The CJRB Ruffian J1924 is the first CJRB model designed in collaboration with knifemaker Dirk Pinkerton, and it takes an unusual route into the everyday-carry market. Rather than chasing blade length, it pairs a wide, straight-edged Wharncliffe-style blade with a slim, 3.10 oz frame: a 3.09 in blade that behaves like a much larger knife. It is in stock right now in four G10 configurations from $43.32 to $49.99.
A straight, low-tip edge is what lets the Ruffian's 3.09 in blade behave like a larger work knife.
Ruffian J1924 at a Glance
Every number below comes from the live product listing for the G10 tier (SKUs J1924-BBK, J1924-BK, J1924-BVT, J1924-VT).
| Blade length | 3.09 in (78.5 mm) |
| Blade thickness | 0.11 in (2.7 mm) |
| Blade material | AR-RPM9 |
| Blade hardness | HRC 59-61 |
| Blade style | Wharncliffe |
| Blade grind | Flat |
| Handle material | G10 with inset liners |
| Lock type | Liner lock |
| Pivot assembly | Ceramic ball bearing |
| Clip material | Steel, four-position carry |
| Overall length | 7.11 in (180.5 mm) |
| Closed length | 4.02 in (102 mm) |
| Weight | 3.10 oz |
Why a Wharncliffe-Style Blade Cuts Above Its Length
A blade’s profile decides how force travels into the material. The Ruffian’s straight cutting edge runs almost the full length of the blade with a low, fine tip, and the listing copy describes the intent plainly: the wide blade “is designed to maximize cutting power while minimizing overall edge length, meaning that even short cuts bite deep and separate materials with ease, making the 3” blade of this knife effectively do the work of much larger knives.”
Three practical consequences follow from that geometry:
- Deep bites on short strokes. Because the edge meets material along a broad, flat plane, pull cuts track straight instead of sliding off a curved belly.
- Tip work stays controlled. A low point with a slight cant keeps your knuckles clear of the work surface and concentrates pressure for piercing cuts.
- Sharpening stays simple. A straight edge on a flat grind is the easiest geometry to hold at a consistent angle on a stone, which is one reason this pattern remains popular on work knives.
The trade-off is equally clear: the Ruffian is not a skinner. A straight edge with a low tip is built for slicing, scoring, and cutting against flat surfaces, not for gutting or heavy draw cuts where a pronounced belly helps.
The Dirk Pinkerton Collaboration
Dirk Pinkerton’s work is described in the Ruffian listing as being “distinguished by crisp lines, exceptional ergonomics, and blades that are practical and purpose-driven,” and the Ruffian is his first design in the CJRB line. That lineage explains the design brief: a stout, utility-first folder rather than a showpiece.
The build details reinforce it. The 0.11 in blade stock is thin enough to glide through cardboard and produce, the 3.10 oz weight keeps the knife honest in a pocket, and the wide handle is described as “thin and discreet” while still filling the hand. The listing sums up the result as a knife that “may not be the biggest knife,” but “will put in just as much work as a large folder and come out on top.”
In-Stock Ruffian J1924 Configurations
| Configuration | SKU | Blade finish | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black G10, stonewash | J1924-BK | Stonewash | $49.99 | In stock |
| Violet G10, stonewash | J1924-VT | Stonewash | $49.99 | In stock |
| Black G10, black PVD | J1924-BBK | Black PVD coating | $43.32 | In stock |
| Violet G10, black PVD | J1924-BVT | Black PVD coating | $49.99 | In stock |
All four G10 variants share the same blade and handle dimensions, AR-RPM9 steel at HRC 59-61, a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, and a steel clip with four carry positions. The black PVD version (J1924-BBK) is currently the least expensive way into the model at $43.32.
Ruffian Tiers That Are Currently Sold Out
Two upper tiers exist and neither is in stock as of this writing, so treat them as reference points rather than options you can buy today:
- OD Green Micarta, AR-RPM9 (J1924-ODG) — listed at $67.13, currently out of stock. Same 3.09 in Wharncliffe blade, micarta scales instead of G10.
- Limited Edition S35VN with Micarta (J1924M-BBK) — listed at $120.00, currently out of stock. Its spec table lists S35VN at HRC 59-61, S35VN powder steel, a black PVD coated flat grind, the same 3.09 in (78.5 mm) blade and 7.11 in (180.5 mm) overall length, a titanium clip, a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, and a listed weight of 3.17 oz (90 g).
Listing note for the shop owner: the Limited Edition page’s feature block still carries the standard AR-RPM9 and G10 copy while its title and specification table both say S35VN and Micarta. The specification table is used above; the feature text has not been updated to match the tier.
How the Ruffian Compares With Other CJRB Folders Near $50
This is the most competitive price band in the catalogue, and the knives that sit in it differ mostly in lock type, blade geometry, and weight. All rows below are in stock and priced from live listings.
| Model | Blade | Stock thickness | Weight | Lock | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffian J1924 | 3.09 in Wharncliffe | 0.11 in | 3.10 oz | Liner lock | $43.32–$49.99 |
| Kestrel J1962 | 3.31 in (84 mm) Wharncliffe | 0.13 in (3.2 mm) | 3.74 oz (106 g) | Liner lock | $49.99 |
| Shale J1943 | 3.15 in (80 mm) recurve drop point | 0.11 in (2.7 mm) | 2.82 oz (80 g) | Crossbar lock | $49.99 |
| Locust J1951 | 3.15 in (80 mm) spear point | 0.10 in (2.5 mm) | 3.18 oz (90 g) | Button lock with safety switch | $49.99–$54.99 |
| Mica J1934 (aluminum) | 2.36 in (60 mm) drop point | 0.09 in (2.3 mm) | 1.87 oz (53 g) | Button lock | From $36.79 |
Read the table by priority rather than by price. If straight-edge cutting and a light pocket load matter most, the Ruffian and the Kestrel are the two Wharncliffe options, and the Kestrel adds about 0.6 oz in exchange for a slightly longer blade. If you want a fidget-forward lock instead of a liner, the Shale or the Locust is the better fit. If you want something that disappears in a pocket entirely, the aluminum Mica is nearly half the weight and smaller in every dimension.
Carry, Deployment, and Upkeep
- Deployment. The Ruffian uses an extended opening hole, which gives you several ways to bring the blade up and makes the knife easy to open slowly and deliberately as well as quickly.
- Carry. The clip is steel and supports four positions, so left-handed and right-handed carriers both get a tip-up or tip-down option without buying hardware.
- Lock. A liner lock keeps the frame slim, which is central to a 3.10 oz build; the trade-off is that you should keep the lock face and tang clean so engagement stays consistent.
- Steel. AR-RPM9 is CJRB’s proprietary powder-metallurgy stainless, and the listing describes it as balancing “edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.” As with any stainless knife steel, a dry cloth after wet work and a light oil on the pivot are enough to keep it healthy.
- Pivot. The ceramic ball-bearing pivot runs fast out of the box. If it develops play or grit, clean and re-lubricate before touching the pivot screw torque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ruffian J1924 a good first EDC knife?
It is a strong candidate. At $43.32–$49.99 with a liner lock, a 3.09 in blade, and a 3.10 oz carry weight, it sits inside the range most carriers and most jurisdictions find comfortable, and its straight edge is forgiving for new sharpeners.
What does the J1924 code mean?
J-codes identify CJRB models internally; J1924 is the Ruffian, and suffixes like BBK, BK, BVT, and VT identify the finish and color combination. You can see the wider numbering system on the CJRB all-model page.
Is the Wharncliffe blade hard to sharpen?
It is generally the easiest profile to sharpen freehand because the edge is straight and the tip needs no belly work. Match the factory flat grind and keep the angle consistent.
What is different about the Limited Edition?
The limited tier upgrades the blade steel to S35VN and the scales to micarta, and it is currently sold out. The standard G10 tiers remain available.
The Ruffian is a good example of a design that earns its place through shape rather than size: a sub-3.25 in blade that cuts like a full-size work knife and carries at 3.10 oz. Browse the full Ruffian collection for current finishes, or see the complete line-up to compare it against the rest of the catalogue.
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