River Rapid Knife Works

Morrow

Morrow

Don't make this weird
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
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I got the chance to handle a Rapid River Knife Works folder today. I knew Rapid River made quality sporting blades but had no idea they made folders. The knife I handled was a single-blade copperhead with a liner lock. The handle looked to be 2nd cut burnt stag or amber bone similar to Queen. The knife had nickel silver bolsters with brass liners. I couldn't tell what the blade steel was as it wasn't marked on the blade. There was a decent nail nick and the back spring was strong...almost too strong. There was also a pronounced half-stop. F&F seemed very good overall with my only negative being when opened, the back spring and blade where not flush where they met. The blade was just slightly elevated over the back spring.

Has anyone had a chance to handle one of these or another folder from Rapid River Knife Works? I checked their website and they only have fixed blades listed.
 
Kris and the gang at Rapid River make an incredible field knife. I have one of their skinners and had one of their drop point knives. Right now, I think I have one of their Timber Cruiser hatchets on the way.

I haven't had a chance to handle their folders yet but if their anything like their fixed blades, they gotta be just stelar.

The RR gang was all over the website when it went up. Lately they've kinda fallen behind on updating the site. There are a few new models comming out soon and we're waiting patiently for them.

Check the web site when you can and be patient. The folks at RRKW love the outdoors as much as they do knives.

Chris
 
They used to offer three patterns. All are now discontinued but a new one is in the works.
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The new offering will be a liner lock and hasn't been introduced yet.

Rapid River folders are not made at RRKW. They are contract knives but I'm not sure who is making them. By the look of 'em, I'd guess Northwoods as NW is in the old home town of Marbles (Gladstone, MI) and Rapid River is only about 6 miles down the street.

Many of Northwoods hunting knives like their Skinner bear a striking resemblance to RRKW's custom offerings.

Just spitballin' but if I had to guess...

Chris
 
The new offering will be a liner lock and hasn't been introduced yet.
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They may not be for sale on the website, but they are being sold at shows. The one I handled was a liner lock copperhead. It was purchased at a Wilderness and Outdoor show in Harrisburg Pa. in Feb. 08. I was told they had quite a few of them for sale for $75. Not neccassarily a bargin if they are in fact made by Queen.

Great information by the way...thanks. The knives you pictured sure do look like Queens....especially the dog leg jack on top. I think Sword and Shield is on the crab....sorry...."Deadliest Catch" reference.
 
morrowj_98 said:
They may not be for sale on the website, but they are being sold at shows. The one I handled was a liner lock copperhead. It was purchased at a Wilderness and Outdoor show in Harrisburg Pa. in Feb. 08.
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You are right morrowj. I went back through some old posts on their forum and found that it was introduced in Jan. '08. Since there are no pics on their site I thought there might be a delay. I know I had heard about it a while ago.

As for Outdoor show in PA, I was in Mannheim that week. I was going to go but after looking at the list of vendors on the internet, I decided not to. RR was not listed. I wish I had known. I'd have been there for sure.

S&S, I wouldn't blame you for putting money on Queen. Thats the first thing I thought when I saw 'em. Northwoods would make sense as they are close but they do look a lot like Queen offerings.

Chris
 
Rupestris said:
You are right morrowj. I went back through some old posts on their forum and found that it was introduced in Jan. '08. Since there are no pics on their site I thought there might be a delay. I know I had heard about it a while ago.

As for Outdoor show in PA, I was in Mannheim that week. I was going to go but after looking at the list of vendors on the internet, I decided not to. RR was not listed. I wish I had known. I'd have been there for sure.

S&S, I wouldn't blame you for putting money on Queen. Thats the first thing I thought when I saw 'em. Northwoods would make sense as they are close but they do look a lot like Queen offerings.

Chris
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That's funny...I was in Manheim all weekend. That is always a good show but the knife offerings are hit or miss IMHO. A have a couple of friends with booths so I like to stop by and support them. Of course the one time I miss the show, I miss out on the chance to grab a quality knife. The only thing that concerns me is the price. A Queen copperhead w/ liner lock and a fantastic honey amber stag bone handle can be had for $50. I'm not sure what I would get for the extra $25 the R&R knives were going for. It's not a lot of money to be sure but it is a question I would need to answer for myself before buying one.
 
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