Rigid Knives - What's good?

[DaveH]

I've seen little bits here and there that certain Rigid knives rival well known knives such as Spyderco Wegners, in quality.

I don't often hear about them, anybody know what's up? What models are good?

DaveH, feelin' a little risky.

 

[WKeating]

I take it you mean the old Rigids from Santee, Ca.(1960's)R9 model (big as in really big)lockback, folder with heavy brass bolsters,walnut scales (w/finger cutouts) and a large clip point (440c?) blade. Similar model but had a drop point. Of interest is Rc dot on the blade. Also made fixed blades and smaller folders one being linerless,lockback and a micarta frame. Excellent using knives. Moved to Arkansas in the '70's and went out of business. Name picked up 5-6 years ago and now standard fare from SMKW in delrin and 440A but not in the old designs which were unique. SMKW offered the big drop point folder 8-10 years made by some bubba in his garage from old Rigid parts. The original has more rounded walnut scales and some of the reworks had excessive play in the blades. Original guy worked for Buck in El Cajon,Ca. (check posts in the Buck forum recently posted) That'
s all I know. I have 5 folders and fixed blades I picked up at gunshows for $25-$30 each. As I said excellent heavy duty using knives from the old school. Good Luck Weldonk

 

[BigRott]

Hello,

I know of the high quality old Rigid knives, but I also have to say I was pleasantly surprised about the quality of the current ones as well. While the materials are run-of-the-mill, the fit/finish is good especially at their price point (the sheath leaves a bit to be desired). I really like the Apache model more than the Buck 110. I believe a lot of the decorated knives from David Yellowhorse are based on Rigid.

 

[DaveH]

Thanks for the info, I was really thinking of newer knives, hmm, I'll have to remember where I saw the info.

DaveH