info on wilson tactical rrf

Tough knives. Developed and sold by Darrel Ralph working with Wilson Tactical, and now turned over solely to WT. Great ergonomics, too, being a Ralph design.
 
This one came up before on this forum, but I can't find the thread via google. Anyway, I'll say now what I said then--that's a good folder, but if you like it, do yourself a favor & also look at the Darrel Ralph 'Trigger' model.

Very similar, but improved in my opinion. One caveat is that most of the 'triggers' I've seen from purveyors (Truenorth has had quite a few) have been tip-down only (pocket clip on pivot end). If that's what you want, fine, but I strongly prefer tip-up carry. Darrel does make them in tip-up.

I recommend the manual opener with his max-glide bearing. A little more $$ than the RRF, but more than worth it.
 
yeah i like tip up also, but that is a pretty nice knife. for this kind of money i am going to be picky.
 
saylorbrand, I should duck that question. Comparing knives is not easy and generally starts arguments. Especially certain knives. :)

I'm sitting here with a Sebenza on the desk alongside my keyboard. But I will say I think Darrel's knives compare with CRK. After all, he is one of the great custom knifemakers. I won't say the same about a production model. CRK routinely collects the "manufacturing excellence" award for a reason.

Still, the RRF is a fine knife.
 
Me? Sebenza or RRF? I've got Sebenzas and I passed on the RRF -- although I was tempted. I'd probably go for the new Umnumzaan before an RRF. I do still have a couple of Darrel's customs, one small and one huge. :)
 
Different designs, not directly comparable. But I'd say the quality among Sebenza, Ralph, and Hinderer was on the same level. The RRF is a great production knife one notch lower.
 
Here's what I'd do if I were you. In short, keep an eye out for all three.

Keep an eye out here on the forums for a good deal on a used sebenza, if you get one that was a good deal you can resell it to close or same as you paid if you don't like it.

Keep eye out for an RRF. They come up every once in a while, be aware though the steel ultimately used as default, without upgrades, wasn't considered state of the art, though it's fine. I've seen them go for around $250 in memory serves.

The x-18 comes up a little more often since they are still in production, but they are more expensive.
 
The RRF is fantastic, and for your purposes would definitely be a better "fit" than the Sebenza, IMO. I have one (assisted, black "Tacti-Cote" coating, cocobolo inserts), and I have many Sebenzas, and I can tell you the main pluses for the RRF over the Sebenza.

First, the handle/grip of the RRF is incredible. It fits the hand way better than the Sebenza, and if you look at the design, you will see that the rear of the scales slopes downward toward the lanyard hole. When you grasp the RRF, you find that this is the perfect fit to the hand shape. :thumbup: In comparison, the scales on the Sebenza are straight. :thumbdn:

Second, you are asking about tactical knives here. No matter what you may hear, I do not consider my Sebenza's as "Tactical". They are hard use work knives, and in fact, Sebenza in zulu means "Work"! They are great for ranch work, camping, chores, etc., but the design, non-assisted opening, and lack of a real choil doesn't suit it to all uses. The RRF is a tactical that can be used for anything because it has: 1) an angled thumb-ramp (Sebenza's is flat along the blade spine), 2) additional thumb-ridges over the center of the blade (non-existent on Sebbies), and 3) the assisted version's flipper becomes a choil when the blade locks into place. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Want more pluses for the RRF? You got it! :cool:

The RRF comes in s30V blade steel with titanium liners, same as sebenza, so the steels are a wash. However, the Frame lockup on the RRF is better than all of my Sebbies! Granted, it took some flicking open and some pivot lubrication, but now, my assisted opens like lightning, and the frame engagement of the back of the blade is 100% of the beveled frame edge. On my sebbies, you are doing good if you get 50% or more engagement between blade and frame! More frame engagement = stronger lock. Advantage RRF.

Frame release and blade closing are smooth and easy in the RRF. More pressure and a slower close are present in every one of my Sebbies, except maybe my limited annual sebbie, which has a very smooth framelock. Still, compared to non-limited Sebbies, framelock advantage goes to RRF.

The small details that matter - RRF.

RRF has a hideaway clip - all that is visible on the outside when the knife is clipped in a pocket is the clip itself. Sebbie - not so much.

The hideaway clip on the RRF can be moved using torx tools for tip up or tip down carry, whatever the user prefers. Sebbie - not so much.

Umm RRF comes assisted. Sebbie - not so much.

The titanium handles on the Sebbie scratch when you look at them. The RRF Tacti-Cote is tough as nails.

If you get an RRF with inserts, they are expertly cut and fit the frame with no gaps, and most importantly, are held in with screws! The sebbie annual limited editions, which cost a fortune, are cut to size and then glued on to the frame. There have been reports of these inserts separating from the frame. High temperatures cause adhesives to weaken, and not that I would ever recomend taking a CRK limited annual sebbie on a Tactical Op, but if you did, depending on where you live, I bet temps could get high enough to weaken the adhesive and cause insert separation. That would never be an issue with the RRF thanks to three strong torx screws.

RRF comes standard with dual thumbstuds. That is an expensive option on sebbies. RRF also has a flipper, at least on the assisted versions.

Ok, Im tired of typing but I could go on...In summary, Sebbies are a great work knife, but are not "Tactical" oriented. RRF is probably the most feature-filled 7 inch tactical out there, and is a semi-custom knife. And the best part: a fully bells-and-whistles RRF is still cheaper than most Sebenzas with no extra features!
 
I had one of the RRF folders in non assist and it was VERY SMOOTH! I wish I would have kept it. If you can find a good deal on one then get it. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
Well, can't say much about the warranty, since I've never had any problems with my RRF. However, Ryan Wilson appears to have a very good reputation, so I assume that if you had a problem with an RRF, it would get rectified quick-like.

I would recommend handling both before purchasing, if you get the chance. Otherwise, I would suggest going with an RRF, and if you don't like it, sell it and get the Sebbie. Good luck with your decision!
 
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