Ontario RTAK.....I like this knife

Gossman Knives

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
9,438
I was out yesterday doing yard work clearing weeds and brush with my RTAK It's part of my equipment along with my SOG Revolver for maintaining my yard. I did some modifications to it to better fit me. I brought the first finger groove up higher and made the overall handle slimmer. I reprofiled the edge with a convexed edge. I convexed it up about 1/4". I did this because I had a problem with the edge chipping. Overall this is a great knife for light to moderate chopping.
Scott
 
Man, I almost bought one of these not too long ago. If you ever want to sell that puppy....email me Scott :D

What do you think about the handle? Too big and squareish?
 
blgoode said:
Man, I almost bought one of these not too long ago. If you ever want to sell that puppy....email me Scott :D

What do you think about the handle? Too big and squareish?
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Yes Brian the handle was too fat and wide. When I would chop with it, it would "roll" in my hand. I ground the tang up and thinned it to fit my hand better. I also radiused the top and bottom of the scales. I didn't like the edge being so thin, so I convexed it, so now it bites deeper. It handles like a dream now. :D
Scott
 
In fact I sold it for that reason. It kept rolling in my hand as well and boy did it piss me off!! Wish I read this post first because I would have kept it for sure after it was repaired....hey Brian!! :D
 
If you have large hands it's no problem. It's just mine are medium size, so I made it to fit me. Now it has a custom grip. :D
Scott
 
I've got one of the original Newt Livesay RTAKs that I just love to death.

Newt recently resharpened and refinished it for me free of charge.

It will continue to be part of my deployment gear bag.
 
I love mine to death, but is there anyway to get that *(&^*(^(*% finish clean???? Its that same powder coated finish that they originally had on it still, right?
 
commandojoe said:
I love mine to death, but is there anyway to get that *(&^*(^(*% finish clean???? Its that same powder coated finish that they originally had on it still, right?
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I clean mine with mild detergent, dry it and wipe down with oil. Any coating will wear off with use.
Scott
 
I recently purchased an RTAK after alot of research. I didnt know what to expect but when I opened up the box I loved it. It was razor sharp. I immediatly went outside and started chopping away at some huge poplar logs I had out side and it was aslicing through them like butter. And then After about ten minutes of chopping I returned into the house and cleaned off the blade and proceded to slice tomatoes paper thin with ease. I havent yet gone out into the woods hiking or hunting and used it but soon enough I will put it to the test. I was also wondering if anyone had anything else to say about the RTAK???? If so I would like to hear!!!!!!!!
 
i have every rat ontario.... the rtak is a great blade but i also had to reconfigue the handle..... too big and square... i think these knives are a steal for the money
 
I was thinking about picking up a RAT 7 but im laying low for now. Im happy with my TAK in D2 and my RTAK. I can't wait to put it to the test. Does anyone have any good stories about the abuse the RTAK can take.
 
i cut down two six inch pines the first day i got mine in under 4 minutes and could still shave the hair off my arm with it.... i was a happy camper
 
My rides behind the back of my passenger seat in my truck. I haven't used it lately because of recent testing of my own blades but it is a chopper that I will never let go of. It cuts like a laser.:D
Scott
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Have you been able to check out the Ontario Rat 7?
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My friend Ed has one and is pleased with it. Personally, I haven't tried one but i'm sure if it's anything like it's big brother, it's a goodin'.:D
Scott
 
If my worst enemy were going out into the wilderness and I had the opportunity to design the handle on his knife, I'd duplicate the handle on the RTAK. Okay, I probably could design worse if I put some thought into it, but if I"m feeling lazy, the RTAK has bad handles down pat. I'd been toying with the idea of buying one and sanding the handle down to something that would fit me better... thanks for the heads-up that they're being discontinued, I guess it's now or never
 
Joe Talmadge said:
If my worst enemy were going out into the wilderness and I had the opportunity to design the handle on his knife, I'd duplicate the handle on the RTAK. Okay, I probably could design worse if I put some thought into it, but if I"m feeling lazy, the RTAK has bad handles down pat.
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It is pretty poor, but I have seen worse, try a large TOPS with the spine serrations or the strider cord wrap. I'd take the RTAK grip over either of those. SOG has some squarish grips on larger knives as well. Ray Kirk has some really nice grip profile as some Matt Lamey, pretty much all of those guys do actually.

-Cliff
 
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