EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – One of the great things about being “into” vintage pocket knives is being able to learn about some great historic knife patterns.
And sometimes, if you are lucky enough, you get to hold one in your hand and see it up close and personal.
I have had the good fortune to get to check out the RoseCraft Blades Sequatchie River Muskrat, thanks to the pass-around group I belong to.
The muskrat is a traditional pattern that has two blades – identical blades coming from opposite ends of the knife.
Historically, the muskrat was used for skinning small game. Trappers would use one blade until it got dull. Instead of going back to camp to get a new knife or sharpen it up, they would just switch to the second blade.
Fast forward to today. For the EDC enthusiast, the muskrat has great potential. You can use one blade for your daily cutting tasks and keep the other blade sharp as a contingency.
Let’s take a look at RoseCraft’s version – the Sequatchie River Muskrat.
The first thing you notice are the beautiful black micarta handles, one of my favorite cover materials. When you look closely, you can see the “waves” or grain in the micarta.
The show side of the handle also features a distinctive “spade” shield.
In addition, the handle has a subtle “S” shape, that you can really see when you stand up the knife vertically with the shield up toward the top.
I suspect this slight bending of the knife is meant to give it a more natural feel in your hand.
The blades are identical 3-inch clip points, with heavy swedging in the front two-thirds and a nail nick toward the back. Have just one quibble: This knife was a little difficult to open at first, but got easier as I carried it around for a few days. More on that later.
The knife came screaming sharp out of the box and is super slicey. I know a few other members of the pass-around group have seen this knife before me, so this really indicates that this knife can keep its “edge.”
The main blade – the one that comes out of the side closest to the shield – comes straight out from the body of the knife.
The secondary blade has a somewhat downward tilt, which can be really useful when making draw or utility cuts, like for opening up boxes.
I’m partial to single-bladed knives, where you can really feel the handle like it was intended. That being said, this knife feels good in hand even with a blade folded down.
As you expect with any RoseCraft knife, the fit and finish is fantastic. The shield, bolsters and pins all meld seamlessly into the micarta handles.
Now to the walk and talk (the way the knife opens and closes). Let’s start by saying this is a sample size of one, as my friend JB at Big Red EDC likes to say.
The knife has a strong half stop and is super snappy especially when it is being closed.
Here is one negative: At times, I had some difficulty opening it up with the nail nicks. But like I noted earlier, it got easier the more I carried it. Maybe, that had to do with me clipping my finger nails the morning this knife arrived. Maybe, I got used to its “pull” after a few days too.
Some friends who know more than I do told me this knife’s action will ease up the more it gets used. Fair enough.
For the record, it does seem like the secondary blade is easier to open up than the main blade.
Before I forget, here are the numbers: like I said, two identical 3-inch blades; 3.88 inches closed; 6.88 inches open (one blade deployed); and weighs 3.4 ounces.
Taking note of my one concern, this is a beautiful knife that has some serious EDC potential. It also feels like you have a bit of history in your hand.
Like everything RoseCraft does, you can feel the quality and craftsmanship combined with functionality.
As of this writing, this knife is listed for $55.99 on the RoseCraft website. Here is a link to the Sequatchie River Muskrat and a link to RoseCraft’s homepage.
This knife is also available from C. Risner Cutlery, on sale for $49.99. Here is a link.
Here are some YouTube channels on knives and EDC gear that I find enjoyable and informative:
The Cutting Edge (Formerly Last Chance Knives)
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