Extrema Ratio RAO opinions

Fullmonte

Fullmonte

Joined
Apr 3, 2012
Messages
121
I'm currently looking at an Extrema Ratio RAO folder and I'm putting this out there to see if anybody has any experience with one? I do a lot of mountain biking expeditions and space in my smallish pack is rather limited and I'd greatly prefer to not have a fixed blade hanging on the outside (People around here are a bit odd) so that leaves me looking at folders. As far as I have found the RAO is the only one I've seen geared for what what I'll be using it for (clearing trails, chopping, on rare occasion making a fire). Any opinions, experiences or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have one [re-profiled] I'd say go for it but realize the negatives 1st:

1) parts or warranty will be time consuming and difficult, regardless of what the ER rep might tell you.

2) it's alot of steel in a weird geometry, wouldn't a Grayman / Cold Steel Spartan or Pocket Bushman / Strider / ZT or a Para2 work out better in the long run?

3) Piercing ability is low

One upshot is that carrying it on a belt it looks very un-knife like and sort of cell-phone-ish, so the kooks could be kept at bay. Anyway keep thinking about it, maybe ask ER if you can send it back for a refund during a 30 day trial period. Good luck!
 
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For real? it's a tank of knife.
If you like,
I mean if you really like it...
buy one, you won't be disappointed.

I love mine, in many years of use&abuse (Zero issue)!

NEC_0643.jpg
 
I do really like the look of it and the fact that it has that extra stop pin. I was looking into some of the cs knives too for this purpose but, I'm inclined to think the weight of the rao is going to make it more effective. That and the overall package it comes with (materials, sheath, sharpener) is very appealing. I'll probably get shot for this but, what about the Mantis Chaos? It has a similar shape (the handles look dumb I'm aware) and if it's actually make out of the materials listed it would be quite the value (found it for $120).
 
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