Let’s Talk About Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife is more than just a pocketknife; it’s a blend of classic design and practical bushcraft functionality. Rough Rider aims to deliver quality and affordability, and this particular model attempts to strike a balance between traditional aesthetics and the demands of the modern outdoorsman. I was immediately drawn to its classic trapper style, the promise of a dependable blade for various tasks, and, frankly, the price point.
My search for a reliable, yet budget-friendly, knife for my day hikes and occasional camping trips led me to the Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife. I needed something I could trust for basic tasks like preparing food, making kindling, and general camp chores. It had to be easily portable and, above all, dependable, without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the knife’s appearance. The brown jigged bone handle felt comfortable in hand, and the black stonewash finish on the blades gave it a rugged, ready-for-anything look. The overall build felt solid, and the copper bolsters added a touch of class that I wasn’t expecting at this price.
I considered the Morakniv Companion Spark and the Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter. The Morakniv is known for its exceptional value and durability, but I wanted something with a more traditional feel. The Buck 110 is a classic, but it’s also significantly more expensive than the Rough Rider. The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife seemed like a perfect compromise between tradition, utility, and budget.
My first impression was positive. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to its bushcraft designation. It looked the part, but I was curious to see if its performance matched its appearance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The tasks ranged from preparing tinder for the fire to cutting rope and food preparation. The varying tasks were the perfect way to assess initial usability.
The weather was relatively mild, but the ground was damp, and there was some light drizzle. The black stonewash finish on the blades offered a decent grip, even when wet. I found the handle easy to grip, even with slightly wet hands.
The clip blade proved useful for finer tasks like whittling feather sticks for fire starting. The spey blade, while not my preferred blade shape, came in handy for spreading peanut butter on crackers. The knife required no real learning curve; it felt familiar and comfortable from the start.
Initially, the blades were a bit stiff to open, requiring a bit more effort than I anticipated. Also, the edge retention wasn’t stellar after some moderate use; it needed a touch-up after the first day.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various outdoor excursions, the Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife has proven to be a decent, albeit not exceptional, performer. It has accompanied me on multiple hikes and smaller camping trips. Its compact size makes it a convenient companion.
The knife has held up reasonably well, showing some minor scratches on the blades and bolsters. The jigged bone handle has maintained its appearance and still feels comfortable in hand. I am, overall, pleased with its durability so far.
Maintaining the Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife is relatively simple. A quick wipe-down after each use and occasional oiling of the blades keeps it in working order. I’ve also had to sharpen the blades more frequently than I would with a high-end knife, but that’s to be expected.
While it performs adequately for basic tasks, it doesn’t outperform knives with higher quality steel or more refined construction. It’s a solid budget option, but it’s not in the same league as premium bushcraft knives. It’s more of a “good enough” knife.
Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife
Specifications
- Overall Length (Closed): 4.13 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel with Black Stonewash Finish. The stainless steel offers decent corrosion resistance, and the stonewash finish helps hide scratches.
- Blade Types: Clip and Spey. The clip point blade is versatile for general tasks, while the spey blade is traditionally used for skinning.
- Handle Material: Brown Jigged Bone. The jigged bone provides a comfortable and secure grip, with a classic look.
- Bolsters: Copper. Copper bolsters add a touch of style and durability to the handle.
- Shield: Inlay Shield. The inlay shield provides an elegant aesthetic detail to the handle.
- Lock Type: Slip Joint. A slip joint is not a locking mechanism; it relies on spring tension to hold the blade open.
These specifications matter because they dictate the knife’s intended use and overall performance. The stainless steel blade and jigged bone handle are durable and practical for outdoor use. The traditional blade shapes cater to a variety of tasks, from fine cutting to spreading.
Performance & Functionality
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife performs adequately for light to medium-duty tasks. It excels at tasks like food preparation, whittling, and light rope cutting.
The clip point blade is sharp enough for most general cutting needs, though it requires frequent sharpening. The spey blade is less useful for bushcraft tasks but may be handy for specific needs. A locking mechanism would definitely improve its overall usefulness and safety.
The knife meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly folding knife, but it doesn’t exceed them. It’s a reliable tool for everyday carry and occasional outdoor use. It’s fine for what it is, but certainly not a tool that I’d want to rely on in an extreme situation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife boasts a classic and ergonomic design. The jigged bone handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the blade shapes are versatile. The slip joint design is simple and functional, but it lacks the security of a locking mechanism.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife is reasonably durable for its price point. The stainless steel blades and jigged bone handle can withstand moderate use.
Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and sharpening will keep it in good working order. Its overall longevity will depend on the user and the intensity of use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, though you could potentially replace the handle scales or modify the blades if you have the skills and tools.
Aftermarket sheaths designed for similar-sized trapper knives may be compatible. The lack of factory accessories and customization options is typical for a budget-friendly knife.
Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife
Pros
- Affordable Price: The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife offers excellent value for the money. It’s a great option for those on a budget.
- Classic Design: The traditional trapper style and jigged bone handle give it a timeless appeal. It looks good in a collection or on your belt.
- Versatile Blades: The clip and spey blades provide options for various cutting tasks. Two blades are always better than one.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or pack. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.
- Comfortable Grip: The jigged bone handle offers a secure and comfortable grip. It fits nicely in the hand.
Cons
- Blade Steel Quality: The stainless steel blade requires frequent sharpening and may not hold an edge as well as higher-end steels. It needs constant maintenance to keep it sharp.
- Non-Locking Mechanism: The slip joint design lacks the security of a locking blade, which could be a safety concern for some users. It’s definitely not something that you want to use for heavy-duty cutting.
Who Should Buy Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife?
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and those looking for an affordable everyday carry knife. It’s also a good option for those who appreciate traditional knife designs.
Those needing a heavy-duty knife for demanding bushcraft tasks or requiring a locking blade should skip this product. Anyone who needs a professional knife should avoid this knife at all costs.
A sharpening stone or steel is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. A leather sheath is also a nice addition to protect the knife and keep it readily accessible.
Conclusion on Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife
The Rough Rider Bushcraft Trapper Folding Knife offers a blend of classic design and affordability. It’s a decent option for light-duty tasks and everyday carry.
At its price point, the value is definitely there. It’s a good entry-level knife for those new to bushcraft or traditional pocketknives.
I would recommend it to those looking for an inexpensive and stylish knife for occasional use. For serious bushcrafters, a more robust and higher-quality knife is a better investment. Check it out if you’re on a budget and want a classic looking blade.