Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife

The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife is a classic, affordable folding knife designed for everyday carry. Crafted by Rough Rider, this knife offers a blend of traditional aesthetics and practical functionality at a price point that’s hard to ignore. It features a stainless steel clip point blade, stainless steel handles with scrollwork, and a convenient pocket clip.

I needed a reliable, budget-friendly knife to keep in my truck for general utility tasks around the campsite and farm. The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife seemed like the perfect candidate. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the classic look and feel. The knife felt solid in my hand, though noticeably lighter than some of my higher-end knives.

Compared to my SOG Trident AT (assisted opening, more tactical) and my Benchmade Griptilian (higher quality steel, more ergonomic), the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife definitely felt more basic. I chose this knife over more expensive options primarily due to its price point, making it a great option for situations where I wouldn’t want to risk damaging a premium knife. My first impression was that it was a decent, no-frills knife that would likely be adequate for light-duty tasks.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife on a weekend camping trip primarily for basic camp chores. I used it for cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. The knife performed reasonably well in dry conditions, but the stainless steel handle became slippery when wet.

The lockback mechanism required a bit of force to disengage, which was initially a little awkward, but I quickly got used to it. After the first few uses, I noticed the blade wasn’t as sharp as it was out of the box, requiring more effort to slice through thicker materials. No major issues arose, but it was evident this knife was not designed for heavy-duty use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of occasional use, the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife has held up surprisingly well, considering its price. Minor scratches have appeared on the stainless steel handle, but there’s no significant wear or damage. The blade hasn’t chipped or bent.

Maintaining the blade requires regular sharpening, as the 2Cr13 steel doesn’t hold an edge for very long. Cleaning is simple, however, involving just a wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point. Compared to my experience with knives using premium steels like S30V or CPM-M4, the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife needs much more frequent sharpening, but it performs adequately for basic tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Rough Rider. Rough Rider is known for its affordable and traditional knife designs.
• Closed Length: 3.5 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Blade Material: 2Cr13 stainless steel. While not the highest quality steel, 2Cr13 offers decent corrosion resistance and is easy to sharpen.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. The lockback mechanism ensures the blade stays securely in place during use.
• Included Accessories: Pocket Clip. The included pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry.
• Handle Material: 2Cr13 stainless steel. The stainless steel handle provides durability and a sleek appearance.
• Blade Finish: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel finish offers corrosion resistance and a classic look.
• Handle Color: Silver. The silver handle complements the overall aesthetic of the knife.
• Additional Features: Pocket Clip, Lanyard Slot. These features enhance the knife’s versatility and carry options.

These specifications are important because they define the knife’s intended use and performance characteristics. The 2Cr13 steel, while budget-friendly, means frequent sharpening is necessary. The stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand some abuse and exposure to the elements without significant corrosion.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife performs adequately for light-duty tasks like cutting rope, opening boxes, and basic food preparation. Its sharpness diminishes relatively quickly, requiring regular maintenance to maintain optimal cutting performance.

The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of carry. Its weaknesses are its lower-grade steel and somewhat slippery handle. It meets basic expectations for an inexpensive EDC knife but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The knife’s build quality is decent for its price point. The stainless steel handle feels sturdy, but can become slippery in wet conditions. The weight is light, making it comfortable to carry, but some may prefer a heavier knife for a more substantial feel.

The knife is user-friendly with a simple lockback mechanism. The learning curve is minimal, as the operation is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife should last for a reasonable amount of time with occasional use. The stainless steel construction helps prevent rust, but the 2Cr13 blade will require regular sharpening.

Maintenance is relatively easy, involving simple cleaning and lubrication. Replacing the entire knife is likely more cost-effective than attempting any major repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife comes with a stainless steel pocket clip. There are limited customization options available due to the knife’s basic design.

While aftermarket scales might be available, the cost would likely exceed the knife’s value. It is generally not designed to be heavily customized with many readily available accessory options.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife

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Who Should Buy Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife?

The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife is perfect for casual campers, occasional hikers, and anyone needing a basic utility knife for light-duty tasks. It’s also a good option for those on a tight budget or those who need a backup knife.

This product should be skipped by those who require high-performance steel, a secure grip in all weather conditions, or extensive customization options. Someone needing a primary knife for demanding outdoor activities should look elsewhere.

A must-have modification is a sharpening stone or sharpening kit to maintain the blade’s edge. Also, adding some grip tape to the handle could improve its usability in wet environments.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife

The Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife offers excellent value for its price. It’s a decent, no-frills knife that performs adequately for light-duty tasks, though the lower-grade steel and slippery handle are drawbacks to consider.

The price is certainly justified for what you get. This knife isn’t meant to compete with high-end options; it’s designed to be a reliable and affordable tool.

I would recommend the Rough Rider Lockback 3.5in Knife to anyone looking for a budget-friendly EDC knife for basic utility tasks. If you’re willing to accept its limitations and are prepared to maintain the blade regularly, it can be a useful addition to your gear. Pick one up today and see if it fits your needs!