Ruana Knives

caine

caine

Joined
Nov 9, 2003
Messages
4,248
anyone have one of there bowies that they use? if so how does it perform?
id like to see some pics of it
 
I have one I bought in Indianapolis about 12 years ago or so.(If you havent handeled one before,they arent as finely finished as say randall knives but they are very good using blades at a reasonable price.)I have used mine for chopping wood and skinning and have always been impressed with the edge holding,although made of carbon steel I find that mine isn't as prone to rust as either of my model 5 randalls.I cant post a picture for you but I hope my description may have helped you out some.If you have anyother questions drop me a line.
 
I have owned three of them. I would stick with their Skinner or Sticker models. I have found their Bowie only good for chopping & I have a light axe for that. Their knives are not cheap compared to other makers of the same quality such as Swamp Rat.
 
I have a fairly old "M"-stamped R.H. Ruana skinner with a 5-inch blade, which I understand is made of 1095 carbon steel. This knife has done everything, from splitting big chunks of firewood (hitting the knife on the back with a chunk of wood) to cleaning and skinning large animals, to cutting leg joints apart. My wife even (mis)used it one time to cut up fiberglass insulation for our house. The knife takes and holds an edge quite well, and is easier to resharpen than 440C.

It's probably my favorite knife I've ever carried in the Idaho backwoods.
 
I think they use ball bearing steel now. Before Rudy Ruana if I am not mistaken used Studabaker leaf springs. Could be wrong on that one but I think that is what he used. I don't think they use 1095 at all. Someone can chime in here if they know for sure. keepem sharp
 
I was just asked to inquire about these by a friend, she has an older bowie type with a 6" or so blade and stag looking handles, blade is marked R H Ruana sheath is stamped Bonner Montana, curious on any othe info
 
longbow said:
I think they use ball bearing steel now. Before Rudy Ruana if I am not mistaken used Studabaker leaf springs. Could be wrong on that one but I think that is what he used. I don't think they use 1095 at all. Someone can chime in here if they know for sure. keepem sharp
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Rudy used to use Studebaker leaf springs, but according to the book, "Hear the Hammer Ring!," a history of Ruana knives, Rudy switched to 1095 when Studebaker springs were no longer available. I have no idea what Rudy's successors are using today.
 
I have three Ruana knives which I bought from Victor, Rudy's son-in-law before he retired and turned the shop over to hs three sons, one of the sons told me that they only use one steel and that is 5160
 
I have a 37C Ruana Bowie with "M" stamp all on butt of knife. Have never used it but would like to know more about it, like approximately when it was made.
 
They use a 5160 chrome alloy steel for the bowies and a 1095 high carbon steel for the rest.
 
Check out ED Fowlers site "Knife Talk". He is a big Ruana fan and has a few as well as lots of pics and info. I am just getting into knifemaking and use the Ruana knives as my idea of what a using knife should be. Very functional with a beautiful convex edge but not to much concern with crisp grind lines etc. I am more familiar with the old ones.
 
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