2 questions for a ~7" Survival Knife, and opinions on Ontario quality

D

DCWildcat

Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
6
Hey y'all,

I'm looking for a new survival knife (more on that below). My early leaders are the Ontario RD-7 and Ontario Rat-7. Unfortunately, I've seen lots of people complain about a quality drop as Ontario took over RAT and Ranger stuff. But most of those posts were from 2 years ago. Are those still concerns still true? What are the specific problems people had once Ontario took over?

I'm also interested in other recommendations (the SYKCo SOD looks great but I can't ever find one). Basically, I'm looking to get a decent quality fixed survival blade fit for chopping, batoning, misc. camp tasks, and anything else you'd need out of a survival knife. I do not need it for defense. I'm looking for something <$150 and my primary concerns are weight (I go on long backpacking trips) and durability. A hatchet is not an option and I'd like to keep the weight under 18 ounces, and the blade length under 10".

Thanks for your help.
 
I cannot comment on the Ontario RAT series compared to the RAT's new company ESEE.

I can certainly tell you that the Lifetime no-questions asked warranty is great.

Based on your price range and your potential purposes, there is no better choice than a Swamp Rat RatManDu.

Made in SR-101, the name Swamp Rat gave to the 52100 High Carbon Steel Ball Bearing steel. This steel is not as easy to take care as 1095, but it's edge will stay where you left it during sharpening a lot longer than 1095 at 58RC.

Swamp Rat now has their models in stock and ready to ship. If you look up Swamp Rat Knife works, you'll see links and the company store is where you'll get the best price due to people inflating it in the Exchange.

It is also available in many different color combination. You'll definitely like the special handle material patterns over the plain removable Micarta scales of those on the ESEE.


Swamp Rat RMD
Specs: -Blade Length 5 1/4"
Overall Length 10 1/2"
Stock thickness 3/16"
 
Ontario is good stuff. You can't go wrong with the Spec Plus, GI, and Ranger lines.
But if you want a RAT knife, buy it from ESEE.
 
I have 2 ontario knives, and im not happy with them.
The coating is ok, but their dull as fuck.

I have the Sp19 task force, and the air force survival, both were veery dull.

The sheath on the sp19 sucks, air force knife has ok sheath.

Buy ESEE!
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

The RatManDu looks absolutely gorgeous. My only concern is it's length--is just a shade over 5" really going to suffice for some heavy-duty chopping and batoning?

Also I'm maybe willing to go a bit above $150 for something excellent. The Fallkniven A1 definitely has my interest.
 
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I would suggest going with esee they are truly a no bs company and mine are my favorite knives
 
DCWildcat said:
Thanks for the replies so far.

The RatManDu looks absolutely gorgeous. My only concern is it's length--is just a shade over 5" really going to suffice for some heavy-duty chopping and batoning?

Also I'm maybe willing to go a bit above $150 for something excellent. The Fallkniven A1 definitely has my interest.
Click to expand...

The RMD does Batoning very well. I have owned a Fallkniven A1and sold it. The edge holding just isn't as impressive as it seems.

Stainless steel blades have less wear resistance and toughness. Both of these properties are in SR-101/52100.

I'm sorry if I seem biased. But 1095 at 58RC just doesn't cut it for me.
 
I have a couple Rangers and an RTAK II; all came scary sharp and are bulletproof.
SRKW makes some good stuff, but watch out for rust of you go with the SR-101 in damp climates.

5160 and SR-101 are not all that different in use. Arguably, the benefits of SR-101 at a higher hardness being a slight advantage in edge retention and strength; basically higher deformation resistance. But that can also be turned around to say that the slightly softer 5160 in the Ranger would be more chip resistant and slightly easier to sharpen since the blades are more ductile. But the bottom line is, Rats don't chip easily and Rangers don't like to go dull. Both will hold an edge and serve you well. It primarily comes down to preference and how much you want to spend.
 
DCWildcat, that's what a 10 dollar machete is for. The Ratmandu would be the ideal belt knife IMO-I went with the Howling Rat (4.5" version) and can't be happier. It's a sick little blade. I can't believe nobody's mentioned the Kabar Becker BK-7 yet. At around 70 dollars, it comes with a small Becker Remora companion. It's a full tang, 3/16ths 1095 Cro Van beast. I'd probably choose that or the RMD before any Ontario option, though I have an Ontario made Ranger myself and find the steel and fit and finish to be good quality.
 
xtestifyx said:
The RMD does Batoning very well. I have owned a Fallkniven A1and sold it. The edge holding just isn't as impressive as it seems.

Stainless steel blades have less wear resistance and toughness. Both of these properties are in SR-101/52100.

I'm sorry if I seem biased. But 1095 at 58RC just doesn't cut it for me.
Click to expand...

You don't--this is exactly the kind of information I need to hear!
 
Becker BK-7" or BK-9". Cold Steel Recon Scout 7.5" or my personal favorite, Trail Master 9.5".

ESEE-7 is a fine carbon blade as well. It all depends on your needs.
 
GrinderMcgee said:
Becker BK-7" or BK-9". Cold Steel Recon Scout 7.5" or my personal favorite, Trail Master 9.5".

ESEE-7 is a fine carbon blade as well. It all depends on your needs.
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The Becker BK-7 & Cold Steel Recon Scout were on my mind too Grinder. :)
 
GrinderMcgee said:
Becker BK-7" or BK-9". Cold Steel Recon Scout 7.5" or my personal favorite, Trail Master 9.5".

ESEE-7 is a fine carbon blade as well. It all depends on your needs.
Click to expand...

ESEE make a 7" blade??? I thought their range went from ESEE6 up to the junglas...
 
Swamp Rat without a doubt. You can pre-order a 6 inch satin finish version of the RMD right now. Awesome!

If you want a ScrapYard Son of Dogfather, check out the Busse exchange, there are always ones going there. ;)
 
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