Need opinion on Livesay RTAK

C

counsel-of-record

Joined
Jan 10, 2001
Messages
71
I want to buy one of these for a survival course next month. Anybody have and use one? Any pro's and con's?
Thanks
Counsel

[This message has been edited by counsel-of-record (edited 05-09-2001).]
 
OK, I'm a bit biased since the RTAK was designed by a fellow Alabamian, but I have one and it's a keeper. I own 7 Busse knives, and while the INFI steel seems to have no mortal match, I love the RTAK's design in every way, from the blade geometry to the handle contouring. If memory serves (I don't have it with me right now) the thickness is 3/16", which means it isn't nearly as heavy as it looks. It's very quick in the hands for its size, but it's still a good chopper. The sheath is a bit bulky, and some of the rivets come with sharp edges or burrs on them, but it's plenty sturdy. Also, the edge tends to dent or roll rather than chip, which is good because you can usually straighten in back out. And that handle just beckons you to grip it--it's very comfortable, even when chopping. Most of Newt's knives are high on the performance per dollar ratio, but I think the RTAK wins the "Most Wallup for the Wampum" award. I highly recommend it when those little 6 & 7 inchers everyone here seems to favor just aren't up to the task.
 
Looking back on my post, I didn't mean to make it sound like the edge dents easily--it does not. I just meant that it will roll before it will chip, which to me means that it is tempered just right.

BTW, a little aside rant: The sheath is OD kydex, which is a very refreshing break from the "tactical" black that everyone uses!! Why can't the other knife/sheath makers seem to find any OD kydex? Look around; how much black do you see naturally occuring in the woods (or urban environments, for that matter)? All you SWAT types and weekend ninjas can have your black gear & clothes, and you'll be the first ones spotted in the field, be it woods, jungle, scrub, or urban--even at night, unless it's pitch black out (not often). Black is for bikers and eighties headbangers, not for soldiers and hunters. Thanks to Jeff & Newt for not overlooking this detail. OK, rant over.

[This message has been edited by X-Head (edited 05-10-2001).]
 
I have a Livesay HKR, which is another of his big blades. Excellent knife, excellent sheath, and the handle is very comfortable. You will be happy with any Wicked purchase. By the way, which course are you attending?
 
As much as I would like to see another RTAK in a user's hand, if you're going with us to the July knife-only course in South Alabama, then maximum 5 inch blade length is the rule.

As for updates on this outing:

Darryl Patton (trip organizer) has been out of pocket for the past couple of weeks due to a sickness in the family. He emailed me a couple of days ago and said that the course is on track and has a large number of folks attending. Also suppose to be a magazine writer from overseas doing an article for his publication.

I will be there for the first 4 days of the course then Mike and I have to fly to Peru to take care of some business.

As far as knives for this trip, we will probably surprise everyone with some of the cheap, short stuff we will be hauling down. Probably even be a few Chinese kitchen knives among the mix.

Jeff

------------------
Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
 
Meant to add that Darryl has a whole host of specialized instructors on this trip. Everything from pottery making to flint knapping from what I hear. Darryl has informed me that my area of instruction is shelter building, so get ready to cut a sh*tload of palmetto and have sore hands from thatching, not to mention all those little wasps that love to build nests in this stuff.

Jeff

------------------
Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
 
Thanks Jeff. I am attending one of Darryl's Basic weekends in preparation for July.I was going to use the RTAK then and a Fallkniven for July.
The overseas reporter is a good friend of mine from London who writes for "Front", the equivalent of a "Maxim" magazine here in the US. He wanted to write on a real survivor story, not a made for TV one.
This is all in preparation for PERU 2002 !
Later
Bill
 
My apologies sir. Darryl does some great weekend classes.

Thanks for hooking us up with the reporter. Rest assured he will get the real deal
smile.gif


See you in July.

Jeff

------------------
Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top