Becker BK9, Ontario RD9 Ranger or Ontario RTAKII

I haven't had the RTAK, or the Becker, but I just got the OKC Ranger RD-9 this past Friday. I have not had the chance to really put it through it's paces, but I did try it out on a few limbs in the yard, both green and dried. It handled them with no problems! I am not sure about the Becker, but the RTAK has a 3/16" thick blade, while the RD-9 is a full 1/4" thick and has a ffg blade.
 
All are fine knives and hard to say which is actually a better knife.. You'd be well advised to try to get them in hand and see what feels best. If you don't already have a 12" Ontario machete get one and have the edge convex ground.. You won't find anything that will match it's cutting performance for the money.
 
I've got all 3 of them and to me the best overall is the BK-9...the RD-9 is a better chopper but it's pretty heavy to carry around and the RTAK-II handle is too big and I've got big hands. They're all great choppers but like I said, overall the BK-9 beat's them...at least that what I think...:)
 
I have a ranger rd9 made by justin and it kicks butt ,but it is super heavy and the handle is a little bug .keep in mind these things didn`t keep me from jumping at it when I had the chance to buy it.
 
RJT64 said:
Which one is best for my first real chopper? Thank you for the advice!
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The Ontario Ranger RD9.

It's got the thickest blade (of the 3 knives you mentioned), and for chopping I generally prefer 5160 to 1095.
 
BK9. Because KA BARS's heat treat is better and because Ethan Becker and KA BAR are good people......
 
All 3 are great knives, but if it were me, I would get the RD9. In a blade that large, I would also prefer the thicker stock of the RD9
 
I got to handle both the BK 9 and the BK7 today. I decided the 7 was plenty of blade for what I needed and walked out with it. It is a very solid knife! Thanks for the advice.
 
RJT64 said:
I got to handle both the BK 9 and the BK7 today. I decided the 7 was plenty of blade for what I needed and walked out with it. It is a very solid knife! Thanks for the advice.
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Excellent! That was exactly my story when I got my 7. I love it to death. You will too
 
Im in the same boat...looking at the RD9 and the RTAKII...am I missing one in this length. Want a big chopper and solid baton camping knife...good edge retention and strong. Wondering how the search and if you like what you got?
 
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