong>. \u00a0Rike seems to have some special versions of their best pieces in the pipeline, so stay tuned.<\/p>\n<h2>Stand-out Qualities<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s no denying that Rike stands among the proud, burgeoning Chinese crafters such as its counterparts WE, Reate, Stedemon and Kizer. \u00a0Each has their own flavor, bringing something slightly different to the market. \u00a0Anecdotally speaking, Rike\u2019s claims to fame include their world-class anodization and their mechanistic sci-fi profiles. \u00a0I\u2019ve got to hand it to them, their knives are <em>stunning<\/em>. Just take a look at this <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/rike-knife-thor2-review\/\"><strong>Thor 2<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0Not only do you get aesthetics that could easily be mistaken for a full custom, but you get <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/discovering-the-best-knife-steel\/\"><strong>Bohler M390<\/strong><\/a> blade steel, <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-knife-handle-materials\/\"><strong>TC4 Titanium<\/strong><\/a> <em>everything else, <\/em>ceramic ball bearings, all in an 8.75\u201d package.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5804\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-Thor2.jpg\" alt=\"Rike-Thor2\" width=\"650\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-Thor2.jpg 650w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-Thor2-150x57.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-Thor2-300x114.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Thor 2 without the pattern is $500 retail, so I imagine that this version would be around $600-ish. \u00a0That\u2019s a lot for a pocket knife, but Rike has cheaper offerings as low as $275, and $500-$600 for a package that mimics what you find in some knives as expensive as $1,000 is worthy of a second glance.<\/p>\n<p>It has to be said that <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">aesthetics, machining, and materials<\/span> are what hold Rike up as a player in the production knife game. \u00a0While they maintained some diversity in the early days with the <strong>1503<\/strong>, and the <strong>Thor<\/strong> models are a <em>slight<\/em> detour, Rike seems to be on a path of consistency. \u00a0There\u2019s nothing particularly wrong with that on the face of it, except, it doesn\u2019t really fit their business model. \u00a0If you\u2019re <strong>Greg Medford<\/strong>, you can get along fine with some <strong>Praetorian<\/strong> variations and then just a couple other models for those who maybe <em>can\u2019t <\/em>carry a forty pound slab of murder to the office every day. \u00a0That said, Rike <em>isn\u2019t<\/em> Greg Medford, and they seem to want to compete with WE in the major production market for high end knives in America. \u00a0If they want to do that, I\u2019d like to see some more variety from them in 2017. \u00a0WE Knives already has twice as many models available in the US and each one is a spectacular exercise in unique design. \u00a0Of course, if you haven\u2019t already had one or two of Rike\u2019s knives, then this is lost on you, as there\u2019s still plenty of glory to be had with what they already make.<\/p>\n<h2>Notable Models<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ve done a lot of talking about how similar Rike\u2019s models are, but you do get <em>some<\/em> variety with the 1503 and the Thor models. \u00a0Still, variety is key, so while the choices listed below reflect some of Rike\u2019s most recognizable presentations, I wait with baited breath to see what else they provide. \u00a0It is worth noting, again, that Rike offers an absolute ton of variations to each model, so there\u2019s a little something for everyone, which I like!<\/p>\n<h4><strong>1503<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The 1503 is perhaps the most off-the-beaten-path option from Rike. \u00a0It trades the hard lines and crisp angles of their other options for a more curved and organic vibe. \u00a0Being the only major departure from their design language, however, this knife sticks out like a sore thumb on their website because it\u2019s the <em>only<\/em> one they offer in this vein. \u00a0It would fit better in their lineup if they gave it some curved buddies to hang with.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5801\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1503-700.jpg\" alt=\"Rike 1503-700\" width=\"600\" height=\"111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1503-700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1503-700-150x28.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1503-700-300x55.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>1504<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>In early 2016 we saw the introduction of the 1504 flipper models. \u00a0Two primary variants, A and B with sheepsfoot and spearpoint blades sporting <strong>CPM-S35VN<\/strong> steel. \u00a0The 1504 is\u00a0beefy at about 5.5 oz, but operates as smoothly as it&#8217;s slender cousins thanks to the ball bearing pivot. Rike initially put out a run of about 200 or so 1504 models.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5806\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1504B-700.jpg\" alt=\"Rike 1504B-700\" width=\"600\" height=\"118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1504B-700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1504B-700-150x30.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1504B-700-300x59.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>1507<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>This is <em>the<\/em> Rike knife. \u00a0I\u2019ve seen way more people online owning this knife than Rike\u2019s other knives. \u00a0I don\u2019t think this is a reflection on the 1507 being \u2018better\u2019 as much as I think it\u2019s due to well-stocked inventory and a uniquely recognizable profile. \u00a0I own a 1507 myself and it\u2019s sort of the essential entry knife of Rike\u2019s product line. \u00a0Starting at only $285 for a non-anodized version, this is Rike\u2019s cheapest knife (as far as I can tell), and is easily the namesake that has propelled them into knife enthusiast conversations all over North America. \u00a0Here&#8217;s our <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/rike-1507s-review\/\">review of the 1507<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4511\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/600-Rike-1507s.jpg\" alt=\"Rike 1507s\" width=\"600\" height=\"86\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/600-Rike-1507s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/600-Rike-1507s-150x22.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/600-Rike-1507s-300x43.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>1508<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 1508 takes all of the design queues from the 1507, and pumps some air into them like a balloon to beef up the size and thickness. \u00a0If you liked the 1507 but have big hands or the need for a larger blade, the 1508 is definitely worth a look.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5802\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1508s-700.jpg\" alt=\"Rike 1508s-700\" width=\"600\" height=\"109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1508s-700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1508s-700-150x27.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rike-1508s-700-300x54.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Thor 1 and 2<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The Thor 1 and 2 models are entirely distinct from one another, so don\u2019t let my combining of the two throw you off. \u00a0They have markedly different designs, but I\u2019m roping them together here because they represent what Rike has to offer on the higher end. \u00a0These are the halo-knives of the brand, and come in variations that offer the most noteworthy and flashy design aesthetics, including patterned anodization, funky colors, and finishes that seem to be reserved for the Thor lines. \u00a0I have to tell you, these things are gorgeous, and I\u2019m a fan of the name as well. \u00a0Here&#8217;s our <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/rike-knife-thor2-review\/\">recent review of the Thor2<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5687\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Rike-Thor-2-700.jpg\" alt=\"Rike Thor 2-700\" width=\"600\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Rike-Thor-2-700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Rike-Thor-2-700-150x26.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Rike-Thor-2-700-300x53.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Primary Competitors<\/h2>\n<p>Other than <strong>WE Knife<\/strong>\u00a0and <strong>Reate<\/strong>, Richard Wu said it himself when outlining who they\u2019re competing against. \u00a0From what he listed, <strong>Zero Tolerance<\/strong> jumps out at me first, although, if Rike starts slapping more <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide\/\">Damascus <\/a>blades on their fanciest offerings, the prices will be in line with mid-level Shiro\u2019s really fast. \u00a0Unlike WE, however, Rike\u2019s prices don\u2019t stop at the $300 mark, and instead climb higher, poking at the likes of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/chris-reeve-knives\/\">Chris Reeves<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>Olamic 247\u2019s<\/strong>, <strong>Custom Knife Factory<\/strong>, and basically any Mid-Tech that isn\u2019t a <a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/todd-begg-steelcraft-mini-bodega-review\/\"><strong>Bodega<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0At the $300 mark, I\u2019m happy to take the risk of having warranty work be on the other side of the world, behind doors that are muddied with online translators. \u00a0At $600? \u00a0I\u2019m not so sure. \u00a0If Rike can keep up with the pack, though, and make 2017 a year full of amazing releases and stocked shelves, I\u2019m confident they have the design language and motivation to push well into the western mainstream.<\/p>\n<h2>Looking Forward<\/h2>\n<p>Rike\u2019s future isn\u2019t as clear to me as WE\u2019s or Reate\u2019s. \u00a0It\u2019s possible that they\u2019re producing a lot more non-branded stuff for other designers that they don\u2019t advertise, but as for their own brand, I\u2019m really wanting for more choices. \u00a0Some of the Thor 1 and Thor 2 variants are the most breathtaking pieces I\u2019ve ever seen, which is great news. \u00a0It proves that Rike\u2019s team has what it takes to shine above the field, and push their way into the pockets of enthusiasts everywhere. \u00a0The hobby is growing, and demand for more knives grows exponentially with each passing day, which calls for production companies to bring up the choice count and keep up with demand. \u00a0Rike will need to play that game, and play it well, if they intend to run the race with WE and Reate. \u00a0The next few years will prove critical for the brand, and I hope to see amazing stuff.<\/p>\n<p>I look forward to reviewing what Rike brings to Blade 2017, and where they\u2019re able to capitalize on what they bring to the table when up against so many other great options.\u00a0Stay tuned&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>Guangdong, China<br \/>\nRike Knife stands among the latest crop of high end Chinese knife makers hitting the US by storm.  They&#8217;re still a young operation with relatively limited selection but plenty to offer in terms of talent and creativity.  Aesthetics, machining, and materials are what hold Rike up as a player in today&#8217;s production knife game. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9335,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[45],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5793"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5793"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5793\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12430,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5793\/revisions\/12430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}