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.

[Legend]

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

Hi Oz , Im from the UK and have been around all types and styles of knives for 60 years now . I started like many other kids in the 1960s with small slip joint pen knives made in Sheffield ( UK) as many knives were back then and used them for whittling tree branches and basic carving etc . I then progressed onto the old scout style Sheffield made sheath knives with the 4" blades which were used to play split the kipper and for throwing into tree trunks or the grass . Used knives to a small degree in the military as a combat survival instructor and then went into making my own Scandi knives before ill health led me to collectors pieces only ! this then leads me to where I am today , just a collector of Rough Ryder traditional slip joint knives which I have to say , I am very impressed with . Got a small collection of about 16 now and still adding to my RRs with any that take my fancy . I make a point of requesting from my supplier in the UK that they are well checked for good fit and finish , straight ,well centered blades , no gapping between the scales , liners and back springs and good walk and talk of the blade actions , I have to say Ive never been disappointed yet ! Their good fit and finish together with very reasonable pricing , numerous styles and materials makes them a great way to get into traditional slip joints at affordable prices . If its any help from a practical use point of view , especially if youre an outdoor worker or just like the outdoors you would be hard pushed to look at the Rough Ryder Large Stag Bone Stockman which at 4 3/4" in length and three blades has enough heft to make it feel a very robust working knife . I bought one a few weeks ago and only wish I could get back out into the sticks to give it a good working . Anyway I have nothing but good to say about Rough Ryder slip joint knives .

[Dinadan]

Gday fellas,
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

I guess I missed this post back in June.

I find it very dispiriting when a new knife or revolver does not perform to expectations, so I know how you feel. I am wondering if your knife works better now that you have had it a while. I have bought knives made in the USA for more than five times the price of your RR that still took a bit breaking in by opening and closing the blade a few hundred times.