RoseCraft Blades Savage Creek Gunstock Black Micarta (RCT014)

This is the first RoseCraft knife I have purchased and the second knife from Traditional Pocket Knives. The quality of this RoseCraft blade is very high, and considering the price and offshore origin, actually quite exceptional. The steel (D2) is interesting and a bit old school for the knife folks. My first D2 blade was a Dozier designed Kabar folder and my second an actual Dozier made folder. Needless to say this RoseCraft is quite a bit more affordable than a custom Dozier made piece. The scales are quite nice in linen micarta and this gives the “gunstock” design a more modern twist but not too much. The look is still very classic. I I’ll be carrying this one for a while I think.

I held off on getting this one for a while, mostly because I already had a lot of black micarta, ebony wood, black G-10, etc., but finally took a closer look and went for it, and I'm glad I did. The handle is one of the most comfortable to use of all the Rosecraft models, and the fit and finish is typically excellent as well with a sharp blade with good walk and talk. I'm a huge fan of the Rosecraft models in stag, and see that the Savage Creek was previously offered in stag but is now out of stock, so am really looking forward to when and if it becomes available again. Along with the Nolichucky Jack I'd put this as one of the most comfortable in the hand Rosecraft models, with a nice blade length.

What a nice knife for the price point. Fit and finish is excellent. The half stop is very crisp and pronounced. Knife comes very sharp and the blade well centered. The Micarta handles are nice with the shield nice and flush. If you’re looking at this knife go ahead and buy it. You won’t be disappointed.

Pros:
- use of micarta
- use of a steel that bridges old school and new school
- excellent design language
- excellent fit and finish (blade grind, handle symmetry)
- light weight
- easily carried size
- great bang for buck
- great pull
- actually came sharp, out of the box
- fantastic ergonomics, thanks to well designed serpentine gunstock execution

Cons:
- asymmetrical nail nick (if you care about that)
- nail nick located somewhat close to the pivot, giving an artificially harder pull
- walk and talk is great in every position minus closing, where it has a somewhat mushy feeling, as opposed to a crisp closing
- made in China (if you care about that)

Conclusion: while I wouldn't consider it perfect, it comes remarkably close. This is a knife that will be part of my EDC rotation, and will stick around as part of my collection. It's a joy to handle and use, and it takes up very little estate from a pocket book, and little real estate in the pocket itself. If you're on the fence about this particular knife, Rosecraft as a company, or TPK as an entity, don't be. I love this knife, I think Rosecraft is killing it, and I love my dealings with TPK. Buy it.

I’m losing track of how many rosecraft knives I have now , and I believe I have 6 more in the mail. Love this gunstock , very well made , no flaws .