Shorttime
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2011
- Messages
- 4,033
I started writing these reviews because the 16,000 or so other folks weren’t covering things that were important to me. Like the pocket clip.
Oh. Right.
Essentially, Rough Rider did a bunch of traditional pattern knives using modern materials, so pocket clips are nowhere to be found. I agree that it would look out of place on this knife.
Before we go much further, there’s something important I want to get to, right here on the ricasso.
Country of origin. It’s not terribly important to me, but there are people who feel otherwise. If you were looking for an American-made alternative to brawling with the GEC boys, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about blade shapes. I, or rather my tendonitis, does not like drop-points or sodbuster-style blades. If I need the point to start a cut, I have to crank my wrist over in a way that does not feel fun.
Wharncliffe-style blades aren’t a good answer for me, either. Don’t really have a good reason, they just don’t feel like they “cut good”. Which led me toward these more Nessmuk-style knives, with a low point and a continous curve.
Oh yeah, there are two other blades. I haven’t used ‘em, I imagine those who actually whittle will be able to explain what they’re for.
The main blade is versatile enough for what I do, and it hits the sweet spot for size.
No minimalist packaging here. And heavier than it looks because of the liners.
I like knives that feel substantial, so if you’re looking for something small and light that disappears in your pocket, you can probably just write off anything that I take the time to review.
Fit and finish is very good for sixty dollars. Everything fits tight and square, even the shield. CNC is amazing, huh?
Speaking of fit and finish, the half-stop is there.
You will not miss it, in either direction. Good too, because it was sharp out of the box. Tube. That thing.
Continuing to bash on about fit and finish, look at this micarta! Just, mint. Very smooth to the touch though, in case your sweaty paws like a coarser finish.
That’s it, really. No locking mechanism to speak of, so there’s nothing to say about it. The half-stop takes it’s job seriously, and that’s good with the overall smooth finish of the knife. You have time to make sure your fingies are out the way, give it a second thought and a double check before closing the knife all the way, and it is never, ever going to open in your pocket, either. Any knife with steel liners makes nice snapping noises when you open and close it, but this one isn’t so loud that everybody in the room turns to look in your direction.
So, should you buy it?
Well, good luck, first of all. I don’t think Rough Rider makes a lot of each example of the “Reserve” patterns, and if you’re looking for a modern traditional, they’re an excellent value for the money. I got mine from the auction site, and I think that’s where you’ll have to look, too.
That’s not an answer.
Yes, you should. You wouldn't have started reading this if you were looking for the next knife to take with you on your Black Ops mission, and if you’re still reading this, you’re likely to be okay with the “globally sourced” parts. It’s nice enough to go anywhere, and priced low enough that you won’t be afraid to use it.
Oh. Right.
Essentially, Rough Rider did a bunch of traditional pattern knives using modern materials, so pocket clips are nowhere to be found. I agree that it would look out of place on this knife.
Before we go much further, there’s something important I want to get to, right here on the ricasso.
Country of origin. It’s not terribly important to me, but there are people who feel otherwise. If you were looking for an American-made alternative to brawling with the GEC boys, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about blade shapes. I, or rather my tendonitis, does not like drop-points or sodbuster-style blades. If I need the point to start a cut, I have to crank my wrist over in a way that does not feel fun.
Wharncliffe-style blades aren’t a good answer for me, either. Don’t really have a good reason, they just don’t feel like they “cut good”. Which led me toward these more Nessmuk-style knives, with a low point and a continous curve.
Oh yeah, there are two other blades. I haven’t used ‘em, I imagine those who actually whittle will be able to explain what they’re for.
The main blade is versatile enough for what I do, and it hits the sweet spot for size.
No minimalist packaging here. And heavier than it looks because of the liners.
I like knives that feel substantial, so if you’re looking for something small and light that disappears in your pocket, you can probably just write off anything that I take the time to review.
Fit and finish is very good for sixty dollars. Everything fits tight and square, even the shield. CNC is amazing, huh?
Speaking of fit and finish, the half-stop is there.
You will not miss it, in either direction. Good too, because it was sharp out of the box. Tube. That thing.
Continuing to bash on about fit and finish, look at this micarta! Just, mint. Very smooth to the touch though, in case your sweaty paws like a coarser finish.
That’s it, really. No locking mechanism to speak of, so there’s nothing to say about it. The half-stop takes it’s job seriously, and that’s good with the overall smooth finish of the knife. You have time to make sure your fingies are out the way, give it a second thought and a double check before closing the knife all the way, and it is never, ever going to open in your pocket, either. Any knife with steel liners makes nice snapping noises when you open and close it, but this one isn’t so loud that everybody in the room turns to look in your direction.
So, should you buy it?
Well, good luck, first of all. I don’t think Rough Rider makes a lot of each example of the “Reserve” patterns, and if you’re looking for a modern traditional, they’re an excellent value for the money. I got mine from the auction site, and I think that’s where you’ll have to look, too.
That’s not an answer.
Yes, you should. You wouldn't have started reading this if you were looking for the next knife to take with you on your Black Ops mission, and if you’re still reading this, you’re likely to be okay with the “globally sourced” parts. It’s nice enough to go anywhere, and priced low enough that you won’t be afraid to use it.
