As it's my first post...
I've learned a lot from reading the discussions here, thank you all for putting so much knowledge and care into them. I wanted a good fixed-blade knife for camping, etc. I'd never put much thought into it and have spent some time here comparing my options.
After looking at knives that were within my alloted budget I bought the Ontario RAT-7 D2 combo edge. I just got it today. The panels were on straight and the knife seems fairly sharp out of the box (can't say that I know these things very well, YET, but I've got a Sharpmaker on the way so I hope to learn). If the tip flattens against a bread loaf I trust that their customer service will take care of me. I've done a bit of sanding of the micarta handle panels and I really like the way that the knife looks and now, feels.
I don't really care for the sheath, however. The button snaps aren't on straight, for one, and I want something of a bit better quality overall.
I don't know what I want to spend. Preferably not more than the knife, itself, as I would have gone with a Swamp Rat if I had been planning on spending $200. I may still do that, honestly.
This could get expensive...
Any recommendations? I'm left handed, don't know if that makes a difference with these aftermarket/custom designs.
Again, thank you all.
I've learned a lot from reading the discussions here, thank you all for putting so much knowledge and care into them. I wanted a good fixed-blade knife for camping, etc. I'd never put much thought into it and have spent some time here comparing my options.
After looking at knives that were within my alloted budget I bought the Ontario RAT-7 D2 combo edge. I just got it today. The panels were on straight and the knife seems fairly sharp out of the box (can't say that I know these things very well, YET, but I've got a Sharpmaker on the way so I hope to learn). If the tip flattens against a bread loaf I trust that their customer service will take care of me. I've done a bit of sanding of the micarta handle panels and I really like the way that the knife looks and now, feels.
I don't really care for the sheath, however. The button snaps aren't on straight, for one, and I want something of a bit better quality overall.
I don't know what I want to spend. Preferably not more than the knife, itself, as I would have gone with a Swamp Rat if I had been planning on spending $200. I may still do that, honestly.
This could get expensive...Any recommendations? I'm left handed, don't know if that makes a difference with these aftermarket/custom designs.
Again, thank you all.
