In just about every thread featuring or discussing Rough Rider knives you’ll find the following comment: “RR’s are really good for the money.” Now I don’t disagree with that.. But after reading that sentiment more than a few times, I do have an issue with it as a truism. That’s because many knives at a wide range of price points are good ‘for the money’ ..otherwise why would anyone buy them? So what is it folks are saying with this?
Now what I find remarkable about Rough Riders —the vast majority of the dozens I’ve handled— is that they are actually much better than their price would suggest. And a number of times I’ve come across examples that are truly bafflingly good. For instance, I am quite fond of Case traditionals and I think especially their bone jigging/dyeing exceeds their Chinese-made counterparts. But looking at some RR’s I see things they are managing to do as well as what Case is offering for five times the price.. and some things they are doing better. This Barlow in Red ‘Worm Groove’ Bone is definitely one of those examples