Buying My First Fixed Blade

J85909266

J85909266

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
3,531
I've done a lot of reading and I think I've narrowed it down to these three. What do you guys think I should get?

Ontario Rat7:
onrat7d2n.jpg


Swamp Rat Ratweiler:
ratweiler.jpg


Buck Strider 888:
888_normal.jpg
 
Well, I don't really have any hobbies that call for one, I just want a good all around fixed blade to take with me when the situation arises. I go hunting sometimes, and my friends ocassionally want me to go to some creepy places where I might want to bring it. Really, I'm just a knife guy who likes to know he has a good knife when he needs one.
 
The swamp rat is probably gonna be the strongest one of the group, but you might have to wait a while for it, while the other two you could get right away. As a busse fan, I gotta go with swamprat.
 
The Rat 7 is a good knife, but there have been complaints about a lack of consistent quality in the heat treat of the blades. My choice would be the Swamp Rat. Very good steel and a comfortable (for most hands) handle. A little big for a hunting knife, but a good size for an all around camp knife.
 
Swamp Rat is probably the highest quality, but if you order from them get ready to wait good while.

I have the RAT 7 and like it very much. If you want it for hunting, 7" blade may be a little much. RAT also makes the TAK which is a little smaller.

RAT's are available now and you can check out their site for more info.

Good luck
 
They are all knives for different things. The SR Rat is a sharpened (very sharp mind you) pry-bar. Very good extremely tough knife. One of its big time competitors is the Ranger Knives RD7, another very nice knife. The Rat-7 is at 3/16 thickness is will be less tough but will prolly be a excellent slicer, especially if you get it in D2 steel. I would say a lot of its competition comes from the Becker BK7, a similar knife. I do not know much about the Buck-strider but it looks similar to the Rat-7. Just my .02

TBG
 
Ranger knives are cheaper and preety darn tough. Out of those 3, for heavy duty and all round camping you gotta go with the ratwieler.
 
Of those knives, you will definitely like the Ratweiler the most. It has superior steel and ergonomics, and is far stronger. I dont have one, but I have a Rat Daddy, and the handles are really nice and secure, with many grip options.
ratdaddy4.jpg
 
About how long would I have to wait for one if I order direct from Swamp Rat, and will I get to choose my handle color and finish?
 
You can choose any colour you like, as long as its black! :D As for how long, I think official time is 6 weeks, but could be more, or could be less. Any way though, it worth it, those Ratweilers are awesome knives!
 
Another vote to check out Ranger Knives. Justin is putting out some really nice work for the money.
 
I own a rat 7 and a TAK both in 1095 carbon steel I use both somewhat hard and I love them! no problems with heat treat on either one.thay are great knives for the money.I have also herd that jeff randall & mike perrin stand by thier knives.
 
Better still, look at the Spyderco Temperance, great ergos, great utility, excellent steel and a kydex sheath. The price is the biggest bang for the buck ... no lookin back on this one no matter how you use it (and you don't have to special order it).:D
 
"The Rat 7 is a good knife, but there have been complaints about a lack of consistent quality in the heat treat of the blades."

That's simply not true.
 
I had a Rat 7 not too long ago but sold it so wasn't really able to put it to the test. Nice knife but I have also heard about tempering problems. From what I have read, the tips tend to break if you get one that had a bad treatment. Is it true? I have no idea but that's just what I read here on the forum. Do a search for it. This worried me a bit.

Currently I have a Ratweiler on order. I ordered it approx. 2 weeks ago. I'll let you know when I receive it so you have an idea of the wait. But that could change. My advice, if you are set on getting one, is to put your order in right now! Be patient and you will end up w/ a knife that you can bet your life on. :D Awesome gurantee as well.
 
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