Ontario Ranger series

C

cutter17

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May 16, 2006
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I posted about this over in the General forum, but got very little response. Thought it might get more response here in W & S. I am not a regular over here, but I do drop by to do some reading.

Back at the beginning of April I had decided to buy a fixed blade knife that would be suitable for several things, with one being a knife I could go into the woods with and do some chopping and cutting, and just to practice some of the things I've read on here. I have several acres of wooded land that is a perfect "playground".

My choice of knives were; a RAT-4, a BK Campanion, and an Ontario RD-4 from their new Ranger Series. I ended up with the RD-4 because I like the clip point blade over the drop point. No real scientific or practical reason, just like the looks of the clip point better. The RAT-4 has a 4.5" long X .188" thick blade, the BK Companion has a 5.25" long X .225" thick blade, and the RD-4 is 4.5" long X .225" thick. Both the RAT and the BK have slight drop point blade, and the RD-4 is a clip point. The Rat and BK use 1095 carbon steel and the RD uses 5160 carbon steel. I've read about both, but don't know that one is really superior to the other, any thoughts on that?

So I'm really curious as to what the opinion is on the new Ontario offerings, especially the RD series of knives? Any help for a W&S newbie is appreciated!
 
I have a lot of experience with Justin made Rangers and have always been impressed with them-as well as Justin.

I have heard nothing about the Ontario made Ranger knives that has altered that opinion.

You will be happy with it!!!
 
I've just played with the one by Ontario, but it was very solid. Good fit and finish and came very sharp. :thumbup: Handle is a little boxy, but still makes a good camp knife.

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Thanks for the replies guy's. Those boxy grips were the only thing that I didn't like, but some 320 grit sandpaper, followed by some 800 wet/dry paper took good care of the boxy feel. I also placed a 1/4" strip of 3M Stair Step tape on the exposed tang between the handles as a gripping aid.
 
I sent an Ontario to Justin for a satin finish and new handle slabs. You can barely tell the difference between it and one that Justin made. So far the Ontario has performed well.
 
There is a review on woodsmonkey on one of the new Ranger Ontario's.

I was thinking about getting an Ontario Ranger, but I am going to buy a BK2 first. I had my BK10 out this weekend, and that thing keeps impressing me, so I feel like I need to try out a BK2.

If you like a clip point, buy a BK10 crewman when they come back out through Kabar - that knife rocks.
 
Just went to the site and read the review. Also put the site in my favorites list! Good review on the Ranger knives.

For my own use I've found the RD-4 to be a great kitchen tool, though that is not the job I have in mind, just trying it out for a couple weeks.

After using it some I came to same conclusion that SP did in his above post and I removed the stair step tape I had applied! I like the sheath for a lot of the same reasons mentioned in SP's review and I have stowed a flat diamond sharpener, and a couple pieces of ceramic rod, actually a broken Sharpmaker rod in both gray and white, in the pouch. I'm just starting to look into the fire making tools and trying to teach myself how to use them so I guess I'll also come up with a fire making kit to try and store in there also. Will probably have to remove the diamond sharpner though. I also would like to get a kydex shaeth made for the RD-4 so that it would be more easily "concealed" if hiking in sheeple territory.
 
There were some heat treat problems with the RAT line, I believe. It was mostly in the RTAK's though, IIRC.
I could be wrong about the specific line, but I know there were some heat treat problems.
I was all for buying an RD9...and then I saw the BK9 and switched gears because I'd heard so many good things about it.
Ontario makes good stuff, so you should be satisfied pretty well with that RD4.

The boxy handles are kind of what steered me away from the RTAK series (a friend of mine has one and I've played around with it), especially since I have smaller hands.
 
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Spooky>>
Yep. That was part of it, too. But there was also that HT issue. I think I read about it in the RC forum as well. I'll see if I can dig it up...
 
Get the RC4. That knife just grows and grows on ya. Very comfortable in the hand during use. Plus a fantastic sheath system backed by the best warranty in the business.
 
Couldn't find the specific thread I remembered reading in the RC forum, but here are a few threads talking about the issue:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518174

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410318

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376999


Sorry to hijack your thread, OP.

I'd still say you'll be happy with the RD4. I have an old RAT 7 from Ontario that I've done everything I can think of to and it's still going strong.

Enjoy your new knife, whatever choice you make!
 
Hey, no problem with any hijacking, as I don't see as that. I also remember something about the HT with the RTAK. I already have the RD4, just thinking about the RD9. I would have problem with a Becker though, as I have had a couple in the past. I also like that Kabar/Becker are going to come out with the optional handles. So I may be getting a Becker instead.....................although that RD9 just seems to be calling my name!
 
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