Nice comparison. So we get D2, different micarta, and an easy open access. I like the RR2181 work knife. This Reserve might be worth the extra money for the improved steel.
@@ThriftyKaniffy I just ordered one from Chicago knife works for 31 dollars. After your review & Jersey Knife Guy's, I decided it's worth the extra money to me.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife That's a good savings. They didn't have them in stock yet when I ordered or I'd have done the same. Thanks William, let us know how you like it.
Can´t help myself, I love most of the RRR´s and this one is on order for me now. In my opinion it is the nicest Wharcliffe knife on the market. Get well soon!
I really like this knife, can’t wait for it to be available in the uk ,the blade will be fine over here as it’s the cutting edge that has to be 3 inches or under not the overall blade length to be uk legal carry.
I love my wharnie work knife. Don’t know if I need the upgrade, pretty as it is. Andy Armstrong, the designer, said on the FB group Rough Rider Blades, that his original design had no nail nick, just a clean, sleek blade. Management added the nick. Being a in-house designer has got to suck sometimes. Thanks for the comparison - think I’ll go for the easy-open razor, gen. 2, in that beautiful burlap micarta. Chicago Knife Works has both of these for $30 each.
First of all; get well soon! And then the debate begins: better steel, yes. nicer handle, well yes. Is it worth more then double the money? hmm not sure on that one. Not a bad knife at all, but 40 bucks is a bit steep considering the original swayback was under 20 and had micarta on the handle allready. So paying double for D2 over 440, i'm not convinced yet. Thank you for the review.
One could also argue that the first two versions of the swayback were slightly under priced. So if this version is better, than $40 is not unreasonable. Just a thought.
@@tonyrome655 sure you can look at it like that too. But if 17 is slightly underpriced then 22 maybe the right price and then 40 is still almost double the price. not for a better fit and finish because the first already had that and also had micarta handles, so double the price for an upgrade to D2, still seems a bit steep to me.
I can see your point. I do think these are priced about right. I think the previous RRRs were definitely overpriced. I think $40 is max for these and they should have some slightly better materials.
Thank you TK another great review, a lovely packaged super looking knife, RR Reserve knives look really good and robust, I have been looking at them recently, this one is one out of stock at the minute, one for the list. I like the blade shape and the scale colour. Cheers and take care Sam
It's among the cheapest Reserve knifes they offer. Some don't even qualify for my typical $50 USD limit so this is an exception. I see positives and negatives of owning this knife, it's not easy to recommend for someone already owning or wanting the RR2181.
I think the upgrade in steel accounts for most of the price increase, Heinnie Hayes sell plenty of knives that aren't UK legal, obviously not illegal to own you just can't carry them in public places, also there are a few exceptions but if found with them you might end up in court to justify why you had the knife, I agree this EZ Open is a nicer proportioned build, whether it's worth the extra money I wouldn't be sure. Get better soon and look forward to next review.
Thanks Lewis. When I mentioned Heinnie Haynes I meant to say is they do a good job of letting you know that what your buying is UK legal. The RR2181 was listed as UK friendly carry so I assume this one will be also.
"If you l iked the 2181, you're going to like this one even more, I think" -- is about right. I like this best of the RRR knives. I understand Tobias' issue with the easy-open feature being implemented less than well. It's not comopletely pointless, though, and the knife does open more easily after working it a bit. (The new RRR010 "Tear Jerk" has a much more nonsensical easy-open cutout, in another otherwise very nice knife!). Good to have the D2, and fit and finish are WELL beyond either of the 2181 examples I've had.
Sorry your not feelin too good!!!!! I think I like this knife so much because I always wanted a GEC viper and it looks just like one and that’s a grail that someday I want to add to my GEC collection!!!!!! And I think the one arm Jack is going to be even better!!!!! Thanks for your review hope you feel better stay well!!!!!
@@ThriftyKaniffy I have 40 of them now!!!!! But it is definitely a hustle for sure I think it makes the purchase that more exciting!!!!!! Over the years it hasn’t Been easy but I love them so much!!!!!! Thanks so much stay well!!!
That is one handsome knife, I like everything about it, especially the scales and brass liners. My only gripe with the Chinese Bucks is the lack of brass liners, I really notice that.
Good review. I am going back and forth on these new releases. I love my work knife but do I want a collectible version of it? Same with the other new one, it kind of duplicates the RRR001. I am on the fence on these.
In the end I think they'll be selling a lot of these. For me, as a personal choice, I'm not a huge fan of the handle color of the 2181 and wish I could've gotten the first black handled one before they disappeared. The Reserve is much more to my liking just for cosmetic reasons, but that alone probably isn't worth the extra cost. I feel like everyone should weigh their own preferences on this one. Thanks RJ.
This is an exact copy of the RR2038, other than the easy open cutout and the micarta scales. But, it's not worth 4 times what I just paid for the blue denim work knife. They seem to think they're going to compete with GEC, with the new tube and all. LOL. Unless and until it no longer says, "China" on the blade, it ain't gonna' happen. Sadly, there are those who think they can buy these things from SMKW, then re-sell them on eBay for twice the factory price.... as if they were going to pay for their kid's college with their profits. P.T. Barnum said it best.
I like this knife model and you do get more for the price. It comes in a metal tube with a cleaning cloth that doesn’t come with the work knife. The blade has a different grind and swedge and has upgraded steel. But; it is too close to the look of the work knife. To me there are too many knives already using Wharncliffe blades. The easy open feature is something I really like. But, normally knives using them come with a spear point blade not a Wharncliffe blade. If it had a spear point I would buy one in a flash. Being it is too close to the look of the work knife makes everyone that bought the work knife less likely to buy this one. The fit and finish on my work knife has no gaps and perfect blade centering. Most people that bought them noted this too. I like the color of the knife and the shield but, the blade is out of place on the knife. If you don’t have a work knife it would be easy to buy this model. If you already bought a work knife this one is not worth paying more for something you have already. 🔍🦉
It's FOMO (fear of missing out). I've been looking at a Brother 1508CF in V10 that I might like more than both of these. I know that I don't need yet another that's so similar, but I may still get it.
Your bolsters are 17 and 15.5 mm respectively and that is D2 tool steel not stainless so it will rust. It is a very nice looking knife and the D2 will hold an edge for a long time.
@@ThriftyKaniffy It's good. The ONLY thing is a tiny bit of oxidation about .5 from the beginning of the swedge on the very edge. Feature I like is the over travel pin in the handle to save your blade. The only non-RRR the RR Highland Lochback has a similar stop pin.
Nice looking knife. But, nope, the $17 one seems to be a better value to me. And also I could get two Rouge Ryder knives for the price of that one reserve. As I see it. 😉
I like a tight backspring, if you can't carry a locking blade a tight backspring is the next best thing. Do like that micarta. Would I pay £40? There's a Brother knife that looks very similar for somewhere around 30. I'd have to see them both. Hot chocolate with whiskey before bed. Might not cure you but it makes you think you're cured!
Looks like a decent knife. Shame they couldn’t reduce the blade length the small amount needed so there’s no confusion for the UK market. Get well soon, hope you don’t have the KungFlu or even worse the VindaFlu 😜 Stay safe brother 👍.
Nice comparison. So we get D2, different micarta, and an easy open access. I like the RR2181 work knife. This Reserve might be worth the extra money for the improved steel.
Yes, that's the kind of decision you're forced to make. Pluses and minuses. Thanks William.
@@ThriftyKaniffy I just ordered one from Chicago knife works for 31 dollars. After your review & Jersey Knife Guy's, I decided it's worth the extra money to me.
@@WilliamsKnifeLife That's a good savings. They didn't have them in stock yet when I ordered or I'd have done the same. Thanks William, let us know how you like it.
Can´t help myself, I love most of the RRR´s and this one is on order for me now. In my opinion it is the nicest Wharcliffe knife on the market. Get well soon!
Appreciate the kind words haveblue. Let us know how you like your RRR009 when it arrives.
I just ordered one of each. I love the swayback design and blade shape, and the honey colored Micarta looks yummy!
Welcome to the channel. Thanks for watching, I hope I helped in your decision.
Nicely done, patiently looking forward to a single blade barlow of this quality.
You and me both! Welcome to the channel. Thanks for watching.
The just made one now!
I really like this knife, can’t wait for it to be available in the uk ,the blade will be fine over here as it’s the cutting edge that has to be 3 inches or under not the overall blade length to be uk legal carry.
Heinnies have them in stock now
Welcome to the channel. Thanks for the info.
UK friendly carry shown. Sold out already?
@@ThriftyKaniffy I’ve just checked the Gov website and it says 3’ is the legal limit of a blade 🔪.
@@Toadonthehill. check again especially the bit about the cutting edge
Very nice knife it seems to be well worth the $40 dollar price tag great review thank you...👍
Welcome to the channel, John. I'm glad I could help.
I love my wharnie work knife. Don’t know if I need the upgrade, pretty as it is. Andy Armstrong, the designer, said on the FB group Rough Rider Blades, that his original design had no nail nick, just a clean, sleek blade. Management added the nick. Being a in-house designer has got to suck sometimes. Thanks for the comparison - think I’ll go for the easy-open razor, gen. 2, in that beautiful burlap micarta. Chicago Knife Works has both of these for $30 each.
Yes, I'm sure there are some frustrating moments in that line of work. Thanks Su.
First of all; get well soon! And then the debate begins: better steel, yes. nicer handle, well yes. Is it worth more then double the money? hmm not sure on that one. Not a bad knife at all, but 40 bucks is a bit steep considering the original swayback was under 20 and had micarta on the handle allready. So paying double for D2 over 440, i'm not convinced yet. Thank you for the review.
Yes, that's the choice that has to be made. Thanks Jeroen
One could also argue that the first two versions of the swayback were slightly under priced. So if this version is better, than $40 is not unreasonable. Just a thought.
@@tonyrome655 sure you can look at it like that too. But if 17 is slightly underpriced then 22 maybe the right price and then 40 is still almost double the price. not for a better fit and finish because the first already had that and also had micarta handles, so double the price for an upgrade to D2, still seems a bit steep to me.
@@tonyrome655 Welcome to the channel. It's reasonably priced I think.
I can see your point. I do think these are priced about right. I think the previous RRRs were definitely overpriced. I think $40 is max for these and they should have some slightly better materials.
Thank you TK another great review, a lovely packaged super looking knife, RR Reserve knives look really good and robust, I have been looking at them recently, this one is one out of stock at the minute, one for the list. I like the blade shape and the scale colour.
Cheers and take care
Sam
It's among the cheapest Reserve knifes they offer. Some don't even qualify for my typical $50 USD limit so this is an exception. I see positives and negatives of owning this knife, it's not easy to recommend for someone already owning or wanting the RR2181.
Thanks for the measurements, I was wondering about the width. Still not sure I’m gonna order one yet but it helps to know it is thinner
Glad the review was helpful. It wasn't my best production, but wanted to get it out there. Thanks HAKD
I think the upgrade in steel accounts for most of the price increase, Heinnie Hayes sell plenty of knives that aren't UK legal, obviously not illegal to own you just can't carry them in public places, also there are a few exceptions but if found with them you might end up in court to justify why you had the knife, I agree this EZ Open is a nicer proportioned build, whether it's worth the extra money I wouldn't be sure. Get better soon and look forward to next review.
Thanks Lewis. When I mentioned Heinnie Haynes I meant to say is they do a good job of letting you know that what your buying is UK legal. The RR2181 was listed as UK friendly carry so I assume this one will be also.
The lanyard tube diameter seems smaller. Optical illusion? Great review. I think I'll order another 2181. Thanks
Yes, the lanyard tube is smaller on the RRR009. Thanks CMKTTIW.
"If you l iked the 2181, you're going to like this one even more, I think" -- is about right. I like this best of the RRR knives. I understand Tobias' issue with the easy-open feature being implemented less than well. It's not comopletely pointless, though, and the knife does open more easily after working it a bit. (The new RRR010 "Tear Jerk" has a much more nonsensical easy-open cutout, in another otherwise very nice knife!). Good to have the D2, and fit and finish are WELL beyond either of the 2181 examples I've had.
Thanks for the comments wagstaff1613. Glad you enjoyed this knife.
Sorry your not feelin too good!!!!! I think I like this knife so much because I always wanted a GEC viper and it looks just like one and that’s a grail that someday I want to add to my GEC collection!!!!!! And I think the one arm Jack is going to be even better!!!!! Thanks for your review hope you feel better stay well!!!!!
Thanks for the well wishes. Doubt I'll ever own a GEC. Lots of hoop jumping to get a hold of one. Cheers Pete.
@@ThriftyKaniffy I have 40 of them now!!!!! But it is definitely a hustle for sure I think it makes the purchase that more exciting!!!!!! Over the years it hasn’t Been easy but I love them so much!!!!!! Thanks so much stay well!!!
That is one handsome knife, I like everything about it, especially the scales and brass liners. My only gripe with the Chinese Bucks is the lack of brass liners, I really notice that.
Glad you like it. Thanks Jon.
Both Look good.RR is really upping their game....
And the price. The Reserve line are normally 3-4 time the price of a normal Rough Ryder.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Yes Sir...I am sure if they said made in the USA on them...They would fetch double the price at least.
Yes, that should be mentioned. This one isn't as expensive as the typical RRR.
Have you noticed the brass washers on the pivot? I’ve never seen this before on a slip joint. Great knife, best RRR yet.
Did not notice. Thanks cyclepath78.
Good review. I am going back and forth on these new releases. I love my work knife but do I want a collectible version of it? Same with the other new one, it kind of duplicates the RRR001. I am on the fence on these.
In the end I think they'll be selling a lot of these. For me, as a personal choice, I'm not a huge fan of the handle color of the 2181 and wish I could've gotten the first black handled one before they disappeared. The Reserve is much more to my liking just for cosmetic reasons, but that alone probably isn't worth the extra cost. I feel like everyone should weigh their own preferences on this one. Thanks RJ.
Good looking knife. My only issue is I don't understand why rough Ryder uses lanyard tube that is so small.
True, you can't get normal sized paracord through there.
Good review. Thanks for the measurements. So the real question is it worth double the price?
That's pretty much what it boils down to. Thanks Tobias.
This is an exact copy of the RR2038, other than the easy open cutout and the micarta scales. But, it's not worth 4 times what I just paid for the blue denim work knife. They seem to think they're going to compete with GEC, with the new tube and all. LOL. Unless and until it no longer says, "China" on the blade, it ain't gonna' happen. Sadly, there are those who think they can buy these things from SMKW, then re-sell them on eBay for twice the factory price.... as if they were going to pay for their kid's college with their profits. P.T. Barnum said it best.
Geesh this one is a beauty
Glad you like it JIAO. Thanks for watching.
Hmm, I shouldn't...I really shouldn't...I REALLY shouldn't...
*Add to cart*
LOL. I feel the struggle TSE.
I like this knife model and you do get more for the price. It comes in a metal tube with a cleaning cloth that doesn’t come with the work knife. The blade has a different grind and swedge and has upgraded steel. But; it is too close to the look of the work knife. To me there are too many knives already using Wharncliffe blades. The easy open feature is something I really like. But, normally knives using them come with a spear point blade not a Wharncliffe blade. If it had a spear point I would buy one in a flash. Being it is too close to the look of the work knife makes everyone that bought the work knife less likely to buy this one. The fit and finish on my work knife has no gaps and perfect blade centering. Most people that bought them noted this too. I like the color of the knife and the shield but, the blade is out of place on the knife. If you don’t have a work knife it would be easy to buy this model. If you already bought a work knife this one is not worth paying more for something you have already. 🔍🦉
It's FOMO (fear of missing out). I've been looking at a Brother 1508CF in V10 that I might like more than both of these. I know that I don't need yet another that's so similar, but I may still get it.
I would have prefered a nicely swedged spear point, on a frame like that.
Welcome to the channel. Check out the recent Mikov review if you like spear point blades.
Knowing how popular the 2181 is, the RRR009 isn't going to be sitting on the shelf at SMKW.
I agree.
A nice knife for sure. Too bad about the tiny lanyard hole.
They make leather cord that would do well with that size hole.
Your bolsters are 17 and 15.5 mm respectively and that is D2 tool steel not stainless so it will rust. It is a very nice looking knife and the D2 will hold an edge for a long time.
Welcome to the channel Tim. Thanks.
Mine literally arrives today.🤣
Congrats, let us know how you like it. Thanks Sebastian.
@@ThriftyKaniffy It's good. The ONLY thing is a tiny bit of oxidation about .5 from the beginning of the swedge on the very edge. Feature I like is the over travel pin in the handle to save your blade. The only non-RRR the RR Highland Lochback has a similar stop pin.
@@alpine1600s Thanks good to know.
Nice looking knife. But, nope, the $17 one seems to be a better value to me. And also I could get two Rouge Ryder knives for the price of that one reserve. As I see it. 😉
True. Decisions have to made. Thanks for the feedback Alex.
I like a tight backspring, if you can't carry a locking blade a tight backspring is the next best thing. Do like that micarta. Would I pay £40? There's a Brother knife that looks very similar for somewhere around 30. I'd have to see them both. Hot chocolate with whiskey before bed. Might not cure you but it makes you think you're cured!
Thanks for the medicinal advice. Not sure my Dr. would agree with it, but what the hell does he know. 👍
Looks like a decent knife. Shame they couldn’t reduce the blade length the small amount needed so there’s no confusion for the UK market. Get well soon, hope you don’t have the KungFlu or even worse the VindaFlu 😜 Stay safe brother 👍.
The 2181 is legal carry so I doubt it'll be an issue. I don't know what it is, but I'm looking forward to being over it. Thanks Toad.
Your voice sounds totally different in this video.
I sound a little tired, voice gets a little deeper that way.