New Rough Ryder

[Ozwelder]

Gday fellas,

I have just received a Rough Ryder pocket knife purchased in Oz. It is a Model RR1978 with a brass handle and lock back.

The Rough Ryder is my first of the brand. I take it that the brand name is reference to the group that Teddy Roosevelt led.
Has any one got one and what did you think of it particularly in reference to the following.

First thing I noticed out of the box is that it is extremely tight at the pivot end. So much so, that the unlock function stayed unlocked and stayed in the down position. I used a bit of paraffin oil and did a few cycles of open and closing and it loosened up a bit.

Also I found it a but hard to close and if I am not very careful that it doesn’t snap shut under the pressure to close and seat the blade home on my finger.

I must admit it took the shine off the new toy for me, a little bit.

Are there any Rough Ryders made in the US?.

To me it would make an excellent EDC if our state laws permitted it so, but we are turning into the nanny state.

Oz

[C-WADE7]

Rough Ryder is made in China, but are usually very good quality. I think it will loosen up with some use, and they do make a very good EDC use knife.

[Wolfmort]

It sounds like your knife isn't up to their usual standards. I've handled a lot of Rough Ryders and in my opinion they are one of the best knives out there for the money.

[Modern Slip Joints]

I have no doubt that all of Rough Rider/Ryder slip joints have been made in China and probably all of the lockbacks have been made in China as well. Most RR fixed blades have been made in Pakistan but some in China.

I returned a few lockbacks that were difficult to unlock. If the return is a single under $20 knife Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW) mails a replacement and writes if I'm happy with the replacement then keep them both. If it's more knives or more money they want them mailed back then they refunded the knives' price and the shipping I paid moving the knives both ways. They are guaranteed for life. If after a lot of opening and closing it is still hard to use I'd call SMKW for a return authorization.