Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife is a fixed blade knife from Rough Rider, designed for general hunting and outdoor tasks. With its compact size, amber jigged bone handle, and chrome vanadium steel blade, it presents a classic aesthetic at an incredibly accessible price point. I’ve been working with knives in the field for over a decade, from skinning game to building improvised shelters, and I’m always on the lookout for a solid, reliable tool that doesn’t break the bank.

I needed a small, easily carried fixed blade for processing small game on extended backcountry trips. Many larger hunting knives are overkill for squirrels and rabbits. I wanted something easily packable and well suited for finer tasks.

My first impression upon unboxing the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife was one of pleasant surprise. The amber jigged bone handle felt comfortable in hand, and the overall fit and finish appeared decent for a knife in this price range. Its lightweight nature made it feel ideal for belt or pack carry.

Compared to a similarly sized Mora Companion or a slightly more expensive Buck 119 Special, the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife is significantly smaller and less expensive. I chose it specifically for its smaller profile and classic appearance, prioritizing packability over heavy-duty capabilities. I wanted a compact knife for light tasks on long trips.

I was initially cautiously optimistic. I’ve handled Rough Rider products before, and their quality can be variable. However, the initial feel and look of this knife were encouraging, hinting at a solid, budget-friendly option.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife during a week-long backpacking trip in the Allegheny National Forest. I used it primarily for processing small game (squirrel and rabbit), preparing kindling for campfires, and performing general camp chores like food prep.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions but the handle became somewhat slick when wet. The blade held an edge well enough for processing a few small animals before requiring minor steeling. I was working in temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife required minimal time to adjust to. Its compact size and comfortable handle made it easy to use right out of the box. The balance was decent for detailed cutting tasks.

The only initial issue was the nylon sheath, which felt flimsy and provided minimal retention. I worried about the knife slipping out during strenuous activity. I’ll probably replace it with a custom leather sheath.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife has proven to be a decent, though not outstanding, performer. The blade steel requires frequent touch-ups with a sharpening steel. The handle has held up well with no cracking or loosening of the scales.

The blade developed some minor surface rust spots despite regular cleaning and oiling. The edge retention is not fantastic, but it is easily remedied with a sharpening steel or strop. I haven’t seen any issues with the handle yet.

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife is relatively easy to clean, requiring just soap and water, followed by thorough drying and a light coat of oil. The full-tang construction makes it sturdier than some other budget knives, but the handle material feels less durable than Micarta or G10. It will probably need frequent upkeep.

Compared to my experiences with higher-end knives like Bark River or ESEE, the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife clearly falls short in terms of edge retention and overall durability. However, for the price, it’s a serviceable tool for light-duty tasks and performs respectably for a budget option. It is not an exceptional tool, but it gets the job done for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife

Specifications

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife boasts several key specifications.

• Blade Length: 3.13 inches provides a compact cutting surface suitable for fine tasks.
• Overall Length: 6.25 inches makes it easy to carry on a belt or in a pack.
• Blade Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel offers a balance of hardness and ease of sharpening, although edge retention isn’t exceptional.
• Knife Application: Fixed Blade provides inherent strength and reliability compared to folding knives.
• Blade Finish: Stainless Steel helps resist corrosion, though regular maintenance is still required.
• Handle Color: Amber Jigged Bone delivers a classic and visually appealing aesthetic.
• Handle Finish: Amber Jigged Bone offers a comfortable, secure grip, though can be slippery when wet.
• Sheath Material: Nylon provides basic protection but lacks durability and retention.

These specifications impact the user experience by defining the knife’s capabilities and limitations. The small size makes it ideal for detail work but less suitable for heavy chopping. The chrome vanadium steel blade offers ease of sharpening.

Performance & Functionality

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife performs adequately for its intended purpose: light hunting and general camp tasks. It excels at detail work like skinning small game. It is useful for food preparation.

Its strengths lie in its compact size, light weight, and ease of sharpening. Weaknesses include poor edge retention, a slippery handle when wet, and a cheap sheath.

It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly hunting knife. It does not exceed them. It is very much an entry level knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife features a classic hunting knife design with a full tang and jigged bone handle. The materials used are inexpensive but provide adequate functionality. The light weight makes it comfortable to carry all day.

The handle is comfortable in hand for extended use, although the jigged bone can become slippery when wet or covered in blood. There is a slight learning curve due to the need for frequent sharpening. Someone used to a modern super steel blade will be surprised at the edge retention.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife should last for several years of moderate use. The chrome vanadium steel is prone to rust if not properly maintained. Rust is a concern.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring regular cleaning, drying, and oiling of the blade. The handle material appears reasonably durable but may crack or chip with heavy use. It is easy to resharpen, but it will need frequent touch ups.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife comes with a basic nylon sheath. There are no other included accessories. There are not many customization options.

Aftermarket options include custom leather sheaths and potentially replacement handle scales. However, given the knife’s low price point, extensive modifications may not be cost-effective. Customizing the sheath is the most popular option.

Pros and Cons of Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife

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Who Should Buy Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife?

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife is perfect for beginner hunters, casual campers, or anyone looking for an inexpensive, general-purpose knife. It’s a good option for those who prioritize affordability and classic aesthetics over high-end performance. This is a solid choice for bushcrafters who want to practice their sharpening skills in the field.

Those who require exceptional edge retention, superior durability, or a secure grip in all conditions should skip this product. Professionals and serious outdoorsmen should invest in a higher-quality knife. If you work for a living with a knife, this isn’t the knife for you.

A better sheath is a must-have accessory. A sharpening steel or strop is also recommended for maintaining the blade’s edge in the field. A better sheath adds to the price, but enhances safety and convenience.

Conclusion on Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife

The Rough Rider Small Hunter Knife is a decent, budget-friendly option for light-duty hunting and general camp tasks. It’s not a high-performance knife, but it offers reasonable functionality at an incredibly affordable price. If your expectations are realistic, you won’t be disappointed.

The price is definitely justified given the knife’s capabilities and limitations. It’s a great value for beginners or those on a tight budget. It is tough to beat for the price.

I would recommend it to someone who understands its limitations and is looking for an inexpensive, classic-looking knife for light use. It makes a great gift for a young scout. Buy it, use it, and don’t be afraid to scratch it up.