I reviewed some traditional Boker pocketknives here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=709097&highlight=boker
Of the folks that commented, not a one was negative towards Boker. :thumbup:
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
My new Rough Riders, an ongoing commentary...
- Thread starter TLARbb
- Start date
Of the folks that commented, not a one was negative towards Boker. :thumbup:
Regarding those Rough Riders...
I love the idea of using the shell with a bit of 'bark'. Very interesting. However, I don't care for the way that the pearl bulges way out in the center:
The checkered pattern on the bone looks ~great~, but the jigging/grooving on the Copperhead just looks weird.
I love the idea of using the shell with a bit of 'bark'. Very interesting. However, I don't care for the way that the pearl bulges way out in the center:
The checkered pattern on the bone looks ~great~, but the jigging/grooving on the Copperhead just looks weird.
Blues you are way off in grasping what I mean.I do know about the sub forum.I go there.What I am saying is that many do not like any knife that is not made in the USA.I have been collecting Bokers since the 1950s.I can tell you after 50 years of collecting knives many people will not collect Bokers because they are foreign.We started selling Bokers in our store in 1951.
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Actually, I wasn't off at all. I understood that you were hinting at folks not accepting knives made abroad. We've had our share of naysayers on this forum and it isn't tolerated.
Here we discuss the knives and not the country of origin or its politics (good or bad).
Folks who wish to opine about politics, economics, or other current events related issues have other forums here and elsewhere to discuss it to their hearts content.
So, let's get back to the discussion of the knives, not sidetrack this discussion from its intended subject matter and leave those who shun knives built abroad to their own devices.
(You are certainly welcome here and we look forward to your contributions. Let's just keep our focus where it belongs.)
EDITED TO ADD:
Kitkat, nobody, especially me, thinks that you are one of the naysayers or intolerant folks. If you read my posts above, I am supporting you and your right to collect whatever knives you wish from whatever country you may fancy. We do not tolerate those other folks who come here to denigrate and bash knives of foreign manufacture. I've sent you a PM in this regard so please look to your email.
Please do not reply further on this matter in this thread as it has taken the thread off its intended topic. You may contact me via email privately for any further discussion.
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Oh my. That simply won't do, Kitkat.
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Thanks, Andy. The offending posts have been moved to a thread in the moderator's section.
I think "what we have here is failure to communicate."
Let's try our best to get back on track...:thumbup:
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I started picking up RR's about 4 or 5 years ago when I got interested in slippies and wanted to try out different patterns that I liked w/o spending too much. I've since kept several and the ones I didn't like I polished up and gave away to friends so it was a win/win for everyone and I made someone happy for a mere 7 or 8 bucks.
I still keep a lg Trapper, canoe and copperhead which is my favorite. I use them as "goin' to meetin'" knives and they never seem to make anyone nervous as opposed to clacking out my SMF. The RR's held up well and that's what I throw in my suitcase for air travel in case some sticky fingers rummage thru my bag, I'm only out 8 bucks.
I still keep a lg Trapper, canoe and copperhead which is my favorite. I use them as "goin' to meetin'" knives and they never seem to make anyone nervous as opposed to clacking out my SMF. The RR's held up well and that's what I throw in my suitcase for air travel in case some sticky fingers rummage thru my bag, I'm only out 8 bucks.
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Many guys will happily spend $50, $80, $100+ on a Case. How many would be willing to spend the same money on a Rough Rider?
i would say only time can tell. at one time the old schrades were cheap and now they've skyrocketed. that mostly being due to closure and the name being bought by an import maker. so far i've only owned a couple rrs and am not displeased yet, though i have noticed the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to their knives. it seems it's hit or miss. the only thing i have notice about my own in particular is that they don't hold an edge real well for what i use them for but, cutting cardboard is one of the things that dulls knives quickly anyhow even if you have zdp 189 steel blades.
i would say only time can tell. at one time the old schrades were cheap and now they've skyrocketed. that mostly being due to closure and the name being bought by an import maker. so far i've only owned a couple rrs and am not displeased yet, though i have noticed the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to their knives. it seems it's hit or miss. the only thing i have notice about my own in particular is that they don't hold an edge real well for what i use them for but, cutting cardboard is one of the things that dulls knives quickly anyhow even if you have zdp 189 steel blades.
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hi, thanx for sharing Roland,
I have a rough rider toothpick,but it's a bit too "light" for me.
falah
I have a rough rider toothpick,but it's a bit too "light" for me.
falah
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of the three RRs i have i can say that i'm impressed. some annoying things i've noticed on each of them is that the matchstrike nail nicks are sometimes too shallow for me. i played around with a dremel to fix the problem the other day on one of the blades which i would i would not attempt with others. also, the blades do seem a good deal thinner than blades from other makers.
i'm not put off by the steel and i love the edge it will take.
in the end i think a lot of the delima we might have with them is 'pride of ownership' you know? they don't give me the same feeling as a case or GEC. they don't have the same cache for me even that they accomplish the same thing.
i'm not put off by the steel and i love the edge it will take.
in the end i think a lot of the delima we might have with them is 'pride of ownership' you know? they don't give me the same feeling as a case or GEC. they don't have the same cache for me even that they accomplish the same thing.
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i got the smooth tobacco bone copperhead and its' blades are no thinner than any other knives of that pattern i have seen, it sharpens up pretty easily, everything is tight, it has an acorn shield on it, it makes me feel good to own it. i don't care where it's made as long as it's a good knife. a person might take into consideration that the knife you use usually ends up being the knife you like. so even if it is a "beater knife" it will have probably done more work than the "safe queens" and therefore have the fondest memories attached to it. so that can be an excuse to like them or to take your fancy knives out and use them.
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Rough Riders remind me of the old Imperials.
They were pretty cheap knives, even at the time.
Ok, maybe not cheap. More like inexpensive.
They were used, and used for a LONG time. They were nothing special at the time, just a cheap beater.
Yet there have been many on here that are held in high regard because dad, or grandad carried it and used it for this many years.
I see nothing wrong with Rough Riders. As buckgen5 said, it is the users that end up being the highly regarded, and fondly remembered knives. Not the safe queens.
They were pretty cheap knives, even at the time.
Ok, maybe not cheap. More like inexpensive.
They were used, and used for a LONG time. They were nothing special at the time, just a cheap beater.
Yet there have been many on here that are held in high regard because dad, or grandad carried it and used it for this many years.
I see nothing wrong with Rough Riders. As buckgen5 said, it is the users that end up being the highly regarded, and fondly remembered knives. Not the safe queens.
Hi,
I have to agree with you, they are very much like the old Imperials. But I think it will be a long time before they gain much nostalgic regard. But I think they will continue for a long time as unsung workers.
What I want to know is, who do I talk to get more of that San-Mai on different patterns. I've been using the small lock-back for a while now. Not only does it look good, it holds it's edge very well. I want a Stockman, Mini-Trapper, Whittler, Canoe, and a Barlow done up with that material.
Dale
I have to agree with you, they are very much like the old Imperials. But I think it will be a long time before they gain much nostalgic regard. But I think they will continue for a long time as unsung workers.
What I want to know is, who do I talk to get more of that San-Mai on different patterns. I've been using the small lock-back for a while now. Not only does it look good, it holds it's edge very well. I want a Stockman, Mini-Trapper, Whittler, Canoe, and a Barlow done up with that material.
Dale
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Well, I have to say this. I am completely annoyed that the RR knives come in so many patterns and finishes. Some of those knives are just pretty...
I think what I like the most about them is the fact that they have so many traditional patterns, with traditional blades shapes and scale choices. I am trying to resist these damn things as I am seeing for me they would be like popcorn!
I have only seen a very few of these knives up close at a gun show. But if they are ANYTHING like the Remington branded (PROC) heavy stockman/peanut combo I got for Christmas from my niece, I would be toast indeed. It is in the same family as these knives with similar choice of material. Sadly, it is every bit as well made as my last 5 - 6 domestic purchases over the last year. The fit is better, too.
FEATURES:
* 440 Stainless steel blade with etched Sportsman Series Logo
* Satin finish stainless steel pins and bolsters
* Black delrin handle
* Brass liners
* 4 1/4 inch Closed Length
* Clip Blade
* Spey Blade
* Sheepfoot Blade
SPECIFICATIONS:
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Black Delrin
Overall Length: 4 1/4" closed
Not an endorsement of that site; it was just a handy pic with specs. It should be noted that according to that site, the blades are now made with American steel!!
I was talking to a guy that has sold me a couple of blades at the last gunshow, and he told me he was contemplating carrying these. He liked the fit, finish, etc., but more importantly he and a buddy had taken the the stockman he had to a metal shop and they tested the blades for hardness and let one of the guys inspect the blades for flaws. I always wonder where these PROC knives really are on the hardness scales. Not just "compared to" or "I have heard", etc.
The blades miked out at 57 or 57+ on the Rockwell scale (not quite 58 on any of them), and he found no stamping fissures or artifacts on the blades. My gunshow buddy has a test batch to sell on the way, as he said his distributor told him that they have sold so well for the maker that the "Remington" of PROC is branching out into other patterns.
The lure of the RR though, is the scale choices. Bone of all colors, sheens, treatments, that give them the look of a traditional knife. If they had pakkawood, resin wood, plastic wood, or anything like that, I wouldn't even look. Top that off with brass liners.... what's a guy supposed to do?
Robert
I think what I like the most about them is the fact that they have so many traditional patterns, with traditional blades shapes and scale choices. I am trying to resist these damn things as I am seeing for me they would be like popcorn!
I have only seen a very few of these knives up close at a gun show. But if they are ANYTHING like the Remington branded (PROC) heavy stockman/peanut combo I got for Christmas from my niece, I would be toast indeed. It is in the same family as these knives with similar choice of material. Sadly, it is every bit as well made as my last 5 - 6 domestic purchases over the last year. The fit is better, too.
FEATURES:
* 440 Stainless steel blade with etched Sportsman Series Logo
* Satin finish stainless steel pins and bolsters
* Black delrin handle
* Brass liners
* 4 1/4 inch Closed Length
* Clip Blade
* Spey Blade
* Sheepfoot Blade
SPECIFICATIONS:
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Black Delrin
Overall Length: 4 1/4" closed
Not an endorsement of that site; it was just a handy pic with specs. It should be noted that according to that site, the blades are now made with American steel!!
I was talking to a guy that has sold me a couple of blades at the last gunshow, and he told me he was contemplating carrying these. He liked the fit, finish, etc., but more importantly he and a buddy had taken the the stockman he had to a metal shop and they tested the blades for hardness and let one of the guys inspect the blades for flaws. I always wonder where these PROC knives really are on the hardness scales. Not just "compared to" or "I have heard", etc.
The blades miked out at 57 or 57+ on the Rockwell scale (not quite 58 on any of them), and he found no stamping fissures or artifacts on the blades. My gunshow buddy has a test batch to sell on the way, as he said his distributor told him that they have sold so well for the maker that the "Remington" of PROC is branching out into other patterns.
The lure of the RR though, is the scale choices. Bone of all colors, sheens, treatments, that give them the look of a traditional knife. If they had pakkawood, resin wood, plastic wood, or anything like that, I wouldn't even look. Top that off with brass liners.... what's a guy supposed to do?
Robert
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It's been a couple months or so since I posted on the forum about these knives and thought I'd let everyone know that every one of these knives continue to be acceptable in every way for everyday use. Notwithstanding that I can't seem to kick that Case mini copperhead out of my pocket, I have carried and used these knives several times each over the course of the last couple months and can say they are fully as good as knives of this price range or more should be expected to be. I believe the value to be high and at least worthy of your consideration for your knife dollars.
The little congress whittler has been the one I have carried the most because I wanted to warm up to the congress pattern, which this knife has been successful in properly representing the congress pattern. I find that I like it enough to use it with some frequency and it is very close in size to the mini copperhead so I find myself reaching for it often enough to say that I am happy I bought it.
Ed
The little congress whittler has been the one I have carried the most because I wanted to warm up to the congress pattern, which this knife has been successful in properly representing the congress pattern. I find that I like it enough to use it with some frequency and it is very close in size to the mini copperhead so I find myself reaching for it often enough to say that I am happy I bought it.
Ed
Hi,
Ain't nothing wrong with that. I think many of us have that "one" knife we just seem to grab. I don't think it has much to with brand name either. I think it is the actual individual knife that appeals.
I do agree with you about RR's. The ones I have in my possession and the ones I've given away are all still providing good service. And will continue to do so for a long time.
Dale
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- 3,198
I am also surprised by how well that knife has held up. I have had it over a year now, and that one and his two cousins are as tight as the day I bought them. No sign of the liners/springs opening up, and no sign of the springs weakening. Scales haven't loosened on the large stockman or peanut that came in the two piece gift set. They hold an edge very well and are a snap to sharpen.
I am hugely impressed with those knives.
On the other hand, shortly after Christmas last year I bought a medium stockman with "burlwood" scales at the sporting goods store's clearance for $7. Same terrific fit and finish, snap, etc.
But riding around in my sweaty pocket over the summer was too much for the untreated burlwood. Both scales began to come loose and opened up about 1/16 of an inch on the ends! I pried them open far enough to get some epoxy under the scales, glued 'em up, and haven't had a problem since.
The large Remington stockmans I gave this year over the summer (pakka wood handles) to a couple of guys that use them for work (non-knife guys) love them and use the heck out of them.
Honestly, I am not worried at all about these lasting as long as I will need them.
Robert
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I just want to add, I had bought a rough rider medium stockman with a gunstock bone handle.
I was actually getting upset with myself for buying a chinese made knife and today I went out and checked a knife that had caught my eye. A case blue bone medium stockman (2 actually)
I have to say, despite the Case being american made and 2 1/2 times the price of that rough rider. The rough rider is just a much better knife. The case stockmans springs were so weak that i actually bumped it on my hand and the blade closed on me cutting me pretty good...
I guess my old stereotypes about chinese made stuff is just that a stereotype, because in comparison I bought a much better knife for a much better price with the rough rider.
thats just my 2 cents
I was actually getting upset with myself for buying a chinese made knife and today I went out and checked a knife that had caught my eye. A case blue bone medium stockman (2 actually)
I have to say, despite the Case being american made and 2 1/2 times the price of that rough rider. The rough rider is just a much better knife. The case stockmans springs were so weak that i actually bumped it on my hand and the blade closed on me cutting me pretty good...
I guess my old stereotypes about chinese made stuff is just that a stereotype, because in comparison I bought a much better knife for a much better price with the rough rider.
thats just my 2 cents