It'd down to a few.

Daniel Moore

Daniel Moore

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
2,790
I can't decide between the Becker BK7, the Camp Tramp, or the Ontario RAT 7.

I'd like to start (ASAP) getting out for some hiking and camping trips, but I can't decide on which blade to get.

I don't need a fighter, I just need a survival/utility blade. I'll list what I like and dislike about each knife.

Becker:
Good: Perfect handle and blade design, great sheath. Cheap.
Bad: Heard of durability problems?

Camp Tramp:
Good: Durable, more flexible (for alternative purposes), supposedly strong coating and comfortable, easily repairable handle.
Bad: Don't like the scallop at the ricasso area, heard the sheath left a lot to be desired (but I haven't been able to find a picture of one). Unfortunately, it would take me longer to save for it as it costs several times more.

OR7:
Good: Heard it was durable with comfortable handles
Bad:More expensive than BK7, haven't heard anything negative though.
 
I've heard a number of stories about Ontario's quality control being suspect. But it's my understanding that the company is good about replacing their premium line knives if defective.

The Beckers are an excellent bang-for-the-buck; I own a BK9 and like it a great deal. Despite Cliff Stamp's results when testing -- if anyone could break the proverbial anvil, I'd reckon it's Cliff -- I think the Beckers are rugged enough for most users.

However, of the knives you mention, the Swamp Rat certainly appears to be in its own league when it comes to durability. If prying and/or other severe-stress performance is crucial, I'd go with the Swamp Rat.

Dave
 
I got the chance to handle a Swamp Rat this past weekend and came away impressed, they're stout as hell with nice ergonomics. Personally for a survival blade I'd prefer an HI khukuri (sorry, I had to say it ;) ), but I'm sure you would be well served by a Swamp Rat too.
 
Hey needle, add an inexpensive swedish hachet and you will find that many of your durability issues dwindle.
 
I was considering having a hatchet too.

This knife would be used for wood chopping, probably not much prying though. Also, I, unlike Cliff Stamp, have no desire to do a pull-up with my knife hammered into a tree. I guess the Bk7 would probably be quite fitting after all, although the Swamp Rat CS and warranty is tempting ;)
 
Just to be clear ... I have nothing but respect for Cliff. If it weren't for him, I doubt we'd all have the same appreciation for what the real differences are between a Becker and a Swamp Rat. I also assume Cliff must have a pretty good sense of humor, given all the controversy he sometimes finds himself embroiled in, and might appreciate my tongue-in-cheek comment about breaking an anvil.

Honestly, if my son or a close friend told me they'd like a rugged knife for camping and possible survival use for their birthday or Christmas, I'd give them a Swamp Rat, or possibly a Busse. Since I don't know how they might use such a knife in an emergency situation, I'd want them to have that extra level of performance; call it a margin of safety.
 
Cliff's reviews are refreshing to say the least, they're not biased and take a knife to its limits to show the potential buyer what the knife can stand up to. So while part of me wants a knife that can take anything, another part realizes its not necessary and probably not worth $70 more or so for my purposes.
 
I have a BK7 and really like it. It is durable, easy to sharpen, and mine holds an edge fairly well. Unlike most people, I like my factory sheath. I did bead blast my scales for a better grip.

HOWEVER, I want a Camp Tramp in the near future to go along with my Howling Rat. I haven't had a chance to use my HR yet, but I'm biting at the bit. If the CT feels as good as the HR, it is a MUST HAVE.

If you want a knife for less than $70 then by all means go with the BK7. If you want a BA knife and don't mind spending a few extra bucks, then I would go for the CT. CHOICES...CHOICES!
 
I decided to save and go with the Camp Tramp (or maybe the Battle Rat). I have an upcoming paint job that will get me $100 or so, I have $20 to spend now, so in no time I should be able to get it :D
 
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