Rough Ryder Cotton Sampler
I deliberately chose the carbon steel version of this knife, as I felt it was in keeping with such a traditional looking piece. The fine looking jigged bone scales go well with the chunky nickel silver bolsters and brass liners. The strange blade shape has a 1.4cm gap between choil and edge used for assessing cotton quality I believe? The deep belly on the short blade should do a good job of spreading butter or pate on a picnic, but it is hardly aesthetically pleasing! A bit like Marmite, either you love it or hate it. My example is sturdily constructed with good fit and finish apart from two glaring exceptions. The edge of the cotton sampling gap was extremely rough & I have sorted this out with a Dremel and wet & dry paper. The second and more serious shortcoming, is the blade not being centred in the closed position. I had considered sending it back, but couldn't face the hassle, and will try and ignore it. The knife has a satisfyingly rugged feel in use, enhanced by the strong backspring with the half stop adding a sense of security. Definitely a Rough Ryder, with rough being the operative word. I do like it, but sadly I can't give it 5 stars.
