I'm a RAT cutlery lover and if you want a RAT get the
real RAT. They are amazing. Everything about their product and the way they run their business is exceptional.
That being said I found my humble collection lacking a big chopper and I picked up one of the new Ontario Rangers. If RAT offered a big chopper there is no question that that's what I'd have. But they don't so I'm in the peculiar position of giving my dollars to both companies in spite of the goings on. I was swayed by the fact that it's a Ranger and Justin has the reputation of being a stand up guy so I held my nose and pulled the trigger.
I got an RD9. It's a big chunk of steel. I bought it with the intention of it being strictly a user. It won't be babied in any way. I've chopped, batonned, cut, etc. and it's been fine. Fit and finish was ok but again, that's not why I bought it.
There was a slight wave in the edge about 1.5" in front of the choil. My friend who also purchased one had the same thing. Not a big deal to me. I wonder if it's an artifact of their grinder type or process they use. The handle slabs also did not match the knife handle very well. I contacted the dealer I purchased the knife from and he forwarded the pictures I sent to Ontario. To their credit they quickly wrote and wanted to replace the handle slabs with a better fitting pair. I thanked them but told them it wouldn't be necessary since I was planning on modifying them a little myself anyway. For their quick response and desire to make it right I have to give Ontario a :thumbup:.
These things weren't that important to me. Maybe they would be to you. I don't know. I've started making my own homemade micarta and making new handles for my knives. I made a couple for the RD. I also have used it to try sharpening convex edges. Like I said, I haven't babied it at all. It looks used and beat up a little (I still need some practice sharpening convex edges) but I've really enjoyed it.
