Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap Review

First Impressions of Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap is a traditional pocketknife that harkens back to a simpler time. Manufactured by Rough Rider, it immediately caught my eye with its classic design and the intriguing texture of its brown burlap Micarta handle. This isn’t your tactical, high-speed, low-drag folder; it’s a pocket companion meant for everyday tasks and appreciating the craftsmanship of a well-made slip joint.

I’ve always been drawn to the nostalgia of classic knives. They remind me of my grandfather, who always carried a similar pocketknife for whittling and odd jobs around the house. I needed a compact, non-threatening knife for daily carry that wouldn’t scare the city folk.

Upon unboxing, the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap felt surprisingly solid for its size. The brown burlap Micarta offers a unique tactile experience, providing a secure grip while being pleasing to the eye. The blades were reasonably sharp out of the box, but I knew I’d want to refine the edges to a razor’s edge.

I considered the Case Canoe and the Buck 373 Trio as alternatives. The Case Canoe is a classic, but I was drawn to the more rugged aesthetic of the burlap Micarta on the Rough Rider. The Buck 373, while versatile with its three blades, felt a bit too bulky for everyday pocket carry. Ultimately, the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap won me over with its blend of classic design, unique materials, and compact size.

My first impression was one of pleasant surprise. It exceeded my expectations for a knife in this price range, feeling well-built and comfortable in hand. This knife appears to be a great value for the money, a solid piece that won’t break the bank.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap to the Test

First Use Experience

I carried the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap daily for a week, using it for various tasks around the house and during my outdoor excursions. I used it for opening packages, cutting twine, preparing kindling for a campfire, and even cleaning a small trout on a recent fishing trip. The small blades handled most tasks with ease.

The knife performed admirably in dry conditions. However, I noticed the burlap Micarta became slightly slick when wet. I didn’t experience any slippage during use, but it’s something to be aware of.

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap required no getting used to. It’s a simple, classic design that’s intuitive to use. The only initial “issue” was a slightly stiff action, but that smoothed out quickly with a few drops of oil and regular use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of regular use, the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of looseness in the blades or scales. The burlap Micarta has developed a slight patina, adding to its character.

The blades have maintained their edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel. The stainless steel construction has resisted rust, even after exposure to moisture during fishing trips. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot points keeps it running smoothly.

Compared to my older, more expensive pocketknives, the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap holds its own. It may not have the same level of fit and finish as some premium brands, but it’s a dependable and capable tool that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. It punches way above its weight class.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap

Specifications

• The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap has a closed length of 3.63 inches (9.22cm). This compact size makes it ideal for pocket carry without being cumbersome.
• The knife features two blades: a spear point and a pen blade, both made of satin finish stainless steel. Stainless steel provides good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for everyday use and outdoor activities.
• The handle is made of brown burlap Micarta, offering a unique aesthetic and a textured grip. Micarta is a durable and lightweight material that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
• The knife features nickel silver bolsters and an inlay shield, adding to its classic appearance. These provide structural support and aesthetic appeal.
• The overall weight of the knife is 0.46 lb. This is a lightweight knife that you won’t even notice in your pocket until you need it.

These specifications make the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap a practical and aesthetically pleasing tool. The compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for everyday carry. The stainless steel blades ensure durability and corrosion resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap performs its intended purpose admirably. It is a great value folding knife for everyday tasks.

The spear point blade is suitable for general cutting tasks, while the pen blade is ideal for more delicate work. The blades open smoothly and lock securely in place with a satisfying snap. It meets my expectations for a budget-friendly, yet reliable, pocketknife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap boasts a classic canoe design that is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically sound. The brown burlap Micarta handle provides a secure and comfortable grip.

The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the rounded bolsters prevent hotspots during extended use. The simple design is easy to appreciate and use, even for those unfamiliar with traditional pocketknives. There’s no learning curve here; pick it up and start using it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap is built to last. The stainless steel blades resist corrosion, and the Micarta handle is incredibly durable.

With proper care and maintenance, this knife should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is simple, and the knife can be easily sharpened with basic sharpening tools. A light oiling of the pivot points will keep the action smooth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap does not come with any additional accessories. However, its simple design lends itself well to customization.

Some users may choose to add a lanyard for easier retrieval from the pocket. Aftermarket scales could be installed if desired, although the factory burlap Micarta scales are quite appealing. There are no factory-provided accessories, but the design is easily customizable for personal preferences.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap?

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap is perfect for:

• Those who appreciate classic knife designs and traditional craftsmanship.
• Everyday carry enthusiasts looking for a compact and reliable pocketknife.
• Hikers and campers who need a versatile cutting tool for light tasks.
• Anyone seeking a budget-friendly knife that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Who should skip this product? Anyone needing a one-hand-opening knife or seeking premium, high-performance blade steel should look elsewhere.

A must-have modification is a good sharpening stone to keep those blades razor sharp. A small bottle of knife oil is also recommended to keep the action smooth.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap

The Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap is a remarkable value proposition. It offers a classic design, durable construction, and versatile functionality at a price that’s hard to beat.

The price is absolutely justified, considering the quality of materials and craftsmanship. You get a lot of knife for your money.

I would absolutely recommend the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap to anyone looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing pocketknife. It’s a great addition to any collection or a perfect everyday carry tool for those who appreciate the simple elegance of a classic design. Pick one up and experience the Rough Rider Bow Canoe Brown Burlap for yourself; you won’t be disappointed.