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Ok wait... something wrong here. I just opened a package with a brand new RIA from Knifecenter. Its "Serial number is exactly the same here. J1917. Is this a "series" number then? ...for like a batch number? I have the AR-RPM9 steel version. This seems not correct.
@@metal_complex Yep, just looked it up. its a Series number for the RIA. Had it a few hours. Already love it. WIll be paying attention to how this steel holds up. I'm expecting similar to 9CR18MOV but maybe will hold the edge slightly better .
I absolutely love 12c27 as a budget steel. It takes an incredible edge, hold it for long enough and strops up beautifully. For the price you pay for it, it's incredible.
Been carrying a knife for at least 45 years. To this day my dad who's 84 years old would kick my ass if he saw me without a knife on my person. While I'm just getting into knife reviews, this metal complex guy has this shit figured out. Excellent job sir. I'd say he was a dammed good car salesman as well! Lol
Greetings from Oklahoma!!! It always feels good to hear someone else pronounce the word FOR to sound like FUR. There's not many of us across the nation, and we kind of get a bad rap from the Nationwide news. It's good to see someone doing positive stuff hailing from the midwest. Y'all keep it up!
Got this thing a while back in Micarta and their new AR-RPM9 steel. Tests are still out on it, but Artisan/CJRB claims it's a budget particle steel, performs slightly better than D2 and it's stainless. Now that I've also got the CRKT CEO, I can definitely say I enjoy the Ria more. The liner lock is easier to disengage, it flies open very easy, and pushing directly up where the CEO takes a bit of finesse with the angle you push the thumbstud at. I'm still a bit confused why some companies will choose 12C27 rather than 14C28N from Sandvik since the price isn't much different and it performs a bit better (I liken it to the difference between S30V and S35VN). Maybe it's easier to machine. Oh well, they're both good budget steels. Have to say I was taken aback as to how small it was when I first got it, but it fits comfortably in my larger hands before and after opening.
Right out of the box that thumb stud AWFUL. I’m far from alone saying that. Read any review section for the Ria & you’ll find A LOT of people mad about the thumb stud. The thumb stud is too tight up against the handle, thumb stud barely rises above the level of the handle & the detent is ridiculously tough. My first day with the knife I attempted to break it in hoping it would be fine easier to deploy. Later that night the pad of my thumb was so sore it felt like a car door got slammed on it. I tried using my thumbnail up against the stud & it was difficult enough to make me think I’d just never open the knife that way in the future. I ended up filing down the micarta around the stud & then it finally became easier to use. After opening it again and again the detent also softened a bit & now it’s much easier to get the blade moving. It took a bit of trial & error to finally find the sweet spot for deploying the blade but as it is now I love it. I certainly didn’t feel that way at first. I don’t know whether this guy is flat out lying or CJRB made sure the knife he got didn’t have these issues. The point is if u buy this knife don’t expect it to be super smooth like this guy is portraying it
“Pleasant, easy to engage, minimum effort, flawless, no fails” you would expect anyone could do this without practice. Not true!! I do like the look and size.
Please note that the blade will touch the lanyard swivel when fidgeting . I was sharpening the knife and the next day I was finding the blade damaged. The damage looked like chipping......but it was not. Please try it and tell me if I am wrong. NOW, I have removed that lanyard thing and the knife is perfect. In fact I own three of them.
I didn’t know what the little piece of metal was. I am constantly fidgeting with this knife my thumb hurts so I have to put in down. I haven’t noticed any chipping or scratches from my blade touching that lanyard hole.
Was very interested in this beautiful knife and read various actual buyer reviews online. Alarmingly some 40% of all reviews I read mention lock failure after light or moderate use!!! How is it possible that not one of the popular knife review channels even mentions this or does its tests to varify or refute these claims? Beginning to loose confidence in the knife channels which seldom if ever provide serious criticism of any model by any large knife manufacturer.
This is an *extraordinary* knife. Of course it is not the best knife in the worlds, but I would say that it is easily the best sub-$50 knife I own. In fact, I own two. At $50-60, Civivis are more solid, but also bigger. You can take a Ria anywhere without scaring anyone. You can't use a Dogma or a Baklash in an office environment without looking weird. The blade of the Ria is almost the size of a Para 3, but it feels and looks much, much smaller. The blade is very sharp and perfectly centered, with a lot of usable belly. The action and construction is in *absolute terms* incredible. It's better than Wes and Kizers that cost 10x as much. Incredible. The construction is also extremely simple: two torx screws and you're done. The liner lock is chromed and chamfered; very pleasant to use. The clip is encased and the clip screws are recessed; you can pocket the knife and it is completely hidden. Like for the CJRB centros, the lanyard hole is hidden in a peg and invisible you don't need it. I can't express completely how thoughtful and intelligent the design of the knife is. This is my fourth Artisan/CJRB knife, and so far I have been impressed with execution; but this is a fantastic design, achieving so much for so low a price.
I bought this knife from Amazon because of your recommendation, I can not get to deploy without a lot of effort. My thumb actually started to bleed I tried so hard to get this knife to open with the thumb stud. I had the same experience with the feldspar, I think when these companies send you a knife they make sure you get a good one. I am beginning to think that CJRB has very poor quality control to have allowed two knives of two different models to go out like this. I sent the feldspar back for a replacement and will probably send this one back for a refund.
I have this same knife I really like it I’m noticing some things I didn’t before there is a little hole small piece of metal in side handles I’m starting to notice it’s not smooth when you rub your finger across I don’t know if it has moved. The stud bothers me if I flick this knife to much but otherwise I like how small and light it is.
I really enjoy your commentary and overall presentation of the knife reviews. I also feel like I can trust your opinion. So thank you for taking the time to make these videos, and help me decide which knives will or will not work for me.
This is kinda like a modern Gentleman's knife, like the Buck and others that high class and working class men had at all times. The knife shape and skinny profile made me think that right away.
CJRB is giving Civivi some competition. I like the jade color on my large Feldspar. The RIA is on my wishlist. I am one of the 3 lanyard guys on your channel 🤣. Lanyards are very useful for accessing your knife easily from cargo pockets. I use paracord with 5 snake knots. I know most people don't care. 🆒️ That was just for the other two lanyard guys on your channel. 😅 🗡
I wanted to add that I received my Ria and I love it. It's perfect. Thank you again for this review and every other video you make! You have an amazing channel. Cheers brother
This knife is great i can't believe it's so cheap.Great for edc, build quality is very good.I'm thinkig buying another one with different scales it that good.
Just watched a review where the dude RAILED for 10 minutes about the damn angle the thumb stud placement required to open the knife. I think he was the only one complaining. Also: Screw lanyard holes completely. Too many makers give them precedence over the pocket clip placement. This Ria is beautiful.
In my opinion the feldspar is a little bit more thick in pocket and has a much worse pocket clip. However the feldspar does have the really nice pivot collar and contour g10. Both are great options though.
Just looking for a small carrier for when I am heading into an office environment. This is smaller than the rest of my arsenal so it will fill a knitch, thx
After watching many videos before making my purchase I finally bought one was very excited and all, but first day having it my blade already chipped… come to find out interestingly enough no one has covered this but the blade actually touches the lanyard slot thingy when you flick it shut, I’m not saying snapping it shut either just flicking it shut but yeah chipped my blade during a fidgeting session. Pretty disappointed considering I spent $40 on it although it’s not a lot it’s still disappointed to have this happen to my blade on the first day.
I guess I'm one of the 3 lanyard guys. Lol! I'm curious why do you not like lanyards. I have to wear gloves for work and it makes it easier for me to get them out of the pocket. They aren't there for looks. Btw I dislike the "cool guy" lanyards with skulls and beads on them.
This looks interesting but honestly imo cjrb isn’t even close to build quality to civivi or even Bestech for that matter. I’m not impressed with cjrb! I ordered one a couple months ago and it was terrible! And I don’t expect much from a budget knife but the blade rubbed the liner, lock rock and blade play, and the grind and edge was awful! Only knife I’ve ever returned.. sorry for the long comment lol awesome review tho
I wanted to try a lanyard on my edc folder... asked my girlfriend to make me a lanyard from scratch. Turns out.. lanyards get in the way constantly and don't help me at all. SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO NOT BREAK MY GIRLFRIENDS HEART
@@metal_complex new to knife UA-cam and very happy to find your channel. I love that jade look on the Ria and there's an Elementum with those scales and a black blade that just looks fantastic.
@@metal_complex Right but when their other knives are ambi, and when nothing is really gained in shutting out lefties, why do it? I'm just puzzled as to the upside.
@@metal_complex I'm envious. Mine is so strong/sticky my thumb hurts. Really nice knife otherwise but unfortunately can't recommend it because of the detent.
Knives & gear! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
Become a Member of my channel! Follow this link, (make sure to subscribe if you're not already) and look for the blue "JOIN" button! - ua-cam.com/channels/EZSguZ0r5zh4dansELwmGQ.htmljoin
Ok wait... something wrong here.
I just opened a package with a brand new RIA from Knifecenter.
Its "Serial number is exactly the same here. J1917.
Is this a "series" number then? ...for like a batch number? I have the AR-RPM9 steel version. This seems not correct.
It's likely not a serial number. Probably a batch or series number
@@metal_complex
Yep, just looked it up.
its a Series number for the RIA. Had it a few hours. Already love it. WIll be paying attention to how this steel holds up.
I'm expecting similar to 9CR18MOV but maybe will hold the edge slightly better .
I absolutely love 12c27 as a budget steel. It takes an incredible edge, hold it for long enough and strops up beautifully. For the price you pay for it, it's incredible.
Been carrying a knife for at least 45 years. To this day my dad who's 84 years old would kick my ass if he saw me without a knife on my person. While I'm just getting into knife reviews, this metal complex guy has this shit figured out. Excellent job sir. I'd say he was a dammed good car salesman as well! Lol
Greetings from Oklahoma!!! It always feels good to hear someone else pronounce the word FOR to sound like FUR. There's not many of us across the nation, and we kind of get a bad rap from the Nationwide news. It's good to see someone doing positive stuff hailing from the midwest. Y'all keep it up!
Got this thing a while back in Micarta and their new AR-RPM9 steel. Tests are still out on it, but Artisan/CJRB claims it's a budget particle steel, performs slightly better than D2 and it's stainless.
Now that I've also got the CRKT CEO, I can definitely say I enjoy the Ria more. The liner lock is easier to disengage, it flies open very easy, and pushing directly up where the CEO takes a bit of finesse with the angle you push the thumbstud at.
I'm still a bit confused why some companies will choose 12C27 rather than 14C28N from Sandvik since the price isn't much different and it performs a bit better (I liken it to the difference between S30V and S35VN). Maybe it's easier to machine. Oh well, they're both good budget steels.
Have to say I was taken aback as to how small it was when I first got it, but it fits comfortably in my larger hands before and after opening.
12c27 might be my favorite "budget" steel. It's one of the few steels I can get crazy hair whittling sharp. I would take it over VG-10 any day.
This is a great blade and super affordable! Great video!
Also, I agree about the lanyard hole, who uses those? 🍻
Last night I ordered the KnifeCenter exclusive with the Pakkawood handle scales. Patiently waiting
I picked up the CF version awhile back when I noticed it on BHQ new arrivals list. Very happy with it. Glad it’s getting some love.
Right out of the box that thumb stud AWFUL. I’m far from alone saying that. Read any review section for the Ria & you’ll find A LOT of people mad about the thumb stud. The thumb stud is too tight up against the handle, thumb stud barely rises above the level of the handle & the detent is ridiculously tough. My first day with the knife I attempted to break it in hoping it would be fine easier to deploy. Later that night the pad of my thumb was so sore it felt like a car door got slammed on it. I tried using my thumbnail up against the stud & it was difficult enough to make me think I’d just never open the knife that way in the future. I ended up filing down the micarta around the stud & then it finally became easier to use. After opening it again and again the detent also softened a bit & now it’s much easier to get the blade moving. It took a bit of trial & error to finally find the sweet spot for deploying the blade but as it is now I love it. I certainly didn’t feel that way at first. I don’t know whether this guy is flat out lying or CJRB made sure the knife he got didn’t have these issues. The point is if u buy this knife don’t expect it to be super smooth like this guy is portraying it
“Pleasant, easy to engage, minimum effort, flawless, no fails” you would expect anyone could do this without practice. Not true!! I do like the look and size.
Please note that the blade will touch the lanyard swivel when fidgeting . I was sharpening the knife and the next day I was finding the blade damaged. The damage looked like chipping......but it was not. Please try it and tell me if I am wrong. NOW, I have removed that lanyard thing and the knife is perfect. In fact I own three of them.
I didn’t know what the little piece of metal was. I am constantly fidgeting with this knife my thumb hurts so I have to put in down. I haven’t noticed any chipping or scratches from my blade touching that lanyard hole.
Was very interested in this beautiful knife and read various actual buyer reviews online. Alarmingly some 40% of all reviews I read mention lock failure after light or moderate use!!!
How is it possible that not one of the popular knife review channels even mentions this or does its tests to varify or refute these claims?
Beginning to loose confidence in the knife channels which seldom if ever provide serious criticism of any model by any large knife manufacturer.
This is an *extraordinary* knife. Of course it is not the best knife in the worlds, but I would say that it is easily the best sub-$50 knife I own. In fact, I own two. At $50-60, Civivis are more solid, but also bigger. You can take a Ria anywhere without scaring anyone. You can't use a Dogma or a Baklash in an office environment without looking weird. The blade of the Ria is almost the size of a Para 3, but it feels and looks much, much smaller. The blade is very sharp and perfectly centered, with a lot of usable belly. The action and construction is in *absolute terms* incredible. It's better than Wes and Kizers that cost 10x as much. Incredible. The construction is also extremely simple: two torx screws and you're done. The liner lock is chromed and chamfered; very pleasant to use. The clip is encased and the clip screws are recessed; you can pocket the knife and it is completely hidden. Like for the CJRB centros, the lanyard hole is hidden in a peg and invisible you don't need it. I can't express completely how thoughtful and intelligent the design of the knife is. This is my fourth Artisan/CJRB knife, and so far I have been impressed with execution; but this is a fantastic design, achieving so much for so low a price.
Picked this up for $24 this week, faaaantastic! Wayyyy better than mini feldspar.
Any updates on this knife? How is the steel doing, edge retention, corrosion resistance....??
Thank you for the review.
I bought this knife from Amazon because of your recommendation, I can not get to deploy without a lot of effort. My thumb actually started to bleed I tried so hard to get this knife to open with the thumb stud. I had the same experience with the feldspar, I think when these companies send you a knife they make sure you get a good one. I am beginning to think that CJRB has very poor quality control to have allowed two knives of two different models to go out like this. I sent the feldspar back for a replacement and will probably send this one back for a refund.
Hey man I’ve read some reviews saying the blade chips against the lanyard insert/swivel inside...has that been your experience?
I have this same knife I really like it I’m noticing some things I didn’t before there is a little hole small piece of metal in side handles I’m starting to notice it’s not smooth when you rub your finger across I don’t know if it has moved. The stud bothers me if I flick this knife to much but otherwise I like how small and light it is.
I really enjoy your commentary and overall presentation of the knife reviews. I also feel like I can trust your opinion. So thank you for taking the time to make these videos, and help me decide which knives will or will not work for me.
I purchased several of your recommended knives through your links.
Thanks! Hope you like them 👍
I’m definitely grabbing the Micarta model, I kinda wanna acid etch and stonewash the blade, liners, and clip
I think that would look sharp
Like the looks of this one. Wonder when it'll get Artisans new steel.
The micarta version has their new proprietary powdered steel. AR-RPM9. I bought this model and it's stunning!
This is kinda like a modern Gentleman's knife, like the Buck and others that high class and working class men had at all times. The knife shape and skinny profile made me think that right away.
Ordered mine, same model. Ceramic bearings according to CJRB website.
CJRB is giving Civivi some competition. I like the jade color on my large Feldspar. The RIA is on my wishlist. I am one of the 3 lanyard guys on your channel 🤣. Lanyards are very useful for accessing your knife easily from cargo pockets. I use paracord with 5 snake knots. I know most people don't care. 🆒️ That was just for the other two lanyard guys on your channel. 😅 🗡
9 months later, this comment has 2 likes. Lol awesome
"Buy this knife". Ok, bought. Thanks for the review!!
I wanted to add that I received my Ria and I love it. It's perfect. Thank you again for this review and every other video you make! You have an amazing channel. Cheers brother
This knife is great i can't believe it's so cheap.Great for edc, build quality is very good.I'm thinkig buying another one with different scales it that good.
The jade G10 from Artisan and Real Steel just looks better than Spyderco's for some reason...
I'd love to see a wharncliffe version of this knife
Just watched a review where the dude RAILED for 10 minutes about the damn angle the thumb stud placement required to open the knife. I think he was the only one complaining. Also: Screw lanyard holes completely. Too many makers give them precedence over the pocket clip placement. This Ria is beautiful.
The guy that said it was fatal flaw ?
Great review. But I would have liked to hear why you think that the Ria is superior or preferable to the similarly-sized small Feldspar.
In my opinion the feldspar is a little bit more thick in pocket and has a much worse pocket clip. However the feldspar does have the really nice pivot collar and contour g10. Both are great options though.
@@sgthuy Thanks, helpful info!
Great review...great knife...can't wait to get one for myself and my son in law!
So something else about that powdered steel. It absolutely lights up a Fero rod. Sparks for days. I know what knife I'm throwing in my fire kits
Just looking for a small carrier for when I am heading into an office environment. This is smaller than the rest of my arsenal so it will fill a knitch, thx
After watching many videos before making my purchase I finally bought one was very excited and all, but first day having it my blade already chipped… come to find out interestingly enough no one has covered this but the blade actually touches the lanyard slot thingy when you flick it shut, I’m not saying snapping it shut either just flicking it shut but yeah chipped my blade during a fidgeting session. Pretty disappointed considering I spent $40 on it although it’s not a lot it’s still disappointed to have this happen to my blade on the first day.
I guess I'm one of the 3 lanyard guys. Lol! I'm curious why do you not like lanyards. I have to wear gloves for work and it makes it easier for me to get them out of the pocket. They aren't there for looks. Btw I dislike the "cool guy" lanyards with skulls and beads on them.
Well crap. I guess I'm one of the 3 lanyard guys with skulls and beads on my lanyards. :/
@@johnbillings4947 if like shulls and beads more power to you. I'm just asking a question.
Jimislash is one of the 3.
the frikkin beads scratch the knife...
@@Nightwolf866 thanks that makes sense! I just put paracord or leather on mine.
Addendum- I like the knife and your reviews are informative and entertaining.
This looks interesting but honestly imo cjrb isn’t even close to build quality to civivi or even Bestech for that matter. I’m not impressed with cjrb! I ordered one a couple months ago and it was terrible! And I don’t expect much from a budget knife but the blade rubbed the liner, lock rock and blade play, and the grind and edge was awful! Only knife I’ve ever returned.. sorry for the long comment lol awesome review tho
shit happens. i returned the only civivi i tried, because the scales hat sharp burs everywhere.
I wanted to try a lanyard on my edc folder... asked my girlfriend to make me a lanyard from scratch.
Turns out.. lanyards get in the way constantly and don't help me at all. SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO NOT BREAK MY GIRLFRIENDS HEART
Great video, clicked the link to buy it and it's out of stock already!
I'm sure more will come soon 👍
@@metal_complex new to knife UA-cam and very happy to find your channel. I love that jade look on the Ria and there's an Elementum with those scales and a black blade that just looks fantastic.
I wonder what the point is of making a knife right-hand-only when ambi would be so easy.
Because only 10% of people are left handed.
@@metal_complex Right but when their other knives are ambi, and when nothing is really gained in shutting out lefties, why do it? I'm just puzzled as to the upside.
12c27n better 8cr13 (sorry I don’t know the exact num)
I love my Ria... Detente is a little weak though...
The detent on this one was perfect
The one flaw I have found in CJRB knives is that sometimes the detente needs to be tuned. My Feldspar needed tuning but now is perfect.
@@metal_complex I'm envious. Mine is so strong/sticky my thumb hurts. Really nice knife otherwise but unfortunately can't recommend it because of the detent.
hahaha im one of those 3 lanyard guys
Looks like a scalpel!
since when, is a "N" in 12c27?
Idk. I started seeing it about 6-8 months ago
Neato
The word "China" has to be there due to legal and international regulations. It's not a CJRB decision.
No it doesn't. There are tons of brands who put it in different places. It absolutely does not have to be on the blade.
plungegrind ok on this one...cjrb look...inconsistent...
nice gents carry for when the girls make you dress up
How much?