Rough Rider & Related Slipjoints

rprocter said:
"What is this? The central layer of harder steel?"
Would be nice if it is, but is this real Damascus or steel that has been acid etched to appear like Damascus ?
Price suggests the latter, but RR's so consistently provide so much more than can ever be expected for the price.
I think it is real Damascus so this could be the center piece of steel.
Damascus quality varies widely so it would be great if someone used their RR Damascus blade often enough to require re-sharpening, then use it more and report how it's holding up.
roland
Click to expand...

From what I read from others who have bought them they are Sanmai not a damascus...and you can get inexpensive sanmai blades, I got a japanese traditional folder with a hand forged blade for $30.
 
i ordered a bone kissing crane stockman today. i hope it is worth the 15 bucks i spent on it. i'll update when it arrives.
 
Robert.B said:
From what I read from others who have bought them they are Sanmai not a damascus...and you can get inexpensive sanmai blades, I got a japanese traditional folder with a hand forged blade for $30.
Click to expand...

The 1020 and 1021 are san mai with the outer layers made of damascus. I'm no expert, but it appears to be genuine damascus, not just an etch. I've carried mine off and on for the last 4 months (RR1020), and have been pretty impressed with it's ability to hold an edge. The steel in these knives is much better than that found on the majority of RR's. The hollow grinds on mine were a little uneven, so it is a user. So far, I've been impressed.

Adam
 
I believe that literally San Mai is the steel of samurai swords, ie three layers: two soft outer ones and one hard inner for the edge. Although the two components were also a layered/welded composition. I'm not sure we can draw too many conclusions just from the name. Its an asian knife they probably just slapped an asian name for damascus on it. I dunno. I note the line I'm referring to is easily seen in the good pix upthread.
 
aplehr1 said:
The fit and finish of the Colts is maybe a little better, if only because they are a little beefier and feel more solid. The blade steel on the Colts is basically junk though. It's listed most places as 420J. To give you an idea of how soft it is - my Colt teardrop had an uneven grind near the tip. One very light swipe across a fine grit Crystolon set the bevel. One swipe! It was basically like sanding a piece of wood. My experience with Rough Rider's 440A has been similar. They are fine looking knives, but due to their use of mid to low quality materials - "excellent knives" they are not. For $10-20, you get a $10-20 knife.

ETA - I'm not trying to talk anyone out of buying the Colt knives. I have three different patterns, and don't plan on selling or getting rid of them. But, they are basically display knives, IMHO.

Adam
Click to expand...

Hi Adam...thanks for the insight and good info...maybe I will look instead towards a used Ebay Schrade 34OT, but in a bit larger size.
 
MarkPinTx said:
I believe that literally San Mai is the steel of samurai swords, ie three layers: two soft outer ones and one hard inner for the edge. Although the two components were also a layered/welded composition. I'm not sure we can draw too many conclusions just from the name. Its an asian knife they probably just slapped an asian name for damascus on it. I dunno. I note the line I'm referring to is easily seen in the good pix upthread.
Click to expand...

Sanmai is the method, you can use any steel you want in sanmai construction...its just a good core steel with another material around it (mono-core with a Damascus outer looks great). Chinese were actually the first to use the method Japanese use for sword and blade construction.
 
You know the guys who own the Rough Rider brand are enjoying themselves in this venture when they turn out a knife like this:

customs020.jpg


customs021.jpg


roland
 
I was wondering about that one.... sorta silly but it might appeal to someone! Traditional? I don't know. Maybe fun in a gimicky sort of way. Not for me, though!
 
No, it's the American owners who design the knives and tell the offshore factory what to build. That's why i said the owners of the RR brand are havin' fun. This is a real knife with 4 typically sharp RR blades, so it's useable, but who would ? Those RR boyz are just havin' fun getting silly knives made up. they are so cheap you can get one for fun, like i did.
roland
 
Hi,

Out of curiosity, how did they put it together? Is it just two separate Trapper frames joined by over sized scales and bolsters? Pretty fun and funky looking. I kind of like the humour in it.

Dale
 
OK... so that is the best laugh I've had all day! I NEED one of those... LOL
 
LOL! its brilliant...I'd want it just for the novelty factor, shame I have others I want first from the RR line.
 
"Is it just two separate Trapper frames joined by over sized scales and bolsters?"
Yes. There is a small gap between the 2 knife spines. You can look through from 1 end and see out the other. I thought they could have added a couple of lenses giving maybe 4 power to see the deer you plan to field dress with the knife. For maybe only $5 more you could have a "Jumbo Cojoined Trapper and Spyglass" !
roland
 
Hi,

Thanks, I figured as much that it was 2 separate frames. Cheap and easy to do. I like the Spyglass model! I hope they make it with brass tubing.:D

Dale
 
249206_10150248989571601_600566600_7708319_4654989_n.jpg


282666_10150248989701601_600566600_7708321_6067598_n.jpg


225667_10150248989766601_600566600_7708323_4583800_n.jpg


Aside from the cuteness factor this is one seriously well made piece for being only 2" closed. You cant tell in the pics but the pearl is REALLY nice, not matching scales but each sides scale has charm!

Model RR809, Tiny stockman.

PS. excuse the filthy nails :p just knocked off work and couldnt wait to open it up.
 
Robert, i agree about "seriously well made". I have a quite a few of these 2" size RR's. Initially i was buying them for my daughter's collection as they fit her small hand. Now i keep some for myself. The walk & talk is right on with just the right amount of pull need to open the blades and the nail nicks are well made so they work as they should. And the blades are just as scary sharp as the regular size RR's.
It's more of a challenge to get the parts to all fit so exactly as to give this smooth function in such a small knife.
Henckels made some 2" or less multiblades 75+ years ago that are very sweet too, but they cost $$.
roland
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top