Ontario RTAK II or ESEE Junglas?

Razor

Razor

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Dec 8, 1999
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I can buy the RTAK for almost half the price of the ESEE. Is the ESEE that much better? I like the ESEE, but when I found the RTAK II for almost half the price, I wanted to ask on here. Also, what is the best way to sharpen this big blades?
 
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Check out the youtube videos of the rtak breaking at first use. Also check out the respective sheaths. In short? Yes, way better, totally worth it, especially with the awesome warranty.
 
I think it depends on how often and how you will use the knives...

If you will use it weekly in scenarios where your safety and well being depend on it, get the Junglas...

If you will take it camping a few times a year and wont die if in the unlikely scenario it breaks, get the RTAK II...
 
RemyKaze said:
Check out the youtube videos of the rtak breaking at first use. Also check out the respective sheaths. In short? Yes, way better, totally worth it, especially with the awesome warranty.
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Searched for these videos and could not find any.
 
The EJ has a superior sheath.

And, the EJ has a superior sheath.

The finish in the EJ is superior also.

The micarta handles are more rounded on the EJ.

If those things mean a lot to you (they didn't to me...even though I own the ESEE 3 and 6) go Junglas.

I opted for the RTAK II. Put several hours into getting the Micarta how I liked it (never heavy used a Junglas, but their ergos *I think* are better out of the box). I bought a $60 kydex sheath.

All that work and the extra expense for the sheath, I probably should have opted for the EJ.

YMMV, but that is what I got.

BTW, did I mention the EJ has a superior sheath? :D
 
I think I will get the ESEE. Thanks everyone for the advice.
 
I have owned a RTAK and currently have an Esee. The Esee is a much nicer knife and the sheath is outstanding.
 
blame it on god said:
As far a sharpening big blades like these. Edge Pro apex is the easiest and best way to sharpen them.
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I don't see this as true. With one of these systems you develop none of the skill required for field sharpening, and these are definitely field knives. Also, it's not nearly as relaxing as a stone or diamond hone. I think such systems are for people that develop a little bit of obsession over the edge. Maybe I'm just old school.
 
RemyKaze said:
Check out the youtube videos of the rtak breaking at first use. Also check out the respective sheaths. In short? Yes, way better, totally worth it, especially with the awesome warranty.
Click to expand...

I believe they now use 5160 steel for the RTAK11, which, if treated like the Ranger series, should be tougher.
 
fielder said:
I believe they now use 5160 steel for the RTAK11, which, if treated like the Ranger series, should be tougher.
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Yes, which is a great move, but I'd still consider it untested as it is a relatively new switch. Unless I'm mistaken.
 
RTAK II is a good knife. I got a used one from CRKS that wasn't actually used. Handle is kinda big so I had to work on the scales a bit. Don't really care for the sheath either but I got a good deal for what I paid. If I was going to buy new I'd spring for the Junglas.
 
RemyKaze said:
Yes, which is a great move, but I'd still consider it untested as it is a relatively new switch. Unless I'm mistaken.
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I wouldn't consider it "untested" since Ontario's 5160 steel has been already out there in their ranger line. By using the same steel in the RTAK-II, it should perform the same, no? Im planning to get one in 5160 because I'm becoming disillusioned with 1095 as a "tough" steel.
 
I don't own a Junglas YET, but I will say that that ESEEs are worth every single damn penny. Their warranty isn't any fun and games, you break it, you get a new knife. Of course, you can go with the RTAK, but ESEEs are where it's at for the money. Personally, ESEE/RAT allllll the way bud.
 
More HT parrots, in what way is any HT better than any other? Dont answer that I dont want to derail but yeah get whichever one you want, ESEE makes an amazing knife, I have an Ontario Rat 5 and never noticed any difference in HT from my ESEE knives.
 
I have a RTAK II somewhere, miserable knife, such a let down. I still don't understand how a knife that big can chop that bad. Not to mention the giant, blocky, low quality handles.
 
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