Note: This will appear in the June 2025 print issue of KNIFE Magazine. The news was originally under embargo until the official release announcement scheduled for Blade Show in a couple of weeks. Since someone broke the embargo, the floodgates opened, and I received permission to share this now. This is a copy of what I wrote for my Knife News column, with additional comments at the bottom.
Work Sharp Enters the Production Knife Arena with RMX series
After more than 50 years designing some of the most innovative tool sharpening systems out there, Oregon-based Work Sharp has decided to introduce the RMX and RMX Compact, its first ever line of knives.
As if Work Sharp releasing knives were not newsworthy enough, the knives’ mechanism itself is worthy of note. RMX stands for Replaceable Mechanism eXchange, which is the first-ever interchangeable pivot cartridge. This allows the knives to go from a manual folder to a push-button automatic, utilizing an included 2mm hex bit.
The RMX features a 3.2” CPM-3V blade with a reverse tanto profile, while the Compact’s blade is a shorter, M390 drop point. Both models feature cast magnesium integral handles. Parts are globally sourced, but the knives are hand assembled, sharpened, and inspected at Work Sharp’s Ashland, Oregon facility.
According to Lead Engineer Dan Dovel, “Every detail, from the modular pivot to the integral handle, supports practical, everyday carry. It’s fast, functional, and built to perform without unnecessary complexity.”
The Work Sharp RMX ad RMX Compact will be making their debut at Blade Show Atlanta. Retail price is not available at the time of this writing, but check www.worksharptools.com for more info on the RMX series knives or Work Sharp’s extensive lineup of portable and bench-model sharpeners. You can visit them in person at Blade Show Booth #312
Personal Observations…
Work Sharp sent me one last thursday. I didn’t share it because of the aforementioned embargo. I am going to do a quick and dirty review in the next few days.
I like the knife. The ergos are really good for a boxy handled knife. Not Bugout light, but feels lightweight, mostly due to the thin blade stock. Manual action was smooth.
I wasted no time swapping out the manual pivot for the automatic. It was not “simple” as I had to follow the instructions, and missed setting the spring on my first couple of attempts. But it took less than 10 minutes with the provided pivot tool.
Action was a touch gritty at first, but some oil and about 50 cycles of the blade and it is beginning to smooth out well.
I will add a few pictures when I get home from the office.
Read the full article here