(171) Are Rough Ryder Knives Junk? My Response
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ม.ค. 2021
- I had a comment left on one of my videos saying Rough Ryder knives are junk, cheap Chinese crap. I didn't get a good answer from what was probably a troll, so I made this video as kind of a lengthy response as to why I hear people expressing an opinion as if it were a fact. Physical properties of a knife are different from emotions, politics, the price of tea in China... i want Science, not emotion
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Knife shaming has definitely gotten better over the years. I'm a huge sucker for gas station knives, budget knives, expensive knives and just knives overall. That's part of the joy of the hobby, that there are so many different types and styles that appeal to anyone. And regarding the Rough Ryder knives, I've had RRs that were put together better than a Case I paid 4 times more money for. And it used to be a big deal if a knife was made in China, but they've changed a lot in the past 30 years. The quality is on par, if not better than American made most times. Great rant!
Well said...I would just echo the points you made.
Thank you Badmunky. I had a gaudy gold colored fake Damascus flipper of dubious quality that I would use at work. People would always comment on how good it looked. It wouldn't hold an edge long, but that 5 dollar knife impressed the 💩 out of non knife type people. I finally broke the tip off of it one day trying to use it as a screwdriver. Easy come, easy go.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife always use beater knives as screwdrivers lol. And knives we knife nerds think are tacky impress the heck out of Normies, and high end knives we think are exquisite turn zero heads
Agree Brother.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife gold .. i had a pakistan boot dagger Texas Gold. i bought it to pry open buckets of joint compound it was perfect for that use , was it sharp ? i dunno i never tested the edge, i just got tired of bending screwdrivers and it was 4 dollars so ...
I have about a dozen rough ryder knives. I've had 1-2 that disappointed me. The others I've found to be an excellent value. I can find joy in the simple things and also in higher end things. I doubt the negative comment came from someone with real experience with rough ryder knives.
Thank you Hal.
I have had the same experience, I just bought a ton and they all had small things about them I didn’t like, but over all, I had an amazing round up.
Yeah 2 blade Barlow are my favourites
Have tried 3 now, not one was satisfactory, not even for $15.
I block ‘em when they are totally ignorant, using foul language, etc. most of these actually get picked up by the You Tube filters.
Hopefully the guy was nice enough to give you a 👎. Your channel if popular enough to warrant a thumbs down or two every now and then!
( sorry! I gave this one a 👍!)
Thank you Tobias. If you don't get a thumbs down every once in awhile, you aren't trying hard enough. 😃
Tobias, If they start a sentence with Hey Dude, be prepared to hit the block key.
You think people should be blocked just because they disagree with you?
@@marty1685, disagreeing, no. Trolling, yes.
Sir,
Thank you for your video. Where did you get your knife mat that has all the blade types, nomenclature, etc please?
i think it was from BladeHQ, but it's probably also available at Knafs website.
Hey, whats your opinion on the marbles gi issue folding demo knife
It's not bad. The original ones are built a little bit better, but those aren't too bad. Pretty good for the price.
Hey dude... Hal... which ONE most popular Rough Ryder knives is the best one of the bunch?
I made a video about a rough rider where the backspring exploded out of the back. I don't know if it's a fluke for what. I have another rough rider that i've carried for fifteen years where nothing Happened
They do put out an occasional bad one, but that's true of any manufacturer. I think that overall, they are of decent quality for the price paid.
Easy answer....no, they're not! Thanks William!!! I'm sure I've probably heard from this person as well...lol!!!
Thank you JB. That would have been a quick video 😂 The introduction, state the question. Answer No. Roll credits 😅
@@WilliamsKnifeLife lol...😂😂😂😂
I just found out about these and have a bunch in my shopping cart. What model are those with the rifle logo? Thanks.
They call those the Rifleman series. It's my favorite series of theirs. They aren't made anymore, so you can only find them on the secondary market, like Ebay. I'm giving one away in my giveaway(a muskrat) . I haven't made the entry video yet, but it will be this month. It's Open to all subscribers.
In my experience, quality of Rough Ryder is on average about the same as Case. For a lot less cost. My only real beef with Rough Ryder is that their Reserve line knives usually have too hard/strong of a pull for my liking. But that is subjective, I happen to dislike bear trap pull strength.
I have the Rhino Toe Reserve coming in. I don't collect all of them, but that one looks like a Sunfish.
They aren't even close to Case! I have bought over 20 Case knives, never an issue. I have not yet even seen a Rough Ryder without issues, have bought 3, will never buy another.
I have been buying “junk” knives for years off of places like BUDK and other places. With the exception of my whiteknuckler knives, I have over the years acquired several timber rattler, timber wolf, bushcraft, chipaway cutlery, frost cutlery among other brands and let me tell you, with the exception of very few, all have done a tremendous job of not only performing well in the field but also saving me plenty of cash in my pocket. Great video, friend.
Thank you. 👍
Hi William, I own six rough rider/rough ryder knives. I also own four civivi knives and enjoy every one of them as much as I do my American made blades. I just like a well made tool. Be Well.
Thank you Mark. I feel the same way.
Period. End of sentence!
Civivi and Rough Ryder are not even in the same league. Civivi makes a decent knife, RR looks just like the knives I can find next to the jerky and drug pipes in the gas station.
I have amazed myself by how many Rough Riders I bought this year from SMKW alone. The first factor is an American company is controlling the quality control of the people who make their products. Cold Steel has knives made all over the place. I subscribe to the monthly SMKW box. I get the $30 edition and last month it included a RR2114 from the black and blue series. If I thru out all the other stuff, including a couple of items made by Gerber, I felt I had $30 worth. You are right about Trolls. A couple of years back to when I was building bass guitars, I built a replica 1963 Fender P Bass and had pictures out on Facebook with certain groups. So 2 guys living together in a basement ,tried to jump all over me for choosing to install Seymour Duncan pickups on it. When can guys like this borrow enough money from mom to buy the parts? They read magazines and Wish, yet critisise those who do. Sorry to write so much.
Thank you John. No need to apologize for writing too much, as I like communication. I learn a lot from my commentors.
I thought about joining the SMKW care package thing, but I never could figure out what level I'd be happy with joining. I probably should try it once just to see if I'm happy with some stranger buying me some random knife things. I guess they are not complete strangers, but still. It's like hanging outside a grocery store, and asking some stranger to go in there and buy 100 bucks of food for you. Just food, no specific instructions. You might wind up with a lot of stuff that's technically food, but you won't ever eat it. 😂
@@WilliamsKnifeLife Try the box at $30 GI level. I have felt so far every month I get more than that in stuff. plus the shipping. Next level is $100 and my friend JJ Jinks reviews that level every month. Subscribe , he is areal kick in the pants. Then they have a $250 level. I just don't collect the type of blades that come in the upper box. To me they have big price tags but often look like something Chinese on BUDK for ten bucks. When I go big bucks I go for real military weapons, even then looking for a bargain.
@@jgbullen Thank you for the information. The 100 dollar level would probably be the highest level I would go. If I'm spending 250 bucks, it's not going to be on a high end knife. The 30 dollar level doesn't dent my pocket like those other levels do. And it's kind of nice to be surprised in a good way.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife The expensive boxes include everything from the lower level has with the addition of one knife worth $70 or if you feel like a General 2 more worth over $125 each. For me nothing there makes me go WOW.
You know what? These knives are not junk. It's true I see some better than others and I think certain issues involving fit and finish are gradually improving. For a person starting out in. the hobby, they are a very pleasing option and some of their patterns are for the moment unique or extremely hard to find, cotton samplers for instance. I recently bought a cotton sampler, hasn't arrived yet and I'll be happy to include it.
I’d like to say - your video could not be more true! EXCELLENT! I immediately subscribed and appreciated your directness in distinguishing junk knives vs quality.
I also agree… with yes I have a few of the upper class GECs, case, Older US Scharde 3 blades..and even a nice collection of high dollar fixed blades.
The Rough Riders are well made, as you said many different patterns to appreciate and use them for sure! I have several… Reserve patterns. I think you’re right when folks see China they immediately run the opposite direction without knowing the facts.
I’ve been collecting, buying and trading ALL kinds of knives since 1977. Enjoyed them all. Knife snobs, steel snobs run rampant these days… I just smile and ignore!
Thanks again for your video!
Thanks for watching and subscribing. I appreciate that.
Things have changed massively in China. There are now more "Middle class" people in China than the whole population of the US. Yes, they make junk but, they also make treasures. From what I've seen of your RR reviews I think they're great. I do plan on buying a RR at some point, just can't make my mind up on which one lol. Take care William and have fun mate.
I received my brown bone stag barlow in the mail today. I must say what I've heard about there quality is true. Came in a great box that holds the knife in place. No gaps in the backs what so ever beautifully polish blade and handle no wiggle to the blade centering was perfect. Definitely a win win! Surprisingly I've actually got some case knives out of the box that were way off centered.
i think what happens to some people is the very first Rough Ryder they get has some issues & they think all of them will be like that. I've bought over 100 of them & I'd say 2 or 3 had some major issue like blade rap. For a 15 dollar knife, on average, they are built way better than one would expect.
Rough Rider is one of those almost unknown little gems. I came to know these knives when I received one from a friend in the States and I was pleasantly surprised with how nicely they were crafted. I hadn't known they even existed before.
Admittedly, there are a lot of poor quality items from China, but Rough Rider knives really seem nicely done and a lot of users confirm on forums they are durable as well. And they really look great, too!
I would buy one any time without hesitation!
Thank you FlorinU. They are decent knives for a great price. We get them fairly cheap here in the states averages around 15 dollars for one.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Rough Rider knives. I own five and like them all. Are they perfect? Probably not but they don’t cost an arm and a leg either. They are an excellent value at their price point. I also own GEC and Case.
Thank you Bigbobg. I'm looking at getting my first Case soon. Have my eye on that new Copperhead release with a Wharncliffe blade.
And it allows people who like knives that are inexpensive to be able to collect them as a hobby.
Oh cool my young daughter bought me an Annie Oakley similar to your novelty knife about 20 years ago!! I carry it still it’s part of my carry rotation. I used it yesterday and opened some mail and a box with it.😀
My opinion of RR knives has been diminished by two recent purchases that
were defective. One had scale pins that protruded way excessively and the
other blade scrapes when opening and closing. Both purchased new on eBay
so who knows where the sellers got them. Are they seconds or is RR lacking
in quality control? My other 4 RR's are good. Is 4 out of 6 ok?
I have heard their quality is slipping on more recent models, but I haven't noticed it on any of my purchases. I haven't been buying as many of them as I used to, not because of quality but because I have been buying more Case knives. My only issue with Ebay is the return or refund. Usually you can get a refund, but I like to buy my RR's from either SMKW, or Chicago Knife Works.
I does sound like you got more than average amount of bad ones.
I bought a rough rider camp style knife with bone handles. It has the can opener, bottle opener, and two blades i believe. It sits in my work bag and i think a year ago i cut an orange with it and now i cant open any of the blades even with pliars.
Try soaking the knife in vinegar. If it had carbon blades, it would darken them and probably unfreeze it. I had the same thing happen to me with a Victorinox Hiker. I had it in my work bag and salt along with something else freezing all the blades. I tried soaking it in WD40 for 6 months with no luck. I soaked it in vinegar, and it helped. The blades are still stiff, but I can open them without using pliers.
I agree with you , they are not junk imho. But ... in some parts of the world (continental Europe) are not that cheap to buy - almost twice the price (shipping not included). And here, we don't have that option "backed for life" because we're buying from online shops like Heinnie and the return shipping costs (which added, can be more than the price of the knife).
So, in this situation, if you get a dud, I can see where the frustrations come. And in this part of the world, you could find better alternatives (not traditional patterns, of course) from Boker (made in china), VictorInox.... in the same price range.
I have 6 RR... 2 are duds: one has a weak backspring (which can be fixed only by replacement) and another one's blade hits the backspring (but I've found a workaround).
I like that they are using traditional patterns, cool materials (they could improve their steel although) BUT they should improve their QC overall. For 2 -3 $ added at retail price, i think it is doable. BTW..... they should cut the costs for their packaging. For a 20$ knife I don't expect a nice box with magnetic flap.... cmon!
A little bit offtopic.. I know.
So back to the subject: I think your commenter was really pist off or just a troll.
PS: from the design point of view..... the RrR doesn't do it for me. They should stick with the patterns that works.
Thank you Comy F. Price factors into my "good for the money" equation, but you people in Europe have it much worse when you double the cost, reduce selection, & don't have the "backed for life". They should put an asterisk by that and explain down below "USA ONLY".
I get an idea of what you would pay for a Rough Ryder when I find one on the secondary market only, & they start off asking at least double the price they came out for. Really makes you look at them harder when there's better options available for less money.
I agree also about the packaging. You can send my knife in bubble wrap, if it's going to cut the cost down. I don't use the boxes at all. Haven't thrown any away yet, and they take up more space than the knives.
Bought my first Rough Ryder a work knife several years ago. Was a little leary of being China made have been very satisfied with them, liked so much i went and bought a second and third one about a week later. I needed something that was usable and inexpensive, if I lost it or broke it , ok no great loss. Still have that first knife and like it. Even have recommended Rough Ryder to other people. No they can lose an edge with a lot of work, a few minutes on a stone and back in business. They are good value for the money.
They are better than what you would expect from a knife costing so little.
I don't own any novelty knives but I can see why someone would collect them. They are a reflection of the times they were produced in and are rightfully part of history and interesting.
Thank you for posting this. It needed to be said.
The quality of craftmanship is more important to me than provenance or price.
There you go 👍
I refuse to pay more than $20 for any knife I use and carry. My rough ryders are great traditional knives that work well for carry knives. I will agree that they are more likely to have flaws I would want addressed (handle fitment, gouging, blade alignment, pin setting, spring gap, etc…)than randomly ordering a case or a buck online, which is why I only pick up a couple of new ones each Christmas when I’m home and able to walk into SMKW and compare several in person before choosing one. That said, when you pick one that’s to your liking, it stays that way and works as well as any buck or case without breaking the bank. And, American brands are not immune to fitment issues either. I’ve ordered online and wished I’d have purchased in person.
Good points 👍
What is the giant one on the right side?
That's the Rough Ryder 25th anniversary Jumbo Trapper. They have another one just like it with red covers called the Teddy Roosevelt Trapper. SMKW has them for about 40 dollars.
www.smkw.com/rough-ryder-teddy-roosevelt-trapper
@@WilliamsKnifeLife thanks
What is that big knife on the right side?
That's the Rough Ryder 25th anniversary, Jumbo Trapper. They still have the same knife available as a Teddy Roosevelt commemorative. I'll link my review of it.
Here's my look at it.
th-cam.com/video/tq6gLixmc7M/w-d-xo.html
Here's when I first received it.
th-cam.com/video/TjI74pCwawo/w-d-xo.html
Anything made in China is only as good as the quality control, the machines & people making the items. The American knives cost more because the workers make higher wages than their Chinese counterparts. I have Cold Steel, Italian stilletos & Civivi that are better quality than Rough Rider. I like RR for the same reasons you do, William. They're fun to look @ & play with, fidget with them & keep in a knife roll to haul out every once in a while, just as I do with all my knives. There are some RR's, the larger ones that I would & do EDC. I always take comments like you're referring to with a grain of salt & immediately stick it in the junk category of idiotic thoughts. I think there are people who on Utube that scroll all websites & hit the thumbs down on every one of them. Keep up your useful, informative & fun videos, William.
Thank you Jamie. You are right. It really comes down to does the person in charge of the company want to make a good quality item, or just want profit. You can do both, but unscrupulous companies go for short term gain, like a con man running a scam in a city. Once word gets around, he doesn't have anymore suckers, and has to move on. In reality, good quality may cost more to implement, but will pay itself back many times with loyal customers.
actually i have several Rough Riders, never had a bad one. i visited Smoky Mountain years ago when Rough Rider was becoming available. i got to personally examine each and every knife in the display case that caught my eye. blew my mind really. the salesmen/ladies were more than helpful.
the only hick up was i ran out of money and had to borrow some cash from my wife. oooops. i bought a beautiful smooth green bone four blade congress that is as nice as they come.
yes, i have a few GEC’s and Case.
I like them. I have a Case collection, Bucks, Leatherman, Benchmades Victorinox and lots of nice knives new and vintage. I also like buying the occasional Rough Rider. I've had good experiences with their quality. The fit and finishing has been good. Plus they are fun because you can try different patterns and even weird patters for a low price. I will say that the metallurgy of the blades is a bit soft (but the carbon ones now are ok), but they sharpen up nice. But I get traditional slipjoints from them just for a fun laid back pocket carry.
When I need a Spyderco I grab one. If I'm camping I'll bring a Mora. But with Rough Riders you can get really nice bone or micarta scaled knife and not worry about carrying it losing it etc. I've even had a ten dollar one that a buddy complemented and I was like "keep it" because it was inexpensive and it was a nice little gift.
That's the way to do it. I like many different brands and types of knives.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife You got nice ones there. That orange one reminds me of my Case muskrat, which is a favorite of mine. I have really enjoyed the Rough Rider blue jean micarta series lately. The canoe pattern denim micarta is awesome looking. I don't understand the haters. If someone is loyal to particular brands, great, but why go to a video about one you don't like just to troll? Plus most of them have probably never had one and are just talking crap. I got nothing to prove. This is my hobby and I'll enjoy it how I want to. Plus budget knives are good for people who may not have a lot of money but can still enjoy the hobby or start out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and showing off some of your cool knives.
@seanrobinson6407 Same here. I don't understand why people say they are junk knives. Sure, occasionally, you will get one that has some issues, but that's true of any knife manufacturer producing in volume. When I made that video, it was after too many comments calling them cheap Chinese junk. They are inexpensive, made in China, but they aren't junk knives.
Not junk. Years ago inexpensive knives like Ozark Trail used to not be my cup of tea, but they have stepped it up and in the last few years have released 5$ knives that are actually really good like an axis lock one I recently got. Times have changed. I think you are right. It is just old prejudices. I am trying to get my hands on another GEC though. Gotta admit😁
@seanrobinson6407 I only have 3 GECs. I got mine right when they started to disappear during release & reappear on eBay for double or triple the release price. After that, I decided not to chase them anymore. They are great knives, but I don't feel like jumping through a bunch of flaming hoops to get one. Good luck with your quest. 👍
My Rough Riders are really well made, fit and finish are good, bladesteel isn"t disappointing. I like them just as much as my more expensive knives, American, European knives. Just the fact that they are from China doesn"t mean they are junk. Buy one check it out for yourself, try another one and if you don"t like them buy other knives. Where they are made or what they cost doesn"t make them super or junk. I bought knives that looked nice on a picture , but when I handled them, they weren"t what I expected. That"s how you learn what you like and what not. Have a good weekend William. love your video"s a big thumbs up
Thank you Jeroen.
Good points. I’m all about enjoying well made cheaper new and/or vintage knives no matter where they’re from. I will pay the premium to replace the Case Barlow I lost when I was about 13, other than that I definitely enjoy the other knives.
how old was the Barlow and what scale material? I assume that it was about 3 3/8 in length closed .
Thank you GatorCreates.
Absolutely brother!! Knife shaming is a real thing!! I've also experienced the same thing by a sales person at a gun store once. I get viewers that say some pretty rude things some times, I usually just block them and move on. I recently blocked someone for getting on my case about doing a video on China knife. He even insulted my weight, saying a need to work on my gut!!! Some folks want to exact political justice on us unsuspecting youtubers. Unfortunately, because we allow comments we give them the opportunity to take the first punch.
Thank you KD. I took a logic class in college & it really helped me understand what logical fallacies are in arguments, or debates, and why people do things like personal attacks, in the example you gave. It's because they know their arguments are weak, or incorrect, and they don't want to admit it. So they go for an insult that they hope will cause you to say something stupid, and forget all about your original argument. Our reasoning abilities go down when angry, and it's a biological fact. We get on that animal level. Fight or flight. I don't look for fights, but I won't back down when I have no choice.
I will start blocking more comments like that. It's my channel. I'm not going to allow haters to have a free area to spread their disease. They can thumb down all they want, but their little poison pills are not going to get to lie around here for victims to swallow. The world can use a lot less hate, bigotry, xenophobia. I think we have enough to last us several lifetimes out there. No need to add to it.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife Yes sir!! I wholeheartedly agree on all points my friend. Backing down is not in my nature either.
I’ve had SOOO many rough riders and only a handful of lemons. Sometimes the shields pop off tho. But to me, that doesn’t matter for a budget trad knife.
I keep telling myself I don't need another Rough Ryder just because the covers are different, & wind up buying another one just because they are affordable, & available. I found a shield that popped off & replaced it using Superglue gel. I used too much gel, so some oozed out when I pressed down, but that puppy won't pop out again.
I acquired a couple of USA made Scrade Old Timers. I didn't know much about these knives but I treasure them. Firstly because they were a gift from a good friend and secondly because I actually like them. I know they are not expensive and are now made in China and I too have been told that they are not as good as they were and are now crap. Your video has tempted me to buy a a Chinese made one and judge for myself. I try, if I have nothing good to say, to say nothing. It doesn't always happen - we all need a rant sometimes.
Thank you David. i agree. buy it & make your own decisions. sometimes people have an agenda telling you what to buy. my only agenda is to inform as much as I can, why i like something, and not hide flaws when I find them.
Before they were well known they were junk. They improved their game. My first one could not get sharp to save its life, my second one the back spring snapped. I bad-mouthed them for years the channel Vinniesdayoff influenced me to buy one again. I just love them now!
Thank you mwillblade. I only started buying them a couple years ago.
Ive got a GEC in a Rough Rider slip too haha. I agree with your video, its not about the cost of the knife that make it special!
Thank you mnknifeconsumer.
Well I say let them comment but for every opinion there is a counter opinion .My take on RR is that they are very inexpensive and mostly are damn good knives with a few exceptions, my experience with the multi sectional scales that are only glued on and not pinned will freaking fall off when carried . Ordered 3 RR liner locks with tie dye scales and 2 of them jumped the assist open pin and wouldn’t close ( junk) . 440 A or 440 C is very good blade steel in fact I prefer it over the exotic steels . Elk ridge is another good Chinese made knife . I have Case knives that have lost the shield ,why they don’t pin them and charge extra I’ll never know . I did a blade comparison with a 440 A Schatt and Morgan VS a Carbon steel 2001 German Eye Solingen Germany and the 440 A held an edge as long as the Eye while slicing heavy cardboard until my arm gave out .As far as collectible RR YES COLLECT THEM they are inexpensive now but someday won’t be but they will still be quality.
Very good points Randy. The glue they use seems to be rubber cement. Kind of an out dated adhesive in my opinion, but probably dirt cheap.
The Rough Ryder fixed blades, and flippers are a different story. Some are good, and some are not good.
Own 100+ most of em are pretty well made. Fit and finish are above par for the price range. I agree with your views. Keep em coming
Thank you
I've got about 6 of em, none of em is junk! They got a classic look n I'm rocking them every day as an edc and none failed me!
Cheers from Germany.
Johnny
Thank you Johnny
Rough rider is a perfectly good knifes based on their price. If you compare them to a Benchmade or any other main manufacture yes, they are cheap and their fit and finish can be highly questionable, but you're not paying 150.00 plus bucks for them either. So based on bang for your buck and multiple choices you have in design and size they are a fun affordable alternative if you like that old school look and feel.
RR isn't even good bang for your buck! You can buy a Mora fixed blade or an Opinel folder for the same price as these and they are actually high quality knives!
@marty1685 that's not true at all. Rough Ryder has been surpassing Case in quality for a while. It sounds like you've never owned or held one.
@@christripptripp797 you want a pic of my knife collection? I have 3 rough ryders, (all have issues, two are the same model, the carbon whittler and the other is the VG10 Stockman), several dozen Case knives from as far back as the 50's to a couple I bought new just this month, and many Benchmade, Spyderco, Civivi, Swiss Army, etc.
My main kitchen knife is a rough rider chef folder, terrible QC and not well made but it’s probably my most used knife and I love it. Good video and I appreciate the discussion.
Thank you Dave. I have the Sous Chef & I use it as my main kitchen knife. It doesn't have any f&f issues. Would be kind of large for carry, but that folding blade comes in handy in my small kitchen.
That’s what I have. Biggest problem is blade wobble but it’s cutting apples and sandwiches, so the instability is purely pedantic.
@@DaveLikesKnives Try tapping the bolster with a hammer. I have fixed blade wobble that way.
THE OLD IMPERIAL /Hammer Brand budget knives made during the great depression with the plastic shell handles and tin bolsters ,could be considered junk but collectors really respect them with their high carbon steel blades and snap that beats most modern knives.
👍
Yeah, I get the Chinese junk knives all the time. I always factor the price you’re paying for the knife to be a critical part of the value.
If you’re not happy with American Companies producing products in China blame our government and its domestic and foreign economic policies. Our government has created this trade imbalance and we just went through an election that has just strengthened it.
Our trade policies are junk and they have forced American companies to move off shore to survive. I think you know who I am. And the bottom line if you’re looking for a quality traditional pattern knife that the bulk of American can use and afford ; it will most likely be made off-shore.
Been having this argument for 10+ years.
Thank you Tobias. Well said.
Just want to add to this discussion that there are worlds of difference between American companies with labor in China and actual Chinese companies largely marketed to mostly Chinese buyers on say dhgate or Ali Express.
Another thing to add is the racist 'junk' label heaped on Japanese steel back in the 70s and 80s. Imagine saying something like that now. You'd be laughed at and rightly so. Chinese steel (7cr / 8 cr etc) has gotten ridiculously good in more recent years.
I just purchased three yesterday, two from the Spades series Coke Bottle and Swell Center. Also, a Copper Black smooth bone trapper. I'm anxious to get them because I have never had any "junk" knives from this brand. My grandson loves the ones I've given to him thinking wow what a great thing to get from my Pepere. If he takes one out to use it and possibly loses it, I can hopefully replace it and it's not a huge price to pay. I remember watching my grandfather sharpen his jacknife as we called them and thought I was finally a big boy when he gave me my first. It was a Rough Ryder! The troll was being an ignoramus plain and simple. Great vid, thanks.
Thank you.
Excellent commentary and perspective. I wouldn't have near the number of knives in my collection if it wasn't for RR. Granted, I think RR leans heavily into collectability. I have RR knives that I would not feel safe using and others that I put to work. Some are just so attractive to look at, I would never want to rough them up (even though they may be up to the task). Regardless, a new RR knife in the mail most always makes me happy. Only had one that I returned (blade was t0o warped to cut a straight line). All that said, I've watched enough knife reviews to know that more expensive brands also have quality issues. I've said it before....I'm fine paying RR prices for RR quality but, I would hate to pay, say, Case prices and get RR quality. Cheers.
Thank you for your thoughts on RR.
I absolutely love your cutting mat. Would you mind sharing where I can purchase one for myself?
I think I got it at Blade HQ.
When something I purchase brings me joy, I usually value it as a good investment, no matter the cost. Only recently I've add few RR to my collection, and I'm happy with them. Another excellent vid man! Take care.
Thank you
Well said. What a true gentleman response. I agree 100 percent with you. It boils down to you get what you pay for and if you want a case knife they are great but rough ryder knives for what you actually do pay for you get more than your money is worth in my opinion. Just ordered some. Great review!
Thank you Wes. RR's are great value.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife absolutely
Half my traditional knives are Rough Ryder and I have to say it's a hit and miss. Sometimes the blades have some play, sometimes the scales don't fit perfectly, etc. But half if the time they are just great with no real flaws and they are always sharp. And all technical flaws I could resolve with some ingenuity. I think they are good for what you pay. I'll definitely get more.
Thanks for another good video!
Thank you Erlkönig.
Yep, You tell em! I love My RR knives. I have only ever had one issue and it was due to it being damaged in shipping, not SMKW or RR knives fault. I am on a fixed budget and collect them simply because I dig them. I own other brands and a few pricey knives like Case but the bulk of my collection is and will remain RR knives. Thanks for the videos William good stuff! 👍
Thank you Scot. RR's are the way to go if you want to try out traditional knives. I don't know how many I have maybe 150 or so, and I was able to get them in a year & a half on my social security retirement income, which isn't much.
I started collecting them for over 15 years now. I just love them, the looks and finish are super. I just bought a few since the last ones few years back and always get excited when looking for models. To bad they are getting expensive i bought years ago for 10 bucks a nice one. I like the smaller models with multiple blades and the classic look. My collection would be around 35 pcs i think, nicely displayed in a glass cabinet. When looking for new ones i came across your video, nice video and true words.
Thank you. I wish I had started collecting them 15 years ago. I'm relatively new to Rough Ryder knives (4 years).
What i did noticed i that the brandname is different. It used to be Rough Rider as i remember correctly. But the knives are still beautyfull as they used to be.
@lompe666 Yes. They started out as Rough Ryder, then changed the name, maybe because people gave them crap for not spelling Rider correctly. IDK. Then, later, they decided to go back to the original spelling. I think they started selling knives in 1995.
I don't own a RR knife, yet. But, I understand the skepticism surrounding the quality or lack thereof RR knives. Their price is extremely reasonable, and their perceived finish appears really good. What do most knife collectors look for in knife selection? Fit, finish and primarily blade steel type. Carbon steel is one of the lower quality blade materials, but is acceptable for RR and Case so I don't think I'll have any issues, I hope, when I buy my first RR.
I think they are good for seeing if you like traditional knives without having to spend a lot of money.
After buying 4 or 5 Rough Riders, I bought a number, maybe as many as 20, of Rough Rider knives about 10 years ago to give as Christmas gifts to my shop guys. They were all very nice knives, well made and sharp. One out all of these knives, a tiny little lock back knife. had a cracked bone scale, so I kept it for myself and I still have it. Recently I watched a TH-cam video comparing sharpness of a Rough Rider Classic Carbon II Stockman against a Case XX Stockman, which cost 5-6 times as much as the Rough Rider...after 100 cut through some large rope, the Rough Rider was the sharper of the two, by a slight margin. Pure junk? I think not.
I agree 👍
I use mine every day, but my hand did break however I found it was really easy to fix.
Thank you, red.
I bought my first Rough Ryder Reserve today and to be honest am really impressed with it.
It's very well made, fit and finish and looks very good to me.
It has D2 steel and I wonder how do you find it for edge retention please on these knives.
Best and thanks - Gray
PS what is the very large knife to the right of this video please.
D2 holds an edge quite a bit longer than the 440a Rough Ryder normally uses. The huge knife is the Rough Ryder 25th Anniversary knife. They have the same knife with a different theme in the Teddy Roosevelt
www.smkw.com/rough-ryder-teddy-roosevelt-trapper
@@WilliamsKnifeLife Thanks it looks massive on camera. I assume it's a functioning knife just a little large on the pocket :)
I have the Hippo Toe in the green and D2 steel which, strangely, I do rather like.
I am hoping to get a canoe next and I rather fancy the RR Artisan Wood version.
As you might remember (depending on how long ago you stayed) we have a non locking 3" or less knife law in public. I think there was an incident and some people were hurt and the law was changed.
We can have fixed and locking blades at home and only in the public if we have a good reason. Like fishing or work for locking. You cannot goto the pub with a locking/fixed knife.
Best Gray
@@grayintheuk8021 It's a fully functional although large Trapper with 7 inch blades I believe if I remember correctly.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife I have a Spyderco Tatanka which is discontinued now and yours seems bigger than that, which I thought was pretty large!
Best Gray
I had put RR off for a long time and didn't do any research just assuming they were on par with the likes of Imperial, Frost and some other really really cheap knives like you would see in a big plastic tub. Yesterday I saw some of their copper series and just had to have them even if they were just for looks but after doing a little bit of research, I am hoping I get some good users! I don't use most of my modern Old timers since they don't get nearly as sharp as the old ones or my bucks and case knives but if the RRs are on par with the pre 420j ss bucks the. I will happily buy a lot more of them since some of my favorite slipjoints for daily use is my 440HC buck slipjoints.
Give them a try. Most Rough Ryder's are 440a stainless steel.
Great video and topic! my Rough ryder experience has been fantastic I love the reserve and apta line.
thank you suburban jack edc. i haven tried the Apta series yet. i do like the Wharncliffe looking one.
Rough Ryder are ok for the money. The Rough Ryder RESERVE line though, is excellent and beats anything made in the US under the $100 price point. It's not even close...
I do like the reserve line.
I’m impressed with the quality of RR especially with the low cost. I’ve bought Case knives that I’m not happy with.
I just bought my first one. The Zombie Nick Canoe. I absolutely love it. It's quality is good enough. It's price point is great. It's good enough to do what I need it to do and affordable enough to where if I lose it, oh well, no biggie.
Right on!
You make a valid point. I don't own a lot of Rough Ryder knives, but the ones I do own are excellent. I got the Highland series that I'm collecting right now. That large 5" Toothpick is a real gem. Slice an apple....... no problem. Got some twine that needs cutting........ done. I got a few junk knives to.
Thank you Richard. 👍
I think Rough Rider’s are beautifully made , old time knives that are hard to come by at similar price point. It’s interesting to come across this video, since I’ve been trying to source American made tools recently, which is very difficult. We hear- “buy American” all the time- but rarely do we get a justification other than “their products are crap,” or “they take away American jobs.” All legitimate concerns - yet few have an issue buying German or French made. I think for me the biggest moral concern is that the purchase supports workers who’re probably not being treated right and so therefore I feel like I’m taking advantage of a system that values commodity over moral values.. It’s a real issue though- because I’m a novice woodworker and just getting the right tools is hard to do without a China stamp. I have no problem with Chinese people , but it gives me trouble thinking that the poor guy who helped build my 20 dollar product can likely barely afford to feed his family. Those are the real facts. Of course it’s not nice to shame anyone who is trying to enjoy something- and I totally agree- just pointing out an aspect that has nothing to do with the knives themselves. Like ganzo knives, which are made beautifully and rival much more expensive ones- you have to ask.. what are you trading for having more- someone else’s misery ? That’s the real issue and I wish we could do something about it.
For issues like trade relations with communist countries, we Americans rely upon our government to do the right thing. It's not a great situation because politicians can be bought or influenced heavily by "donations" to their campaigns. The working conditions for someone working at a Rough Ryder factory 🏭 are unknown to me. I doubt that they have no freedom whatsoever or are using slave labor. It wouldn't make much difference in the scheme of things if I stopped buying Chinese knives. Our government gave China the Most Favored Trading Status and almost everything is made in China. Due to their increasing aggressive approach to Taiwan & the south China sea area, many companies are pulling out of China. That's why I believe in the future the days of inexpensive Chinese made knives are numbered if they continue to threaten war. In the meantime, I will continue to buy knives from whatever country of origin I like as long as it is well made.
Not "junk" and not "cheap" - They are "inexpensive". There is a difference. Remember the Cadillac Seville? It was NOT "inexpensive", but it WAS "cheap". Basically a Chevrolet Citation with a few "luxury" options and "Cadillac" badging. 👎
I only have around 60 Rough Rider/Ryder knives. Three have had "issues". Two had cosmetic issues: The shield of a "Twisted Bone" canoe remained in the box when I removed the knife. A drop of super glue fixed it. A large (5 inch closed) single blade white smooth bone Coke Bottle/Swell Center pattern had a cracked cover at the center pin. A drop of super glue worked into the crack fixed it. It is not unusual for bone to crack at one of the pins. Both Case and GEC are known to have that "defect" occasionally. (From what I've seen on the knife forum I hang out on, Case appears to have this issue more often than Rough Rider/Ryder does.)
My latest, a (yellow) Classic Carbon canoe, has a true defect that affects functionality: The pulls are a bit shallow, making it difficult to open the pen blade. I haven't decided if I'm going to exchange it under warranty, or deepen the pen blade pull with my Dremel.
RR is great for trying new patterns without bankrupting the bank. You can always "upgrade" to a different brand if you like the pattern.
"People" say "Case makes a lot of different patterns!" RR has more patterns in regular production. For example, Case does not currently produce a Barlow. They took the Barlow pattern "out of the vault" in 2019 or 2020, produced it for a year, the "put it (back) in the vault".
I believe the last time they "took it out of the vault" before was in the 1990's Who knows if Case will produce a Barlow again before 2040?
Rough Rider currently produces the Barlow -- in AT LEAST THREE sizes, both single and double blade versions, with different primary blades.
Why Case wants to send their potential customers into the arms of their competition, I have no clue. Bear & Sons, Moor Maker, Böker, RR, Marbles, and others have the Barlow (and other patterns) as regular production, that Case has "In The Vault" and out of production.
Another that Case has "in the vault" is the large sunfish/elephant toe/whaler/"British Rope Knife"/Pocket axe/emergency spatula/ or whichever of the 70 odd names the pattern is known as... RR has an equal end in production, with a choice of two or three different cover materials, and a large sleeve board in production. Marbles also has at least one equal end in production with different covers than the RR.
As for build quality, all my RR are AT LEAST as good as the five Case knives I have. Most challenge the three GEC (none are "seconds") I have in build quality.
I'll stick with RR. They cost a lot less than Case, and I've heard from the Case Fan Boys that buying a current production Case sight unseen online is "risky" -- Case's QC has been hit or miss the last few years.
(Case also claims (quote) Blade Rub on a two spring three blade stockman is to be expected, and goes with the pattern. Blade rub on these knives are not covered under warranty." (end quote) The stockman is one of my favorite and most carried patterns. Case is "honest" and warns potential customers their three blade two spring stockmans WILL have blade rub, and even if it is severe enough to make it near impossible to open one or more blades, it IS NOT covered under warranty! 👎
Oddly enough, my eight RR Large and Extra Large sockman (most of which cost under $10 shipped), and offshore Old Timer 858OT, and 858OTB, vintage 1978 to 1984 US made Old Timer 858, and GEC 82, all of which are a two spring three blade stockman, have blade rub. Yet according to Case, "Blade rub goes with the pattern. It can't be helped; it's unavoidable!" 🙄👎
Thank you for your very well thought out response. 👍
I've only bought 2 rough riders. The first one was many years ago, and at first seemed ok. I didn't use the knife, I just kept it in a storage box, where I keep all my other knives. After a year or so, I was looking through the collection, and picked out the rough rider to use. I was disappointed to discover rust spots, on what I assumed was stainless steel. I cleaned it up and gave it away.
About three years ago, I bought another rough rider. So far it's very good. No rust, good fit and finish.
I will buy more. I suspect the older rough rider may have one if the first few they produced. It was no match in quality compared to the new models. Cheap feeling plastic handles, plus the rust problems.
The newer model was bone handles and brass liners, good sharp blade. Nice!
Thank you for that information. I think if your first knife is a failure for whatever reason, it doesn't matter if 99 out of 100 are good. If you get a lemon 🍋 when you are looking for an orange 🍊, you will probably be disappointed.
It took awhile before I ran into my first defective Rough Ryder. It was a small congress and 3 of the 4 blades would get a little half moon dent when closed under spring tension. I didn't return it & sharpened the blades. As soon as I let them fall again, the dent came back. That's when I learned you can either raise the kick with a little epoxy, or something stuck underneath the tang, or you can file down the hump on the backspring. So that defect taught me something. To me blade rap is one of the worst things to get on a pocket knife. It directly affects the cutting edge. Rough Ryder has a backed for life policy, so next time that happens, I'll just return it.
Considering the number of knives they make, I think they do a decent job on quality.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife I'm happier with my Rough Ryder 'Sodbuster' style knife than a lot of my folders. It beats my Buck Canoe, for edge holding. It also has very nice red bone handles, and a brass liner lock.
I might go for one of their Bowie knives, too. They make one that's got nice old styling. I could make a fancy leather sheath for it.
Like your vids, so I'll sub 😊👍
@Jeffrey Barton thank you. Rough Ryder came out with a Bowie recently that has been getting rave reviews. It's the black rubber handle one for around 25 dollars.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife I spotted that one. I'll find some reviews on it 🙂
lol, brings back memories, honestly I’ve said Novelty knives were junk, lol, now when i see them i smile and realize how good the steel is in most of them and what history there is behind them. i don’t have one but maybe someday. Rough Riders wow, the asian cutlers have really stepped up their game. we could learn something from their manufacturing model. Rough Riders are the only knives i could ever sell and make a buck, also never had a customer come back with a complaint about Rough Riders. i don’t have any of the carbon series but hope to try them in the near future. knife on William✅👍😎✌️☮️
Thank you buzz. Some people will only invest in Case, or GEC, but if you look at some RR models, some of them double in price, or more, when out of production.
I own several rough riders. I use them. They work. They look good. Just bought a Seahorse Whittler. It's a great knife. I've already nicked myself with it. Bled just as red as I do when I cut myself with my Case.
That seahorse is a great pattern. I know someone who went to the hospital closing the blade with his leg. Little blades can do big damage.
I have lots of rough ryder knives , case, and gec, i enjoy rough ryder knives, usually Good quality for the price, and longs you don't abuse them, they will last a long time, and take care of you., great video William, !, thanks again.
Thank you Michael. I realize this video is kind of like preaching to the choir. 😃
👍 it’s all about the collector. Personally I don’t like Rough rider knives but don’t knife shame those who want them. I love my Buck 110 , GEC American Jack and my Case Trapper. I’ve never owned a Rough rider but I’ve held quite a few of my friends. For me it came down to the feel/Fit and finish . Anyways 👍 thanks for your honesty. RC
Thank you for your input R C
Aye agreed totally great value with out sacrifice quality I use mine a lot to carve Irish shillelaghs it’s a very hard wood no blade side play at all and get super sharp edge very important for carving as blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one greeting from the uk
Thank you John. They are pretty good value.
Np I don’t sugar coat things I’m too honest straight to point I see reviews on TH-cam if I like the knives and price is right I get it at moment Barlow rough riders are my favourite pattern nostalgic and functional very comfortable in hand perfect to carve for hours greetings from the uk 🇬🇧 👍🇮🇹🐾🦊
My dad passed away last year and had a small knife collection, in it was 2 rough riders, 1 is the canoe double blade honeycomb bone handle, its not the most expensive but its as nice looking as my crkt grandpa's favourite and is my edc, I love them good quality mid range knife that can compete to knives twice the price👍
Thank you Lee. If people can get past the made in China stigma, they will find Rough Ryder Knives are usually put together fairly well & are inexpensive.
If I bought a rough Ryder for $300 it’s junk, but if I buy a rough Ryder for $20 it’s awesome. That’s my thought on any knife I buy. I own close to 400 knives and I love all of them. Why? Because I got them at the right price. I carry a rough Ryder on some occasions. Also a Case, Buck, Puma, etc.
That's the way to approach this. 👍
Thank you, sir. There’s all these fancy people out there with fancy knives and then I got a bunch of China stuff whatever it’s nice. I went to my grandpa‘s friends house. And he had some case knives he had some really nice Damascus knives and then he had some really cheap ones. Just really nice to see…
Thanks for watching 👍
I also love how adventurous rough ryder is with there traditional folders. More so than some other traditional folder companies.
They do bring out some older patterns that are not seen much. Marbles does that too.
My enjoyment comes from buying all the ones that appeal to me. I have one case peanut. Yellow comp ss, Opinels, MAM, Antonini, even a couple Rite Edges. Lately a big fan of Old Timer. Have a Schrade out for delivery today. Mighty Might, and T50 Bruin Heritage and my absolute Favorite The "Land Shark". The rest are Rough Ryders. I'm a user. Enjoy the rotation. Oh I even have Frost Silver Hawk.
What a well put together edc for just over FIVE DOLLARS!
No my own personal reserves are my 3 SAKs. Rucksak, a RANGER just got Plus scales for a pen from an ebay seller from Ukraine. We'll see if they're genuine. And my Classic sd key chainer. I enjoy em all.
All fun.
Didnt mention my ckrt Drifter my chrb Feldspar and my Ganzo 729 for about $20. Beyond incredible. Even the boxing. Fabulous.
That's it for my moderns.
That's the way to do it. 👍
@@WilliamsKnifeLife Tomorrow will be my Watchman w002 Rope knife. A whopping $15...fun.
TK point me to a lot of my knives. Pady and Tobias and Jersey pointed me to a Victorianox Sharpener.
Even my RR Glow work knife is a quality edc.
@@felinebline7154 That Watchman 002 is a nice one.
I've had RRs tbat have questionable F+F but I'm still buying as the majority are decent. I have bought different brands where I've said "Deffo not buying those again". What's the giant thing on the right by the way? It got my attention for most of that vid.
The monster on the right is the Rough Ryder 25th anniversary Jumbo Trapper. and they weren't kidding about the Jumbo part. Here's the review i did on it. th-cam.com/video/tq6gLixmc7M/w-d-xo.html
I will admit. I was not a fan of Rough Rider knives. I bought one with a long skinny blade to throw in my belt tackle box when I trout fish. I have to admit. It surprised me on how well a 14 dollar Chinese made knife was made. I’ve used it for around 2 years now it has served me very well at the trout stream. The knife is very well made. I’m not a big fan of 440 stainless steel. This knife has surprisingly held an edge very well and with a few strokes through a 4 dollar ceramic knife sharpener. It always comes back to life quite nice. Do I own knives that are better. Certainly I do. I also payed the cost of those knives out the wazoo. Rough Rider knives are made in China. That is true, there is no denying that fact. The way I’m looking at it is. The folks at the knife factory who make Riugh Rider knives have to eat also. They are just ordinary working class stiffs like I am. They go to work, clock in, complain about their boss, look forward to the weekend, just ordinary working class people. It’s not their fault they live in China. They probably have no desire to hurt me. They just want to live their lives as best the can. Just like me. They make a decent product for a decent price. Sure it’s not hand fitted and hand polished. Mine cost me 12.99 plus shipping off of eBay. If my tackle box gets lost or stolen. Which has happened to me twice now. One came loose from my belt and the other was stolen out of the back of my truck. I’m only out 16 dollars in my knife.
That's the way I look at it, too. Would we want to be judged by our governments actions or inaction?
My only problem with rough Ryder is they make knives in the wrong patterns and materials, like I really want a knife with vg-10 blades with bone handles like they make all the stuff I want but it's all on different knives
I don't think rough rider are junk and paddy potatoe peeler I'm sure would agree to. I love Chinese made knives I got usa, China and eve Canadian and the quailty has been awsome. Great video. Only thing that didn't hold up for me is a Leatherman sidekick but I got a surge and charge that are great. Subbed
Thank you Geno. I carried a Leatherman Wave for many years. I lost it at work a few years ago, and never replaced it. Great tool.
Totally agree with you. I myself know that MOST Chinese made products are "junk" or used to be "junk" because they are made with cheaper materials, with no quality control, poor precision machinery, and cheap unskilled labor BUT....most of the time those products are NO NAME 100 percent Chinese produced, manufactured, generic brand products that are sold for very cheap.
But people do not realize that many items we purchase today are made in China that are good quality. Everything from Apple products to name brand fashion is made in China. But because those products are backed by Non Chinese companies, they are tolerated as acceptable quality.
Now with that said....let's step into a time machine. If you go back 100 to 200 years, most knives of the past are not as well made as today's knives made with precision tooled machinery. If you take a Rough Ryder knife made today back 100 years, it would be held as a well made knife. You can say that a knife is "cheap" because it is made with poor steel, fake materials, and is not sharp but at the end of the day, if you sharpen that cheap steel and not abuse that fake material, it will work for you. You may have to sharpen it more often and it may break on you sooner than better made or quality matieral knives but hey...it cost you only fraction of what that "expensive" knife cost.
Also, those who shame "POOR", better understand that the general public of the past bought and worked with common man's tools, guns, and knives. Not everybody bought premium products. America was built by workers with common man tools. A ranch hand making only $1000.00 a year is not going to buy a $8 dollar knife of that era, he is going to buy a cheap $1 knife made out of carbon that he will sharpen until the steel is too thin to sharpen anymore.
Also, a person who works with knives all day and everyday is not going to use an expensive knife. At least not a person who has lost one or two knives in his lifetime. He or she is going to use a utility knife or a cheaper knife made with better quality steel that cuts well.
Also, Made in China rightly deserve a bad reputation but to prejudge things without having actually dealt with it is just pure hate. Thanks for the video. I total agree with you. By the way I subbed you. :-) I also have a youtube channel and i do knife videos sometimes along with other kinds of videos.
@@Butch_Deezlsteak lol
I actually use my knives so I judge them based on how they function and only on function. I have a bunch of Rough Ryder knives that all perform perfectly well. I have gotten a few stinkers but that's what returns are for.
Thank you for that information.
The cat comment. 😅😂
I have bought and sold hundreds of knives. Just a regular guy that loves knives. I have a RRR whittler that is very nice. My thing is I like to have the resale potential, so, I like USA or German. I have many Italian knives (Fox, Viper, Mercury, Lionsteel etc) and the resale on those are bad.
Wow, i would have thought those would have just as good resale value.
Got to agree with you the Rough Ryder knives are not junk, bought a few over the years not had a bad one, bought one Case and fit and finish nowhere near as good as Rough Ryder. So I won't buy another Case considering how expensive it was it should have been three or four times better than Rough Ryder. My little rant.
Thank you Lewis
👍 Excellent video topic.
Admittedly I am a Rough Ryder fan. Two of my favorite folding knives are the Buck 110 and the Rough Ryder Reserve Common Stock (for different reasons). I own a few Rough Ryders and truthfully some I did not care for because the style lost its appeal, not because they are junk. Good quality knives. Excellent quality for the price.
While they would not be my normal EDC, I have a few novelty knives because they are keepsakes of TV shows I watched as a child.
All knives are beautiful in their own way and attract different owners. I agree shaming anyone for any knife is shameful. Not trading my favorite Buck 110 or my Hopalong Cassidy novelty knife for anything.
🤠👍
My main gripe is off center blades and this is almost 100% of the time due to blade warp. Often times the blade will be close to centered bc it's a potato chip, double warped. Other than that I like them.
That is a problem with many of them.
I've been buying RR since about 2015. I saw them at SMKW and couldn't believe what you get for the money. I have knives in price ranging from a few dollars to over a thousand. I buy the RR for looks and they have good enough quality that I will gift them to friends and family. One of the greatest thing is that if you lose a RR it is not a big deal. My son uses a knife at work everyday and he misplaces them from time to time and I give him another one and we just laugh about it. Also, the knives have never failed him in his work which impresses me. Knives are art and should be appreciated as such. Price does not make art better.
You can also use them instead of setting aside like an investment. Sometimes, the best thing about a knife is using it and having it work. 🔪
The only junk knives i know Is tac-force knives, i personally like elk ridge, vortek AND i just bought a rough rider waiting for It to arrive
I think you will like them.
I have only had one knife that was total Junk, it was a magazine advertisement " Special. a American eagle with gold plated 'Bolsters and cap.back in the early 1980's .No idea where it was made.
Hi, I'm Glen greeting from Goulburn NSW Australia. I do hate negativity and rudeness. If you don't have something nice to say, Say nothing, You have a nice collection there..You like Knives and Collecting and Using. So Good-Onya.The best part of Budget knives is when you lose them replacement is no so expensive. Still hurts thought. I was given a Imperial prov back in 1967 I was 8 Y.O. lost it next year when I was working in a Circus. Finally bought a replacement this year. ( Still a Bastard to Sharpen)
Thank you Glen. i have a few Imperial knives. They always were an inexpensive brand, but useable working knives. I don't like talking bad about knives, but there are some junk knives out there for sure. I recently bought an almost new old Imperial fish knife with the de-scaler & toothpick blade.
I thought they were junk too till i bought the yellow T10 whittler thats just as good or better than the case sea horse whittler that didn't cost noways as much I love this thing that fellow needs to buy one of these that will change his mind about rough rider knives
That's it Jerry. if we had an easy way of putting on a different shield, many RR haters would think they are a decent knife. Some people just hate China, but don't want to appear racist. i don't like the communist party, but i appreciate a well made knife.
i am going to buy rough ryder. dont have one yet. i just hope it is good fit with me.
I collect what I like. Names be damned. My wife loves her RR Trapper, it's got purple swirled scales and she loves purple and not a "knife person".
Hey, she likes a knife, is a good thing. 👍
Warranty? What's that 👁️👁️. I usually forget where I get the knife from
😄
Big fan of Rough Rider Knives! They make some nice designs and the prices are right!
Agreed! Thanks for watching.
I got my pops hooked on them, he orders several every week, he had a few already, he is a knife maker and we both like them, I'm about to start up cinnamon bone collection, we collect about anything that cuts.
That's the way to go. They really are good value & have a lot to choose from.
I'll pick Rough Ryder or Rite Edge over Case every time! You can get OVERCHARGED for a name. It happens with everything. Look at Gibson and Martin guitars!
👍
honestly (and i'm saying this as someone who bought 10+ rr's) their prices are great and their knives have a very good value.
that said, their fit'n'finish can be wonky (blade play, bad fitment of spring, inlay or bolster etc.) but so does case for 4-5x the price, heck i'd say they are worse in that regard!
i think rough riders are great for people who either have a smaller budget or just want to try a new traditional pattern but don't want the risk of not liking it & losing money.
Rough Ryder's are not perfect. I think they do a pretty good job overall. I started buying them for the reason you stated.
I once thought expensive is good. I bought two “Case” knives. Both of those knives were respectively to your channel. Junk to me. The Case medallion fell off of both of them within a month of carrying each one. I contacted Case/Zippo. Their warranty policy is garbage. They made it so difficult to get my knives fixed. I gave up trying to get them fixed. Beyond losing the medications. Every blade rusted. Not just light spotting. It was so thick I had to use a razor blade to chisel the rust off. Out of frustration. I bought a bone scaled Rough Rider Barlow on eBay. I’ve carried that knife in my pocket just about every day for the last 3 years. I couldn’t be happier with that knife. I don’t know if I just got lucky, but the fit and finish is damn near perfect. You have to be nitpicking to complain about the fit and finish of my Barlow. On top of that match stick thumbnail notches? Seriously? Why doesn’t my $60 Case knives have that? I will champion Rough rider allllll day long.
Rough Ryder isn't a cheap knife, it's inexpensive. If they wanted to go cheap, they could have cut a lot more corners. The 440a steel is incredibly rust resistant. I once tried to get it to patina when SMKW incorrectly listed the work knife as T10. That 440a didn't rust or stain after a day soaking in vinegar with salt added.