EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – RoseCraft Blades made a reboot on a classic traditional knife pattern, and it is darn near brilliant.
The Tennessee-based company made a major innovation on the traditional pattern known as a Congress, giving it a distinctive new look and feel.
Let me explain.
A Congress knife has a curved shape and either two or four blades, usually four.
Well, the new RoseCraft Mud Creek Congress has that traditional curve, but it has just one blade.
I have always been a fan of single-bladed knives so this is a big plus, in my opinion.
Single-bladed knives are just so much more comfortable to hold and use than a multibladed knife.
In my humble opinion, this is a huge innovation that RoseCraft has done on its version of the Congress.
On top of that, Andy Armstrong, the company’s general manager and lead designer, decided to go with the super-utilitarian Wharncliffe blade on this knife.
Note: The name Congress has nothing to do with politics. It comes from the Latin root of the word, which means “coming together.” That’s a nod to the multiple blades that all came together when folded down in the traditional, original version of this knife.
Another interesting note: President Lincoln carried a Congress knife with him.
Anyway, Andy said that he got the idea for this knife from a catalog that was over 100 years old. But that particular knife had two blades.
Andy said he decided to go with just one blade, while still keeping that signature curved handle.
It is just a simple, but splendid modern update to a traditional classic.
Let’s take a closer look at the Mud Creek Congress. This knife has been out for a few weeks now and it is getting a lot of buzz in the collector community.
First off, the RoseCraft Mud Creek Congress comes in two different types of handle materials – burlwood and green micarta.
Both are gorgeous..
You can see the knots, grain and imperfections in the burlwood.
You can also see the waves in the green micarta.
Both are winners, no matter which one you pick.
The blade is made of D2 steel and is 2.9 inches long. Always love it when a knife comes in with a blade that is 3 inches or shorter.
The knife measures 6.5 inches when open and a touch under 3 ¾ inches when closed.
The Congress also weighs in at a lightweight 2.8 ounces.
As for the blade shape, the Wharncliffe style is super useful and is a natural box cutter, great for making draw or utility cuts. It could also be a great pruner out in the garden or backyard.
Another reviewer I respect said it would be a great apple or cheese knife.
One of my main issues with some slipjoints: They can be difficult to open.
This one seems about perfect in that respect.
This knife uses a “long pull” etched into the “show side” of the knife as its only deployment method. There isn’t enough exposed blade to pinch it open.
The knife feels solid when you open it but it isn’t so stiff where you feel you will tear your fingernail off.
It also has a nice snap when closing it up.
Additionally, it has a strong halfstop, always a good safety measure for a non-locking knife like this.
The knife features nickel silver pins, a “rose bomb” shield and steel bolsters. All those elements and the back spring meld seamlessly together into a knife that has a classic and timeless feel.
Verdict: Love the innovation of the single-bladed Congress, while maintaining its traditional bowed handle shape. Just a great EDC knife.
Both versions are listed for $59.99 on the RoseCraft and C. Risner Cutlery websites.
Here are links to the green micarta and burlwood versions on the RCB site.
Here are links to the green micarta and burlwood versions on the C. Risner Cutlery.
You can use ROUGH10 for 10 percent off on non-sale items at the RoseCraft website. You can use BIGRED10 to get 10 percent off at C. Risner Cutlery.
Here are some YouTube channels on knives and EDC gear that I watch, enjoy and respect.
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