Design Theory and Specifications

The Rule #9 XXL is a design collaboration between Mack McTiernen and John Kiedaisch of JK Handmade Knives. Mack is building a portfolio of great knife designs with JK, including the JK Protourist Cutlass, shown here in Snakewood dress:

The JK Protourist Galley Wag, also in Snakewood:

Closely related to the knife reviewed here is the original JK Protourist Rule #9:

The following picture shows the side-by-side size comparison. Note that the Rule #9 in this picture was changed slightly in the ricasso as compared to Mack's original design;

I also took pictures of the big RN9 next to Cooper Wood's excellent Crooked Creek. They are very close in size, although the Crooked Creek features an arcing design, whereas the RN9XXL is
straight-spined.

You can find my review of the Crooked Creek at the following link:
http://iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/jk-handmade-cooper-woods-cr...

To the best of my knowledge, Rule Number 9 refers to a reference of "Gibb's Rules" from the popular NCIS television show, where rule number 9 is "Never go anywhere without a knife."
I can find no reference to this rule being a military/Marine rule, but being a knife affectionado and following the rule religiously myself, I like the idea.

Mack wanted to create a larger knife that leaned more toward a fighting knife than does the smaller RN9. The XXL is 11.5 inches long, with a blade of 6 3/4 inches. The blade is approximately 1.25
inches tall at the tallest spot.

The steel is JK Handmade Knive's proprietary heat treated 01 tool steel on 1/8" thickness, which I call "K-Treet". I have much experience with this steel and can attest to the durability and cutting
ability of this steel. It is easily sharpened and takes and holds very nice edge.

The balance point on this knife favors the blade, landing just forward of the ricasso, as one would likely suspect with the longer blade.

The handle on this, the first example of this design made by JK, is crafted from a medium grained tan micarta. The scales are contoured nicely, and the handle allows for a comfortabe grip in either a handshake / hammer grip or a reverse grip.

Keeping true to the original RN9, the XXL has a portion of the tang that extends beyond the end of the scales to allow for prying, and helps prevent the inevitable tip-damage from prying with the blade. Good idea, Mack!

The sheath is a simple fold-over belt sheath made from quality leather with clean stitching. The sheath is crafted by John's brother, Bob. Bob's sheaths are durable and simple and will provide service for a lifetime. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

So How Does It Cut?

One task that I like to put knives through is to cut up a beef tenderloin roll. Doing so allows me to feel how the knife handles in detail cutting, filetting and slicing all in one session.

It also allows Maggie and I to eat filet mignon for a couple of weeks. ;^)

I was able to use the sharp tip to get under the silver skin to remove it without disturbing the meat underneath. The knife is not flexible like a fillet knife, however.

It was easy to remove the connective tissues and fats from the roll.

Slicing the steaks out was a simple task with the long and "slicey" blade.

Eatin' good with the help of the Rule #9 XXL .

I did take some time to cut some notches, make a stake, and try to make some curlies.
I am no Mohrs Kochansky, but the knife will do what you need it to do in this regard.

I have no doubt that the knife would make an excellent camp / woods companion.

I did not do any chopping with the blade, but I am sure from my past experiences with John's 01 steel
that the knife would hold up to any batoning or chopping that you would need to do with a knife of this size.

The knife is comfortable to use, with no unusual issues felt in my use of the knife in the week I had it in my posession.  It's a healthy fist-full of knife. For reference, my hands are right at large/extra large with a 10" circumference at the palm.

Wrap Up

I was honored to have been the first reviewer of this knife in Mack's passaround thread on another forum. Thanks to Mack for the opportunity to check out the knife!

The knife works well for any cutting task that I could foresee; it would work good for camping duties such as food prep or basic woodcrafting, and I am confident the knife would make a good defensive peice if one were forced to use it in that fashion.

The knife is certianly a good looking knife, and John's craftsmanship on the grinds and overall fit and finish are perfect.

I'll leave you with a few pictures that I thought turned out nicely and show off the beautiful lines of the knife.

Finally, if you are interested in a copy of this knife for youreself, you can email John Kiedaisch ("Kay-dish") via the following address - jkiedaisch@sbcglobal.net

John's web site is found at the following link -
http://www.jkhandmadeknives.com

best regards

mqqn