Rough Ryder Toothpick Classic Carbon 18

The classic style of the Toothpick pattern has been around for many decades. It is similar to the French Laguiole or the Spanish (Andalusian) Navaja style but with a more traditional back spring, that is, an ordinary slip joint design rather than the firm and effective deep notch in the blade’s base covered by the distinctive bee at the top of the joint of the genuine Laguiole en Aubrac (although this is a type of slip joint) or the ratcheting mechanism of the antique Navaja, which is perhaps the ultimate refinement of the peasant knife, with its background straying at times into the more notorious shadows of history. This iteration of the Toothpick pattern is a close relative of the classic folding fishing knife, but a little bit smaller, and lacking the secondary blade which usually features a fish descaler (like a saw, but not sharp), with a blunt notched tip designed to disgorge fish hooks, and the ubiquitous bottle opener at the base. No, this Toothpick is distilled down to one long slender “clip” type blade, which folds securely into a long slim handle that elegantly curves to naturally fit one’s grasp. The weight is therefore minimal, and the balance when opened is quite good. The back spring is a little on the lighter side; maybe four out of ten, say. It is secure enough for sensible use when opened, and by pinching the blade, then pushing the handle back, this pocket knife can be opened with one hand, left or right. The blade on this example is just barely not quite polished enough. A faint smattering of freckles is just noticeable. The blade itself is well centred on this piece, and straight, without the sideways curvature that some have mentioned. If a slender bladed folder suits your needs, then this is a nice choice. The edge is a bit thick near the tip, but this is common; in fact the thicker tip, compared to, say, an Opinel, is also present on a GEC Toothpick which I bought several years ago. That pocket knife is similar, but with more meat on its bones, shall we say. The thicker edge at the tip is doubtless to impart strength to the point; and this Rough Ryder Toothpick has this feature, too. All in all, this is a good classic UK friendly pocket knife, with a traditional carbon steel blade. Thank you, HH. Nice one.

Very traditional design. Similar to the French Laguiole (and other related types), for example, but with a more common back spring, so, a usual slip joint design without the firm and effective notch and bee joint of the genuine Laguiole en Aubrac. The usual old fashioned charm of a traditional slip joint pattern is present, in an agreeably elegant and slender version. A toothpick pattern can be very small, as with Case’s Tiny Texas Toothpick, at three inches closed length, as is Buck’s, and, yes, other Rough Ryder models, too. At the other end of the spectrum, folding fishing knives of this type have been made for many decades, often with a second blade featuring a fish descaling edge, a hook disgorger, and the always useful bottle opener. These models are also larger - a four inch blade is one common size. This RR model is in the middle. Not too big and not too small. The length of the sharpened edge is indeed less than the legal limit of three inches, for Every Day Carry (EDC). The length of the blade itself, from handle to tip in the open position, is just barely over three inches. Just exceeding my personal max preference for an EDC pocket knife, but apparently still within the legal definition, based upon the length of the cutting edge. The colour of the composite scales is yet another nod to years of tradition, and is used by Case, and others, for some of their more basic, yet very worthy examples. The custard yellow colour makes it easier to locate a dropped or misplaced pocket knife. The breadth of the blade is quite slender, which may or not suit your needs and tastes. The blade is, however, thicker towards the tip, much more so than an Opinel, for instance. In the open position, the blade extends straight and true from the handle on this specimen, without any sideways curvature. Closed, the blade does not rub the brass liners, and is maybe only half a millimetre off centre at the tip. Viewing the back of the Toothpick, a few tiny gaps allow specks of light to pass through. This is expected at the price point, and has no effect on actual usage. The back spring tension is fairly soft, compared to the RR Seahorse Whittler that was included with this order. Whilst the Seahorse has very strong tension, including the half stops, let’s say 5 out of 5, this RR Toothpick has a light action, 2 out of 5 or so. The half stop is noticeable, but overall the walk and talk is more demure and gentle. Still perfectly usable, however. Lightweight and trim, the Toothpick suggests a charming hint of a bygone era, with practical usefulness for today’s world. Delivery from HH was at light speed. Cheers!

Very bad bend in blade so much so had to put pressure on to close it,then only had it in my hands literately 2 seconds pushing gently on blade to close it and snap it broke,I don’t understand how they can let that go out of the factory like that it doesn’t make sense as it just gives them a bad name,also if I was H H I would open the box and check what I was sending out,no complaints with HH useualaly, loved the thought of a toothpick knife with carbon blade and half stop but I was shot down in flames within minutes of opening it☹️

Super quick delivery as usual, thank you Hannah! The knife is good looking and nicer in the pocket than my chunky Swiss Army knife. It is razor sharp, I managed to cut my finger and thumb with it almost instantly. As others have mentioned, the blade is as bent as a banana but it opens and closes and cuts fine so that's a minor complaint. For less than £15 I would recommend it to anyone who wants a classic looking gentleman's pocket knife!

This item looked great on delivery. Then I found that the blade has a pronounced bend in it which is so bad that the blade will not close unless it is bent inwards. I've contacted the supplier for a reacement

This would have been a nice knife. It was well packaged in an impressive patina'd box with a magnetic clip and wrapped in oiled brown paper. It had a beautiful snap to the blade, lovely smooth scales and no gaps. It had a high-quality heft to it. But the blade was off centre and if you looked along it, there was a very obvious curve. I have half a dozen RRs, good knives, but this plus my previous one, the Camp knife which had a weak back-spring, have been disappointing. Returned to HH. Good efficient refund system.

I'm a fan of the Tennessee Toothpick knife, and this is a fine example. Simple and no nonsense with a just UK Legal length blade and an elegant, slim style. It is big enough to be useable, but small enough not to get you arrested. I haven't reviewed it yet in my YouTube channel (Slick Slicers), but I will do shortly, so keep an eye out

I ordered this knife and it arrived within 48 hours. I am amazed at the price of this knife. It's a lovely item which feels bigger than the specified sizes ( although it isn't). They style is lovely,....slim, tactile and refined. The blade is razor sharp. It opens with a firm half and full open click. It's lovely to handle. Precise machining and excellent blade fit in the scales. The box is a lovely too and would suit collectors. But for me, who merely wants a pocket knife to use, it seems a shame that the box, complete with magnetic closing lid, is merely something that will lie about for ages or get thrown out. I would suggest that the option of a fancy box could be bypassed and the knife purchased on its own in simple packaging. I'm very, very happy with this knife. It's a beauty