Is Rough Ryder Reserve really worth $27 more than Case?!

I have three Case knives. None of them are anywhere near perfect- pretty big gaps but usable, and one of them I can't even get open without a tool because the spring is so stiff. I have no idea how it even got out of the factory. I have dozens and dozens of regular Rough Ryders, and of them I've gotten about three really bad ones. They were all the same model and I returned it until I got a good one. Tiny gaps aren't totally uncommon in the regular line, but all but the three are totally usable. I have every Rough Ryder Reserve that has been released so far. One has a little bit of an edge on the back spring- nothing that affects its use, and the one in spalted oak has some black dots that aren't very attractive, but other than that, they've all been flawless.
 
The fact that RR and Case are in the same conversation is a perfect summary of where they are at. Is one worth more than the other? Hard to say. I can tell you the effort that goes into the RRR line is above and beyond standard Case manufacturing..,for whatever that is worth :)
 
Rough Rider/Ryder knives are about 3 times the price here than they are in the US, and I have balked at RRR knives, because the prices are close to GEC prices! :eek:
 
No way would I pay GEC prices for any rough rider. They sound like a prophylactic manufacturer anyway, and I’m I huge Teddy Roosevelt fan….
 
I have various of both and have had no major issues from either; I have higher end and lower end models. A RRR feels nicer than a basic Case. How much nicer? It depends on what you care about.

The cheapest place for the RRR seems to be the US brand owners shop. Case is also usually cheaper in bigger online stores. The knifeexchange is also good.
As mentioned previously you need to shop around.

For RRR, in Europe, I have used a French online/ebay shop where they start at around 50 Euro.

We are not talking about huge amounts of money here, so buy the one you like more, RRR, RR or Case xx. After using it for a while you will not care about the money you did not save.

Worldwide many will avoid buying products from various countries (I try too), which are not always the same. It is natural, so bear this in mind when asking for opinions.
 
I just saw a pattern they offer, a sway back jack with what a " sheeps foot " blade that has some significant intentional belly to it.

If I knew absolutely nothing about rough rider, that alone would be enough for me hate them.
A sheeps foot blade should have a straight edge , anything but is a major flaw and complete failure.
Even worse is when they do this on purpose and still think it's okay to call it a sheeps foot blade.

If that's a sheeps foot blade ( can't be a modified sheeps foot without one of the 2 major defining aspects) then a spey blade is a modified drop point and a clip blade is a modified spear point.
 
The heritage of Case and USA made is worth more than $27 to me. I don't think I own any non USA made knives at the moment but I would definitely buy British or German. I try to stay away from Chinese if I have the choice but realize not everyone feels the same.
 
waverave said:
The fact that RR and Case are in the same conversation is a perfect summary of where they are at. Is one worth more than the other? Hard to say. I can tell you the effort that goes into the RRR line is above and beyond standard Case manufacturing..,for whatever that is worth :)
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Well tell us how the RR effort is 3x that of Case. How do you measure this “effort”?

Personally I find them ugly…”Don’t buy no ugly knife.”

The fact the two manufacturers are in the same conversation is a “perfect summary” of how some people love to trash Case.
 
brownshoe said:
Well tell us how the RR effort is 3x that of Case. How do you measure this “effort”?

Personally I find them ugly…”Don’t buy no ugly knife.”

The fact the two manufacturers are in the same conversation is a “perfect summary” of how some people love to trash Case.
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I couldn’t agree more, I’m certainly not a fan boy, but you would think the heritage alone would warrant them a little more respect than being compared to rough rider.
What’s next, Chevrolet being seriously compared to YUGO?

I have a couple rough riders, one is pretty nice, the other is more than decent for the price, but both feel cheap, and I wouldn’t trade my worst Case for both of them.
 
brownshoe said:
Well tell us how the RR effort is 3x that of Case. How do you measure this “effort”?

Personally I find them ugly…”Don’t buy no ugly knife.”

The fact the two manufacturers are in the same conversation is a “perfect summary” of how some people love to trash Case.
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Well, since you asked…I specifically commented on the RRR line effort…Rough Ryder Reserve. Ive had a few hundred Case knives in my collection over the years and anything made in the last decade or two is hit and miss...as everyone knows. I’ve also had a few of the newer RRR line. Aesthetics aside, the f&f is better than most normal production Case in my experience.
Didn’t mean to hit a nerve there I assure you I’ve given Case plenty of business over the years.
 
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JohnDF said:
My typical Case knives have been much better than the typical Rough Ryder Knives.
I've heard pretty good things about the Rough Ryder reserve line, like the quality is better, but their designs haven't made me want to try them after all the bad luck I've had with their regular line. I'll stick with Case knives because I know I will get good quality for a reasonable price. Regular Rough Ryders can be absolute junk, Case knives are a decent middle ground, and on the higher end we have GEC. Perhaps the Rough Ryder Reserve Line fall somewhere between a Case and a GEC, but I haven't ordered one to find out.
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I have a number of RR with better fit and finish than modern Case. Not RR reserve either
 
Hickory n steel said:
I just saw a pattern they offer, a sway back jack with what a " sheeps foot " blade that has some significant intentional belly to it.

If I knew absolutely nothing about rough rider, that alone would be enough for me hate them.
A sheeps foot blade should have a straight edge , anything but is a major flaw and complete failure.
Even worse is when they do this on purpose and still think it's okay to call it a sheeps foot blade.

If that's a sheeps foot blade ( can't be a modified sheeps foot without one of the 2 major defining aspects) then a spey blade is a modified drop point and a clip blade is a modified spear point.
Click to expand...
Two of my last three Case Stockman knives had bellies on the sheepsfoot blades. Disappointed for sure. Slowly I’ll be able to sharpen that out.
 
BJE said:
https://imgur.com/a/FTsLeTG
I can’t figure out this picture hosting thing but I can’t delete either.
Was just trying to leave a couple pics of rough riders classier offerings.
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My eyes! My eyes! :eek:

I was taking a hard look at the RRR Swish last night, but at 75 bucks, I just can't get there. Yet. 😁

I did pick up a RRR Clasper when they were on sale and I sure don't hate it. Really nice build quality.
 
If you’re going to use it and don’t have reservations about Chinese made knives…. The answer is emphatically yes. The overall quality is better and the consistency in quality is head and shoulders above modern Case (RRR).
 
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