Questions about Ontarios Rat and RTAK series

M

Matt Seling

Joined
Oct 12, 1998
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285
Hi guys I´m thinking about getting a Rat 7 and and RTAK. I read the come in diffrent steels. Regular carbon and D2. Has anyone had practical experiences with them? Are the D2 ones a vast improvement?
I might also so get a swamp rat aswell, so don´t try to convince me to get one instead of the Ontarios. I will get both brands. Also how are the sheeths?

Matthias
 
Can't compare it with the D2 version because I only have the 1095 Rat7. I've had it for around 6 months now and it works fine. I had a CS SRK and BK7 before the RAT and it compares favourably with them in edge holding but has better ergonomics IMHO. The sheath is fine, with multiple ways of attachment. I find the additional straps and gizmos usefull when attaching the knife to my pack. I keep a small diamond stone and SAK in the pocket.

To be precise. I've used the RAT on 2 major adventures (7 days plus). One walking in the pilbra region of our North West (sub tripical) and one walking in our deep south (coastal heath type country). The RAT was used as the all-round camp knife, cleaning fish, splitting wood, digging and as a makeshift machete. I wouldn't call the use extremely heavy as neither trip was hardcore survival. I occasionally use the RAT around home to lop branches or as a scraper as well.

I like the RAT and I'm not looking to replace it any time soon. I'm also not so precious with it that I can't lend it out either (Unlike my Millie, which nobody gets to use).

If you wan't a more exhaustive detailed review you are better asking somone who is a little fussier than me. All I can say is that works fine for me. I like it's looks as well.
 
Matt Seling said:
Are the D2 ones a vast improvement?
Click to expand...

D2 is one of the worst steels you could use in such a knife, it is optomized for the exact opposite set of performance criteria. You use D2 when you want very high wear resistance and hardness with no care about impact toughness nor ductility.

-Cliff
 
I have ever tested a D2 version RAT7. It rusts like hell, very different to the other D2 knives, such as BM806, Dozier knives..., and even worst than some of my carbon steel knives. The blade steel seems having very low young's module since it bent much when my friend hanging on it, but has no sight of any plastic deformation after releasing the stress.
However, the edge retention is good after seasoned wood chopping and the tip holds well after my hundred times knife throwing. FYI
 
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