Anyone else here a Ruana fan?

Tanguay Custom Knives

Tanguay Custom Knives

Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
1,500
I don't know what it is about these knives but I love 'em.

Ruana Knives: http://www.ruanaknives.com/

I just faxed them an order for two more, a model 10B Smokejumper (my second), and a model 21A.


So who else is a Ruana fan out there, and what do you have? What's your attraction to them?
Thanks for indulging me.
Scott

skinners_s.jpg


stickers_s.jpg


bowie_s.jpg
 
Sorry, but ...NO. I can't for the life of me figure out the appeal. They look like "shop class" knives.

OKAY, they're historic and the guy was a nice guy and a pioneer in making knives for USING, but dang, I just can't get past the crude appearance.

:confused:
 
Guess its the same thing makes one woman attractive to one man but not another. I see where they might be homely to some I guess, but I sure love the way they feel and cut. Maybe its like whiskey and cigars, its a acquired taste.
Thanks,
Scott
 
a 20B and their smaller bowie(29A). Fantastic knives, IMO, just as good, if not better than Randall, and less wait time, less money.

Simply wonderful.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Tanguay, I've only seen pictures. The good photos I've been able to enlarge look as though the handles are aluminum cast onto the tang. Can you describe how they are constructed, and of what materials for base handle and blade? I've been intrigued by the photos or a long time. Thank you in advance, ss.
 
Lavan said:
Sorry, but ...NO. I can't for the life of me figure out the appeal. They look like "shop class" knives.
Click to expand...


Ha, that's the same thing I think when I see many Scagels.

I personally like many of the Ruanas, and the newer ones are very clean fit and finish wise. I think the 20B-5 skinner is one of the most eye appealing knves made.
 
straitshot said:
Tanguay, I've only seen pictures. The good photos I've been able to enlarge look as though the handles are aluminum cast onto the tang. Can you describe how they are constructed, and of what materials for base handle and blade? I've been intrigued by the photos or a long time. Thank you in advance, ss.
Click to expand...

A picture is worth a thousand words!

knifesteps_s.jpg


Check out this link too: http://www.ruanaknives.com/default.asp?content=production

As far as blade steel, to be perfectly honest, I'm not quite sure. I know its high carbon steel. I've read several different things. I've read its 1095, 5160, and somebody told me 52100. Rudy Ruana used to use old Studebaker springs. Anybody know for sure?

Enjoy!
 
straitshot said:
Tanguay, I've only seen pictures. The good photos I've been able to enlarge look as though the handles are aluminum cast onto the tang. Can you describe how they are constructed, and of what materials for base handle and blade? I've been intrigued by the photos or a long time. Thank you in advance, ss.
Click to expand...

Yes, on the A and B models the handles are cast directly on to the blade. On the website, they have a "how there made"page that takes you through it step by step.
 
I have a 10B and a 13B. Nice little knives easy to carry and light.
When I bought mine the prices were reasonable the boys have now
doubled the price on most of the knives they make.
 
Prices have gone up, that's for sure. The last knife I ordered from them took nearly six months to get too. They must be doing well! I'd sure like to see that operation.
 
Sorry, but ...NO. I can't for the life of me figure out the appeal. They look like "shop class" knives.

OKAY, they're historic and the guy was a nice guy and a pioneer in making knives for USING, but dang, I just can't get past the crude appearance.
Click to expand...
I can see that, particularly in the knives with the oversized guards and pummels, exagerated clip points, and deep finger grooves. The 30A is a perfect example.

But many of the other models look sleek, trim, and classy. Like the 5AD, S/H W, and even the 31B.

-Bob
 
I have 2 of there knives, the 11A and 5AD. I have used them for the last 18 years processing game and general camp chores. Great knives that take an outstanding edge and are built to last a lifetime of real world use. I will always be a Ruana fan.
 
Thanks for the link. I must have more to learn than I thought- I don't get heat treating the blade after the knife is fully assembled and the handle is polished.:confused: ss.
 
Step 35, Heat treat blade

Only thing I can figure is they mean temper the blade. It would make sense to polish the blade so you could see the color change, thus indicating the proper temp has been achieved. That's if you were using a torch to temper.

Not sure why they polish the handle, or even insert the elk horn first though. Most makers I know, including myself, harden then immediately temper the blade before doing any more work on the knife.
 
Probably just a typing or numbering glitch. I'm sure they follow a regular sequence, but with so much information I'm curious why the steel type is left undefined. Maybe they use different grades for different blade sizes or intended usage. Thanks again, ss.
 
Scott, you have excellent taste. :D:thumbup: I've got one a 6" sticker. They are as Steven said, fantastic knives.
Straitshot, Ruana uses 1095 steel with most of their knives.
Scott
 
I have an old model 14b and it has been a great knife,easy to sharpen and it holds a very good edge,I would say just as well as my randalls.I think I paid $150 for mine but that has been a while.
 
Just heard from Mike Hangas at Ruana Knife Works. My model 21a is ready to ship already! (must've had one in stock) The 10b will be ready in 1-2 months! Can't wait to see them.
Scott
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top