M4 Ranger?

P

Paratrooper1989

Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
80
BF,

You guys helped me out once before by choosing my Esee-5. Just waiting in the mail for it now.

Now my wife is trying to get me a knife for my birthday, and deployment. The one i really got my heart set on is....."M4 Ranger, by Relentless Knives" for the 5160 steel its $300, for CPMs30V is like $450. It takes about 16 weeks for him to make it and, possibly receive it. What im saying is it worth it or should i just get some other blade, and not wait or spend as much money. or is Relentless gunna rock my world and be the best knife.

Some others i was looking at are.....
-Entrek, USA 11 Bravo
-Tops, Styker Defender Tool
-SwampRat, RatManDu
-Grayman, Suenami 5
-Becker, BK2 (2nd. Generation, Micarta Handles)


V/R
Paratrooper
 
Personally, I would pass on that. I don't really like the design, as it seems kind of "tacticool". Of the steel choices, I would probably pick 5160, but not at that price, unless I was getting it from somebody very well known. Same with the S30V. IMO, if you want an S30V fixed blade, talk ro Chris Reeve. However, if I did plan to get one, I would get it in 5160 with no serrations.

I'll throw in another vote for the RatManDu. Or if you want to get a little spendy, get a Busse Boss Jack... http://www.bussecombat.com/knives/index.shtml. Either would be a good choice for a deployment. You might also want to look at the Ranger line of knives sold by Ontario. They're designed by Justin Gingrich, who spent some time in the Ranger battalions. They may or may not appeal to your sense of style, but they're solid knives.
 
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+1 for the 11 Bravo, Ratmandu, and BK2 with the ratmandu being my favorite of the 3. You won't go wrong with any choices I have seen mentioned so far.
 
It looks like a poor design for too much money.

Grayman are crudely made and I wouldn't want one of those either.

The TOPS is kind of silly looking with short little grinds.

The Swamp Rat, Becker are best of those options and the entrek looks ok too.
 
I just ordered a Ratmanduex LE and from what I understand Swamprats are pretty much unbreakable.
 
Get a Ratmandu. Fantastic steel choice and heat treat. Easily takes and holds a fantastic edge. Honestly one of the best deals dollar wise that you can find period. Ratmandeux LE is great as well, and it sports a convex grind so it is really a cutter. Tough as nails too.

Good simple designs perform better in the field at multiple tasks than any of the tacticool designs.
 
I also recommend the Ratmandu. Super tough and holds a great edge. Probably my favorite all around fixed blade.

The best part is there are still some available at the Swamp Rat Shop ready to ship. That's not how it usually works--typically you order and wait a while. Or, you pay a much higher price on the secondary market. I'd get one (or 2) while you can.
 
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P/1989, the only knives I have actually used from your list are the Entreks. I ordered a Ratmanduex LE but have not used it yet. I have around 7 of Ray's knives, from the small Companion & Lynx, to the Eagle & Falcon. I seem to use the Companion & the 11Bravo the most around our property. I have cut leather lead straps, feed bags, rope, electrical wire, metal lids, and even pried open stuck stall doors. These knives have been on hunting/camping trips cutting sticks, rope, canvas, & even digging out roots of plants and trees. Not once have I had one fail, crack, chip, break, or not do what I needed it to do.
All of the knives you have listed are good knives, it's just the Entrek's are the only ones I can honestly say I have used. Good luck with your knife choices, and thank you for your time & service to keep the JUST1MOR household safe and allow us to have the freedoms we enjoy every day.
Godspeed.
Be safe.
 
OK.... Then i narrowed it down to 2. SwampRat, RatMAnDu vs. Entrek, USA 11 Bravo? You guys are so helpful, but if I don't make a decision soon my wife is going to kill me lol! Ive talked to other Soldiers, and they mostly carry Kabar's or the Gerber LMF II. I own the Kabar its too big, And Ive heard from you guys on this site nothing but bad things about the Gerber. I just want a good/ unbreakable combat/deployment knife. So any suggestions, because Ive tried numerous threads and really just cant decide. thanks alot again BF!

V/R
Paratrooper
 
Another vote for Ratmandu.

Check out the scrapyard regulator too, but it might be a little too big also. Its almost the same length as the Kabar.
 
Im gonna be the dissenting opinion i think that relentless knives look awesome, they are made out of top notch materials, and mr certo is a really nice guy to talk to.

Just beacuase relentless knives deviate from the norm doesnt mean they arent up to snuff in any way. Every review i have ever read from an actual owner of a relentless knife has been more than pleased.

Also he supports the military which i think means something in your case.
 
The Entrek 11 Bravo is a nice design, but for me, there are 2 show stoppers. First, I don't like the jimping. It looks like ripped up knuckles waiting to happen. Second, it's 440C steel, which although a good steel, for me, it better be a Randall or something to pay that price.

Seriously, get a RatManDu. If you really don't like it, sell it to a buddy or on the exchange. You'll have no problem selling it.
 
P/1989 I would go with a Swamp Rat or Scrapyard knife. Also take a look at the custom makers on this forum. I have knives by Scott Gossman,Jeremey Horton,Trace Rinaldi and Bill Siegle. All hardcore real world hard use knives! The makers are great to work with. I know Scott gives a 10% discount to military personnel.If you get a hold of him and tell him it is for a deployment it gets top priority.Just my 2 cents.Having been in the Corps and L.E. for 23 years I am proud to own and use these knives. I love my ESEE 5 also,But a custom is the way to go.


Mike
 
Hombre Secreto said:
The Entrek 11 Bravo is a nice design, but for me, there are 2 show stoppers. First, I don't like the jimping. It looks like ripped up knuckles waiting to happen. Second, it's 440C steel, which although a good steel, for me, it better be a Randall or something to pay that price.

Seriously, get a RatManDu. If you really don't like it, sell it to a buddy or on the exchange. You'll have no problem selling it.
Click to expand...

Hmm you could find the 11 Bravo for a little over 100$.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
It looks like a poor design for too much money.

Grayman are crudely made and I wouldn't want one of those either.

The TOPS is kind of silly looking with short little grinds.

The Swamp Rat, Becker are best of those options and the entrek looks ok too.
Click to expand...

+1

Personally, I'd go with the BK2 or the Entrek. Well worth the asking price.
 
Nternal said:
Hmm you could find the 11 Bravo for a little over 100$.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I didn't know that. It's a nice knife. I like the design, but I don't like the jimping. It looks a bit sharp-edged, but to be fair, I'm starting to see all jimping that way.
 
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