Sowbelly Stockman

[Jiki]

Here is a Queen Ruple collaboration that I recently picked up, new old stock from 2016. Still getting acquainted with it so far I like it, it's my first knife in D2.

 

[Camillus]

I have a Queen too - this Schatt and Morgan. Apparently stainless. I like the four blades.

 

[JTB_5]

My two sowbellies arrived today: a rough ryder classic micarta and a winchester in brown checkered bone. I'm going to have a mini-review here, so buckle up.

Both knives arrived with pretty cool packaging. Both had nice presentation boxes and foam molding so that the knife sits well protected. Each knife came in a plastic bag slip. Beyond that, the differences begin to emerge, so I'll start with the Rough Ryder.

The rough rhyder has three blade on two springs: a clip main on one spring; sheepsfoot & spey on the other. The covers are a green micarta, which is very smoothly polished. Bolsters and blades are nicely satin finished. Under that is a black g-10 or micarta layer (it looks more grey than black). I don't think it really adds anything to the aesthetic. If anything, it make it look like there are gaps between the liners and the scales. The transitions are pretty good. One of the pins has a little gap and there is a bit of gunk on the shield, but all very minor. There was a bit of gunky material in the pivots (probably polishing compound?) that was causing some really poor action on the secondary blades, so I oiled the joints and worked them, cleaned them, and worked them some more. The main clip has about a 6-7 pull with very responsive walk. The secondaries not so much. They spey has a very light pull of 3-4, but pretty responsive walk and talk. The sheepsfoot is the worst. It is about a 4-5 pull, but it is very sluggish on the close. I think it may be due to the crimping angle because, although none of the blades rub, the sheepsfoot has a pretty steep angle to navigate between the other two blades. All of the blades were sharp enough to easily slice printer paper without snagging and shave arm hair. The grinds were very even as well even if a bit wider angled than I prefer. They even left a bit of a sharpening choil. The feel of the knife in hand is excellent. I'm pretty picky about this factor, which is why I generally avoid multi-blade knives. However, the sowbelly ergnomics make it easy to find a comfortable grip with each blade. The hardest is the spey because the sheepsfoot rides the highest and wants to grab your fingers, but you can choke toward or away from the blade easily and avoid the sheepsfoot's protrusion. Almost all the tangs are sunken into the joint, and what is exposed has been slightly rounded so there are no sharp edges. There is some slight gapping in between the back springs, but you have to hold it up to the light to see, which is on par with many of the GECs I've owned. Each blade has a RR stamp on the ricasso and matchstriker nail nicks. The clip main also has two etches: the blade steel on the secondary bevel and "RR1991 China" on the ricasso. I'm not sure how well the blade steel will hold up, or the stainless quality (it is "440 razor sharp steel" according to the blade etch; 440A according to the dealer website). At this price point I'm very impressed with the look, feel, and basic function.

The Winchester also has three blades, but on three springs: a clip main, a full-sized drop point, and a full-sized spey (though it is a very subtle spey). The covers are checkered brown bone with a swooshing smooth part matched on both sides--very attractive and extremely nice feel. The bullet shield is small, but very, very cool. Bolsters and blades are polished. Transitions are smooth except for one slightly rough corner by a bolster, and there is a noticeable gap in between the center spring and right side spring (looking from the back). Pins are flush. There was a lot less gunk in this one to clean out, but I went ahead and oiled, cleaned, and cycled the blades for good measure. The blades a dead center, but the action is pretty sad. The clip main is probably a 3 and has very little response on the walk and talk. It has a half-stop, but it feels like a sluggish cam tang when you close it. The secondaries are almost identical in action: both are 4 pulls with modest walk and talk; nothing to write home about, but not as bad as the main. The blades were sharp enough to cut printer paper without snagging, but none of them could shave arm hair. The grinds on this one are even as well, albeit a bit wider angled. No sharpening choil to speak of really. This one feels great in hand as well, and though it is thick, it doesn't feel too big. In fact, the extra girth seems to help eliminate some of the feeling of protrusion of the clip main when closed. The clip main blade has a sunken joint, and the secondaries are almost sunken. They also have rounded tangs (even more so than the Rough Ryder, so no sharp edges; very much like a Case). Each blade has "Winchester" stamped onto the ricasso. The clip main has a model etch on the reverse of the ricasso, and "Winchester trademark" etched on the show side of the blade. The steel is 7Cr17MoV stainless, which is similar to 440A from what I looked up in haste. This one was even cheaper than the Rough Ryder, and I think it still hits above its weight, but has less going for it than the Rough Ryder in everything but looks.

Here's a video of the action:

 

[hornetguy]

My two sowbellies arrived today: a rough ryder classic micarta and a winchester in brown checkered bone. I'm going to have a mini-review here, so buckle up.

Both knives arrived with pretty cool packaging. Both had nice presentation boxes and foam molding so that the knife sits well protected. Each knife came in a plastic bag slip. Beyond that, the differences begin to emerge, so I'll start with the Rough Ryder.

The rough rhyder has three blade on two springs: a clip main on one spring; sheepsfoot & spey on the other. The covers are a green micarta, which is very smoothly polished. Bolsters and blades are nicely satin finished. Under that is a black g-10 or micarta layer (it looks more grey than black). I don't think it really adds anything to the aesthetic. If anything, it make it look like there are gaps between the liners and the scales. The transitions are pretty good. One of the pins has a little gap and there is a bit of gunk on the shield, but all very minor. There was a bit of gunky material in the pivots (probably polishing compound?) that was causing some really poor action on the secondary blades, so I oiled the joints and worked them, cleaned them, and worked them some more. The main clip has about a 6-7 pull with very responsive walk. The secondaries not so much. They spey has a very light pull of 3-4, but pretty responsive walk and talk. The sheepsfoot is the worst. It is about a 4-5 pull, but it is very sluggish on the close. I think it may be due to the crimping angle because, although none of the blades rub, the sheepsfoot has a pretty steep angle to navigate between the other two blades. All of the blades were sharp enough to easily slice printer paper without snagging and shave arm hair. The grinds were very even as well even if a bit wider angled than I prefer. They even left a bit of a sharpening choil. The feel of the knife in hand is excellent. I'm pretty picky about this factor, which is why I generally avoid multi-blade knives. However, the sowbelly ergnomics make it easy to find a comfortable grip with each blade. The hardest is the spey because the sheepsfoot rides the highest and wants to grab your fingers, but you can choke toward or away from the blade easily and avoid the sheepsfoot's protrusion. Almost all the tangs are sunken into the joint, and what is exposed has been slightly rounded so there are no sharp edges. There is some slight gapping in between the back springs, but you have to hold it up to the light to see, which is on par with many of the GECs I've owned. Each blade has a RR stamp on the ricasso and matchstriker nail nicks. The clip main also has two etches: the blade steel on the secondary bevel and "RR1991 China" on the ricasso. I'm not sure how well the blade steel will hold up, or the stainless quality (it is "440 razor sharp steel" according to the blade etch; 440A according to the dealer website). At this price point I'm very impressed with the look, feel, and basic function.

The Winchester also has three blades, but on three springs: a clip main, a full-sized drop point, and a full-sized spey (though it is a very subtle spey). The covers are checkered brown bone with a swooshing smooth part matched on both sides--very attractive and extremely nice feel. The bullet shield is small, but very, very cool. Bolsters and blades are polished. Transitions are smooth except for one slightly rough corner by a bolster, and there is a noticeable gap in between the center spring and right side spring (looking from the back). Pins are flush. There was a lot less gunk in this one to clean out, but I went ahead and oiled, cleaned, and cycled the blades for good measure. The blades a dead center, but the action is pretty sad. The clip main is probably a 3 and has very little response on the walk and talk. It has a half-stop, but it feels like a sluggish cam tang when you close it. The secondaries are almost identical in action: both are 4 pulls with modest walk and talk; nothing to write home about, but not as bad as the main. The blades were sharp enough to cut printer paper without snagging, but none of them could shave arm hair. The grinds on this one are even as well, albeit a bit wider angled. No sharpening choil to speak of really. This one feels great in hand as well, and though it is thick, it doesn't feel too big. In fact, the extra girth seems to help eliminate some of the feeling of protrusion of the clip main when closed. The clip main blade has a sunken joint, and the secondaries are almost sunken. They also have rounded tangs (even more so than the Rough Ryder, so no sharp edges; very much like a Case). Each blade has "Winchester" stamped onto the ricasso. The clip main has a model etch on the reverse of the ricasso, and "Winchester trademark" etched on the show side of the blade. The steel is 7Cr17MoV stainless, which is similar to 440A from what I looked up in haste. This one was even cheaper than the Rough Ryder, and I think it still hits above its weight, but has less going for it than the Rough Ryder in everything but looks.

Here's a video of the action:

Very good write-up... I agree about the odd kink in the sheepfoot blade. Seems like they put the offset grind on the wrong side of the blade...my yellow delrin RR is the same way. It's still a nice looking, very usable knife.

 

[JTB_5]

Very good write-up... I agree about the odd kink in the sheepfoot blade. Seems like they put the offset grind on the wrong side of the blade...my yellow delrin RR is the same way. It's still a nice looking, very usable knife.

Thank you. I look forward to using it and seeing how well the edge holds up. I don't do a lot of hard cutting, so maybe I'll try some whittling this weekend.

 

[Pinemoon]

My two sowbellies arrived today: a rough ryder classic micarta and a winchester in brown checkered bone. I'm going to have a mini-review here, so buckle up.

Both knives arrived with pretty cool packaging. Both had nice presentation boxes and foam molding so that the knife sits well protected. Each knife came in a plastic bag slip. Beyond that, the differences begin to emerge, so I'll start with the Rough Ryder.

The rough rhyder has three blade on two springs: a clip main on one spring; sheepsfoot & spey on the other. The covers are a green micarta, which is very smoothly polished. Bolsters and blades are nicely satin finished. Under that is a black g-10 or micarta layer (it looks more grey than black). I don't think it really adds anything to the aesthetic. If anything, it make it look like there are gaps between the liners and the scales. The transitions are pretty good. One of the pins has a little gap and there is a bit of gunk on the shield, but all very minor. There was a bit of gunky material in the pivots (probably polishing compound?) that was causing some really poor action on the secondary blades, so I oiled the joints and worked them, cleaned them, and worked them some more. The main clip has about a 6-7 pull with very responsive walk. The secondaries not so much. They spey has a very light pull of 3-4, but pretty responsive walk and talk. The sheepsfoot is the worst. It is about a 4-5 pull, but it is very sluggish on the close. I think it may be due to the crimping angle because, although none of the blades rub, the sheepsfoot has a pretty steep angle to navigate between the other two blades. All of the blades were sharp enough to easily slice printer paper without snagging and shave arm hair. The grinds were very even as well even if a bit wider angled than I prefer. They even left a bit of a sharpening choil. The feel of the knife in hand is excellent. I'm pretty picky about this factor, which is why I generally avoid multi-blade knives. However, the sowbelly ergnomics make it easy to find a comfortable grip with each blade. The hardest is the spey because the sheepsfoot rides the highest and wants to grab your fingers, but you can choke toward or away from the blade easily and avoid the sheepsfoot's protrusion. Almost all the tangs are sunken into the joint, and what is exposed has been slightly rounded so there are no sharp edges. There is some slight gapping in between the back springs, but you have to hold it up to the light to see, which is on par with many of the GECs I've owned. Each blade has a RR stamp on the ricasso and matchstriker nail nicks. The clip main also has two etches: the blade steel on the secondary bevel and "RR1991 China" on the ricasso. I'm not sure how well the blade steel will hold up, or the stainless quality (it is "440 razor sharp steel" according to the blade etch; 440A according to the dealer website). At this price point I'm very impressed with the look, feel, and basic function.

The Winchester also has three blades, but on three springs: a clip main, a full-sized drop point, and a full-sized spey (though it is a very subtle spey). The covers are checkered brown bone with a swooshing smooth part matched on both sides--very attractive and extremely nice feel. The bullet shield is small, but very, very cool. Bolsters and blades are polished. Transitions are smooth except for one slightly rough corner by a bolster, and there is a noticeable gap in between the center spring and right side spring (looking from the back). Pins are flush. There was a lot less gunk in this one to clean out, but I went ahead and oiled, cleaned, and cycled the blades for good measure. The blades a dead center, but the action is pretty sad. The clip main is probably a 3 and has very little response on the walk and talk. It has a half-stop, but it feels like a sluggish cam tang when you close it. The secondaries are almost identical in action: both are 4 pulls with modest walk and talk; nothing to write home about, but not as bad as the main. The blades were sharp enough to cut printer paper without snagging, but none of them could shave arm hair. The grinds on this one are even as well, albeit a bit wider angled. No sharpening choil to speak of really. This one feels great in hand as well, and though it is thick, it doesn't feel too big. In fact, the extra girth seems to help eliminate some of the feeling of protrusion of the clip main when closed. The clip main blade has a sunken joint, and the secondaries are almost sunken. They also have rounded tangs (even more so than the Rough Ryder, so no sharp edges; very much like a Case). Each blade has "Winchester" stamped onto the ricasso. The clip main has a model etch on the reverse of the ricasso, and "Winchester trademark" etched on the show side of the blade. The steel is 7Cr17MoV stainless, which is similar to 440A from what I looked up in haste. This one was even cheaper than the Rough Ryder, and I think it still hits above its weight, but has less going for it than the Rough Ryder in everything but looks.

Here's a video of the action:

Interesting knives, interesting write-up.
They look good.
The sheepfoot on the RR is quite kinked. Is it cockeyed when opened?
Not sure if you can tell at this point, but do you think you'll be getting a Case version based on this trial run of the pattern?

 

[JTB_5]

Interesting knives, interesting write-up.
They look good.
The sheepfoot on the RR is quite kinked. Is it cockeyed when opened?
Not sure if you can tell at this point, but do you think you'll be getting a Case version based on this trial run of the pattern?

It is a little wonky when opened, if I recall correctly, but I'll have to check it when I get home from work to be sure. I looked at the single-blade Case CV before buying these. If I do go that route I may see if Glenn or Jason will do some different covers for me. Or I may just hold out for GEC to make a sowbelly stockman (can't believe they haven't yet!?).

 

[Pinemoon]

Or I may just hold out for GEC to make a sowbelly stockman (can't believe they haven't yet!?).

Yeah, looks like Case is the only option for a quality offering right now. C'mon GEC, fill the niche

 

[Jiki]

Or I may just hold out for GEC to make a sowbelly stockman (can't believe they haven't yet!?).

I have heard that it is being pitched to Bill. No word on if he was responsive to it or not.

 

[cbfordtruck]

That is a captivating knife, Tim!


I like Sowbelly knives. At first, I was simply attracted to the aesthetics of its curves and such but the knife in hand is quite a wonder. I only have a few but they are terrific users. I've been hunting for a Black Box Winchester and a decent Case with Bone covers in CV for awhile now but I'm very pleased with the ones I do have.

Is it worth buying one of the yellow sowbellies? I’ve been thinking about buying one but can’t decide.

 

[hornetguy]

If you are talking about Rough Rider, I have one of the yellow ones, with carbon steel blades. It's a nice knife, well finished... a little fatter than the Case version, but still nice. I haven't done any serious cutting with it yet, just little stuff. It sits on the table beside my recliner..

Case made a three blade sowbelly in carbon steel (CV) with yellow delrin handles, but they are difficult to find. They have made one with red/black carbon fiber handles in CV, which I plan to purchase when I find a good deal on one.

 

[Heirphoto]

Picked this one up used the other day and can't put it down. Pocket worn and such an ergonomic shape.

View attachment 1298822

 

[waynorth]

Nice one Heirphoto !!

 

[mitch4ging]

My only sowbelly, a gift from my dear wife...she always knows what to get me!

 

[Pima Pants]

Thank you. I look forward to using it and seeing how well the edge holds up. I don't do a lot of hard cutting, so maybe I'll try some whittling this weekend.

I think I'm going to order the Winchester. I really like those scales. I have several other Hen and Roosters in bone, stag, and MOP.

 

[Stich2442]

5 blade Moore Maker made by Queen

 

[Chief]

My only sowbelly stockman, a MOP / D2 custom made in 2001 by my friend @Ed Kramp has seen pocket time. Heavy for me to EDC but a fine example of craftsmanship from almost 20 years ago.

 

[Pima Pants]

My only sowbelly stockman, a MOP / D2 custom made in 2001 by my friend @Ed Kramp has seen pocket time. Heavy for me to EDC but a fine example of craftsmanship from almost 20 years ago.

That's beautiful!

 

[Chief]

Thanks Pima Pants MOP is pretty delicate but Ed did a beautiful job dovetailing the bolsters / filework.

 

[Pima Pants]

The dovetailing of the scales into the bolsters as shown in the picture... is that common on a custom knife? I ask because I've never had one and haven't looked closely enough at customs to see for myself. Thanks.