Rough Riders!

[kootenay joe]

TFL, thanks for the explanation re: quality of goods from China.
kj

[Colonel26]

TFL, I spoke on the phone once with one of the VP’s of Buck knives. He asked me to call because I’d sent in an email letting them know how disappointed I was that a China Buck knife my wife had given me was sooooo much better than a brand new 301 USA knife I just bought. My email was very polite and I went over the differences point by point.

I’m our conversation he told me that he personally had been to China to set up their own factory there. He said that one of the reasons their Chinese Bucks were so good was they controlled the whole process AND they made them so inexpensively tha they could afford to just destroy any that weren’t up to their standards. But they couldn’t afford to be as selective with the USA made knives. He made it right though and I got a new, better USA 301.

[Colonel26]

I got my first ever RR. I was bombed tonight. I must admit, it’s a well made knife. And unique too. I like it.

[jerryd6818]

Cool. I didn't know those have pocket clips. Interesting. Congrats Cuz.

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

TFL, I spoke on the phone once with one of the VP’s of Buck knives. He asked me to call because I’d sent in an email letting them know how disappointed I was that a China Buck knife my wife had given me was sooooo much better than a brand new 301 USA knife I just bought. My email was very polite and I went over the differences point by point.

I’m our conversation he told me that he personally had been to China to set up their own factory there. He said that one of the reasons their Chinese Bucks were so good was they controlled the whole process AND they made them so inexpensively tha they could afford to just destroy any that weren’t up to their standards. But they couldn’t afford to be as selective with the USA made knives. He made it right though and I got a new, better USA 301.

Yes - it is all about managing the parts, processes, people and the quality expectations - and that doesn't change just because you are in a different country. My understanding is that when Buck went to China with their traditional models, they went all-in. The wanted to make sure the product was Buck quality, and that meant controlling all the details including the special heat treatment they put on the steel. That's a different mindset than what some of the brands do, where they want to make sure their USA line continues to be their "premium" line that commands premium prices. (*cough* Spyderco *cough*)

[Ivoryman]

I'm not into RR and don't own any, but do have some ivory handled knives. Saw these at my usual ivory dealer. He used to rehandle Frost, now it's RR. At least it's a better knife. My question to all you RR fans out there is who's got one in ivory? How about thousands and thousands of years old Mammoth? How about telling me who among you would pay $85-95 for blems and $145 for full price RRs? Anyone? Ever? Maybe? I thought the whole appeal was price point, and never have seen exotic scales on one. Of course this is aftermarket, but would love to hear thoughts on this. Check them out at least, you don't see this at your RR dealers. No way. Can't believe.

https://www.boonetrading.com/collection ... g-knife-21

https://www.boonetrading.com/collection ... g-knife-08

https://www.boonetrading.com/collection ... g-knife-15

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

It is perhaps a more interesting question than at first blush. My first question might be: what does a "quality" production knife (eg. GEC, or even Case), handled in ivory sell for? If the answer to that question is $500+, then YES, I would buy a RR in ivory for $100, because the reality is that otherwise I will never own a knife in ivory. OTOH, if I can get a better quality knife in ivory for ~$200, then I would probably not be interested in the RR.

Personally, I think that reseller would be better off using a Case or Buck and increasing the price by $30-$50.

[jerryd6818]

I have a Camillus 1047 (Scout version of the 72) that Wallace Rockwell rehandled for me in pre-ban elephant ivory. I bought the ivory, provided the knife and Wallace did the work. I don't recall specifically but I think I have appx. $100 or so tied up in the project. All that to say this, "No, even though I have several Rough Ryders, I would not pay more than ~$30 for one". Geez, I used to get them from Kyknives on ebay for under $10 but they're now $10-$20 and some over $20.

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

Gorgeous scout Jerry! I suspect you would get a lot more than $100 for that sweet thang...

[dlr110]

I have a Camillus 1047 (Scout version of the 72) that Wallace Rockwell rehandled for me in pre-ban elephant ivory. I bought the ivory, provided the knife and Wallace did the work. I don't recall specifically but I think I have appx. $100 or so tied up in the project. All that to say this, "No, even though I have several Rough Ryders, I would not pay more than ~$30 for one". Geez, I used to get them from Kyknives on ebay for under $10 but they're now $10-$20 and some over $20.

Jerry that is a splendid knife, I wish it was in my collection, but if I were you I wouldn't let it go for just about any price.

[jerryd6818]

Thanks gents. I went through a phase and had several rehandled by various knife mechanics. I think my favorite is a tie between 6 of them. The ivory by Wallace Rockwell, a stag handle by Herman Williams, another stag handle by Elvis (Bob Picklesimer), a ram's horn by I've forgotten who, a gold lip pearl handle by Wallace Rockwell and PCB (printed circuit board) by Glen.

The Camillus 72 and it's clones are not a one trick pony.

[Ivoryman]

I have a Camillus 1047 (Scout version of the 72) that Wallace Rockwell rehandled for me in pre-ban elephant ivory. I bought the ivory, provided the knife and Wallace did the work. I don't recall specifically but I think I have appx. $100 or so tied up in the project. All that to say this, "No, even though I have several Rough Ryders, I would not pay more than ~$30 for one". Geez, I used to get them from Kyknives on ebay for under $10 but they're now $10-$20 and some over $20.

Beauty Jerry, fabulous piece of tusk, that makes a one of a kind. Never seen one in ivory and was worth the look. Wow.

[cody6268]

I got my first ever RR. I was bombed tonight. I must admit, it’s a well made knife. And unique too. I like it.

30FBC39A-268D-4372-BAA5-F04876211B7D.jpegF3E915A8-8355-40BF-B49F-1FDA33619214.jpegED676A44-37A4-4190-8E21-A34802EC562A.jpeg

Nice! Are there some RRs that are exclusive to Blue Ridge associated dealers? As, SMKW had none, but both the Half Hawk and Trapper from this series were on eBay, from the same sellers I often buy RR from and who dropship through Blue Ridge. And this one isn't the first I've never found on SMKW, but found through Blue Ridge.


I'd love to see the Linerlock Trapper get this same treatment of green bone and a clip, which to me is especially sensible in that it is a one-hand opening lockblade knife already. Strange the Boker and Case they combined to create the design both have pocket clips, but theirs does not.

[Colonel26]

I got my first ever RR. I was bombed tonight. I must admit, it’s a well made knife. And unique too. I like it.

30FBC39A-268D-4372-BAA5-F04876211B7D.jpegF3E915A8-8355-40BF-B49F-1FDA33619214.jpegED676A44-37A4-4190-8E21-A34802EC562A.jpeg

Nice! Are there some RRs that are exclusive to Blue Ridge associated dealers? As, SMKW had none, but both the Half Hawk and Trapper from this series were on eBay, from the same sellers I often buy RR from and who dropship through Blue Ridge. And this one isn't the first I've never found on SMKW, but found through Blue Ridge.


I'd love to see the Linerlock Trapper get this same treatment of green bone and a clip, which to me is especially sensible in that it is a one-hand opening lockblade knife already. Strange the Boker and Case they combined to create the design both have pocket clips, but theirs does not.

This one came from Chicago Knife Works.

[kootenay joe]

Quote Jerry: " I used to get them from Kyknives on ebay for under $10"
KYknives used to have a different name but it is the same ebay seller that i bought a great many RR's from (over 100) beginning in 2007. Every knife he sent me was 'right on'. None had any issues.
But i would read posts from people who said their RR knives arrived with some sort of problem. Made me wonder if some dealers buy/sell 'seconds', if RR actually sells 'seconds' ?
Somehow Kyknives always had 'the best' quality RR knives.
kj

[kootenay joe]

Here are 2 nice RR bone Trappers.
kj

[dlr110]

Those are very nice kj. Did you just get them and where?

[treefarmer]

David, I agree, KJ's two RR trappers are mighty nice. I especially like the one with the big whitetail and the acorn!
I may have shown this little prize earlier, it was included in my birthday gifts:

RR knife pick, it's as handy as a pocket on a shirt!

I have a pick on my key ring, a Remington, shaped like a rifle cartridge. It is very handy but this lil' dude is on my on the desk and is ready at all times!
Treefarmer

[kootenay joe]

Those are very nice kj. Did you just get them and where?

I bought them about 10 ? years ago on ebay. The seller was a silversmith whose work was reasonably well known. He would put one or two up each week for auction. They rarely went over $30 and i felt badly that he was getting so little money for his excellent work. I emailed him and offered more money which he accepted and suggested he sell them at a fixed price instead of auction.
kj

[Old Folder]

Those are very nice kj.
Appears as if the maker had to sand down the bone jigging in order to perform his inlay? Excellent work.

[Old Folder]

I received the below "Rough Ryders Heavy Forge" knives a couple weeks ago from SMKW. Very pleased with them. Excellent workmanship.
These guys are heavy duty, with thick individual back springs, all blades have half stops.
The Trapper #RR 1976 and the Trapper #RR 1977 are $14.99 each at SMKW. Beautiful smooth brown bone, the Trapper could pass for "Appaloosa"
If you are a RR collector, don't pass these up. As of this posting...still in stock.

[kootenay joe]

Those are very nice kj.
Appears as if the maker had to sand down the bone jigging in order to perform his inlay? Excellent work.

Dan i don't know how he managed to get such perfect inlays but they are flush with the bone so likely the sanding was done after the inlay was inserted.
I wish i had kept his name. He was an older gent whose son was also a silversmith. I'm sure if he could be located he would do inlay work on knives you sent him.
kj

[Ripster]

Those are very nice kj.
Appears as if the maker had to sand down the bone jigging in order to perform his inlay? Excellent work.

Dan i don't know how he managed to get such perfect inlays but they are flush with the bone so likely the sanding was done after the inlay was inserted.
I wish i had kept his name. He was an older gent whose son was also a silversmith. I'm sure if he could be located he would do inlay work on knives you sent him.
kj

Beautiful knifes Sir, that Colt in the middle with Bear paw is stunning. Thanks for posting the RR knives.

[kootenay joe]

Thanks Rip. I had a few more but gifted them to friends, who were very grateful.
kj

[jwwood]

Nice work on the Colts. Enjoyed looking at these knives.