Ordered RD-4

Chris/Marcinek,

I also own several Barkies, but I hardly use them, a lot of them are true safe queens (Gameskeeper, Copperhead). They are though and work fantastic, but beating up a very nice looking knife that costs me $150, is making me nervous. That's why I take a $100 knife that can take some serious beating (no real abuse, because every knife will fail, when you abuse it, or not using were it's made for) like the Ontario range and Ranger Knives range of knives.

I did reprofile my RD4 myself on a Lansky set. Justin wanted to reprofile it, but he told me he would reprofile it "close to 25degree". I wanted it exactly 25degree or even less. But I stuck with 25degree, because this works best for me with the RD4. The TAK-1 is also at 25 but could perform better with 20degree, for foodprep, I think. But at this moment 25 for the TAK is also great, for what I use it for.

A good combo for me:
Vic Ranger
TAK-1 or RD4
RAT-7 or RD6 or RD7

Bombproof combo:
Vic Farmer
TAK-1
RD6

When weight is an issue I take the RATs, if not, I take the Ranger knives.
CZ

PS
Get the RD6 instead of the RD4 when using it together with a TAK-1.
 
Thanks for the reply CZ!

Let me throw one more two-part question at you, since you sound like the guy to ask...

The RD4 comes with a flat primary grind and a convex edge bevel. Correct?

You turned that convex edge bevel into a 25 degree (exactly 25 degee!) V-grind edge bevel. Correct?

Thanks again,
John
 
marcinek said:
Thanks for the reply CZ!

Let me throw one more two-part question at you, since you sound like the guy to ask...

The RD4 comes with a flat primary grind and a convex edge bevel. Correct?

You turned that convex edge bevel into a 25 degree (exactly 25 degee!) V-grind edge bevel. Correct?

Thanks again,
John
Click to expand...


John,

I'm more then happy answer your questions.
As far as I could see the edge was just flatground (v-grind) at more then 30degree.
Yes, I did reprofile the edge in a regular v-grind at 25degree. At least I made it 25deg at my Lansky. If that Lansky is off, I'm wrong, but it looks a lot like 25degree.... :D
You should also use a strop, it really takes the edge to a mirror/shaving edge!

CZ
 
Thanks once again CZ!

I've gotten pretty good at making and maintaining a 30 degree V-grind on my Sharpmaker and that 30 degree seems to work for me. That is probably what I'd do (or just have Justin do it)

As for stropping, I'm constanly stropping some knife on my pants leg or belt...my wife thinks I'm nuts, but it does work!
 
John,

I've stopped explaining what I'm doing with my knives etc. My wife doesn't care much, as long as the bills get payed it's all good.
She finds all kinds of papers with a cut in it. "It's just for testing how sharp my knife is honey". There are several newspapers that have all been cut, just for testing is my knife is sharp.....:D

No, it's not an addiction, no I'm not sick.......:D

30degree is fine for heavy work, like battoning. You could ask Justin, and he probably is happy to give you a 30degree angle.

CZ
 
Funny about the newspapers CZ.

My wife is the same way...here's one I heard her say while she was on the phone to someone:

"My husband is shaving is shorts."

Hey, I was stropping! They just don't get it. :)
 
"honey, put on some long pants, all those bold spots on your legs are starting to show".....:D

Yes, it's funny at times. My wife isn't a complete "NO knife" wife. She has a personal tast for everything Benchmade. She never bought a knife, I allways gave her ones she liked.........so I can get mine no matter what.....hehe

She has about 3 Benchmades (griptillian 551, fixed griptillian, HK auto), all good knives but nothing compared to my Rangers and Ontarios.

CZ
 
My wifes not a "NO Knife" wife either.

She's got a Northwoods Stag 2-Blade Congress and a Spyderco Kerambit.

She will probably end up wanting and RD9 if I get the RD4!
 
marcinek said:
My wifes not a "NO Knife" wife either.

She's got a Northwoods Stag 2-Blade Congress and a Spyderco Kerambit.

She will probably end up wanting and RD9 if I get the RD4!
Click to expand...


Mine will problaby want my just arrived RTAK II. It's lighter then a RD9.....:D

CZ
 
Wabajack said:
1/4" is a little excessive for a 4" blade for me. :D
Click to expand...

Nonsense! It is always nice to have a knife that is nice and thick like the owner!:foot:;)

Seriously though, I too prefer a thinner blade. Much better for cutting. You know, what a knife is made for.
 
Just incase anyone is interested, Justin charges $20 extra to have an RD4 made out of 3/16" !
 
Just recieved my RD-4 today. It is a great blade, feels real good in the hand.
My wife is pissed. The size is perfect for a 3-4 day hike as main blade. I think it is a little large for just a short day hike.

So that means, I need a small FB for short day hikes and a companion for the RD-4 on longer hikes.

What do others put in the pouch?
 
Chris,

Congrats on the RD4! You got them with the black micarta?

I put a Doan tool, Vic Farmer, piece of fatwood and some PJB in the pouch. How do you rate the sheath? I think it's mediocre. The velcro is OK, but I like a pushbutton better for retention.
Almost forgot, the spine is sharp enough to throw sparks from a firesteel! (even with coating)

It's not a small knife, but that's were the RAT-3 comes into view. This knife is almost unnoticeable when wearing.

Have fun with your RD4!!! It's a real tank!:thumbup:
CZ
 
Maybe a Vic Trekker is a good alternative for the RAT-3? It's even smaller, but it's a folder....It's my replacement for the Farmer, when I need more knife....:D

CZ
 
cz75b said:
Chris,

Congrats on the RD4! You got them with the black micarta?

I put a Doan tool, Vic Farmer, piece of fatwood and some PJB in the pouch. How do you rate the sheath? I think it's mediocre. The velcro is OK, but I like a pushbutton better for retention.
Almost forgot, the spine is sharp enough to throw sparks from a firesteel! (even with coating)

It's not a small knife, but that's were the RAT-3 comes into view. This knife is almost unnoticeable when wearing.

Have fun with your RD4!!! It's a real tank!:thumbup:
CZ
Click to expand...


If you don't find the sheath satifactory try on from Normark or Robert H here on the forums. Robert makes and sells some of the best sheathing systems there are. As far as Normark goes... well quite frankly he is the king of kydex!
 
mmmotorcycle said:
If you don't find the sheath satifactory try on from Normark or Robert H here on the forums. Robert makes and sells some of the best sheathing systems there are. As far as Normark goes... well quite frankly he is the king of kydex!
Click to expand...

Yep, I've bought several sheaths from Normark before. The RD4 and RD6 will get new Kydex soon from him.

Thanks,
CZ
 
cz, Thanks for all your info on ranger knives. I probably wouldn't have bought one.

I got the tan, couldn't resist.

Sheath is sufficient for now. I will get a kydex down the road.

RAt-3 will probably be next.
 
Chris,

No problem at all. You've helped me too in the past. (remember my website?)

Take care and enjoy that RD4. It's a great knife, that will serve you for a long time.

CZ
 
cz75b said:
Yep, I've bought several sheaths from Normark before. The RD4 and RD6 will get new Kydex soon from him.

Thanks,
CZ
Click to expand...

I just recently caught the Normark craze. Now I'm buying knives JUST to get sheaths from him!:eek:;)
 
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