First impressions: Rough Rider razor jack

[MG_Saldivar]

I saw another BF member post a pic of his new RR razor jack a couple of weeks ago and I was intrigued by the pattern, both because of its razor blade (I've never owned a knife with such a blade before) and because of the size and shape of the knife, including the bail. I placed an order with an eBay seller and received it today for <$12 shipped.

I own four other Rough Riders of recent vintage (purchased less than 24 months ago). I know from others' comments here on BF that early Rough Riders had many quality control problems, as with many Chinese-made knives, but recent RR models seem to have a higher overall level of fit and finish, and this razor jack is no exception.

The scales seem well-affixed to the handle; the jigging is smooth and even and all the metal hardware seems very solid. The bail loops completely through the handle and swivels with little resistance. The main blade has a very strong snap - comparable to one of my Victorinox SAKs. The secondary blade has a discernibly weaker snap but it still stays open with authority. The edge grinds on both blades are even and both blades also are close to hair-shaving sharp out of the box. The weight is much lighter than the RR Barlow pictured below - this razor jack weighs about as much as a two-layer 84mm/3.25" SAK.

The main blade seems to be designed so that it can be opened by 'waving' the tip of the blade against clothing. I'm not inclined to try that absent an emergency but the spring is just strong enough to make such a wave opening a little tough, at least without a good thick pocket or seam against which to open the blade.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with this purchase and I'll add this to my EDC rotation. I hope to provide an update in a few weeks after I've had a chance to use (and sharpen) the knife.




Rough Rider razor jack - closed, side view

Razor jack - closed, top view. Note distal taper of main blade

Razor jack - top view, with RR Balow for comparison. The razor jack has much thinner blades.

Razor jack with Rough Rider Barlow for comparison

Secondary sheepsfoot blade

Razor jack with Wenger Standard Issue for scale (Wenger is 91mm/3.5")

 

[yobbos1]

Nice review and pics, RRs are a terrific bang for your buck, i have been EDCing a Gunstock Bone Sowbelly for about a week now. Hard use, it holds a good edge great walk and talk looks real nice too.:thumbup:

 

[shecky]

I had one of those for a while. Good value. Cosmetically perfect, a very handsome knife. Blades had a very good profile. The only real issue I had was the placement of the nail nick on the sheepsfoot blade, along with the very high amount of buffing, which made it a bit difficult to open even with good, strong fingernails.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

The only real issue I had was the placement of the nail nick on the sheepsfoot blade, along with the very high amount of buffing, which made it a bit difficult to open even with good, strong fingernails.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing! I sort of open the sheepsfoot halfway with the nail nick and then grip it with my fingers to open it all the way. Too bad there's no half-stop.

 

[yobbos1]

Man, I LIKE those nailbreakers. I got a Case Swell End Jack in my pocket now and some people can't even open the pen blade. Good springs.

 

[yobbos1]

How's the edge holding on your Rough Riders? I have just recieved my first two and I'm impressed with the steel/heat treat, I guess it's 440A but I don't know for sure. Good edge holding though.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

I haven't used the razor jack very hard but my RR Barlow has great edge holding... It's tough to sharpen up, too ('good' tough as in the steel is hard enough to take some work).