Rough Ryder Knives takes it name from the group of men who volunteered to follow Teddy Roosevelt. In 1898, 23,000 men volunteered to ride with Teddy Roosevelt, but he hand picked only 2,000. The men hailed from every corner of the country. They were Princeton football players, full-blooded Pawnee Indians, trail-wise cowboys, aristocratic Englishmen, polo players, and even Rhodes Scholars. They came from every state and social class. Those men became one of the best fighting forces in history. They became his Rough Riders.

Rough Ryder Knives is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We continue to handpick the best materials from every corner of the world to build the best product. Anything less just wouldn’t be a Rough Ryder.

Rough Ryder Knives has always believed that everyone should have a good knife. For 25 years, we’ve worked to hand build a quality knife for an affordable price. 

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted knives that are passed down for generations. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Case’s offerings cover a wide range of product categories, from traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to limited production commemoratives and collectibles.

Q: When did the company start?

The company’s rich history began in 1889 when four brothers - William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John, and Andrew Case (a.k.a. “The Case Brothers”) began fashioning knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York. W.R.’s son, John Russell (Russ) Case, a former salesman for the Case Brothers brand, launched W.R. Case & Sons around the turn of the 20th century. Russ’s father acted as his son’s consultant, helping to stabilize the company’s early finances while building a reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality cutlery. In 1993, Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the world famous Zippo® windproof lighter and another family-owned business based in Bradford, formed W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company to continue the legacy of the Case family of brands.  

The company’s original knife concepts and manufacturing methods have been recognized with awards and features from major print publications, international trade organizations and events, broadcast television shows and major motion pictures. A unique tang stamp dating system used since the very early days of its history has made the Case brand one of the world’s favorite collectible brands.

CobraTec was founded as, and will always be, a small family-owned business. We are passionate about serving our Central Texas community, supporting our nation’s first responders, 

and providing an exceptional product and even better service to the hardworking men and women in this country.

At CobraTec, we believe you shouldn’t go broke buying a high-quality tactical knife you’re proud to carry. Too many brands get away with price gouging and lackluster customer service. So, we set out to offer solid knives the everyday man or woman can trust - and afford to put in their pocket.

Vintage knives, generally defined as being 20–50 years old (pre-1970s/80s), are highly sought after for their superior craftsmanship, carbon steel blades, and durable,, natural handle materials like bone or wood. Popular brands include Case, Schrade, and Buck, with collectors often focusing on specific tang stamps for identification. They represent a blend of functional, historic tools and valuable, nostalgic collectibles. Key Aspects of Vintage Knives:

• Definition & Age: Items 25–50 years old are considered vintage, while 50–75 are "semi-antique" and older than 75 are "antique".
• Materials & Construction: Older knives often use high-carbon steel, which requires more maintenance but offers superior edge retention and develops a unique patina. Handles frequently feature bone, stag, wood, or early plastics.
• Popular Brands & Styles: Case, Schrade, Buck, and Queen Cutlery are premier brands. Common, sought-after patterns include slip-joint pocket knives, stockman knives, and fixed-blade hunting knives.
• Identifying Value: Tang stamps (marks on the base of the blade) are critical for determining the maker and production era. Condition is important, but rarity and original patina can sometimes outweigh the need for a pristine surface.

Custom knives are, generally, hand-forged or individually crafted blades made to specific user requirements, blending high-end materials with superior, customized performance, balance, and aesthetics. Unlike mass-produced knives, custom knives are unique pieces often featuring Damascus steel, exotic handle materials, and,, in some cases, custom sheaths. They are designed for both serious utility and artistic display. Types of Custom Knives

• Fixed Blades: Common in hunting and bushcraft, these include Skinner knives, Camp knives, and Bowies, often featuring unique handle materials like walrus ivory or rare wood.
• Folding Knives: Custom folders range from pocket knives to tactical, featuring high-end materials and unique locking mechanisms, often with Damascus, titanium, or carbon fiber.
• Kitchen/Chef Knives: Specialized tools tailored for specific culinary tasks, such as custom Nakiri or Santoku knives, often designed for optimal balance and edge retention.
• Art Knives: Focus heavily on ornate engraving, intricate designs, and,,,, rare materials, designed primarily for collectors.