Rough Rider Knives

[Sullyman]

I recently purchased several Rough Rider knives. Pretty decent quality, fit and finish. Really good considering the price.

Some have the "RR" on the shield on the handle, some have the Horseshoe logo with the RR marking on the blade.

What I am wondering is, is there information out there on production.? Year manufactured, significance to various markings, model variations etc. etc.

OK I know there are made in China, BUT, it takes US workers to off load ships, drive products to distribution centers then dealers, then office staff at dealers to do accounting etc, you get the picture..........

Any help on Rough Riders would be appreciated. Google delivers little information on anything but places to buy.

Thanks all.

 

[CWL]

Rough Rider is a brand name of Smokey Mountain Knife Works. They are the importers of the knives and have nothing to do with the manufacture of them in China.

The factories that manufacture them are contract manufacturers that manufacture knives, sometimes to spec and sometimes to style after which, they add the RR logo to them. Typically, they will put different logos on the same model knives for different Importers worldwide. I know that they are the same manufacturer that makes the Marbles folding knives, for example (at about 4-5x the price).

Your best source for models and year manufactured is to contact Smoky Mtn., or you can visit iknifecollector.com, they have a RR collectors Group there.

 

[hso]

While they have zero collectable value because of the Chinese production, I'm sure someone at SMKW can tell you if there's any rhyme or reason for the variations if the iknifecollector RR fans can't.

 

[Sullyman]

RR

One mans trash is another mans treasure...

 

[Coyote3855]

Trash is a bit strong. I own several RR knives. Purchased a couple to see if I liked a particular configuration expecting to buy a more expensive version if I liked say, the Muskrat. Quality was good enough that I didn't feel the need for a better knife. I bought a couple more RRs to stash in jacket pockets, truck consoles, etc.

A year or so I paid over $100 for "Brand Name" whittler. The pivot ends of the blades were sharp enough to cut me when I reached in my pocket. There was significant blade play in the main blade. The gen-u-ine buffalo horn scales cracked at the rivets within a month or so after purchase. Not problems I've had with RR knives.

I've sent RR knives USPS to my destination hotel, carried them while at location, handed them to a desk clerk on my way to the airport.

Are they my EDC? No. But not trash to me either.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

They make a solid knife at a nice price point. I call them today's Imperial knives. I have a few and they come out of the box Sharp and I had no issues with their pocket knives.

 

[Sullyman]

Not my trash! I now have 9 in yellow bone each a different model and always looking for more. I really like them. Sharp. Good and tight good finish. And the price......great value. A few more then time to get duplicates for carry and everyday use.

 

[PRM]

Gotta agree with the crowd that likes them. For the price they are a pretty decent knife. I'll use one of them for tasks I wouldn't think of using one of my more expensive knives for.

 

[sagebrushjim]

I have several RR knives..... Never anything to complain about, but I'm Not a Knife Snob Either..... They are Good Usable Knives..... Just a Thought from a Man with a "pet" 1895 Chilean Mauser in 7x57 that will shoot circles around Most so called "Better Rifles".....

 

[CWL]

One mans trash is another mans treasure...

Have you ever held or used one before?

RR are actually excellent knives. Like I posted above, you may be using the same knife under another brand even.

RR's are the equivalent of the common workman's knives that people would have EDC'd for all manner of chores 100 years ago. They cut, maintain a good edge and resharpen easily and are affordable to anyone. I have never had a RR fail on me, yet I've had higher-end & custom slipcases come out-of-box with pieces loose on them before.

 

[hso]

CWL,

Sullyman is defending RRs, not condemning them.

 

[Slamfire]

I have not conducted any hardness tests or cutting tests. The steels in my RR knives take an edge but I can't say the blades hold them any longer than any other knife. The fit and finish is excellent and considering the price, when I lose them, I am upset, but they don't cost a lot to replace.

Considering they are Chinese knives sold in the US, I really doubt that they will ever be considered collectable by Americans, for Nationalistic reasons, for at least the first half of the century. For the second half of the 21st century, if RR knives have value, I won’t be here to collect.

 

[plmitch]

I don't owe any but after looking online about these I might have to try one out. They look nice and the price seems OK.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I don't owe any but after looking online about these I might have to try one out. They look nice and the price seems OK.

Get one you will be happy you did.

 

[TimboKhan]

I have owned one for awhile. It has held up well, and it's fit and finish were and are acceptable.

 

[DNS]

Bought one locally and really like it. I'm also liking the bazillion different scales available and have been considering a collection of daily users.

Sure won't break the bank.

 

[Blackhawk30]

I bought a RR camper knife a few years ago for $15.Just as good as the American camper knives.Come out of the box sharp.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

I had a nice Case knife that I decided to carry in my pocket. After three days it was gone. I now carry a RR. It gets the job done and if it vanishes well, it isn't going to break my heart or the bank.