Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife is a classic take on a traditional hunting knife, brought to you by Rough Rider. It features a beautiful strawberry sawcut bone handle and two useful blades: a clip point and a skinner. For just $33.99, this folding knife offers a blend of aesthetics and functionality, making it a potentially attractive option for collectors and users alike.

I’ve always appreciated the practicality of a good folding hunter, but I also value a touch of visual appeal. I was looking for a reliable knife to carry on hikes and camping trips, something that could handle basic camp chores and food preparation, without sacrificing style. The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife caught my eye with its unique handle material and classic design, promising a balance of form and function.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was surprisingly positive. The knife felt solid in my hand, and the strawberry bone handles are even more striking in person than in photos. The mirror-polished stainless steel blades gleamed, hinting at a decent level of fit and finish for the price point.

I considered several other traditional folding hunters before settling on this one. A Case XX knife was an obvious contender, but its price point was significantly higher. I also looked at a Buck Knives folding hunter, but I was drawn to the unique look of the Rough Rider‘s strawberry bone handle. While I knew the quality wouldn’t match the more expensive options, the Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife seemed like a good value proposition.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The knife looks great and feels decent in hand. Now, the real test would be how it performs in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The primary uses were food prep around the campfire (cutting vegetables, slicing sausage) and some light wood processing for kindling. The knife handled these tasks reasonably well.

While the weather remained dry throughout the trip, I tested the grip in slightly damp conditions after washing the knife following food prep. The bone handles provide a surprisingly secure grip, even when slightly wet. I found the clip point blade to be more useful for detailed tasks, while the skinner blade excelled at larger cuts.

No major issues arose during the first outing, but I did notice that the blade lockup was not rock solid. There was a slight amount of play in both blades, which is common in knives in this price range. This play didn’t affect the cutting performance, but it was something I noted.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple camping trips and general utility tasks around the house, the Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife has held up fairly well. The blades still take a decent edge, though the factory edge wasn’t particularly sharp to begin with. I did have to sharpen it fairly soon after purchase.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear. The bolsters have picked up a few scratches, and the bone handle has developed a slightly darker patina from handling. The blade play remains the same. It hasn’t gotten worse, but it also hasn’t improved.

Maintenance is simple. I clean the blades after each use with a damp cloth and apply a small amount of oil to the pivot points. The bone handles require minimal care. I have not experienced any rust or corrosion issues.

Compared to a high-end knife, the Rough Rider doesn’t perform as well in terms of edge retention and overall durability. However, considering the price difference, it’s a respectable performer. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for general tasks, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious survival situations.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife

Specifications

• Closed Length: 5.25 inches. This makes it comfortable to carry in a pocket or on a belt pouch.
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel is easy to sharpen and reasonably corrosion-resistant.
• Blade Type: Clip Point and Skinner. The combination provides versatility for various hunting and utility tasks.
• Handle Material: Strawberry Sawcut Bone. The unique bone handle offers a distinctive and attractive look.
• Bolsters: Nickel Silver. The nickel silver bolsters add to the knife’s aesthetic appeal and durability.
• Edge Type: Standard. The standard edge is easy to maintain and sharpen.
• Finish: Mirror Polish. The mirror polish gives the blades a sleek, professional look.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the knife’s functionality and suitability for specific tasks. The blade steel determines edge retention and corrosion resistance, while the handle material affects grip and comfort. The blade types determine which tasks the knife is best suited for.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife performs adequately for general cutting tasks. The clip point blade is suitable for finer work, while the skinner is better for heavier cutting. The edge retention is decent for the price, requiring occasional sharpening.

The main weakness is the blade play. While it doesn’t severely impact performance, it does detract from the overall feel of quality. The knife meets expectations for its price range but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for a knife in this price range. The materials used are adequate, and the overall construction feels reasonably solid. The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife feels comfortable in hand thanks to the gently curved handle.

The knife is user-friendly with no real learning curve. The blades are easy to deploy and lock into place. However, note the aforementioned slight play in lockup.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife should last for several years with proper care. The stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion. The bone handles should also withstand normal use.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling of the pivot points will keep it in good working order. Sharpening will be required periodically to maintain a good cutting edge.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife does not come with any accessories. There are no official customization options available from the manufacturer.

However, the knife could potentially be customized with aftermarket handle scales or a custom sheath. Given the price point, significant modifications may not be cost-effective. The knife should be compatible with generic knife sheaths.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife?

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and collectors looking for an attractive and affordable knife for light tasks. It’s also a good option for those who appreciate traditional knife designs and want a unique-looking piece without breaking the bank. It would be a nice gift for someone starting to learn knife skills.

This knife is not suitable for serious survivalists or those who demand the highest level of performance and durability. Anyone needing a rock-solid and reliable knife for heavy-duty use should consider a higher-end option.

A must-have accessory would be a quality knife sharpener to maintain a sharp edge. A leather sheath would also be a nice addition for belt carry and protection.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife

The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife offers a compelling combination of aesthetics and affordability. It is a good-looking knife with decent functionality for light to medium tasks. While it has some drawbacks, such as blade play and mediocre factory sharpness, its price point makes it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a stylish and functional knife on a budget.

The price is definitely justified. You get a unique-looking knife with two useful blades for a fraction of the cost of a high-end option.

I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for a good-looking, affordable folding hunter for casual use. Just be aware of its limitations and be prepared to sharpen it upon arrival. The Rough Rider Folding Hunter Strawberry Bone Folding Knife is a stylish and practical tool that’s hard to beat for the price. Go ahead and add a touch of classic charm to your gear collection!