EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – It is a rarity when the sequel surpasses the original.
“Godfather 2” comes to mind, and that’s about it.
RoseCraft Blades also seems to have pulled off this feat with its two new versions of the Ocoee River Kayak.
This knife originally came out more than a year ago with red apple bone handles. It is now in the RoseCraft vault and is now longer available.
However, the Tennessee-based knife company is offering two new versions of its kayak – one in red resin and burlwood and the other in blue resin and burlwood.
Both are beautiful with the handles really standing out.
With two different handle materials being used in each one, you might expect the transitions to be a little rough or uneven.
Not with these two. The resin and burlwood come together seamlessly with a wavy transition area that gives the knife a little extra artistic flair.
Both the red and blue versions really pop – with swirls in the resin and different grain being showcased in the wood part of the handle.
The kayak is a twist on the traditional canoe knife, which comes with double bolsters and a blade coming out of both ends.
What RoseCraft has done here with its kayak is make a single-bladed knife with just one bolster. The end away from the blade is a “bare head” without a bolster.
The handle also has a swell in the middle which forms to the natural contour of your grip.
But the big innovation here is using just one blade. That makes the knife super comfortable where you don’t have a second, folded-down blade to contend with when using it.
RoseCraft also uses what it calls a K-clip blade on these knives. This blade reminds me of a reverse tanto-style blade made popular by Cold Steel.
This blade also has a natural downward tilt with how the knife is constructed.
That makes it perfect for utility cuts like opening boxes.
It’s a small knife but when I put my thumb on the spine of the blade, my whole hand fits nicely.
As usual with a RoseCraft knife, these have a great fit and finish. They also feature a half-stop for safety purposes. They have a nail nick on the blade but you can also pinch it open (my favorite method).
Here are some numbers: 2.33-inch K-clip blade, 3.625 inches closed, 5.9 inches open and weighs 2.9 ounces.
What it adds up to are a beautiful couple of knives that combine great functionality and artistry.
A note for transparency: I am part of RoseCraft Blades’ pass-around group for traditional knives. I get to check new releases out for a few days and then mail them off to another content creator in the group.
I have no limitations on what I can say about them.
Both are listed on the RoseCraft website for $59.99. Here is a link to the red one, the blue one and a link to the home page of the RoseCraft site.
These knives are also available at C. Risner Cutlery. They are also listed at $59.99 there. Here is a link.
Here are some YouTube channels on knives and EDC that I recommend.
The Cutting Edge (Formerly Last Chance Knives)
Baxters Blades “Tired Tiger”
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