I really like the Fenris armor, but I"m not impressed with flesh rippers. I think a good knife with with a buckler (or not for the two-handed variety) is a better choice all around than the flesh rippers. The kick is nice, but you can get the same effect with a parry, which is both easier and safer IMO. You don't have to aim a parry, just time it.

Fenris armor, on the other hand, can be your last set of armor if you don't go the eitr route. It provides enough protection to allow you to take some hits, even in mistlands, and enough movement advantage that you can easily out maneuver enemies.