Love a Case Knife? Who doesn’t! They’re made in America from top quality materials and boast an aesthetic that’s hard to rival.
Plus, they’re made in America. That alone is a big selling point.
But the price is not so attractive, and on top of that, in most models, they don’t even disclose the steel chemistry they use.
There is an alternative that, at a glance, you’d never even be able to discern from a Case. It’s a Rough Rider knife, and it’s quite seriously the next best thing.
Here’s what they offer.
The Materials
Like Case Knives, Rough Rider Knives (sometimes spelled Rough Ryder Knives) are made with premium scale materials.
There are Rough Riders made with G10, Micarta, and other synthetics, in addition to a whole bunch of beautiful natural materials, like horn, antler, jigged bone in a rainbow of colors, imitation tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, and so much more.
On top of that, there are models made with copper, malachite, turquoise, and other precious and semi-precious materials.
The Aesthetics
A Rough Rider Knife doesn’t just make use of these beautiful materials, it makes artistic use of them.
The fit and finish of a Rough Rider Knife cannot be understated. The truth is that the aesthetics rival if not exceed Case Knives and other classic pocket knives.
You simply will not believe it if you’ve never handled one before – speaking of which, make that a point if this is a new brand to you. You won’t be going back to anything else.
The Blade Steel
A common gripe with Case Knives, although not always severe, is that the company uses “Tru-Sharp Surgical Stainless Steel” in most of its classic pocket knives.
When you buy a Rough Rider Knife, you’re going to know what you’re getting. They sell pocket knives with a bunch of stainless alloys, as well as tool steels like 1095, D2, and T10.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional pocket knife with an equally traditional high-carbon alloy, or something a little more modern with an advanced, almost “super” steel, you can get it in a Rough Rider.
The Pattern
In this respect, Rough Rider is equal to Case, but that’s a big deal since there are not that many companies that produce such a wide range of traditional patterns.
Rough Rider manufactures basic liner lock and lock back folders, but its catalog also contains a massive collection of classic patterns, including but not limited to stockman, barlow, sowbelly, congress, and trapper knives.
They even manufacture some of the less common patterns out there, like hawkbill knives, doctor knives and pipe knives, toothpicks, canoe knives, copperhead, and cotton samplers.
Few if any other rivals have such a broad catalog of classic and unique pocket knife patterns.
The Availability
Another great thing about Rough Ryder Knives is that they’re available. Lots of online retailers sell them (see below) so you’re never going to be too far from one.
The Price
Now for the best thing of all about a Rough Rider Knife, better than the materials, blade steel, availability of patterns, and all the rest: the price.
You can get most Rough Ryder Knives for somewhere between $10 and $30, and if you shop smart, sometimes much cheaper than that.
If you’re wondering where else you could get a traditional pocket knife with real bone or antler scales and quality steel, with an excellent fit and finish, the answer is nowhere.
Where to Get a New Rough Rider Knife
Ready to freshen up your EDC rotation or your pocket knife collection with a new Rough Ryder? Get it online at White Mountain Knives. They carry a wide range of pocket knives, including Case and GEC, if you end up not ultimately wanting to get a Rough Rider. Either way, they have a huge catalog, offer decent prices, and free shipping in the United States.
