Camp Trap, Ontario RAT7, Becker BK7 - Which one?

E

eldog

Joined
Jan 1, 2004
Messages
25
I am looking to add one of these 3 knives to the collection: Swamp Rat Desert Camp Trap - $139, or Ontario Randall Training Knife RAT7 -$90 or Becker BK7 - $50.

Primary use is camping, hunting, chopping etc.

Each have their own unique attributes including a fair difference in price. For looks, the Ontario Randall looks pretty sweet with its canvas micarta handles and all, and I don't think Randall would lend its name to any bogus production.

So what do you think, other than buying all three?

PS Does the Camp Trap come with a sheath?
 
Camp Tramp
BK-7
RAT7
in that order, steel is more important to me than micarta.
 
Okay, it depends what you want it for; You said "to the collection"
will you be actually using this knife? If so then honestly they need to be handled for ergonomics, balance, heft, etc. All three boast high carbon steels that wiil hold an edge very well but need a little maintenance.
Now, if this knife is going to just be fondled and looked at and played with, (which is perfectly okay) then I would say get the Camp Tramp first then later on you can either trade it for the other two or you can easily save up the cash for the other two and eventually have all three.
 
Well it's hard to refute all the testimony for the swamp rat, and it sound like whether its going in the collection or the back pack, the swamp rat should be the first choice.

I looked on the website and still don't see whether or not the swamp rat comes with a sheath. I'm thinking it doesn't.

Any recommendations for sheath sollutions for the Swamp Rat?
 
Yes,Wetdog's right. The included sheath is Ballistic Nylon with a Kydex insert for safety,(rats will chew Anything).
The sheath also comes with a Velcro closed pouch as part of it. It's just right for some basic survival gear or a sharpening stone.
The sheath is also able to accept the knife in either direction, so it works just as well for right or left hand carry.

Double eylets at the bottom to strap it down & a snap closure at the top keep the handle secure.
You'll love the knife !
 
If you decide you'd rather have a different sheath, this is a thread that Eric Isaacson put together over on the Swamp Rat forum for makers of kydex and leather that happy Rat owners use all the time. :)

Click here
 
The RAT RTAK is unbeat when you weigh price+performance imo.All are good choices though and you are choosing from excellent stock.
 
The BK7 is impossible to beat at it's price point. I have several Beckers and they are all the best possible choice in their niche. I like the looks of the RAT7, and once I handle one I may purchase it. I, too, like well made micarta handles. The Tramp is well thought of by it's fans, but too pricey for little discernable advantage.
 
eldog :

Swamp Rat Desert Camp Trap - $139, or Ontario Randall Training Knife RAT7 -$90 or Becker BK7 - $50.
Click to expand...

The Becker is a solid knife in all respects, the Camp Tramp is a pretty much direct upgrade, worthwhile if you have the money.

For looks, the Ontario Randall looks pretty sweet with its canvas micarta handles and all, and I don't think Randall would lend its name to any bogus production.
Click to expand...

This isn't the same Randall as in the forged O1 Randall knives.

-Cliff
 
"This isn't the same Randall as in the forged O1 Randall knives."

Yes, that's true - but this Randall actually spends time in the jungle using these knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top