A friend's question, Buck 172 or Ralph/Wilson RRF?

S

SpyderJon

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
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Howdy all. Here's the story: I don't have two thin nickels to rub together for a knife (recent situation forcing me to part with my whole collection actually), but I have a friend of mine who bought a couple of my knives from be because he feels sorry for my situation. In any case, we got to talking about knives and he told me he wanted to get into some more "modern" knives. Funny, because while he's always been into slipjoints, I've always been into more modern knives. ANYWAY, he was looking through the pictures of different knives that I have on my hard drive and really liked these two. I've never handled these, and probably won't for the near future and probably the next year at least. SO, I turn to you. He likes these. I showed him the Sebenza, and he had no interest in it. So, since you can get these two for round about the same cash, I said I'd ask here.

Which would you choose? I haven't the slightest clue, except that Buck's CS has always been tops. Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
The Ralph/Wilson RRF is a great folder. I bought one from Darrell at the last NYCKS. It is holding up real well to my use and abuse at work slicing up boxes, stabbing through metal cans, etc. It is pretty close to the Sebenza actually. The frame lock is very thick and strong titanium, S30V steel that comes razor sharp, and great ergos. I also really like the foldover pocket clip, places the knife well out of plain sight deep in the pocket.

As would be expected the black coating started to wear, chip, and scratch with this rough use. That doesn't really bother me as it is a user knife, and as long as it is good and sharp with a strong lock, I really don't care much how it looks. As for CS I wouldn't worry about it, Darrell Ralph stands behind what he puts his name one. I am sure you wouldn't have any trouble if the knife needed service. He is also a really nice guy to do business with.
 
I haven't played with a Ralph/Wilson but I'd be willing to bet that it's a bigger knife than the 172. It sure looks it. They seem like totally different knives to me. I have a 172 and it's one of my fav EDCs for when wearing business clothes. It's sleek, thin and strong. The RRF looks more like what I'd carry when in jeans, currently a Microtech Socom Elite or Amhpibian most of the time.

I kind of wish you hadn't pointed the RRF out as I was not aware of it and now want one and am in a don't-buy-any-more-knives-mode right now.

I think he should have both and loan one of them to you for being such a good friend that you would research it for him.

John
 
ErikD, Thanks for the in-use opinions of the RRF, and jmxcpter I couldn't agree more. I personally think they look totally different, and even seem to fit different niches, but my buddy is one to go on looks (hell, he bought his motorcycle because he liked the gas tank shape), and then figure out how to carry it. Since I'm not as familiar with Ralph/Wilson as I am the Buck, I agreed to come on here and ask what y'all think. Its nice to have some user opinions. Say, ErikD, there was some concern when these first came out that the RRF tended to loosen up and get some slop in the action with extended use. Anything to say on this? Anyone else? Thanks.

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Mine hasn't gotten loose at all yet, and I have been using it pretty heavily for like 3-4 months now. I also like to just play with it flicking it open when I get bored. So far I have seen no ill effects. Even if it were to loosen a bit I would bet it is mostly just in need of a pivot adjustment, which is just a standard torx bit.
 
From what I've read some of the earlier models had a few QC problems that have since been straightened out. Of course a little loctite on the pivot screw should take care of it coming loose. I've been doing as much reading on this knife as I can since I have one arriving today. Wanted to be sure it was what I was after.
 
The Buck will be a better cutter. The RRF is much stouter. Stouter than the Dominator and the Sebenza, for instance, but with a narrow blade that has a thick grind. It's monstrously strong for a knife this size, thick scales, strong tip, wonderfully comfortable and secure handles-just not optimized for cutting.
 
Thanks Art and Owen! As far as being optimized for cutting I don't think my friend will honestly care. I mean, he is buying this knife for the LOOKS. He still is going to carry his traditional knives, I just think he wants something that has a little more stout blade than a stockman. But I'm glad that y'all seem to like them and they've improved QC. Oh, and Art, let us know how it works out and lets see a review when you can! Thanks, again.

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
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