Ranger or Becker Knives?

M

minipyro23

Joined
Oct 12, 2006
Messages
131
Hey I recently bought a wetterlings small hatchet which seems to be a nicely made little hatchet but I havn't got to test it out much yet. It was only 35 or so bucks so I figured I'd get it. Now I have been looking at largish sturdy blades like beckers, busses, rats, and rangers. Busses were a lot of money since I'm pretty young and most of my money comes from christmas and birthdays. Anyways I liked the Ranger and Becker knives so I was wondering which is better for battoning and chopping smaller saplings and maybe larger ones too. What would be a good size to baton with in blade wise? Ranger knives come in 6,8, and 10 or somewhere along those lines. Becker I would probably get the brute since it is thicker looks better for what I would be doing. Also carrying size would be a issue since anything more then 10 inches or around those lines would probably be to big so I'm considers the R6. You guys can just throw in your opinions or experiences with these blades and also some size recomendation would be nice. Thanks
 
I've used both the Becker BK7 and the Ranger RD9.

The BK7 does everything I need it to do. The RD9 is a great blade and the service is outstanding but its just a bit big for my taste.

Combo'd with a hatchet, I'd go BK7 or Ranger RD6.... the RD6 would probably get the nod.
 
Alright thanks for the input I'll probably get a ranger 6 as I heard the becker knifes have big plastic handels and I don't want to mess around trying to put new mircarta scales on. Anyone elses input would be apprieted too. Also do any of you have have suggestions for carrying my hatchet? I bought this nice tactical belt that looks like it would support it in and it fits 28-44 waist size. It does not get snug enough though since I'm probably to small. I mean I can where it on my belt its just kinda clunky and such.
 
The RD knives are heavy and well suited for chopping. I think the RD-7 or 6 would work for you. Since you are useing a hatchet you may want to look at the RAT-7 instead. It's lighter and better for cutting chores than the bigger thicker blades. IMHO
 
Alright I already have a mora 200 then some other one by erickson and a puuko. Even though they are cheap they work for me and I need a larger knife to baton with since hatchets can't really split wood. Still deceiding over which ranger but I'm pretty sure it will be a ranger and most likely a ranger 6.
 
go just a smidgn' bigger and get the rd7 . just a little more heft for chopping . ive got the rd7 and the becker cu/7 and id go with the ranger due to the thicker stock and beefier tip. itll hold up to extended batoning and chopping better .
 
I doubt anyone on this forum will knock you for liking your Puukko's and your Mora, cheap and effective wins every time in my book.
 
becker bk7 for all around and becker bk9 for chopping. I love them and the handles are comfortable ofhter wise I wouldnt own 5 of each. O good luck finding a new bk1 lor less than about $115
 
I know I always do this, but... A picture really is worth a thousand words.

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That's my Ranger RD7... Yup, it's a beast. I love that knife, you can't go wrong with a Ranger. And Justin Gingrich, the owner and maker of these fine knives is an absolutely great guy, too.

Josh
 
Hey thanks for all the input guys, sorry I couldn't post sooner I was bogged down with homework. Still have a bunch to do but I'll take the time to post. For all of you who recommend the R7 that it what I will most likely get as it is only 10 bucks and a couple more ounces so it won't be tugging down my pants if I were it on my belt. Ashtxsniper the Bladeshop.com has a becker brute for like 74 dollars and doesn't say they are out of stock so if you want one I'd check there. I did buisness with them before and the shipment came the same week I ordered it and shipping is like 7 bucks but if buy 125 or more worth of stuff it's free. Degal thanks for the pics of your R7 in action they were very helpful. I got a question though, how long did it take to batton through that log/stick and how long did it take to drop that tree? Thanks
 
Minipyro, no problem, glad to help. It took about 5-6 strokes to baton the one (smaller) stick and probably 10-12 through the other, one was a good bit thicker and tougher, scrub oak I think. So about a minute or two maybe. It took me around 15 minutes or so with the tree, IIRC. It was about 5" thick scrub oak. If you're really interested in the Rangers, you might want to check out their board on the other forum. Ranger Knives Forum. Lot's more great info there.

Josh
 
Alright Degal I'll have to check out that forum later tonight. I know your not supposed to use a a metal hammer or something to baton with but can you use like a rubber or wooden mallet? Or are you better of just finding a nice sized stick? And when you cut down that 5" tree were you tired at the end or was it easy work? Thanks again (don't mean to be bugging you)
 
Not a prob, again, glad to help. I just use a decent diameter stick, usually about 1 1/2 - 2" thick, and a comfortable length, 1 - 1 1/2 feet for me. Really just whatever happens to be around. After cutting that tree down, I wasn't really tired, just a little shoulder burn... :D I probably could have been a lot more efficient though, and quicker. I pretty much just attacked it.

Josh
 
Haha alright Josh you just about answered all my questions, I think I'm going to get a R7 since it can chop, baton, and isn't so huge. Thanks again for all your help.
 
Sure, glad I was of some help. It was on BF and KF that I found out about Ranger Knives back when I got my first. Everybody here helped me out, (mostly by me reading & lurking, but...) so I'm happy to have the opportunity to pass it on down the line.

Just as an added incentive, too, after doing all that and a whole heck of a lot more, my RD7 will still shave arm hair. The only sharpening I've done on it is a bit of stropping (with 1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper over a phonebook) to get a hair-popping edge not long after I received it. Probably ten minutes total time spent with that. I can't tell you how many small trees have met their demise, or how much kindling I've split since then.

If you've got a big enough peanut butter jar, it'll make a mean PB&J, too. :D Just ask Leatherface... Though he uses a smaller version. Well, I'm gonna go make me a sandwich now, went and made myself hungry.

Josh
 
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