The Ruike P801 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at the P801, an interesting piece from a relatively new maker, Ruike knives.

[@xKaidoh]

Hi Nick, just wanted to provide you a little extra info for your edification. Ruike is actually pronounced RAY-kuh, and is spelled completely correctly. The Chinese characters are 锐 - Ruì (pronounced RAY) 可- kě (pronounced kuh) which literally means "sharp." The strange spelling is from the standard Chinese pinyin system, the official romanization system. This system is based on the traditional Chinese phonetic system, which, the Chinese language being what it is, does not jibe with typical English phonetics.

[@NickShabazz]

This actually makes sense. Thank you!

[@Buzzby4020]

Thanks for clearing that up. Now Nick will be able to sleep at night.

[@xKaidoh]

Nick Shabazz No problem. Love your videos. Thanks for the hard work.

[@Pew7070]

Thanks xKaidoh! I was waiting for this explanation for the last 2 years. But now I would like to hear the original pronunciation of this word by a Chinese native. Maybe this will take less.

[@88yellowjacket]

There are no short vowel sounds in Chinese. Makes everything a bit easier to pronounce.

[@Booper2021]

Watching this...the wife told me not to buy anymore knifes after she goes to sleep........buying this now. Thank @nick Shabazz I'll have to deal with that tomorrow.

[@CadillacDriver]

How's it going after 2 years?

[@CadillacDriver]

The knife, not the wife 😂

[@rickyortiz1165]

Same. Haha

[@Cooldibs]

This $30 knife has better centering than my $267 940-1...

[@awesomises]

Yeah, I could also agree

[@Hosunlee89]

better centering than the $175 BM 550-1

[@n0k1ngs41]

Better than my $150 BM 950 Rift, too!

[@CadillacDriver]

No surprise. My Squid, 110, Rat 1, Beluga and Hussar have centering better than much more expensive knives I've handed.

[@charlescollier7217]

I'm surprised to hear about the failures people have experienced, because I have one, have never had any issues, and absolutely love it. Ruike, Steel Will, and others have already changed the calculus, as far as I can see. They've brought better steel, good build quality, and excellent designs to the table, all at prices that beat US competitors. I think THEY are why Ontario has put out D2 versions of its RAT folders.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

Charles Collier I

[@rollyro71]

I felt like i was listening to 'Columbo' reviewing a knife! Very good, thorough review

[@Buzzby4020]

I got a P801 and it's as nice as the one Nick reviewed. There are a lot of QC problems in the knife industry. I've had problems with $200 knives from top American makers that required returns. Now I appreciate how lucky I was to get a good P801.

[@dalton6786]

Mines perfect as well

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

This is a great knife. I've been carrying it ever day for over two months. For as good as it is, seems it should cost a lot more. Thanks for the review Nick!

[@not-a-raccoon]

I'm admittedly kind of a knife snob, and I'm in love with this knife. Action is great, steel is decent (far better than 8cr garbage), and its hefty enough to feel like you can thump on it, and it carries well in pocket. No complaints at all.

[@TitoLukason]

Exactly, I prefer sandvik than 8cr...

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

I have one, and I think it's unbeatable value! Love the action, the build quality and the design! I will definitely buy some more Ruike's!!!

[@Cenobite1]

Had mine for a few days after seeing this video. Went through Amazon for piece of mind should a lemon be what arrives. It's so ridiculously good for the money I'm considering getting the blacked out version even though I don't need a second beater knife. I'll give this one some more fidget time before I do. I'm a collector and user which means I have "safe queens" and can be a knife snob; that said, I'm impressed with this "budget" knife. Love your reviews.

[@Justinlmd]

Great video! Just adding my experience here as well: got the P801-SF in the mail this week and it is wonderful. My only complaint is the pivot loosening on its on, relatively quickly. Easily fixed with Loctite. Otherwise, excellent knife and incredible value!

[@CannibalChuck]

I like my Ruike. Purchased it from a trusted local retailer who liked them. The pivot did come loose but I was cutting a large red onion at the time. A little purple Loctite on the threads appears to have done the trick. Sandvik is a good budget steel which sharpens easily, is there don’t appear to be any real issues here. For the money, it’s a decent knock around folder.

[@BrentonCarr]

Mine was fantastic. I have a whole range of knives in the price spectrum, this one bats above it's class.

[@MrTJohnston]

I’m ready to make it, my wife not so much

[@wamps3370]

Nick, I have 3 'Rake' P801's. Each purchased separately. All of them perfect. Like you, the only mark against them are the smooth scales; which are not a huge detractor to me. Fit, finish, ultra smooth operation are excellent-factor in the very reasonable price=winner, winner, chicken dinner! Like you I ended up putting blue locktite on the pivot screws. As always, great review Nick!

[@megamaser]

I bought this originally as a white elephant gift and my cousin loved it so much and convinced me to buy one for myself. The next year I bought six of them and handed them out as Christmas gifts. So far all of them have had great fit and finish, no problems I'm aware of. It's a great steel for the price. I like the aesthetic and the blade is very practical. It's narrow and fits really well into my pants without me feeling it, so I carry it often. It is a little slippery but that's no big deal for an edc. I wouldn't use this as a camping knife though. Ruike has a larger one with green g10 scales in the same price range that's more ergonomic in the hand and better for the outdoors.

[@tufloi]

I don't know why, but i love this dude's voice. I would absolutely include him in any dinner party for six.

[@stoneblue1795]

I think he could read from the phone book and people would stand and listen. It might take him all day to get past the "a" section with commentary, but that's all the fun.

[@davidh0159]

"I'm 12 so it amuses me greatly". Love that. Nice review, Nick. I like that you're doing a

[@AlfredoRGuillen]

Love my P801. Couldn´t believe it was only $30 when I picked it up at Blade last year. One of my very favorites....awesome knife for the price.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Wanted to give an update, I have bought 3, 2 stone washed 1 blackwash models. All 3 where consistently good, and so far no issues with the one I use regularly for over a year now.

[@domgreco7]

Your reviews are essential for buying knives as far as I’m concerned. Thank you.

[@Kennyb1980]

Got this knife very recently but must admit I was pleasantly surprised, don't know about the comments you mentioned about detent or lock failure but mine is a new work knife, keep up the great reviews, thanks from the UK 👍👍👍

[@kevinweaver4265]

Hi Nick, since you are a Delica lover, I forward the following; Since 1990, the Delica has been an EDC staple-and for good reason. For one, it was among the first affordable pocket knives that could be opened with one hand, even with gloves. For another, it’s lightweight, compact, and carries on either side thanks to the four-way pocket clip. A couple years ago an idea was tossed around the Spyderco forums for a Delica made with Super Gold (SG2) steel, a high-performance powdered steel manufactured in Japan. While there was plenty of interest, the project never came to fruition after Spyderco founder Sal Glesser deemed it unfeasible due to the high cost. Now, thanks to the strength and size of the Massdrop community, we’re bringing the project back to life! This limited-edition run of 1,000 pieces features the classic black FRN handle, but with super-premium blade steel that's never before been used on any Spyderco. As a subtle nod to the Super Gold steel, the lock bar is coated in a matte gold finish.

[@JPuckett89]

This is my current EDC. Absolutely no complaints from me other than what you mentioned. Solid knife, insane value.

[@thomaslanders1162]

Negative feedback aside, it's a good looking knife.. I think a lot of US makers (CRKT, Kershaw, Benchmade etc) do a ton of buisiness in large stores and sporting good stores and that's why they don't give a damn..Most of their sales are probably from a non knife guy that goes to Walmart or Dicks to buy one knife..If the Chinese co's ever get into those stores, the US co's will be in big trouble..

[@bigrube420ify]

I love my p801 its fucking scary sharp and mirror finished edge from factory i appreciate that

[@charlesfox9580]

Totally agree. Super product for $30. I’ve had mine for several months, carry occasionally, and am still very pleased. I have added other RUIKE knives to my collection, like them all except P135, it’s a bit too angled fo me. Nick, keep up the great work, treasure your comments.

[@peterhoarvlogs6506]

I've had this knife for many years now and i have yet to have any problems with it and it has outlasted nearly all of my other knives, so I'm not sure why everyone else had issues

[@Hungrybird474]

Facts

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

I love mine and I think it looks really really nice. For $30 don’t think I’ve ever bought a better knife for $30. I do agree with the slickness of the handle.

[@david37922]

Just got my P801-SF in the mail from BladeHQ ($29.95+$2.99 shipping), perfect blade centering, excellent quality & very sharp out of the box. Great value, I'm impressed!

[@TeddyRoooosevelt]

I like that the grind and end of the scales line up when open, as does the flipper tab and lock bar cut out... Nice detail

[@werner134897]

High quality review. Thanks. I got it yesterday. I'm impressed. 2 gripes: The weight was very noticable to me. And the flipper tab is too slippery. But for 32 euro I am very happy to use it for edc (rather than a 300+ euro knife).

[@briantaylor9266]

Nice review of a nice knife. It has a flipper tab, thumb studs, and runs on bearings. Those are all things that set off the alarms at Canada Border Services Agency, so for a Canadian to mail order it from a US (or Chinese) supplier means confiscation at the border. BUT I can order it direct from Ruike Knives Canada, at a competitive price! Jeez, we're screwed up in this department!

[@mikeoxuge9453]

Brian Taylor amazon ca has it too for around $60 CAD

[@stoneblue1795]

But you got legal government inspected weed. ~ You win.

[@dadsplusbikes366]

Um Blades Canada??

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Perfect timing.. dropped on my lunch break.. thanks Nick.. nice looking blade for sure.. Great video 👍👍👍👍

[@jacobmanalang8162]

a guy in the jimislash fb group put clear griptape on his 801 to solve the slippery handle issue. i think it was part of the lean program idea board at his vasline factory. very kai zan six sigma

[@tgrossner]

Just bought my third one of these. One that I used alot and sent off to a friend for sharpening, one that I sent to that friend as a gift, and now a 3rd just because. Great little knife for the money.

[@puma51921]

Agree. This is a nice knife. I am surprised how much I carry and like mine.

[@dr.roundbottom31]

Ive been a huge fan of this model for while and I have purchased 3 over the past few years and every one of them was great functionally and my original is still my edc and its still kicking 2+ years later. The other 2 I gave as gifts and they loved them

[@SliceyDicey]

"You don't have to rely on sketchy sites that promote counterfeit goods to get it." - PREACH IT, BROTHER NICK!!!

[@MrBlessed70]

Good review!Ruike are absolutely killing it in terms of value to quality to price.14C28N is my favourite budget steel-more of mid-tier quality!!

[@kimwjustice]

Looks like disassembly voids the warranty, just so you know. FWIW, I just got one of these and it looks like it was properly made (fingers crossed). I like it a lot, so thanks for the recommendation! Looking at the warranty sheet, I find this language: "The warranty won't cover misuse, abuse, disassembling, and other man-made damage, also the normal wear and tear."

[@MobiuSphere]

All the reviews I've seen have been fairly glowing, so I'm glad you mentioned the inconsistency, I might not have found out otherwise.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

I like the "simple" design. 14c28n Swedish Sandvik steel ok to go.

[@convex7456]

Jorgen Sandstrom gets scalpel sharp

[@miruina]

i own one of these, and have gifted 3 of them they're amazing values. the only issue i've ever had is the action being a little gritty, took it apart and the copper washers had like crimps or something interfering with the bearings left them out and it was perfect.

[@TitoLukason]

I got P801-SB, which is black wash finish. Imho much better looking than SF. Anyway, for that price nice finish and sandvik steel is all but good.

[@jello022170]

I enjoy watching your vids and your the best reviewer for knives. Take care from Montréal, Québec

[@Qwerty_Q101]

I have 1 since 5 years ago and is still rocking...now I found it in Amazon again and bought 2 more...no matter you say about budget knives, is not necessary to have a fancy expensive knife made of some rare steel to have the job done...everything else is just fashionism

[@mikelikesknives428]

I have this knife and I really like it. The price makes even more attractive. Thank you for the review.

[@attic42]

Nick! Thanks for the review. Been wondering when you might get around to looking at the P801. As a budget-minded collector, the P801 and the Sanrenmu Land 9010 are some of my favorites, but I lean towards the P801 just a bit more due to the slim, rather unique, pocket friendly flipper design. On the other hand, while I EDC my P801s more often, I enjoy the smooth action of my 9010s just a bit more. I own multiples of both these knives, and, for what it's worth, I haven't experienced any of the issues you mentioned some people gripe about. Hey, I noticed that Sanrenmu 7046 that you snuck in there for a second. Can't wait to hear what you think about that one, too. As always, please keep the content coming! Thanks again!

[@TukaSlave]

I have had the Land 9010 for quite a while, and a Rat One copy, and a variety of other mainly Senrenmu knives, but the main problem with all but the Rat One copy is the short handles. This P801 seems to be long enough, and I just love the flipper design. I have ordered one in any case. NB, the Rat One copy and Land 9010 are my only impressively large knives, but they require a wrist flick to open quickly. This Ruike (Ray-kuh) should be fast and smooth. I hate to wait...

[@csharpewalls]

I love my Ruike P105 so I’m sure I’ll be purchasing this one soon.

[@bradb5094]

Mine has been great. Scary sharp from factory and super smooth action. Bummer it isn't consistent, apparently.

[@scottyh.6992]

I have used this knife for a month now and I have grown to really like it. I don't care for the thumb studs though, I wish it was a flipper only. It really glides through cardboard!

[@anteck7goat]

Glad to see this get on the big screen

[@kuramatd]

I was excited to receive my Ruike P801 via Amazon a few months back. I carried it for about 3 days before I decided to go ahead and return it. The centering was spot on, it came razor-sharp, but it just never really flicked well. I thought I would carry it for a few days and see if anything changed with use, but the detent was just awful on mine. Additionally, the blade developed two pretty bad chips while performing basic EDC tasks. I understand at $30 this should be a value, I just couldn't keep it with those kinds of issues already. I'll probably end up ordering another one later on down the line, but I'm giving the Steel Will Cutjack Mini some time for now.

[@thymii]

"basic EDC tasks"? And you chipped it? My P-108 is still kicking after some months, but I guess that 14C28N can be kinda brittle with that added chromium content. The flipper gets painful I agree. Especially with sweaty hands the finger will just roll over and that feels super annoying. Just realized you are talking about a different model.... Oh well...

[@pinkbrisingr78]

Thanks for your always well thought out & detailed vids man!

[@randywess1352]

I bought three of P801 Ruike knives and they all were great.

[@dansharpe2364]

Nice looking knife although it is really "Real Steely". Like a Lil'Megalodon. Another great review. Thanks from Nottingham.

[@craigolejarz3814]

Just picked one up 2 weeks ago, must have gotten lucky, good centering on the blade, nice detent, and it flips out hard, I'm pleased with my $30 purchase.

[@macmccartney5760]

I have the p801sf, its great, I mean its no pm2 but for 30 bucks, can't beat it

[@jackfarmboy]

I will always call it a " Roo-iick". Sorry not sorry ...... Love my P801. First one came perfect. The second one had one eeny meeny minor issue ( most people wouldnt call it an issue) still great though.

[@ronniestarkey8611]

Glad you had a review, had to buy it, just got it, holy moly! It's as perfect🤔as a $30 knife can get, detent, centering, etc. Was gonna use it as a work knife but damn, almost feels too good, ha

[@Iammightymeaty]

Seems like a fantastic value.

[@kerryrwac]

Most people would expect you to rake Ruike over the coals . The new P865B looks interesting .

[@HaesslichG]

Just saw one of these in person. It's very reminiscent of the ZT 0450... and the grind on the one I handled was perfect. And mirror polished even. Needless to say, it's coming home with me.

[@0smodius]

I'm glad you mentioned the quality issues, I was very disappointed with mine. The scales aren't lined up correctly on the pivot end of the handle, so if you hold the knife in your hand with your thumb on the back of the blade, one side of the handle is higher than the other and it's very noticeable. If you grip tightly the knife will pivot because your thumb is putting force on one side of the handle only. It's a real shame because I like the knife otherwise and given how cheap they are I've considered gambling on another one, but after hearing I'm not alone I might pass.

[@makanmonkey]

It's pronounced as "Ray-Ke(r)" it's a Chinese name in Pinyin, not in English. The Latin alphabet is used for many languages aside from English, just as Italian, French, German words in the Latin alphabet do not "torture the English language" either.

[@abc456f]

Guess I got a good one. Also have the 128sb. No issues whatsoever. Great values. Chinese made crkt or Kershaw? I'll take Ruike, for heaven's sake!

[@franksalem8580]

Great review and thanks for pronouncing it correctly to rhyme with rake. I have it in writing from the manufacturer for the nonbelievers that this is correct. I hope someone sends you the P105-Q to review.

[@RidenourMedia]

I've been waiting for this review. You pretty much said exactly what I thought you would, but I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the reason I no longer carry this knife, which I actually loved, is that it became unsafe. I stuck my hand in my pocket to find that the detent hole had worn away, and the knife fell open. I have trouble trusting them after an issue like that. The bent blade was forgiveable, the overly locktighted, soft screws that stripped was unfortunate but price point believeable, but the safety issue means that I'm likely to completely avoid this brand for quite a while, if I ever return.

[@yogurt666]

Great review. Just picked one up and it is indeed a heck of a value. Detent dialed in fine and well centered. Only problem was what you found: the pivot is self-loosening. Did a little loctite solve that for you?.

[@LtSurvival]

Got 4 of these Ruike, my first was the P801 and yes the detent is a little lite but a well made knife none the less. the best one up to now out of the 4 i got is the P108-SB with the Blackwash finish.

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Happy I got this one a few months ago thanks to your excellent review. Great action and worth the price, but the slipperiness and all steel weight keeps it out of my EDC rotation. Also took off the thumb studs, as the anodizing was uneven on delivery and they're basically just decoration. It's going in the tool box.

[@totschopper]

Ch seems to have Their own designs,I haven't seen any clones. Amazon sells counterfeit products as well. Jusayin

[@moneymark7660]

whats Ch?

[@DavidWilson-vq7fl]

I have one of these and carried it every day for almost a year before I got my Laconico Keen. The Ruike P801 is a great value knife that performs extremely well, and it kicked other knives out of my pocket that cost many times its price. I would not hesitate to buy other Ruike knives in the future.

[@blitzbbffl]

P8675309...Nicky don't loose that Ruike! 😁

[@tyob1]

I have one, love it. If they did one in Ti and S35VN I’d be all over it for $120

[@justaamateur6533]

They wont, theyre that kind of a brand

[@15flute289]

Lol “wanna add more numbers?”

[@williamjc7195]

I have this blade and 6 more. All are excellent. I made minor adjustments, a bit of oil and "good to go" :)

[@shotgunbowen]

2:21, bless you.

[@bluefrog8670]

Bought one and as much as I want to like it, I have constant problems deploying it. No go for an edc, maybe still good for formal occasions or something.

[@Rivy_ID]

I'm surprised to hear that folks had horror stories. I haven't had mine all that long, but it's been great with fantastic action and a strong detent.

[@grimflipz]

I own this knife and it's in my edc rotation. The frame screws on mine are crazy hard to remove. I bent a few bits trying to remove them. Fortunately all you have to do is remove the pivot screw and the blade comes out. So thats OK for me.. Also this knife has caged bearings. I would recommend this knife for sure!

[@RonBrumleve]

A co-worker looked over my shoulder as I watched this video while on break. He noticed you kept using the term "detent" and he asked me what exactly that means - what makes a good detent vs. a bad one, etc. Do you have a video explaining such things?

[@TheReligiousLeft]

I also bought the Ruike P121 which is also very good. Blade reminds me of a sinkevich

[@brucemack3687]

I love mine for the blade. The detent is a little strong and the blade tip had an unequal grind with Sharpmaker 40 degrees inclusive not touching the left tip. I had to reprofile.

[@charlesmanning6218]

Great review. Incase this info is worth anything: I bought a knife from bladeHQ with an issue, and when I told them about it they differed me to the manufacturer. Months later I had it fixed, but the point is This should be kept in mind when buying from online stores. Could have been an isolated incident by an employee who made a mistake, but from now on I’m just gonna say “I changed my mind.” Which works with Blade HQ.

[@badhombre8383]

I absolutely love this knife and plan on buying another one!!👊

[@oscarmedina1597]

I have two of these and have not experienced any of the issues some folks are complaining about.

[@biomech7]

I wonder is there a way to swap the steel ball bearings for some other better ball bearings, like ceramic for instance? And where I can find ones?

[@maxguitarhero]

I laughed a good few minutes once I realized "Ready to make it" meant more than just "Ready to make it to a goal" or whatever they implied.

[@systrex]

I've been seeing this knife all over the place lately. Seems cheap but I'm still intrigued.

[@sergemaster]

Is it just me, but is blade nearly the spitting image of the discontinued Kershaw Piston? Me thinks so..

[@mroqqq7871]

Just bought one, waiting for it to arrive. Hope so i won't be dissappointed, it will be with me as EDC.

[@kennethspeed2019]

You missed your calling! You should do stand up. LOL! Thanks for an honest and hilarious review.

[@randallkelley3599]

Jake took a Ruike, did the shake, then drank a milkshake! Oh buhaha!!!!

[@Tom_H327]

P-108SF8675309. They should call it the Ruike Jenny. I bought one of these based on this and the review by BirdshotIV.

[@davidtate166]

Wow it's pretty 😎 knive .well made.

[@spike4628]

As much as I hated to do it to such a beautiful stretch of stainless steel, I put black rubber adhesive backed Gear Gripez in strategic places. It works. They're available from Fenix-Store.com.

[@matthiast3943]

Hey Nick what knife is in your opinion better, The ruike p801 or the real steel h6 ?

[@whelpdog1]

Very NIce! I own one myself and am very pleased with it. ~Parlayer~