howling rat vs. ontario tak-1

HR - Grippier handle, great steel, the best warranty in the business that you will never even have to use. :thumbup:
 
Well, I ordered a Howler. I chose it because of the SRKW guarantee, and the positive reports that I've read here on BF. I've also read that Ontario has some quality control issues. People seem to have varying experiences with their products. I don't like surprises, so I chose SRKW. How's that?
 
Hi CombatReady,

I'm not very familiar with the Ontario blade you mention and really can't comment there, but it will probably be no surprise that I'm extremely pleased with my Howling Rat(s).

For such a small blade to be as capable as it is amazes me. It is able to perform big tasks easily and here's a video that shows its strength at prying. I would certainly encourage you to get your hands on one of these blades and try it out for yourself.

However, if you are not aware, the Swamp is revamping their line of knives and the Howling Rat is currently only available on the secondary market. We are patiently waiting for the release of the new blades.

Good luck on your decision!! :thumbup:
 
Hondo.3 said:
Well, I ordered a Howler. I chose it because of the SRKW guarantee, and the positive reports that I've read here on BF. I've also read that Ontario has some quality control issues. People seem to have varying experiences with their products. I don't like surprises, so I chose SRKW. How's that?
Click to expand...

I have had a Howler, and of those two I would go for that every time.
Ontario has good cutomer service from what I've seen, and stands behind their products. That said, the HR is tougher and has an even better warranty. I like the looks of the Ontario more, (blasphemy!) and I do prefer micarta.

I already have my ideal blade in that size range, however(DABA) I am really looking forward to seeing what the howler sized blade in the new line will be.
 
They are actually pretty different knives. I have had a play with my mates howler and I carry the Ontario tak on my webbing. They are both good knives but the TAK is heavier and feels quite different. My TAK has gone through quite a bit and never failed me..
 
Combat Ready,

I do encourage you, if you get the chance, to handle one of the Swamps Res C handled blades. These handles are extremely durable and very comfortable. I am sure that you'd be pleasantly surprised. ;)

FWIW, I abuse my resiprene handles just as much as I do my micarta. Resiprene takes whatever abuse you can throw at it. (or throw it at ;) )
 
360joules said:
Combat Ready,

I do encourage you, if you get the chance, to handle one of the Swamps Res C handled blades. These handles are extremely durable and very comfortable. I am sure that you'd be pleasantly surprised. ;)

FWIW, I abuse my resiprene handles just as much as I do my micarta. Resiprene takes whatever abuse you can throw at it. (or throw it at ;) )
Click to expand...

I will second what he said about the Res C. Incredible stuff, and bombproof. I threw my Battle Rat a lot, and the Res C never even got scuffed.
 
Now that the HR is out of production and going for high prices on the secondary market, I believe it would be wise to make another comparison with the TAK-1 and bring the out-of-production Busse BA-III into the picture. The overall length and design of the TAK-1 is actually more comparable to the BA-III than the HR. The only differences that I can imagine between a D2 TAK-1 and a BA-III would be (objectively) the superior lateral strength of the infi, and (subjectively) ergonomics. Edge retention should be very similar, although the infi may roll on something that could chip the D2.

I'm only bringing this up to help your decision process, and because both are out of production Wauseon steel. Currently the HR will run $150-200, a BA-III $200-$250, and a D-2 TAK-1 $80-100.

If you're willing to wait though, I'd expect a Generation II HR in the $100 range in the near future, so that's gonna throw another monkey wrench into your decision making process... But I bet it'll be worth waiting for.
 
Few Years back, Jeff Randall (designer of r.a.t line) used the hell out of HR in the Jungles of Peru and wrote a raving review. (though I don't see it on their website anymore!?) He stated it was one of the best 4" inch knives he ever used and he used many!. That was before his knives existed. While I don't own TAK-01, I gotta chance to play with one few times and liked it a lot. The most notable difference between Tak and HR is the TAK being butt heavier due to full tang and micarta slabs while the howler seemed lighter and more comfortable for extended periods of use. Also, SR101 will hold an edge longer and is somewhat more stain resistant than 1095. If I had a chance to pick one, I'd go for Howling Rat but the Tak would be a second choice.
 
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