Rough Rider & Related Slipjoints

Bartleby · Apr 14, 2018

afishhunter said:
The Szco Right Edge Barlow (210601) has rosewood covers, pins, and a lanyard hole. It also has brushed bolsters and satin finished blades, so it is not a smidge/fingerprint magnet. I think they are still making it.

A good choice! This knife really captures the original idea of the Barlow as neither pretty nor proud, an inexpensive plain Jane beater knife that will cut without complaining. Carried one daily for about six years and used it for everything and anything, often standing in for higher end knives that I didn't want to risk damaging. One of the springs on my first one finally failed earlier this year, and I replaced it with a second knife that I got as an add-on item to qualify for free shipping on an on-line order.

Nixelplix · Apr 21, 2018

tmd_87 said:
I might have to grab one...if I don't like it I'm sure I can find someone to gift it too.

Just got one. The dye is a little uneven. Other than that, it is a really nice knife!

Rich S · Apr 21, 2018

I really like RRs, but the tailgate trapper is a bit big for me. Nice looking knife though; I could do without the blade etching. Besides I already have a screwdriver/can opener on my always carry SAK Tinker.

Rich

Nixelplix · Apr 21, 2018

Rich S said:
I really like RRs, but the tailgate trapper is a bit big for me. Nice looking knife though; I could do without the blade etching. Besides I already have a screwdriver/can opener on my always carry SAK Tinker.

Rich

Well yes, I already have these things too, I don't need a bottle opener, or a screwdriver, or any other knives! LOL!

Ace Rimmer · Apr 21, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Just got one. The dye is a little uneven. Other than that, it is a really nice knife!

Very nice! I've thought of picking up a slimline trapper because I just don't care for a long spey blade, but the addition of a screwdriver/caplifter seems ideal.

Bartleby · Apr 21, 2018

Rich S said:
I really like RRs, but the tailgate trapper is a bit big for me.

At some point it would be nice to have a reproduction of the old Camillus 326 Duratool or the Camco "What a Knife." A lot of utility in a small package!

tmd_87 · Apr 22, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Just got one. The dye is a little uneven. Other than that, it is a really nice knife!

It's a full sized trapper right? Looks like it. I actually really like it...just been spending a lil bit of money on GEC lately...How is fit and finish? Ever RR knife I have owned has been really good. I'm sure it's really sharp as well. What would you say the pull strength is on the blades? How's the walk and talk?

Nixelplix · Apr 22, 2018

tmd_87 said:
It's a full sized trapper right? Looks like it. I actually really like it...just been spending a lil bit of money on GEC lately...How is fit and finish? Ever RR knife I have owned has been really good. I'm sure it's really sharp as well. What would you say the pull strength is on the blades? How's the walk and talk?

Yes, a full size trapper, about 4 inches long closed. The only other trapper I was able to find this morning (I know I have an Old Timer around here somewhere lol) is also a Rough Rider, they are both pretty nice. The Tailgate Trapper has half-stops, and the blade pull is nice, probably 5-6, while the caplifter is 6-7. Interestingly the razor trapper does not have half stops.
The tailgate trapper is very sharp, but not quite as sharp as the razor trapper. I'm sure it will sharpen quite easily.
Because of the half stops, the walk and talk is good, snapping into place for the closed, half-open, and open positions.

The only GEC's I have are forum knives, but I threw a couple in there for a group shot, and you can see that the trappers have a nice size to them.

Nixelplix · Apr 22, 2018

Oh and the fit and finish is pretty good, a very slightly proud spring and the uneven dye I give it 8.5/10

tmd_87 · Apr 22, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Yes, a full size trapper, about 4 inches long closed. The only other trapper I was able to find this morning (I know I have an Old Timer around here somewhere lol) is also a Rough Rider, they are both pretty nice. The Tailgate Trapper has half-stops, and the blade pull is nice, probably 5-6, while the caplifter is 6-7. Interestingly the razor trapper does not have half stops.
The tailgate trapper is very sharp, but not quite as sharp as the razor trapper. I'm sure it will sharpen quite easily.
Because of the half stops, the walk and talk is good, snapping into place for the closed, half-open, and open positions.

The only GEC's I have are forum knives, but I threw a couple in there for a group shot, and you can see that the trappers have a nice size to them.

Thanks Josh, I definitely will have to grab one of these one days!

Bartleby · Apr 22, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Oh and the fit and finish is pretty good, a very slightly proud spring and the uneven dye I give it 8.5/10

The photos show that the tip of the screwdriver has been rounded off in polishing. It would be a better tool if it was ground straight. How well does the cap lifter work? On the Marble's 278 the cap lifter needs a lot of work out of the box before it can be used for its intended purpose, I'm curious to see if this one works well without filing.

Nixelplix · Apr 22, 2018

Bartleby said:
The photos show that the tip of the screwdriver has been rounded off in polishing. It would be a better tool if it was ground straight. How well does the cap lifter work? On the Marble's 278 the cap lifter needs a lot of work out of the box before it can be used for its intended purpose, I'm curious to see if this one works well without filing.

Yes, the tip of the screwdriver is a little rounded. The tip is pretty thin, too. I doubt it would make a great screwdriver. I will test out the caplifter function here in a little while.

Maybe I will sand the screwdriver tip down a little to make it square and a little sturdier.

Nixelplix · Apr 22, 2018

Caplifter works.

Bartleby · Apr 22, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Maybe I will sand the screwdriver tip down a little to make it square and a little sturdier.

stoning it square would help prevent slipping off the screw as well.

Nixelplix said:
Caplifter works.

Well tested, but I find with that sort of field test it is best to try a few times, just to be certain. Cheers!

5K Qs · Apr 25, 2018

Received a catalog yesterday from a knife emporium in TN that included a new Rough Rider series of knives with smooth yellow synthetic handles and "classic carbon" blades.

I checked with one of my favorite online Rough Rider dealers and they were offering the same series. I remember the following patterns: full-size trappers (regular and locking), sowbelly stockman, large stockman, hawkbill pruner, and 4 5/8" work knife (liner lock sodbuster pattern). I haven't been able to find out exactly what carbon steel is used (1095, 1070, etc.). Thought some of the RR fans here might be interested!

ETA: FWIW, the pattern numbers for these knives are in the RR1731 to RR1743 range.

- GT

r8shell · Apr 25, 2018

5K Qs said:
Received a catalog yesterday from a knife emporium in TN that included a new Rough Rider series of knives with smooth yellow synthetic handles and "classic carbon" blades. I checked with one of my favorite online Rough Rider dealers and they were offering the same series. I remember the following patterns: full-size trappers (regular and locking), sowbelly stockman, large stockman, hawkbill pruner, and 4 5/8" work knife (liner lock sodbuster pattern). I haven't been able to find out exactly what carbon steel is used (1095, 1070, etc.). Thought some of the RR fans here might be interested!

- GT

Thanks for that info, GT.
Just when I think I'm done buying Rough Riders...I'm really curious to try them out. Might make perfect beater knives.

afishhunter · Apr 25, 2018

r8shell said:
Thanks for that info, GT.
Just when I think I'm done buying Rough Riders...I'm really curious to try them out. Might make perfect beater knives.

And depending on the pattern and covers, they make for a nice "Sunday go to meetin'" knife, too.
The Stoneworx series , and that Barlow with imitation Abalone come to mind ... and some of those copper bolster jobs are might fancy, too.

B.F.U · Apr 25, 2018

Nixelplix said:
Rough Rider trapper with ceramic spey blade:

Hi

Nixelplix I know this is a very, very, very old post but I was wondering if you still have the trapper with the ceramic spey blade? Any thoughts on quality? How is the action on the spey blade? I really like the idea but don't want to waste the $15

Nixelplix · Apr 25, 2018

L.H.S said:
Hi Nixelplix I know this is a very, very, very old post but I was wondering if you still have the trapper with the ceramic spey blade? Any thoughts on quality? How is the action on the spey blade? I really like the idea but don't want to waste the $15

I did not buy that knife- I think I was linking to SMKW's photo of it, because I found it interesting. I never have have handled it though, sorry.

B.F.U · Apr 25, 2018

Nixelplix said:
I did not buy that knife- I think I was linking to SMKW's photo of it, because I found it interesting. I never have have handled it though, sorry.

Oh OK. Thanks anyway!