Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 Review

First Impressions of Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 immediately presents itself as a compact and capable tool, designed for convenience and accessibility. Rough Rider isn’t exactly known for high-end materials, but they do offer affordable options for those on a budget. The knife’s size, combined with the kydex neck sheath, promises easy carry, while the G10 handle offers a secure grip.

I was looking for a small, lightweight knife that I could comfortably wear around my neck during hiking and camping trips. I needed something readily available for quick tasks like cutting cordage, preparing kindling, or even food prep in a pinch. The neck knife design appealed to me, offering quicker access than a folder tucked in a pocket.

Upon unboxing, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 felt surprisingly solid for its size and price. The black finish on the stainless blade was evenly applied, and the G10 handle felt grippy, even with wet hands. The kydex sheath provided a secure hold, snapping into place with a satisfying click.

Compared to a small folding knife like a Spyderco Dragonfly or a dedicated fixed blade like an ESEE Izula, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 offered a different compromise. The Spyderco is more compact when folded but requires two hands to deploy. The ESEE is tougher but bulkier. I chose the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 for its balance of accessibility, convenience, and low profile.

My first impression of the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 was cautiously optimistic. While I wasn’t expecting premium materials or exceptional fit and finish at this price point, the knife seemed well-made enough for its intended purpose. I was excited to put it to the test and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including cutting paracord for setting up my tent, feathering sticks for a campfire, and preparing simple meals. The knife performed adequately, though its small size required more effort for some tasks.

The weather was damp, with intermittent rain, providing an opportunity to test the handle’s grip in wet conditions. The G10 handle remained secure, even when covered in mud and water. However, the blade’s black finish showed some smudging and required cleaning.

The knife was easy to deploy from its kydex sheath, even with gloves on. However, the ball chain lanyard felt a bit flimsy and bounced around while hiking, which became slightly annoying after a while. After the first use, I noticed a few minor scratches on the blade coating.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 has held up reasonably well, considering its budget-friendly nature. There are no signs of structural damage, but the black blade coating has worn significantly, especially along the edges. The G10 handle remains in good condition, showing no signs of cracking or chipping.

Maintenance is simple; I typically wipe down the blade with a clean cloth after each use and occasionally apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. The kydex sheath has retained its shape and holding power, though the ball chain lanyard has stretched slightly. Compared to my experience with higher-end knives, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 requires more frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315

Specifications

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 features a 7-inch overall length with a 3-inch stainless steel blade. The handle is made from black and red G10, providing a textured grip. It has a full, extended tang for added strength and includes a lanyard hole for versatile carry options.

The knife comes with a black and red kydex neck sheath and a ball chain lanyard. The blade material is stainless steel, offering reasonable corrosion resistance. The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 is designed as a neck knife, emphasizing its lightweight and easily accessible carry.

These specifications matter because they define the knife’s intended use and limitations. The 3-inch blade is suitable for smaller tasks but may struggle with heavier cutting. The G10 handle offers a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The kydex sheath ensures safe and convenient carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 performs adequately for its intended purpose as a lightweight, easily accessible cutting tool. It’s suitable for tasks like cutting cordage, opening packages, preparing small food items, and general utility work. However, its small size and relatively thin blade limit its effectiveness for heavier tasks like batoning wood or processing game.

The knife’s strengths lie in its compact size, light weight, and ease of carry. The kydex sheath provides a secure and accessible retention system. The weaknesses include the blade’s tendency to dull quickly and the somewhat uncomfortable ball chain lanyard. Overall, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 meets expectations for a budget-friendly neck knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 features a simple, functional design with a focus on practicality. The black and red G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The full tang construction adds to the knife’s durability and balance.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special skills or techniques to operate. The kydex sheath offers intuitive deployment and retention. However, the ball chain lanyard can be uncomfortable for extended wear and may need to be replaced with a paracord lanyard.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 is reasonably durable for its price point, but it’s not designed for heavy-duty use. The stainless steel blade is prone to scratches and may require frequent sharpening. The G10 handle is resistant to cracking and chipping, but the kydex sheath may show signs of wear over time.

Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and oiling of the blade are sufficient to prevent rust and maintain its performance. The kydex sheath can be cleaned with soap and water. Overall, the Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 should last for several years with proper care, but it may not withstand the abuse that higher-end knives can endure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 comes with a kydex neck sheath and a ball chain lanyard. There are limited customization options available, but the lanyard can be easily replaced with a paracord lanyard for added comfort and adjustability. Some users may choose to add aftermarket scales or modify the blade profile, but these modifications are not recommended for novice knife users.

The Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315 is generally compatible with aftermarket lanyards and cordage. However, it’s not compatible with custom sheaths or scales designed for other neck knives.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Neck Knife RR2315