Ranger or Ontario RAT

XMP

XMP

Joined
Feb 9, 2007
Messages
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I'm looking for a decent quality medium sized utility knife for dayhiking and backpacking. I've narrowed my choices down to the Ranger RD6 or the RAT7. These knives seem very similar, so other than the slight blade length differences (although the RD comes in 7.5 as well), what reasons, if any, make one better than the other.

(BTW I'd only be interested in a RAT in 1095, not D2).
 
imho the ranger handle feels much much more comfortable than the rats :thumbup:

other than that (and a few minor difference like the jimping, pommel, finish etc etc)... iono, the choice is up to you :D :thumbup:
 
Stock thickness, the RD6 is 1/4 inch at the spine, the RAT is 3/16, I believe. I have the RD6 and it makes for a good chopper in a pinch.
 
I had to choose between those 2 as well. I went for the Ranger.

A REALLY good point is customer service. Justin is just great to deal with, and that's important for me.
 
I do alot of mods to both. If you only want to carry one knife, I'd opt for the RAT. They have a thinner edge and tip, making them a little more versatile. If you don't mind carrying a smaller knife for smaller tasks too, I'd go with the Ranger. They are as rugged as they come. They do, however, have very thick edges and tips (built for chopping). Option 3, buy a Ranger and have it modified with a penetrator tip, and a reprofiled edge. I have two for sale right now. Here's a link to the post so you can see what I mean about the mods.
Good Luck,
Scott

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4580179#post4580179
 
Tanguay Custom Knives said:
I do alot of mods to both. If you only want to carry one knife, I'd opt for the RAT. They have a thinner edge and tip, making them a little more versatile. If you don't mind carrying a smaller knife for smaller tasks too, I'd go with the Ranger. They are as rugged as they come. They do, however, have very thick edges and tips (built for chopping). Option 3, buy a Ranger and have it modified with a penetrator tip, and a reprofiled edge. I have two for sale right now. Here's a link to the post so you can see what I mean about the mods.
Good Luck,
Scott

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4580179#post4580179
Click to expand...

WoW! Scott that is some amazing work! I'm liking the serrations on the RD-3.75. I WILL have my eyes open for more of your sales.

A note for everyone else: Scott does great work and he's a pleasure to deal with. I own a few of his pieces (including a customized Ranger) and they are all top notch:thumbup: .
 
Leatherface said:
Ranger!!!!


Scott is going to do the mods on my Wererabbit once he ges time!! WOOHOO!!!
Click to expand...

Hey Dave,
Let me finish up a few more projects I have started/promised/on deck, then you're up! I think I was down to 28 at last count. I haven't forgotten about you. I'm getting closer. :)

Thank you,
Scott
 
Another vote for the Ranger. I don't know what I'd do without my RD7. Though, as has been mentioned, the edges and tips are a bit on the thick side, if you talk to Justin I'm sure he'd be more than willing to work with you on thinning the edge down a bit. He worked with me on my RD7 quite a bit.
 
What would be the compative cost and turn around time on having Scott do some mods versus having Justin do it himself?

BTW I usually have at least one smaller knife and either a LM or SAK along. So the thickness doesn't automatically scare me away.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either !
If you want more of a cutter I would go with the Ranger but if you want more of a chopper I would get the RAT.
I don't think for a minute that you would ever break either blade !!
I think if I had to choose I would pick a Ranger, but if I finished up with the RAT I would still be a happy man !!!
 
mmmotorcycle said:
WoW! Scott that is some amazing work! I'm liking the serrations on the RD-3.75. I WILL have my eyes open for more of your sales.

A note for everyone else: Scott does great work and he's a pleasure to deal with. I own a few of his pieces (including a customized Ranger) and they are all top notch:thumbup: .
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more,i have two from him myself.My RD4 from Scott is my favourite small fixed blade at the moment.
 
For what it's worth, Id say Ranger. I've been told many times he's a great guy with AWSOME knives. :D
 
So, anyone used both a Ranger RD6 and an RD7. Is there really much difference? I tend to prefer 6" knives (a CS SRK has been my most frequent user for this intended purpose). Will I realize lose or gain much if I stick with the 6, instead of the 7? Is that extra inch make much of a difference for batoning and chopping?
 
Because they are thick, it's more of a weight issue I feel. Something you need to consider if your planning on day hikes . My RD7 is a tank!
Rats are fine blades but I would go with Ranger on this one, say RD6. You can get it customized any way you want it, for a bargain (for a semi custom), and fast! I got my RD7 with orange G-10 scales , satin finish in 3 days after I finalized with Justin. The man is a wizard :)

here's a picture I posted in a thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471974&page=2
 
Dantor...how did you you get the handle dark orange? Mine came in a light two tone orange...
 
wow, I didn't do nothing to mine, all Justins work. Maybe a different manufacturer or run.
 
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