Ontario Gen II SP-50 or Ontario RTAK-II?

[instructed2]

Hey Guys
I am looking to buy a new large fixed blade survival knife. I would prefer to keep the price below $150, but I am open to recommendations that are close to that price. So far I have narrowed down my selection between the Ontario Gen II SP-50 and the Ontario RTAK-II. The most appealing thing about the SP-50 is its low cost and the 1/4 in thick 5160 blade. I like the RTAK-II because of its comfortable handles and for its aesthetics. I have had good experience with 1095, and I am not worried about the choice of steel. What is causing me to hesitate about the RTAK-II is the 3/16 in. spine on the RTAK-II. 3/16 in is still pretty thick, but I have noticed that there is an appreciable difference with the splitting capabilities of a 3/16 in and 1/4 in blade. Has anyone had any negative experiences with either of these knives? Thank you for your time and consideration.

What it all boils down to is: Gen II SP-50 or RTAK-II?

 

[Mike-The-Knife]

This might only add to the confussion but you might want to go to Scrap Yard Knives and look at their SYKCO 711 that is being offered at the moment . Well under your price point and as tough as they come , with one of the best warranties in the buisness .


HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !

 

[gooeytek]

I have a GenII SP-51 and it is a beast. The difference between the 50 & 51 is the grind, leaving the 50 slightly lighter than the 51. The 50 would be the more versatile of the two, having what looks like a full flat convex grind versus the convex mid-saber grind of the 51. The 51 is more the log-splitter, while the 50 looks like it would be more suited for slicing and general-purpose. The grip ergonomics don't really lend either one to delicate choked-up slicing and cutting tasks though. And while it might not have a marquis-type steel that the big names have, Ontario's 5160 seems to really be able to stand up to heavy abuse. I've batonned with my 51 and it makes quick work of seasoned oak, and the handle ergos are very comfortable for that type of task. I didn't pay attention to how long it took to lose the hair-popping edge I put on it, but still remained very sharp after going through lots of wood. The working edge that remained held up very well after a couple of hours of hard use. The weight of the knife is definitely felt after a good while, but does a good part of the work.

The sheath it comes with is functional, but feels somewhat flimsy for a knife with this kind of heft. All in all though, for the $60 I paid for mine it was very well worth it.

I can't speak for the RTAK, but the ESEE-type handle looks to be harder on the hands if you were going to do heavy chopping and cutting. I prefer a more cushioned grip, and my dedicated chopper has stall mat laminated scales. It would be ok with gloves I guess. Either one would be a perfectly-suited hard use knife that won't break the bank.