Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife Review

First Impressions of Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife promises classic aesthetics and tactical functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. As someone who’s spent over a decade evaluating outdoor and tactical gear, I’m always intrigued by budget-friendly options that attempt to bridge the gap between affordability and performance. I received this particular knife with a healthy dose of skepticism, tempered by a hope to find a diamond in the rough. Is it a true combat-ready tool, or merely a wall-hanger with a tough look?

I was looking for a sturdy, reliable Bowie knife that could serve as a backup tool on camping trips and potentially handle light brush clearing. Many similar knives prioritize aesthetics over practical application. The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife caught my eye because of its no-nonsense design and the promise of a stacked leather handle, which traditionally offers a comfortable and secure grip.

Unboxing the knife revealed a substantial piece of steel. My initial impression was that the weight felt appropriate for a Bowie-style blade, though perhaps a bit handle-heavy. The stacked leather handle looked decent, though the synthetic sheath was a clear indication of the knife’s budget-conscious nature.

Compared to a similarly sized Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife (around $80) or a Cold Steel SRK (around $70), the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife is significantly more affordable. I chose it for its aggressive styling and stacked leather handle. And, I also needed to test if a quality Bowie could truly be made for under $40.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The knife certainly looked the part. But only real-world testing would determine if the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife could live up to its combat-inspired name.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife on a weekend camping trip in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I used it primarily for tasks around the campsite, like batoning small pieces of firewood, clearing brush from the tent site, and food preparation. The weather was dry, but the ground was damp and muddy in places.

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife’s performance was mixed. It handled batoning smaller pieces of wood relatively well, though the blade felt a bit soft when encountering tougher knots. Chopping through brush required more effort than expected, and I noticed the blade losing some of its initial sharpness after only a few hours of use. There were no surprises, but the edge retention was disappointing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use, the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife showed noticeable signs of wear. The black stonewash finish on the blade started to scratch and fade, particularly near the tip. The stacked leather handle, while initially comfortable, began to loosen slightly, creating a bit of play between the handle and the guard.

The blade requires frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. I found myself needing to touch it up after each camping trip. Cleaning is relatively easy with soap and water, but I made sure to dry it thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Compared to my experience with higher-end knives featuring high-carbon steel blades, the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife falls short in terms of edge retention and overall durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife

Specifications

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife features a black stonewash finish stainless bowie blade with a blade length of 9.5 inches (24.13 cm). The overall length is 14 inches (35.6 cm). It also has a stacked leather handle. The guard and pommel are stainless steel. And, it includes a black synthetic belt sheath.

These specifications dictate the knife’s primary uses. Its large size lends itself to chopping and batoning. The stainless steel blade should offer decent corrosion resistance, but it usually comes at the expense of edge retention compared to high-carbon steel.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife is adequate for light tasks around a campsite. It can chop small branches and baton small pieces of firewood, though not with the efficiency of a higher-quality blade. The edge dulls relatively quickly, requiring frequent sharpening.

The knife’s strengths lie in its intimidating appearance and comfortable handle. Its weaknesses include its soft blade and tendency for the handle to loosen over time. It meets basic expectations for a budget Bowie knife, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife sports a classic Bowie knife design with a clip point blade. The stacked leather handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet, though it can become slippery with prolonged use. The knife is well-balanced, but it is handle-heavy, which affects its agility.

The knife feels user-friendly. But, the sheath is basic and lacks any advanced retention features.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife should last for several years of occasional use. The stainless steel blade is resistant to rust. Regular sharpening and oiling are necessary to maintain its performance and prevent corrosion.

Repairing a loose handle or replacing the sheath would be relatively easy. But, significant damage to the blade would likely warrant replacing the entire knife.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife comes with a simple black synthetic belt sheath. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, primarily to aftermarket sheaths and handle modifications.

The basic sheath can be replaced with a higher-quality leather or nylon sheath for improved retention and durability. Aftermarket handle wraps can be added for a more secure grip. The blade itself isn’t particularly suited to significant modifications due to the type of steel used.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife

Who Should Buy Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife?

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife is perfect for casual campers, collectors on a budget, and those seeking an inexpensive, intimidating-looking knife for light tasks. It’s also a decent option for someone who wants to try out a Bowie knife without investing a lot of money.

Survivalists, serious outdoorsmen, or anyone needing a truly reliable and durable blade should skip this product. They should invest in a higher-quality knife with better steel and construction.

A higher-quality sheath is a must-have accessory. Consider a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife

The Rough Rider Stacked Leather Combat Bowie Knife is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance for light tasks. While it doesn’t rival higher-end knives in terms of durability or edge retention, it provides good value for its price.

The price is justified for what it is: an entry-level Bowie knife. However, don’t expect it to perform like a knife costing two or three times as much.

I would cautiously recommend it to those on a very tight budget who understand its limitations. It’s a good starting point, but be prepared to upgrade to a better knife if you become a serious Bowie knife user. Get one today if you have light use cases and are a beginner!