Rough Rider Camp Knives

zippofan

zippofan

Joined
Nov 12, 2011
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Has anyone picked up the Rough Rider 4 blade camp pattern? Our Troop is getting ready for our annual "Sneaky Santa" Christmas exchange, the price limit on gifts is $15 and I can snag them on the great auction site for ~11 bucks apiece.

I know there are better knives but I've read these are good for the price. I have a feeling the guys who get them will think they're cool, most have no idea about the traditional Scout pocket knife, they only know SAK style (usually knockoffs) and other Far East folders.

Thanks!
Griff
 
You mean the RR Scout knife with bail?

I've got a couple of them and find the knife very reasonable and OK to have about the place. Main Spear blade, Awl. Can opener, Bottle opener/screwdriver.
Finish is more than good for the price, (many costlier knives are no better,often worse!) choice of Amber or Red bone scales. Springs can be a bit stiff and obviously, it's quite a heavy knife, but if it gets 'em interested in Traditional knives then get them in!
 
I don't have that particular pattern, but I have a few Rough Rider knives. I haven't used them long enough to say anything about blade quality and durability. But they come sharp, and I was surprised at how good the fit and finish was for an inexpensive knife. They seem to be a good value, and also seem to be coming out of the same factory that other more well-known name brands are being made.
 
Had one and gave it away. Nice knife. Stiff spring. It was a good knife though, so I gave it to a good friend who didn't have one.
 
LKJW said:
Had one and gave it away. Nice knife. Stiff spring. It was a good knife though, so I gave it to a good friend who didn't have one.
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I think that's one of the best things about them. If somebody takes a liking to one it's pretty easy to say, "here you go". That's a lot harder to do with a more expensive knife.
 
I have one in Amber Bone and I agree with the above statements. A good quality knife with stiff springs and a sharp blade. The tools on mine are all about an 8 on the pull scale with the blade being about a 7 and excellent snap on each one.

The can opener and the awl both have a mildly sharpened edge on them. Not near as sharp as the blade.

It's a nice knife. Thanks for starting this thread, Griff. I haven't had this knife out for a while and this gave me a reason to get it out and fiddle with it.
 
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willgoy said:
You mean the RR Scout knife with bail?

I've got a couple of them and find the knife very reasonable and OK to have about the place. Main Spear blade, Awl. Can opener, Bottle opener/screwdriver.
Finish is more than good for the price, (many costlier knives are no better,often worse!) choice of Amber or Red bone scales. Springs can be a bit stiff and obviously, it's quite a heavy knife, but if it gets 'em interested in Traditional knives then get them in!
Click to expand...

Yep, that's the one. I figure it might get the Scouts interested in something different than the SAK patterns (nothing wrong with SAK, I have a few!) or cheapo junk. Some of their dads have good knives, other dads don't seem to have any that I've ever seen.

The kids are funny about knives, they like them but they aren't as big a deal any more. It isn't like when I got my first pocket knife, I'll never forget the day my dad gave it to me, I was thrilled. Even my own sons, they think knives are cool but just another thing, and I've taught them how to use them properly and respect them.

Maybe this might get them interested, I hope so. Certainly better than a damn iPod gift card...
 
I showed my sons before I ordered a couple, they thought the Scouts will like 'em. Should be interesting, we've never done the "Sneaky Santa" (aka "Dirty" Santa) gift exchange before. My younger son even hinted that he might like something like that himself, little does he know has a new BSA branded Vic Adventurer to be wrapped up from me for Christmas. :D
 
I think the whole troop getting the same knife would be well accepted and pretty cool!
 
I guess you get the positive review here on Rough Rider. They make a decent knife with good fit/finish. It's a great idea for a scout troop that's ready for knife safety.
 
For those that know, do they have rounded edges on the screwdriver's bit (Chinese Screwdriver Disease) ?
 
Thomas Linton said:
For those that know, do they have rounded edges on the screwdriver's bit (Chinese Screwdriver Disease) ?
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I have mine in my hand right now and yes, the bit is rounded to some extent. Doesn't seem too bad to me though. I would post a pic but I am heading out to get some Baskin Robins ice cream. I'll post a pic later. After the ice cream, of course.:)

Pic added:

IMG_1544.jpg
 
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While I don't have any experience with this particular model I can however atest to Rough Rider's QC and overall F & F and IMO dollar for dollar I feel Rough Rider's are a great value also due to their very low price they make excellent " just because " gifts.
 
If what I think is going to happen, the camp knives might be the gifts that get "stolen" the most when we play the Sneaky Santa game. If that's the case I'm going to suggest to the Troop Committee that all the guys get 'em. There are a couple of Scouts who I'm pretty sure have no knife at all. This is the kinda place that's still a little old fashioned, pretty much guys who have don't rub it into the faces of guys who don't, and guys who don't really don't say anything.

While they all have their Totin' Chip, they may have borrowed knives during the class. And of course there are one or two moms who wouldn't let Junior have a dull end scissors if they could help it too. A pocket knife from the Troop could really put a smile on the boys' faces, especially the ones with the helicopter moms.
 
Railsplitter said:
I have one in Amber Bone and I agree with the above statements. A good quality knife with stiff springs and a sharp blade. The tools on mine are all about an 8 on the pull scale with the blade being about a 7 and excellent snap on each one.
Click to expand...

I don't have personal experience with this model, but maybe consider how suitable "stiff" springs are for the Scouts, depending on age. Nice thing you all are doing! Best to the Troop!
Fred
 
thawk said:
I think the whole troop getting the same knife would be well accepted and pretty cool!
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I 've got a red bone scout & its unbelievably good for the price.Yes The whole scout troop getting the same one would be great.
I'm not sure about cubs. Here they probably aren't permitted . But it would be great for a youngster to get one when they made sixer.
 
There is only one of my Scouts who might have trouble with stiff springs, he just came over from Cubs last fall. The older guys have made him sort of a mascot, he's about 4'9" and 90 lbs soaking wet, my Eagles tower over him :D A great kid, not afraid to dive into any Scouting activity and give it a go, the older boys respect him and God help anyone who ever bothered him!
I am blessed with a great bunch of boys, 4 Eagles in the last year and a couple more right behind.
 
Railsplitter said:
I have mine in my hand right now and yes, the bit is rounded to some extent. Doesn't seem too bad to me though. I would post a pic but I am heading out to get some Baskin Robins ice cream. I'll post a pic later. After the ice cream, of course.:)

Pic added:

IMG_1544.jpg
Click to expand...

The downside to tumble polishing! :p
 
Mate we are on the same wavelength-i hear you talking.
zippofan said:
Yep, that's the one. I figure it might get the Scouts interested in something different than the SAK patterns (nothing wrong with SAK, I have a few!) or cheapo junk. Some of their dads have good knives, other dads don't seem to have any that I've ever seen.

The kids are funny about knives, they like them but they aren't as big a deal any more. It isn't like when I got my first pocket knife, I'll never forget the day my dad gave it to me, I was thrilled. Even my own sons, they think knives are cool but just another thing, and I've taught them how to use them properly and respect them.

Maybe this might get them interested, I hope so. Certainly better than a damn iPod gift card...
Click to expand...
 
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