Well I just got back from a weekend trip. I tested out some camping equipment and couple of knives. Rat 7, Leatherman Wave, Gerber gator 154cm, fiskars hatchet, and some unknown axe I've had for years. I eneded up getting some firewood from a friend that does stump grinding. So I didn't half the chop down the whole forest and get into trouble. Mind you this is a family camp ground and I can't just go and chop down a bunch of trees or find dead stuff like I wanted to.
The rat 7 was the star of the trip that I really wanted to put through its paces of course.
This is the size of the wood that I was using. The type of wood varies between oak, cherry, pine, poplar, and Hickory. Most of it was seasoned and very hard. The majority of the wood had alot of knots.
Of course there were some that were to big and I just didn't want to try, so I ended up using an axe to split those pieces.
Here is the the Rat7 after a couple uses.
Here it is before the batonning session begins again.
Here is after splitting that piece. As you can see there was a knot in the wood. This put alot of lateral stress on the blade. Which of course I didn't take the pic of . Sorry. If look on the left/bottom of the pic you can see the stuff that I made the day before with the Rat-7.
Glory shot
The edge didn't show any dammage from the knots. It still cut like a bastard and it still made good fuzzy sticks to start the fire.
Group shot with the Gerber Gator 154cm which in my opinion unrated for a folder. This knife cut like crazy and still did everything I wanted it to. I wouldn't fell under knife with it at all. Of course I didn't baton any with it because IMO folders are not meant for battoning to make firewood.
Then ther the bag that I ussaully carry with PSK items in it. Just basics only.
Over all the Rat7 took the abuse that I put it through and then some. I used it and my LM wave more than any other cutlery out there. Well besides the axe for the huge pieces of wood.
I know I should get more pics next time I go out again. I know for one thing the Rat 7 and the LM Wave, within reason, is pretty much the best combo so far.
Late Edit: I have to tell you guys that this report was rushed on my way out the door. The Rat 7 performed remarkable by any standards and it was easy to sharpen when I got home. All I did was stropped it on a buchers steel and leather belt, the edge was close to razor. I don't like to keep a razor edge on bigger knives (choppers) in fear of chipping or constant sharpening on the field. I have tell you something though. The knots in the wood really scared me in fear of breaking the knife, but you see it took it in stride. I can't say enough good things about the Rat-7 in 1095. I can't recommend it enough for thoughs that are on a budget and need a really tough knife for camp duties/survival.
The rat 7 was the star of the trip that I really wanted to put through its paces of course.
This is the size of the wood that I was using. The type of wood varies between oak, cherry, pine, poplar, and Hickory. Most of it was seasoned and very hard. The majority of the wood had alot of knots.
Of course there were some that were to big and I just didn't want to try, so I ended up using an axe to split those pieces.
Here is the the Rat7 after a couple uses.
Here it is before the batonning session begins again.
Here is after splitting that piece. As you can see there was a knot in the wood. This put alot of lateral stress on the blade. Which of course I didn't take the pic of . Sorry. If look on the left/bottom of the pic you can see the stuff that I made the day before with the Rat-7.
Glory shot
The edge didn't show any dammage from the knots. It still cut like a bastard and it still made good fuzzy sticks to start the fire.
Group shot with the Gerber Gator 154cm which in my opinion unrated for a folder. This knife cut like crazy and still did everything I wanted it to. I wouldn't fell under knife with it at all. Of course I didn't baton any with it because IMO folders are not meant for battoning to make firewood.
Then ther the bag that I ussaully carry with PSK items in it. Just basics only.
Over all the Rat7 took the abuse that I put it through and then some. I used it and my LM wave more than any other cutlery out there. Well besides the axe for the huge pieces of wood.
I know I should get more pics next time I go out again. I know for one thing the Rat 7 and the LM Wave, within reason, is pretty much the best combo so far.
Late Edit: I have to tell you guys that this report was rushed on my way out the door. The Rat 7 performed remarkable by any standards and it was easy to sharpen when I got home. All I did was stropped it on a buchers steel and leather belt, the edge was close to razor. I don't like to keep a razor edge on bigger knives (choppers) in fear of chipping or constant sharpening on the field. I have tell you something though. The knots in the wood really scared me in fear of breaking the knife, but you see it took it in stride. I can't say enough good things about the Rat-7 in 1095. I can't recommend it enough for thoughs that are on a budget and need a really tough knife for camp duties/survival.
It's also has a good handle and can endure a lot of hard work. These RAT knives are real good value for the money!
