CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
The Ridgeback is based off of a solid piece 1/64” thick 440C which gets beefed up in the handle with some fiber spacers and the G10 Handle scales. So not only is it built to last, but it also functions fantastically.

EASE OF USE
Most compact knives are limited in their size – because the handle is designed to be proportionate to maintain the balance of the knife. By using a thinner piece of steel and beefing up the handle, Boker and Coye were able to put a full-sized handle on the Ridgeback which makes it ultimately universal in use. I wore the Ridgeback for a month across the small of my back and not only did it go undetected, but it was easy to deploy and proved to be a stubborn workhorse when put to task.

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION
440C was the right choice for the Ridgeback, as it’s affordable, mostly corrosion resistant, and will hold a fine edge – all knowing, based on its size – that you won’t be chopping wood with it. Bead Blasting is an OKAY process for inhibiting rust and corrosion, but you’ll still want to wipe the blade down to maintain the quality of the steel.

DURABILITY
Generally speaking, compact knives live a long life because they don’t really see a lot of hard time; being saved for small and easy tasks. That is not the case with the Ridgeback, which was built to fill your hand and be put to task. I would recommend replacing the belt clip that attaches to the sheath with a Tek-Lok.