New RAT GUY ! D2 TAC

[mcgoo7]

Well , I finally picked up a RAT
They had the RC5 but I liked the TAC a bit better for some reason and grabbed it.I will make a kydex sheath this week for it .Can't wait to try it out on a few hikes and camping trips.

Can anyone tell me more about this model ?

Oh and I have a RC3 (1095) coming that I just snagged off another forum

TIA
James

 

[Cpl Punishment]

1.) It's made by Ontario, who is no longer working with RAT Cutlery.
2.) It's my favorite RAT knife from that era. Although mine was 1095.
3.) fits well in a Spec Ops Short Combat Master of Short Survival sheath.

What else do you want to know?

 

[mcgoo7]

Thanks;
I know about the Ontario/RAT feud and RAT going their own way.

So I was wondering how the D2 holds up and what was the thinking behind the TAC as the RC5 is pretty much the same size. Which came first the TAC or the RC5 ?

Has anyone "tweaked" their D2s ? I'm thinking about removing the coating and a slight contouring of the handles and a beadblast.

James

 

[chewbacca]

Since D2 is a semi-stainless steel, you shouldn't have to worry about rust nearly as much as you would with a stripped 1095 blade. I have heard you can use carbide tools to shape micarta, as well as sanders, but keep in mind the dust is pretty nasty stuff, so wear a really good mask - you could get some info on the shoptalk forum.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Something to think about with D2:
It tends to be brittle the way Ontario does their heat treat. I've seen several of their D2 blades break when batoned. Use it for slicing, not beating, and you'll be fine.

 

[mcgoo7]

Something to think about with D2:
It tends to be brittle the way Ontario does their heat treat. I've seen several of their D2 blades break when batoned. Use it for slicing, not beating, and you'll be fine.

Thanks , that's what I wanted to know
From sending my own blades out for heat treat, I know the HT can make all the difference in the world.

Has anyone tried having their D2 blades Cryo'd ? I have mine done it it helps reduce the blades being brittle and helps with wear resistance.

Thanks Chewwy! I'm all set up for working on knives( you can see some I made for our CKG show last month in the Canadian section), but thanks for the cautions :thumbup:


James