Rough Rider Reserve: The Best New Traditional Knife Brand?

The first three knives of this brand new series has landed! Wasn’t sure which one to get so ended up buying all three and could not be more happier with the knives that showed up today. Yes, the knives are from China and they are much more expensive than all previous Rough Ryders at $40, $50, and $60 for the first three knives. However, the quality and fit and finish on these Rough Ryder Reserve knives is among the very best in the entire slip joint industry which includes the likes of Case and GEC.

The patterns are also worthy to note because they are either old slipjoint patterns brought back to life or they are twists on more recent patterns. Couple that with micarta handles and D2 blade steel and you have some great unique knives. To emphasize the premium nature of this new line, RRR knives like GEC include tubes and are wrapped in paper but go a step further by including a logo stamped cloth with each knife as well.

How can this new premium line of knives be even better? Well, I would take a page from the Carnivore Jack by Rough Ryder to include a little pouch with a pocket clip on it. Don’t know if it is possible or not, but would also remove the China tang stamp from the knives or at least from where that stamp is visible. For example, I don’t see that stamp on my Twosun Knives and they are definitely from China!

Below is a description/specs of each knife from SMKW along with the URL where you can buy them if they are still in stock. Currently, the Easy Open Razor is already sold out after just a few days!

RRR001 Easy Open Razor

Description: The Rough Ryder Reserve Easy Open Razor features a 3″ D2 tool steel one-armed razor blade with a brushed satin finish, deep swedging, and half stops. While the handle cutout makes this an easy two-hand opener, the one-armed razor blade is made to be opened one-handed. The handles are Denim Micarta with brushed stainless steel bolsters, brass liners, and nickel silver pins and the Triple-R Arrowhead shield. It’s 4″ closed, 7″ full open, and has a brass lanyard tube. The carry weight is 2.65 ounces.

RRR002 Kayak

Description: The Rough Ryder Reserve Kayak is a modern take on a traditional canoe pattern. Designed by Andy Armstrong, it features two D2 tool steel reverse tanto blades with a brushed satin finish, deep swedging, half stops and match strike pulls. This swell center canoe has natural tan canvas Micarta handles, brushed stainless steel bolsters, brass liners, and nickel silver pins and the Triple-R Arrowhead shield. At 3.625″ closed, it’s the same size as most traditional canoe pattern knives and it weighs 3.5 ounces.

RRR003 Swell Center Whittler

Description: The Rough Ryder Reserve Swell Center Whittler features three D2 tool steel blades all with a brushed satin finish, deep swedging, half stops and match strike pulls. The spear point main blade is 2.8″, and there are smaller secondary pen and coping blades. The handles are black canvas Micarta with brushed stainless steel bolsters, brass liners, and nickel silver pins and the Triple-R Arrowhead shield. This classic whittler pattern is 4.5″ closed, 7.3″ with the main blade open, and weighs 4.65 ounces.

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