Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O Review

First Impressions of Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O

The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O is an assisted opening knife that immediately grabs your attention with its vibrant black and yellow G10 handle. The Rough Rider brand is known for producing budget-friendly knives, and this model appears to be a playful yet practical addition to their lineup. I was looking for a lightweight and easily carried EDC (everyday carry) knife that wouldn’t break the bank, and the Bumble Bee seemed to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The two-tone stainless steel blade had a decent edge, and the assisted opening mechanism snapped it open with authority. My initial thought was, “This is a lot of knife for under $20!”

I considered the Kershaw Shuffle and the CRKT Squid, both popular budget EDC options. I ultimately chose the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O for its unique look and assisted opening, which I prefer over manual opening for quick access. I was genuinely excited to see how this budget-friendly knife would perform in real-world situations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O on a weekend camping trip to the local state park. The primary tasks were food preparation, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and general camp chores. The knife performed admirably in dry conditions, slicing through cardboard boxes and food packaging with ease.

The G10 handle provided a secure grip, even with slightly damp hands. However, the small size of the blade (2.5″) did limit its usefulness for larger tasks like batoning wood (which it wasn’t designed for anyway). After the first day, I noticed the assisted opening became slightly less snappy, possibly due to dust.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O is showing some minor wear on the blade finish. The edge retention is decent for stainless steel at this price point, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel. The liner lock remains secure, and there’s no blade play.

Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to my previous EDC knife, a Benchmade Griptilian (significantly more expensive), the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O is clearly not in the same league in terms of steel quality or overall refinement. It still performed admirably as an EDC for lighter tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O

Specifications

• The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O features assisted opening, allowing for quick and easy one-handed blade deployment.
• The blade is constructed from stainless steel with a two-tone finish, providing some corrosion resistance. The blade length is 2.5 inches.
• The handle is made from black and yellow G10, offering a textured and durable grip. The closed length is 3.5 inches, making it a compact EDC option.
• It utilizes a linerlock mechanism for blade security.
• Additional features include an extended tang, thumb pull, lanyard hole, and pocket clip for versatile carry options.

These specifications are important because they define the intended use and overall quality of the knife. The assisted opening and pocket clip make it a practical EDC option, while the G10 handle provides a secure grip. The stainless steel blade ensures basic corrosion resistance for everyday use.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O performs its intended job as a small, easily carried EDC knife quite well. It opens quickly and locks securely, making it suitable for light cutting tasks. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday needs, though it requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels.

The main strength is its value for money; it provides a functional knife at a very low price. The weakness is the blade steel, which is not as durable or resistant to wear as higher-end options. For the price, it meets expectations as a budget-friendly EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price, with no major flaws or defects. The G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. It weighs very little making it comfortable for extended use.

The knife is user-friendly, with no learning curve. The assisted opening mechanism is easy to activate, and the liner lock is simple to disengage.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O should last for a reasonable amount of time, especially considering its low price. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling will help prevent rust and maintain smooth operation.

Maintenance is easy, requiring only basic cleaning and sharpening tools. Due to its price point, it might be more cost-effective to replace the knife than attempt major repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O comes with a standard pocket clip, which can be moved for right- or left-handed carry. There are no officially supported customization options, such as aftermarket scales or blades, due to the knife’s budget nature.

While not officially supported, some users might attempt to replace the pocket clip with a third-party option if desired. However, the limited availability of parts and the knife’s low cost make extensive modifications impractical.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O

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Who Should Buy Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O?

The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O is perfect for casual campers, hikers, or anyone looking for an inexpensive EDC knife. It is also a great option for first-time knife owners who want to try out assisted opening knives without making a significant investment. College students and anyone in a non-tactical role who just needs a quick convenient knife for basic tasks.

Those who require a highly durable knife for demanding tasks or prefer premium blade steels should skip this product. They should consider investing in a higher-end knife from brands like Benchmade or Spyderco. A sharpening kit and knife oil are must-have accessories to keep the blade sharp and the mechanism smooth.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O

The Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O is a surprisingly capable knife for its incredibly low price. It’s not going to win any awards for cutting performance or steel quality, but it offers a functional and reliable EDC option for budget-conscious users.

The value proposition is excellent; you get a usable assisted opening knife with a decent handle and pocket clip for under $20. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful EDC knife that they won’t be afraid to use and abuse.

If you’re on a tight budget and need a functional knife for everyday tasks, give the Rough Rider Bumble Bee Linerlock A/O a try. You might be surprised by how much you get for your money.