- Joined
- Feb 8, 2012
- Messages
- 598
1. Ontario RAT Model II: I have never owned the Model I and I have to say I doubt I would have liked it as much considering it is 25% bigger than this thing. The Model II is perfect for EDC IMHO. I used to find my Kershaw Scamp too big a folder to carry around and shifted almost permanently to the Eskabar as my EDC. However, my new job has me wearing a suit most of the time so a fixed blade EDC is not exactly practical.
It came really sharp out of the box but appeared to have somewhat of a toothier edge than the WRKT. The difference between AUS8 and S30V, I suppose. I don't like to spend too much on folders but the cost benefit ratio on this knife in terms of F&F is exceptional. It feels solid, well finished and very tough despite being just a liner lock. Most of my folders are high value frame locks. Also the edge bevel appears symmetrical and very well done unlike any other knife I have bought, save the WRKT Backpacker.
2. White River Knife & Tool Backpacker: Extraordinary! The finish on the knife is beautiful, the design is amazing. It fits in the hand so well despite there being no handle other than paracord. It is an ergonomic masterpiece. I dare say it surpasses my BK14 pre-rehandling. My first s30v blade, so I am a little worried about sharpening on my Lansky deluxe kit. The edge bevel is perfect. Symmetrical on both sides and sharpened to an "afraid to touch it" edge. Both the RATII and the Backpacker will require no sharpening out of the box.
The sheath is kydex and also beautifully made. It has a number of carry options and retains the knife a little tightly. I suppose this will break in with use.
3. Kershaw Field Knife: Also a very well designed knife in the Sandvik 14C28N steel. Was more difficult to sharpen than AUS8 or 8Cr13MoV, but holds its edge for longer. However the bevel was badly finished. Different angles on each side and the part near the choil was just messed up. I don't think I will be able to sharpen that bit without losing 2-3 more mm of blade width. Having said this, I do like the blade shape and it works very well for food prep and any task that requires a "bellyful" blade. The sheath however is impractical. It is a well made leather sheath but stays at home.
3 new knives in 3 different steels. I now have examples of 8Cr13MoV, AUS8, 12C28N, S30V and of course 1095CroVan
Cheerz people.
It came really sharp out of the box but appeared to have somewhat of a toothier edge than the WRKT. The difference between AUS8 and S30V, I suppose. I don't like to spend too much on folders but the cost benefit ratio on this knife in terms of F&F is exceptional. It feels solid, well finished and very tough despite being just a liner lock. Most of my folders are high value frame locks. Also the edge bevel appears symmetrical and very well done unlike any other knife I have bought, save the WRKT Backpacker.
2. White River Knife & Tool Backpacker: Extraordinary! The finish on the knife is beautiful, the design is amazing. It fits in the hand so well despite there being no handle other than paracord. It is an ergonomic masterpiece. I dare say it surpasses my BK14 pre-rehandling. My first s30v blade, so I am a little worried about sharpening on my Lansky deluxe kit. The edge bevel is perfect. Symmetrical on both sides and sharpened to an "afraid to touch it" edge. Both the RATII and the Backpacker will require no sharpening out of the box.
The sheath is kydex and also beautifully made. It has a number of carry options and retains the knife a little tightly. I suppose this will break in with use.
3. Kershaw Field Knife: Also a very well designed knife in the Sandvik 14C28N steel. Was more difficult to sharpen than AUS8 or 8Cr13MoV, but holds its edge for longer. However the bevel was badly finished. Different angles on each side and the part near the choil was just messed up. I don't think I will be able to sharpen that bit without losing 2-3 more mm of blade width. Having said this, I do like the blade shape and it works very well for food prep and any task that requires a "bellyful" blade. The sheath however is impractical. It is a well made leather sheath but stays at home.
3 new knives in 3 different steels. I now have examples of 8Cr13MoV, AUS8, 12C28N, S30V and of course 1095CroVan
Cheerz people.
