Rough Rider curious

[Ruffinogold]

So I see these Rough Rider knives on the internet , in videos etc .. . I very much like the fact that someone is making " regular " or traditional [ whatever you'd call them ] pocket knives . I like more than one blade pocket knives and I enjoy , very much , all the patterns and beauty of them in general

I remember when Frost made a decent knife and they are still ok but in my experience they are hit and miss with side to side play , loose springs and like that . So Im not too keen on ordering a Frost knife on the internet though I dont have an issue with getting one at their store near Chattanooga

So heres my curiosity .. Are the Rough Rider better put together in regards to side by side play and loose springs ? Because those are two issues that bug me if its not at least pretty good .

Also , to my eye when I see videos of Rough Riders , they seem to be a bit oddly proportioned . Like too thick or overly sized ? Im also not a fan of over branding where the tang is stamped , the bolster is stamped and the blade is etched . Its a bit much for me but there are a number that arent over teh top

Being theres a Rough Rider discussion section here I take that as a + . Im just curious about the over all quality as Ive never felt one

Theyre inexpensive enough to " take a chance " and order one for sure but Im curious what you guys think

Thanks

John

[Froe]

Actually they make a good knife. I keep some traditional patterns my edc rotation. I really like the Rough Ryder Reserve stockman in D2 and carry it a lot. The sodbuster style ‘work’ knives are dandy back pocket knives when you want a larger knife for outdoor activities. My sodbusters have always held a screaming edge and the liner lock is a plus. I’ve never had to return a RR for quality and I’ve never broke one. Snap and blade play haven’t been an issue. I do not buy RR for collector purposes, but rather with the intent to use.
I would recommend a trial by buying one of the sodbuster knives, putting a keen edge on it and carrying it in the yard or camping or fishing. For under $20 you can’t go wrong. You can get it in micarta and have a really sturdy cheap knife that can skin a deer, slice a tomato or feather kindling. Plus you won’t worry about loaning it out or losing it.
Froe

[Railsplitter]

I like the Rough Rider knives that I have but my most recent one is a Rough Ryder Reserve Kayak. Before that I had not purchased one in a dozen years or so. Long before they changed the i to a y.

I’m considering one right now called the Cornivore Jack 2 but I’m still debating because I really don’t need it. I just think it’s cool.

Every one I have purchased came razor sharp right out of the box. My wife has one that she also bought a long time ago. She uses hers a lot more than I have used any of mine. She has been through several crafting hobbies and it’s been on her craft table at arms reach the whole time. I touch up the edges for her occasionally and it’s still holding up fine aside from the bolsters being tarnished.

[Gtrclktr-351]

I have no complaints with the Rough Ryder knives I have purchased, I think the main knock on Rough Ryders comes from the "Chinaphobes". If you don't mind a China made knife, I think you will be satisfied with Rough Ryder. However, do not purchase them from Chicago Knife Works. The knives are fine, but Customer Service is abysmal.

[Dinadan]

I think that Rough Ryders are good knives, especially for the price. Regarding the issues of side by side play and loose springs, I have not encountered that. I have a dozen or two and generally I have been satisfied. Regarding the issues of proportions, size, thickness, and stamping: all I can say about that is that RR makes a rather large variety of knives. Maybe you can find one that satisfies your predilections.

[Ruffinogold]

I think that Rough Ryders are good knives, especially for the price. Regarding the issues of side by side play and loose springs, I have not encountered that. I have a dozen or two and generally I have been satisfied. Regarding the issues of proportions, size, thickness, and stamping: all I can say about that is that RR makes a rather large variety of knives. Maybe you can find one that satisfies your predilections.

Ill have to look up predilections but Im assuming this one meets the requirements being it looks cool

[Ruffinogold]

I like the Rough Rider knives that I have but my most recent one is a Rough Ryder Reserve Kayak. Before that I had not purchased one in a dozen years or so. Long before they changed the i to a y.

I’m considering one right now called the Cornivore Jack 2 but I’m still debating because I really don’t need it. I just think it’s cool.

Every one I have purchased came razor sharp right out of the box. My wife has one that she also bought a long time ago. She uses hers a lot more than I have used any of mine. She has been through several crafting hobbies and it’s been on her craft table at arms reach the whole time. I touch up the edges for her occasionally and it’s still holding up fine aside from the bolsters being tarnished.

I can see why you like that knife !

[Railsplitter]

I can see why you like that knife !

It comes with this pocket sheath too. I probably wouldn’t use the sheath but I only have one other sheath with a clip on it and it’s a tiny sheath for small knives. I wouldn’t mind having it since I’m interested in the knife anyway.

[ThatWeirdKnifeGuy]

I enjoy the few rough riders that I own. I've also traded off and given away several more. They're easy to give out like that because I don't ever really develop any attachment to them. I believe one user here said they're like potato chips, and they've been described as having no soul. I think this is due to the modern impersonal method of construction, which of course also takes place in China.

As far as functionality, they're well worth the money that you will pay for it. They often punch above their weight actually in that regard.

Im often not a fan of the blade shapes they use and the bolster embellishments, but as has been pointed out, they make alot of different patterns and variations.

If you're not opposed to buying knives from China you might check out Rosecraft. About 3x price but still pretty affordable even for a broke joke like me.

[Ruffinogold]

I can see why you like that knife !

It comes with this pocket sheath too. I probably wouldn’t use the sheath but I only have one other sheath with a clip on it and it’s a tiny sheath for small knives. I wouldn’t mind having it since I’m interested in the knife anyway.

Oh man , that sheath is so cool ! Thats really a great score

[Modern Slip Joints]

I have quite a few RRs. I bought a few from AAPK members but most from SMKW. The percentage of RRs that I thought were unsatisfactory was higher than with Case knives but SMKW guarantees RRs for life and for your life time will take them back or send another. I have not yet encountered a RR with "side by side play and [or] loose springs." I returned a few lockbacks because holding them free hand my hands were not strong enough to unlock them. Along with their price SMKW refunded the return shipping. Some slip joints had to be opened and closed many times before they had decent snap. I can live with that.

I believe all RRs that have 440 Razor Sharp Steel etched on a blade have 440A blades. They hold an edge longer than any of my cheap stainless kitchen knives and longer than Victorinox's standard SAKs. I've carried them a lot but I do not mind occasionally using a honing rod or a hard Arkansas stone.

The Stoneworx and Tortoise Shell series had 440B blades for many years and probably still do. If you prefer 440B look for that stamp on their tangs. The WASP series had CV 10 stainless which should edge hold at least as long as 440B but there are only a few patterns in the WASP series still in stock.

The RR Reserve series (RRR) started as top of the line RRs with D2 blades. There are threads dedicated to them here. The more recently introduced Black Reserve line has 440A blades and much lower prices. Some recently introduced RRRs with D2 blades have much lower prices than the originals did. RRRs are a good topic for another day.

By the way, SMKW Chinese Marbles knives appear to be made in the same factory as standard RRs. I consider them to be equivalent 440A knives just branded differently. You might find a size or shape you prefer in that line. Also there have been screaming good deals on Marbles traditionals with D2 blades.