Better blade? Ontario (Rat 5)v (Rd-6)v Esee 5 or 6

H

hkpistole

Joined
Oct 16, 2008
Messages
87
The Rat 5 seems very similar to the Rd series, i know the esee is different steel and more expensive, the pommels seem to be for different purposes, and sheaths are of a different varitey. Suggestions
 
just in general, different steels .. is the ranger series comparable in terms of quality and craftsmanship as the rat series
 
OKC Rat5 is 3/16" of 1095.
OKC RD6 is 1/4" of 5160.
ESEE-5 is 1/4" of 1095.
ESEE-6 is 3/16" of 1095.
 
What will you use it for ?
THe RD series, I am not impressed with the factory edge
The ESEE5 is a saber grind not made for bumming around the woods
The ESEE6 if length is legal in your area is full flat grind 1095 and would be a better all around choice.
I dont care for OKC items ,warranty is hit or miss and the pommel on the RAT5 is not made for the woods either
 
Every knife you mention is one that I own with the exeption of the rat 5, which I ordered today with D2 steel. I'm not sure like the others what you define by "better blade", but I ordered the rat 5 because I really like a 5 inch blade and I don't own a blade in D2. I like my Esee 5, and I know that many will think Im nuts, but I wanted the"same" knife with a 3/16th inch width. AND I wanted a choil, based on the woodworking/farting around that Ive been doing lately. ( believe me, my skills suck, but I have a good time). I really like the handle design of the Rat/Esee knives, and I think that Im going to like this blade. I would rank the list of knives that you gave like this: Esee: outstanding heat treat, great design, I cant find flaws with any of them that I own. Second, RAT knives made by Ontario, because they have the handle design like I like (RAT 5 and 7, that is ), 1095 steel like we like, 3/16 width, which I think is optimal for this type of knife, and Third, Ontario. I have an RD 7 that is the 1/4 inch FFG and even though it wasn't as sharp as the Esees from out the box, so what, I sharpened it to my preference no prob, and it's one of my fav choppers. That being said, I hate the handle, it's a little too short, and there are a lot of sharp edges around where the knife and handle meet. So with judicious filing and sanding, the handle and the surrounding metal are rounded out where they need to be. Now I love the knife. Of course this applies to the RD series handles.( I think the Afghan series use the same handle design also). Ontario's new Falcon knife has a handle that looks improved, which I am tempted to buy ( 4 inch blade, 1/4 width, blade shape is attractive to me, resonable price). Im sure you would agree, that the fit and finish of the Esee knives are head and shoulders above Ontario. You really have to use the Esee hard to notice wear marks on the crinkle paint finish, whereas the RD Ontarios are tough, but light batonning will leave permanent wear marks. And using both brands, the Esee heat treat is superior, period. Not that I mind wear marks on the blade, but Im just illustrating that the paint/finish on the Esee knives are tougher than boiled owl. I would not hesitate to suggest to a friend or relative to get an Ontario whatever model. That being said, once a person gets to a certain savoir faire about knives, the Esee knives really spoil you, and you have to buy all of them- its some sort of drug they put in the micarta.
 
I've had to modify my Afghan, RD4, and RD6 signature series. The handles aren't fitted well. Some 100 grit sandpaper, and a respirator, and maybe a wooden dowel to help shape the curves, and you're about there. It makes a big difference in the performance of the Ontario's.
 
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