timberweasel
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2011
- Messages
- 6,243
Well, I was down at the ol’ Brick & Mortar today and noticed they had a couple of Rough Rider knives in their display case. I’m on a slip-joint kick these days and the Rough Riders were super-cheap (around $15 each—you can get them even cheaper online, though,) so I though ‘what the heck’ and bought ‘em.
Here they are, in all their 440 stainless glory: the Rough Rider ‘Lockback Canoe’ RR1067 with synthetic yellow scales and the ‘Half Whittler’ RR570 in pearl with abalone inset. To the best of my knowledge the pearl and abalone is genuine, but at that price, I certainly have my suspicions—not like I’d know the difference anyway. At any rate, I certainly believe the scales on the Canoe are genuinely synthetic...
So what do I think? Well, for the price, they’re pretty darn good. Both feel substantial but not obese in hand, and appear to be made of decent materials. Both have brass liners and nickel bolsters, 440 “Razor Sharp” steel blades and, despite very minor fit & finish issues that have no impact on operation, they seem well-made. The relief edge on the Canoe wasn’t exactly symmetrical, but it was no worse than some North American-made knives I’ve had. They both open smoothly, have no discernable blade-play, and came out of the box with a reasonable edge. I must admit that I like the Half Whittler a little more than the Canoe.
Would I buy more Rough Riders? I just don't know. These knives are a steal at the price-point, but for the first time ever, I was a little bothered by the ‘made in China’ stamp on the blades. Ultimately, I’d go with a company like Case, GEC, Queen, etc.--there’s just a little something more ‘authentic’ to be had for the extra money, in my opinion. I’d recommend the Rough Rider brand to anyone looking to try out a ‘traditional’ style pattern or anyone who's interested in an affordable slip-joint/non-threatening knife in general...
Rough Rider... decently good, delectably cheap, definitely worth a look.
Here they are, in all their 440 stainless glory: the Rough Rider ‘Lockback Canoe’ RR1067 with synthetic yellow scales and the ‘Half Whittler’ RR570 in pearl with abalone inset. To the best of my knowledge the pearl and abalone is genuine, but at that price, I certainly have my suspicions—not like I’d know the difference anyway. At any rate, I certainly believe the scales on the Canoe are genuinely synthetic...
So what do I think? Well, for the price, they’re pretty darn good. Both feel substantial but not obese in hand, and appear to be made of decent materials. Both have brass liners and nickel bolsters, 440 “Razor Sharp” steel blades and, despite very minor fit & finish issues that have no impact on operation, they seem well-made. The relief edge on the Canoe wasn’t exactly symmetrical, but it was no worse than some North American-made knives I’ve had. They both open smoothly, have no discernable blade-play, and came out of the box with a reasonable edge. I must admit that I like the Half Whittler a little more than the Canoe.
Would I buy more Rough Riders? I just don't know. These knives are a steal at the price-point, but for the first time ever, I was a little bothered by the ‘made in China’ stamp on the blades. Ultimately, I’d go with a company like Case, GEC, Queen, etc.--there’s just a little something more ‘authentic’ to be had for the extra money, in my opinion. I’d recommend the Rough Rider brand to anyone looking to try out a ‘traditional’ style pattern or anyone who's interested in an affordable slip-joint/non-threatening knife in general...
Rough Rider... decently good, delectably cheap, definitely worth a look.
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I really liked the thinness of the blades, it could slice like a laser. I've lost a couple mini-canoes to my Daughters. Still more have been given to people in need of a good working pocket knife. And I see the majority of them carry and use their gifted Rough Riders everyday.
