I just got a Rough Rider Sodbuster with a couple of unusual features: Plastic tortoise shell scales, and a linerlock. A week ago, Amos Iron Wolf posted about his new faux abalone scaled RR Sodbuster, so I figured I'd give the other model a try.
So I found the tortoise RR on ebay, model RR514, and had it delivered. I can't say there's much to be unhappy about. It is a full size 4 5/8" handle, with a 3 3/4" blade. Handle is 1/2" thick. Weight is a bit over 3.5 oz.
The blade is a hefty 0.106" thick. Generously sized knurled nail nick, etched with a graphic anvil "Tested RR Sharp" and stamped with the Rough Rider script logo. The opposite side is less gloriously etched "440 Razor Sharp Steel", and "China"
The plastic scales have a pleasingly transparent fake tortoise shell design, brass rivets and liners. The brass liner lock is a satisfyingly hefty 0.057". The backspring has a nice satin grind finish, with only very tiny gaps at one point. The blade is polished, though not quite to a mirror finish.
The blade did indeed come very sharp, push cutting newsprint with ease. It has a very consistently ground edge and a hint of a microbevel. The backspring is quite strong, and would be a solid performer without the liner lock. The linerlock tab can indeed function as a bit of a fingerguard and requires a reasonabley strong hand to operate.
I don't find too many downsides to this knife as of yet. The blade has a tiny bit of lateral play if I twist it with some force. But not worrisome at all. The biggest complaint was that there seems to be some buffing compound residue in all the nooks and crannies, particularly around the pivot and blade.
This feels like it'll be a good workhorse, at a price that won't cause too much worry if lost. Oh yes, it was $9 shipped to my door. Someone looking for a real user could do a whole lot worse for a lot more.
So I found the tortoise RR on ebay, model RR514, and had it delivered. I can't say there's much to be unhappy about. It is a full size 4 5/8" handle, with a 3 3/4" blade. Handle is 1/2" thick. Weight is a bit over 3.5 oz.
The blade is a hefty 0.106" thick. Generously sized knurled nail nick, etched with a graphic anvil "Tested RR Sharp" and stamped with the Rough Rider script logo. The opposite side is less gloriously etched "440 Razor Sharp Steel", and "China"
The plastic scales have a pleasingly transparent fake tortoise shell design, brass rivets and liners. The brass liner lock is a satisfyingly hefty 0.057". The backspring has a nice satin grind finish, with only very tiny gaps at one point. The blade is polished, though not quite to a mirror finish.
The blade did indeed come very sharp, push cutting newsprint with ease. It has a very consistently ground edge and a hint of a microbevel. The backspring is quite strong, and would be a solid performer without the liner lock. The linerlock tab can indeed function as a bit of a fingerguard and requires a reasonabley strong hand to operate.
I don't find too many downsides to this knife as of yet. The blade has a tiny bit of lateral play if I twist it with some force. But not worrisome at all. The biggest complaint was that there seems to be some buffing compound residue in all the nooks and crannies, particularly around the pivot and blade.
This feels like it'll be a good workhorse, at a price that won't cause too much worry if lost. Oh yes, it was $9 shipped to my door. Someone looking for a real user could do a whole lot worse for a lot more.
9 bucks shipped. You had to share that info with us! 
