Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper Review

First Impressions of Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is a classic pocketknife that evokes a sense of the American West. Manufactured by Rough Rider, this knife aims to blend traditional design with affordable materials, appealing to collectors and everyday users alike. I was drawn to this particular model because of its unique handle inlays and the promise of a reliable, if not high-end, tool for light tasks.

For years, I’ve carried a variety of pocketknives, from high-end tactical folders to simpler, more traditional designs. I’ve been seeking a knife that combined aesthetic appeal with practicality for gentler everyday tasks, something that didn’t look out of place accompanying me to a ranch or when teaching outdoor skills. My everyday carry knife is often used to open boxes or cut rope, and I wanted a knife with character that could handle these tasks without feeling like overkill. I was particularly interested in whether the Rough Rider’s affordability translated to real-world usability and durability.

Upon unboxing the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper, the first thing that struck me was the handle. The red and blue stone inlays, coupled with the nickel silver bolsters, give it a distinct Southwestern flair. It feels solid in hand, though the overall weight of 0.72 lbs is substantial for a pocketknife of this size. The blades, while stainless steel, arrived adequately sharp, though not razor-sharp.

I considered a Buck 110 Folding Hunter and a Case XX Trapper before settling on the Rough Rider. The Buck 110 felt too bulky for my needs, while the Case XX, although higher quality, lacked the specific aesthetic I was seeking. The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper offered a unique blend of style, size, and price that made it an intriguing option.

My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The knife looks appealing and feels reasonably well-built for the price. However, I was aware of Rough Rider’s reputation for value-oriented products, so I knew the true test would be in its performance and durability over time.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper on a weekend camping trip. The knife was used for various tasks around the campsite, including preparing food, cutting cordage for tent guylines, and whittling small pieces of wood. It performed adequately for these lighter tasks, holding an edge reasonably well during use.

The conditions were dry and mild, which presented no particular challenges for the knife. The handle provided a secure grip, even when my hands were slightly damp. However, I found the blade steel to be a little soft, requiring more frequent stropping to maintain a decent edge.

The knife was relatively easy to use, requiring no real learning curve. The Trapper pattern is a classic for a reason, and the blade shapes were well-suited for the tasks I performed. The lanyard hole, while small, proved useful for attaching a piece of paracord, making it easier to retrieve the knife from my pocket.

The only minor issue I encountered during the initial use was the stiffness of the blade opening. It took some effort to deploy the blades, but I attributed this to the knife being new. I expected this to improve with use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. The handle inlays remain intact and the bolsters show only minor scratches from pocket carry. The blades, however, require frequent sharpening to maintain optimal performance.

While there is no visible rust, I can see that the blade steel is far softer than other knives I own. It requires a little bit more effort to keep the blades in usable shape after repeated use. That said, I’ve come to accept it as a trade-off for the price.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use has been sufficient to keep the knife in good working order. I did apply a small amount of lubricant to the blade pivots to ease the opening action.

Compared to my experiences with higher-end knives, the Rough Rider falls short in terms of edge retention and overall durability. However, for the price, it offers a decent level of performance and aesthetic appeal. It’s a capable tool for light-duty tasks and serves as a nice-looking pocketknife.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper

Specifications

• The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper has a closed length of 5 inches (12.7cm). This makes it a substantial, but still pocketable, knife for everyday carry.
• It features stainless clip and spey blades, offering versatility for different cutting tasks. Stainless steel is generally corrosion-resistant but may not hold an edge as well as high-carbon steels.
• The handle is constructed with red and blue stone inlays and nickel silver bolsters, providing a unique aesthetic. These materials contribute to the knife’s overall appearance and feel in hand.
• A lanyard hole is included for attaching a lanyard or fob. This allows for easier retrieval and personalization of the knife.
• The knife weighs 0.72 lb, which is heavier than some other pocketknives of similar size. This weight gives it a solid feel but may be a consideration for those who prefer a lighter carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper performs adequately for light to medium-duty cutting tasks. The clip point blade is suitable for general cutting and piercing, while the spey blade is traditionally used for skinning, although it can be used for other tasks as well. The blades came reasonably sharp out of the box, though they benefit from further sharpening.

The knife’s main strengths lie in its aesthetic appeal and affordable price. It offers a unique look and functionality at a price point that’s accessible to many. The weakness is the blade steel, which requires more frequent sharpening.

It meets expectations for a knife in this price range, offering reasonable performance and a distinctive design. However, those seeking high-end performance and durability may be disappointed.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is decent for the price. The handle materials feel solid, and the blades are reasonably well-fitted. The knife has a comfortable weight in hand.

The Trapper pattern is user-friendly, with a classic design that has been proven over time. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this knife.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is expected to last for several years with proper care and maintenance. However, the blade steel’s softness means it may require more frequent sharpening and care compared to higher-end knives.

The knife is easy to maintain. A quick wipe down after each use and occasional sharpening are generally sufficient to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper does not come with any specific accessories beyond the box. The lanyard hole allows for the attachment of a lanyard or fob for personalization.

There are limited customization options for this knife. The handle inlays are fixed, and aftermarket scales are not readily available. However, some users may choose to modify the knife by adding custom blade etching or decorative file work.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper

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Who Should Buy Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper?

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is perfect for collectors looking for an affordable and unique addition to their collection, and for casual users who need a functional and aesthetically pleasing pocketknife for light tasks. It would also suit those who appreciate Southwestern style and want a knife that reflects that aesthetic.

This product should be skipped by those who require a high-performance knife for heavy-duty use or those who prioritize edge retention and durability above all else. Also, those with limited hand strength may find the initial blade stiffness an issue.

A must-have accessory is a good quality sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge. Some users may also find a leather sheath helpful for protecting the knife during carry.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper

The Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is a decent pocketknife that offers a unique blend of style, functionality, and affordability. While it may not match the performance of higher-end knives, it provides a good value for the price. It has a soft steel but given its price, this makes sense.

The price is justified for those who appreciate its distinctive design and are willing to accept the limitations of the blade steel. It makes for an attractive and useful tool.

I would personally recommend the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper to those seeking an affordable and aesthetically pleasing pocketknife for light-duty tasks. If you’re looking for a knife that blends classic design with Southwestern flair, the Rough Rider Old Southwest Large Trapper is worth considering. Add one to your collection or daily kit today!