Real Steel Kicks Folding Puukko Up a Notch

A common, and often unfulfilled hope of knife enthusiasts is that our favorite budget blade might one day be offered in better materials. Real Steel Knives is turning this pipe dream into a reality for its growing fan base by expanding its lineup of folding puukko-style frame lock knives with the S3, a premium version of the Ostap Hel-designed G3 knife. The company is also readying its latest fixed blade and planning more variations of the G3 in the future.

S3 and Future Versions
The new S3 retains the dimensions of the G3. The changes occur in premium materials and finishing only. “Like other S series models, we made this high-end version to meet the needs of the fans who desire top quality steel,” says RSK’s Frank Gong. Instead of a steel frame and 14C28N blade, the S3 comes out in a bead blasted titanium frame and M390 blade. The result kicks up edge retention and shaves more than an ounce off the 4.7 oz. original.

Like its predecessor, the 3.7-inch bladed S3 comes in two configurations. Customers can pick one up with a regular flipper tab and a duplex grind blade, which Gong tells us functions much more traditionally than you might expect. “[It] works on a similar level as a flat grind blade, but it’s a lot swankier. It’s common on handmade knives but rare on mass produced ones as we have done here.” A second configuration features a near Scandi grind and a front flipper. “[They] are seldom seen, and we want to take advantage of this and set a new benchmark for the front flipper class,” Gong states.

Real Steel plans to produce around 600 S3s total, although it is not averse to bringing out extra if the demand is there. The S3 is the latest version of Hel’s folding puukko design, but not the last. Gong tells us G-10 handled model and a fixed blade variant are already in the pipeline. “RSK fans will be able to look forward to them in the coming months.”

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Forager
RSK might generate more attention for its adventurous folding knife designs, but the company continues to develop its fixed blades offerings as well. The Forager is the latest, an all-purpose outdoors knife with a 4.25-inch blade made from 14C28N. “The Forager is an all-rounder under 10 inches total in length,” Gong says. “You can even consider it a hunting knife if you’d like.”

The company decided to emphasize the details and finishing with the full tang Forager. It features flat screws and a rounded tang to enhance ergonomics – details that RSK plans to incorporate into future fixed blade models. Fitting its outdoor role, the Forager comes in a handsome leather belt sheath.

The Forager is now available directly from Real Steel. The S3 will be available on Friday and will command an MSRP of $259.

Knife featured in image: Real Steel S3