RoseCraft Knives

I just received my new RoseCraft Blades Beaver Creek Barlow. It measures 3.51" closed, and the blade when open measures 2.82" from tip to bolster. The blade is similar in shape to the GEC #93 Ramsfoot, as it is deeper forward of the nail nick than it is at the plunge. The edge has a very slight belly, but is essentially a straight edge. My first reaction to the knife when I took it out of the box was pure shock; the quality greatly exceeds the price paid. All edges crisp, all seems tight and smooth, nail nick plenty large to get a good grip, the etching on the bolster is flawless, the blade centered. The walk & talk is pure joy, a firm but smooth 6 on the pull with a solid halfstop and great snap closing. The edge bevel is even and shaving sharp out of the box. If someone told me this was a Case-Bose collaboration . . . I'd believe it. It reminds me more of my Eureka than any other knife I've owned. If I didn't already have more knives than I need, I'd buy every model they release. Quality all the way!

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Like many others, I really do prefer US made and hand-hafted, but I’m pretty well full up on all the Cases I want, and the only GECs I really want right now (another 44 in coco or ebony, and a clip 86 in micarta) have become seemingly scarce and/or expensive beyond my single-knife spending limits at this time if I can find ‘em.

I’ve got other “modern traditionals” by BM, Lionsteel, and Fox, and I enjoy them, so I’m not completely opposed to the CNC vs. hand-hewn idea, and, since everyone’s been raving about the build quality of these, and I am apparently easily swayed by forum enabling, I snagged a Nolichucky Jack on the Exchange today to try out which should be here by the weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing what all the hubbub is about.

Of their other current offerings, I only really like the looks of the Savage Creek Gunstock and the Loosahatchee Jack. I might just pick up one or the other of those to satiate my apparent clip point habit.

While I was very hesitant to consider traditional knives made in China of all places, and never wanted to support the RR brand when it hit the market (nor did I like any of their kinda weird takes on traditional frames), it seems like Rosecraft is putting out good product and QC’ing it well when it gets here, with some added hope that they will grow enough to bring their manufacturing home to the US. I would love to see that happen.
 
Centermass said:
It seems like Rosecraft is putting out good product and QC’ing it well when it gets here, with some added hope that they will grow enough to bring their manufacturing home to the US. I would love to see that happen.
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Based on what I keep reading here on the forum, I reckon you're right about their QC. 👍

As to Rosecraft's alleged hopes to one day bring their manufacturing to the U.S., I suspect it's a useful line from a PR standpoint, but does anyone really see that happening? Not sure I do.

Now -- to remove my skeptic's hat for a minute -- it WOULD be cool for some U.S. company to invest in the same type of modern, cutting-edge manufacturing equipment that enables the top Chinese knife companies to crank out product with such tight tolerances and a consistently high level of quality control. I prefer my traditional folders to be made in the U.S. (or Europe), but I don't care if every step of the process is done by hand or not. And I don't care if they're made on historic machines that date back to the Taft administration. If CNC and lasers will result in a good looking, well-put-together, sharp knife at a reasonable price, I say go for it!
 
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mnblade said:
As to Rosecraft's alleged hopes to one day bring their manufacturing to the U.S., I suspect it's a useful line from a PR standpoint, but does anyone really see that happening? Not sure I do.
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Yeah, I’m not so naive that part of me doesn’t really think the same. Less expensive manufacturing and facilities always wins the higher profit margins, and it’s business. Buuuut it would be a huge feather in their cap if they actually followed through.
 
From their website: "RoseCraft Blades sources the best materials and manufacturers from around the world"
Should read: "RoseCraft Blades sources the best materials from around the world and the best manufacturers from around mainland China"
 
I dunno....I ordered one a couple days ago, but haven't physically received it yet. It's the first Chinese knife I've bought in around 15 years. Figured I'd give it a shot, and I've felt guilty about Japanese Spyderco's in the past. I'm tired of trying to get GEC's, especially with some of the designs lately and I can only get so many Case trappers (I'd get more if they came out with normal friggin colors). I like the people at Rosecraft, based on social media not personal experience, so if a little support can get them on American soil, I'm good with it...
 
black mamba said:
I just received my new RoseCraft Blades Beaver Creek Barlow. It measures 3.51" closed, and the blade when open measures 2.82" from tip to bolster. The blade is similar in shape to the GEC #93 Ramsfoot, as it is deeper forward of the nail nick than it is at the plunge. The edge has a very slight belly, but is essentially a straight edge. My first reaction to the knife when I took it out of the box was pure shock; the quality greatly exceeds the price paid. All edges crisp, all seems tight and smooth, nail nick plenty large to get a good grip, the etching on the bolster is flawless, the blade centered. The walk & talk is pure joy, a firm but smooth 6 on the pull with a solid halfstop and great snap closing. The edge bevel is even and shaving sharp out of the box. If someone told me this was a Case-Bose collaboration . . . I'd believe it. It reminds me more of my Eureka than any other knife I've owned. If I didn't already have more knives than I need, I'd buy every model they release. Quality all the way!

g2CVmEo.jpeg

UITOYps.jpeg

Flenh9u.jpeg

93Yy3gm.jpeg
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I'm glad you like yours black mamba black mamba ! I have this same one, but an earlier version. So, mine does not have a tang stamp but a tang etch. I'm happy they moved to a tang stamp, even though it is quite simple. And, I hope they will one day switch over to a bolster stamp on their barlows as well. Other than these mentioned cosmetic issues, my only real complaint was one you noted; the slight belly in the blade.

Unrelated, but I think they are doing a great job with their nail nicks. I hate the eye lashes of RR, even though I love a matchstrike long pull. And maybe I'm partial because of this, But I'm not a big fan of RoseCrafts non-matchstrike long pull. It's overly round. I'd want a nice crisp line like you see on GECs. That being said, I believe once they start getting feedback they will listen and adjust. Much like I believe they did with the tang stamp vs tang etch!

Moving on, I only own two RoseCraft knives. The other being their take on the coffin jack. It is just as nice as my RoseCraft barlow and I really like their clip on the coffin jack. One thing that seems certain, their QC is knocking it out of the park. Every single one of these seems to be coming out identical to the next. It is my understanding that they are checking each piece of inventory by hand in TN, and that is where we get the occasional runs of Rosecraft seconds.

It might be a bit before I buy another RoseCraft. But, I hope they keep pushing designs that lean more heavily into traditional patterns. And, I hope they can thin things down some with their blades/liners/covers etc. That is one of the biggest differences I see between GEC and most of their cheaper competitors; the GECs just feel a little bit slimmer... nicer in hand.

Nice solid knives all around!!
 
I still have that red bone French broad jack and it's perfect in every way. Just so nice.

Their website shows a black sandalwood and a rosewood version coming... That's going to be a hard one to pass up. Lol!
 
Two more excellent quality knives here.

Top: Riverbend Skinner
Bottom: Appalachian Jack

As with my first few, these arrived and they're all simply top notch. The Appalachian Jack is a pleasant surprise, as its ultra-thin blade is going to be an excellent slicer for sure. The little "tooth" prybar/screwdriver on the end is also not as obtrusive I thought it might be. Entirely pleased with the both of these.

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Still waiting on my Nolichucky to show up. And I can relate to what JD mentions as far as GEC goes. So many I'd like
Quiet said:
Two more excellent quality knives here.

Top: Riverbend Skinner
Bottom: Appalachian Jack

As with my first few, these arrived and they're all simply top notch. The Appalachian Jack is a pleasant surprise, as its ultra-thin blade is going to be an excellent slicer for sure. The little "tooth" prybar/screwdriver on the end is also not as obtrusive I thought it might be. Entirely pleased with the both of these.

HFmMPmd.jpeg
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I wanted to pull the trigger on the Appalachian Jack but was unsure about the prybar/screwdriver being a little much. Thank you for the info on that, I'll go ahead and order. Still anxiously waiting my Nolichucky to arrive. Rosecraft has really been a very pleasant surprise since I have struck out on many GEC drops in a row. 👍
 
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