Is it too big? Or is it me?

Joined
Sep 17, 2003
Messages
3
I just ordered and received my Ontario RAT7 D2. I absolutely love it! The only thing is, is it too big? I'm used to carrying folders most of the time. The only fixed blade I ever really carried was a "BuckZipper" someone bought me. Am I going to get looked at like a psycho when I carry this thing backpacking in the Adirondacks, or fishing on the banks of a NJ or PA lake? I don't want to get rid of the knife, but I also don't want to let it sit there cause I'm embarrased to take it out. Is it me or is a 7" blade too much for my use?
 
If it makes you so uncomfortable, it might be.

Now, personally speaking, I prefer a 5" or smaller blade for most outdoor work. The larger cutting/chopping/sawing tasks are better left, IMHO, to an axe or saw.
 
I'm accustomed to a 7" blade, and have learnt to use a blade of this size for most tasks.

Give it a go before you decide to get rid of it.

Big blades require a bit more care and technique to do fine work, but allow you to take on and complete a greater variety of tasks.
 
There's different kinds of "too big". If you're holding it and wondering why you bought a knife that "looks frikkin huge" that's okay, it'll start to look smaller as you get used to it. I've had 10 inch bladed knives that felt huge and unweildy when I first handled them, but after a while they really didn't seem all that big, kind of dainty in the hand even (cold steel trailmaster in this case). Bigger knives do take a little getting used to depending on their balance. My Becker magnum camp is very easy to handle, the balance and blade shape lends itself to a natural cutting motion, so there was no need to acclimate myself to the way the blade handled so I could do something as simple as cutting rope. The Trailmaster I never really got used to, probably the thin handle. Despite getting used to it, (it felt really light in the hand)I always felt like I was swinging a brick with a handle at something, instead of a knife.

If you say "I dunno if I'd want to carry this around in public everyday" then yeah, in that sense it's probably a bit big, if you work outdoors alot or spend time hiking then it's just a matter of how much knife you're willing to carry around. If you aren't comfortable with the public opinion of a knife that size it's probably best to stick with smaller blades.

How's this, if you feel a bit uncomfortable pulling it out in front of other people to cut something then just use a smaller knife, and keep the big one in the sheath until you find something you wouldn't wanna do with the folder. Don't feel embarrased if it's a job that the larger knife is suited for, just cut the thing and put it back like you've been doing it every day of your life, and you've a good chance no one will care one way or the other.
 
Hello, any chance You'd want to trade for a 4" fixed blade?? I have a New/Unused Heafner Knives model#3 in D-2 I would trade even up if Your interested? I take it the Rat 7 is mint?

Thanks for Your time!!
Darrell..................






:D Keep Supporting real Metal!!
 
tomasw1 said:
is it too big?

Yes - send it to me. I'll look after it for you. :)

Seriously just use it for a while and you will find wether it is a practical knife for you tom own. I'm tending to smaller blades nowadays through experience and perhaps not being as into hard core adventures as I used to.
 
I got a Rat-7 a few weeks ago (1095 model). It was my first "real" fixed blade and I too thought it was pretty big. That was until I got my new RTAK in the mail 2 days ago. :D :D :D Holding the Rat-7 now feels like just another large folder. You could always try that method.... Anyway, it will just take a little time to get used to the size if you've never had anything like it before. If you're self-conscious about it still, just carry it when you're really getting out in the woods and leave it in the car/truck when you're only out for an hour hike on the groomed path of a suburban park.
 
Back
Top