Rough Rider & Related Slipjoints

[r redden]

Thanks Sonny I knew the connection between the TN Company and RR and understand it's a joint venture with the huge wholesale distributor in Marion VA. but after seeing the two knives I knew they had to come from the same factory.

 

[GasMan1]

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I picked up the trapper in the middle today. I thought it was unusual because only one blade locks. (sorry for the crappy pics.)

 

[5K Qs]

Nice knives, GT. How do you like that Buck 389?

I also have a Buck 389, and I like it. Decent fit and finish, blades razor sharp, and a nice pocket friendly size.
...

Completely agree. The 389 is one of my EDC Trios. Altho this week it has been given a rest, so I could try out the Rough Rider 1287 Half Hawk I got. (Yeah ... I know ... the sheepsfoot is redundant when paired with a stockman ...)

I got one to, it is a solid canoe.

afishhunter, I know YOU are a big fan of that Buck canoe (and it looks like you have plenty of company ), and that's one of the reasons I finally ordered the model with wood covers. :thumbup: I haven't carried/used that new one yet, but I've had a stag-handled Buck 389 canoe for quite a while, and I really like it. Of course, I haven't met a canoe I DIDN'T like!

How are you liking that RR Half Hawk?? (I REALLY like that knife, even though it's bigger than what I usually carry. I gave mine away, so I need to get another one. I had one on a June 2 order; the website indicated that it was available, but when they filled the rest of the order, they informed me that the Half Hawk was actually out-of-stock. So it may have to wait until my next knife-buying spree, which probably won't be for a few months. )

Also GT, how are those Novelty barlows? I keep thinking of picking one up.

Neko, I haven't used it HARD or anything, but it certainly seems more solid than I was expecting for $3.50 or whatever I paid! I've already got my money's worth just from the good feelings, grins, and nostalgia!

I bought two Sowbellies last week a RR and a Marbles. The Marbles cost about $5 more but came with a little pouch. Here's the thing the nail nicks and the shields are identical except of course the brand name. This leads me to believe they are made in the same factory. IMO the Marble looks much better but do some of you more knowledgeable folks know if they are in fact produced in the same factory.

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Both brands, (as well as Colt), are owned by the same Tennessee-based company and are indeed made at the same factory, (I asked that very question while at their store when I was in TN recently and they confirmed it). I have a Frost Sowbelly that looks more or less identical, other than shield/stamp, so we can assume that Frost too uses that same manufacturer, (among many others I'm sure). I like how a Sowbelly feels in the hand, good "user" knife for pocket carry. Nice knives, thanks for sharing.

Very interesting info, Sonny14! Lots of people have conjectured this, as Randy did, but this is the first time I've heard of confirmation from the TN store. Randy, I've never seen that Rough Rider "double bomb" shield (or whatever its called) on anything besides a Rough Rider until your Marbles photo! (Although I think I have seen a "BE PREPARED" shield on both RR and Marbles models - I know I have one on a RR electrician, and maybe saw it on a Marbles "work knife" in a TN catalog.)

How do you like the sowbelly stockman knives, Randy? I have a RR exactly like yours that came in a set of 12 different patterns I ordered when I first got interested in pocket knives again. I thought the sowbelly looked kind of strange (I had no experience with the pattern), but once I started carrying it, I had a hard time letting other knives have their turns!! So I have several sowbelly stockmen now, and I think the best is a Case chestnut jigged bone model that Half/Stop gave me as a Christmas surprise; I think you have one just like it that I've admired!

- GT

 

[Sonny14]

Thanks Sonny I knew the connection between the TN Company and RR and understand it's a joint venture with the huge wholesale distributor in Marion VA. but after seeing the two knives I knew they had to come from the same factory.

If you hold blades from the same frame/different brand knives and compare them the shape, size & thickness are identical, obviously punched from the same die, they just put a different tang stamp on and call it good. The lined & pinched bolsters are identical too for the most part. The Colts I recently got have the same lined/pinched bolsters as the Stag Bone in your photo, easy to see they came from the same source.
Just got a RR Camp Knife, but after admiring your photos I think I should get one of the RR or Marbles Sowbellys too. I mean really, for well under a Jackson why not?

 

[Sonny14]

Very interesting info, Sonny14! Lots of people have conjectured this, as Randy did, but this is the first time I've heard of confirmation from the TN store. Randy, I've never seen that Rough Rider "double bomb" shield (or whatever its called) on anything besides a Rough Rider until your Marbles photo! (Although I think I have seen a "BE PREPARED" shield on both RR and Marbles models - I know I have one on a RR electrician, and maybe saw it on a Marbles "work knife" in a TN catalog.)
- GT

I was at the store a bit over a month ago and did indeed ask about Marbles. For one thing the place is as much a museum as a store, and they have stellar customer service with a very knowledgeable staff. They were very willing to confirm to me that RR, Marbles, & Colt were made at the same factory, and told me the store/brand(s) owner Kevin was actually in China at that moment ordering more knives. I left with RR, Colt, Case Carhartt & Buck import knives, (which probably come from the same place too but I didn't ask about Buck). They also advised me while I was there to buy Colt knives while they are available, as they may no longer offer Colt knives in the near future. I recently heard semi-confirmation of that on CCN....Colt Knives will be a thing of the past soon, (if you believe what Tom O'Dell says at least). I know Colt has recently emerged from bankruptcy, so it's possible they are trimming fat and eliminating knives from their line.
I'm gonna pick up one or two Colts a month for awhile just in case, if nothing else I'll end up with very usable knives in cool boxes for around $20 each, and who knows...maybe a Chinese-made brand might actually become collectible in the future.

 

[5K Qs]

I was at the store a bit over a month ago and did indeed ask about Marbles. For one thing the place is as much a museum as a store, and they have stellar customer service with a very knowledgeable staff. They were very willing to confirm to me that RR, Marbles, & Colt were made at the same factory, and told me the store/brand(s) owner Kevin was actually in China at that moment ordering more knives. I left with RR, Colt, Case Carhartt & Buck import knives, (which probably come from the same place too but I didn't ask about Buck). They also advised me while I was there to buy Colt knives while they are available, as they may no longer offer Colt knives in the near future. I recently heard semi-confirmation of that on CCN....Colt Knives will be a thing of the past soon, (if you believe what Tom O'Dell says at least). I know Colt has recently emerged from bankruptcy, so it's possible they are trimming fat and eliminating knives from their line.
I'm gonna pick up one or two Colts a month for awhile just in case, if nothing else I'll end up with very usable knives in cool boxes for around $20 each, and who knows...maybe a Chinese-made brand might actually become collectible in the future.

Oh, man, say it ain't so about Colt knives disappearing! I like each of the Colt knives I have; I don't have a lot, but they're really solid knives! Guess I may have to "take an advance" on my monthly knife budget and pick up some nice examples from the buckshot bone, black stag bone, and brown stag bone series (at least)!

- GT

 

[GasMan1]

Hey Gary, check your email.

 

[Sonny14]

Oh, man, say it ain't so about Colt knives disappearing! I like each of the Colt knives I have; I don't have a lot, but they're really solid knives! Guess I may have to "take an advance" on my monthly knife budget and pick up some nice examples from the buckshot bone, black stag bone, and brown stag bone series (at least)!

- GT

Yup, and I heard it from two very good sources too, both those store employees & CCN, if anyone would know they should. Doesn't mean it's true necessarily; we all know how "brands" get passed around & passed on and seemingly go on forever, but I think the current Colt offerings might be it for awhile. Like I said, even if not true you end up with cool knives at a bargain price if you stock up. I did notice too that most all the Colts still listed in the catalog/website of that store were on closeout or had "get 'em while they're hot" provisos mentioned, so i think they are indeed going away.

 

[afishhunter]

DaRn. There are still a couple of the carbon steel Colts I wanted to add to the "collection", but can't afford at the moment. (trapper and moose)
Oh well. Such is "life".

 

[r redden]

How do you like the sowbelly stockman knives, Randy? I have a RR exactly like yours that came in a set of 12 different patterns I ordered when I first got interested in pocket knives again. I thought the sowbelly looked kind of strange (I had no experience with the pattern), but once I started carrying it, I had a hard time letting other knives have their turns!! So I have several sowbelly stockmen now, and I think the best is a Case chestnut jigged bone model that Half/Stop gave me as a Christmas surprise; I think you have one just like it that I've admired!- GT

Gary I really like the Sowbelly pattern it feels really good in the hand and has great utility. You and I have discussed how much we both like an inexpensive well built knife and I would recommend you pick up one of the Marbles I think it will truly surprise you.

 

[Railsplitter]

Here's an older Rough Rider Sowbelly. This photo was taken in 2009 so I guess I've had this one for a while. I remember carrying this one exclusively for several months. Great knife.

 

[black mamba]

Rick, I heartily second your sentiments on the RR sowbelly. It is a little slimmer than the Case version, as shown in the comparo below.

This old burnt stag RR sowbelly is just a wonderful knife.

I really like the brown sawcut bone version as well, found between the copperhead and toothpick in this group shot.

 

[Blake the Blade]

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[Blake the Blade]

I'm a big fan of the Rough Rider Stockman range and carry my medium amber and black bone Coal Miner Stockman knives on a regular basis. I'm loving these stag Sow belly patterns and hope to get my hands on one real soon. I've recently obtained this Large yellow handled version and am very pleased with it. Substantial, robust, sharp, nicely produced and good looking and all at a great price. What more can I say....very impressed. :thumbup:

[url =https://flic.kr/p/HPKrT1]Untitled[/url] by Blake Blade, on Flickr,
Untitled by Blake Blade, on Flickr

 

[afishhunter]

How are you liking that RR Half Hawk?? (I REALLY like that knife, even though it's bigger than what I usually carry. I gave mine away, so I need to get another one. I had one on a June 2 order; the website indicated that it was available, but when they filled the rest of the order, they informed me that the Half Hawk was actually out-of-stock. So it may have to wait until my next knife-buying spree, which probably won't be for a few months. )
- GT

I like the half hawk, even if she did bite me twice yesterday, while trimming a new wide bore vape drip tip base (hard plastic, not the normal brass) to fit the tank better.
Mine is the RR1287 "Old Yeller" version. Stiff to open either blade, (traditional for the pattern, I think) strong half stops (again, traditional for the pattern, I've heard) the springs are not flush in half stop (not a biggy, IMHO) they protrude maybe 1/8 inch, give or take. There are no gaps, or blade play. All in all, a fine work knife. I may have trouble evicting it from the pocket ... but I DO want to carry that RR Old Yella Marlin Spike for a bit ... maybe next month ... or I suppose I COULD put the marlin spike on the leash, in place of the camp/scout knife ... I did manage to evict the 6 blade stockman so the RR603 Large stockman could get some pocket time.
Which handle option was/is out of stock? I'm guessing one of the jigged bones.

Steve

 

[joeradza]

A little white in the background, so this is my Red, White and Blue carry this weekend.



Alan

 

[afishhunter]

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I picked up the trapper in the middle today. I thought it was unusual because only one blade locks. (sorry for the crappy pics.)

Nice ones. "Smooth Tobacco Bone"?
I have the smooth white bone version of that coke bottle. How do you like yours? Does it get pocket time?

 

[GasMan1]

Nice ones. "Smooth Tobacco Bone"?
I have the smooth white bone version of that coke bottle. How do you like yours? Does it get pocket time?

Yes sir, it's smooth tobacco bone. I have only had it a couple weeks and the fit and finish is not up to par with the other RRs I own. And you can't really tell by the pic. But it's a bit larger than the others. I really don't think it will get much pocket time.

 

[5K Qs]

Hey Gary, check your email.

Took me awhile, but I finally did. Thanks, GasMan! :thumbup:

Gary I really like the Sowbelly pattern it feels really good in the hand and has great utility. You and I have discussed how much we both like an inexpensive well built knife and I would recommend you pick up one of the Marbles I think it will truly surprise you.

Thanks for the recommendation, Randy! The Marbles model you showed didn't have a sheepsfoot blade, did it? Do you miss having one?

Rick, I heartily second your sentiments on the RR sowbelly. ...
This old burnt stag RR sowbelly is just a wonderful knife.

...

Your RR stag knives are very impressive, black mamba! :thumbup:

I like the half hawk, even if she did bite me twice yesterday, while trimming a new wide bore vape drip tip base (hard plastic, not the normal brass) to fit the tank better.
Mine is the RR1287 "Old Yeller" version. Stiff to open either blade, (traditional for the pattern, I think) strong half stops (again, traditional for the pattern, I've heard) the springs are not flush in half stop (not a biggy, IMHO) they protrude maybe 1/8 inch, give or take. There are no gaps, or blade play. All in all, a fine work knife. I may have trouble evicting it from the pocket ... but I DO want to carry that RR Old Yella Marlin Spike for a bit ... maybe next month ... or I suppose I COULD put the marlin spike on the leash, in place of the camp/scout knife ... I did manage to evict the 6 blade stockman so the RR603 Large stockman could get some pocket time.
Which handle option was/is out of stock? I'm guessing one of the jigged bones.

Steve

Thanks for the review, Steve. :thumbup: I originally had a smooth tobacco bone half-hawk that was an excellent knife, and I wanted to replace it after I gifted it. As you guessed, I had ordered an amber jigged bone model; my first Rough Riders were a set of 12 different patterns, all in amber jigged bone, and I still like the look and feel of those covers.

- GT

 

[afishhunter]

Nice ones. "Smooth Tobacco Bone"?
I have the smooth white bone version of that coke bottle. How do you like yours? Does it get pocket time?

Yes sir, it's smooth tobacco bone. I have only had it a couple weeks and the fit and finish is not up to par with the other RRs I own. And you can't really tell by the pic. But it's a bit larger than the others. I really don't think it will get much pocket time.

5 1/4 inch closed, if the same size as mine.
I don't carry mine much. The company on the side of my truck says "no blades over 4 inches" which kinda-sorta takes the large coke bottle out of contention.