The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
The Contego is a very solid knife with a very hard use steel, my only complaint is that it doesn't come with a lanyard hole. Besides that, it's M4 steel is very durable and the Axis lock does it's job. Another knife you should consider is the Spyderco TUFF in 3v as a better comparison to the Contego in terms of toughness. Good luck on your search.
What are your intended uses? "Hard use" is rather subjective. I don't have any experience with the ER RAO II, but the Contego will definitely fit the bill as far as my idea of hard use (camping, hacking down a sapling, batoning 3" branches, etc.).
Out of the two mentioned, get the Contego.
The Tuff is also excellent and should be considered.
Also take a look at Emerson Knives, they were made for hard use as well and make a good EDC as well.