Ranger RD-6 Afghan - Busse killer!

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,193
Hey all,

I just recently traded into a Ranger RD-6 Afghan and it is an impressive piece of steel. I haven't given it much thought but I just had a bit of an urge to do some chopping so I went outside and started pounding on a sawed off piece of tree that I keep handy for such occasions.

I must say I am impressed! The knife is 1/4 inch (6mms) thick 1095 so I expected fairly good things but its the handle design that really does the trick. It has a cool birds beak so you can really get a good grip on it. The thick micarta scales are nicely radiused so I don't foresee too many blisters if you have to keep chopping for a while.

Bear in mind this is only a 6,5 inch blade so not a monster by any means. But the thickness and weight of the steel gives it a tremendous amount of cleaving power. Plus the previous owner convexed the blade which helps.

I am comparing the knife to my BATAC, which is of a similar size. When I first got the BATAC I thought, geez, now THIS is a knife! Well, the Ranger makes it look a wee bit wimpy to be frank. The only other Busse I have is a BM but its not really fair to compare that with the Ranger. The BM is still the chopper king! :D

I don't have a video camera or I would happily take some video of the action.... sorry about that!

Ranger RD-6 and Busse BATAC
RD-6007.jpg


6mms thick
RD-6005.jpg


5mms thick - Ranger feels much heavier due to flat grind and longer blade
RD-6006.jpg


Great grip ergos!
RD-6008.jpg


Testing platform
RD-6009.jpg
 
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Yes it is a custom. I guess he was looking to create some visual interest. The problem is the green and black micarta (which is actually grey in colour) both absorb fluids really easily so the colour differentiation is lost. In terms of aesthetics, particularly as far as scales go, the BATAC is a clear winner! ;)

HoosierQ said:
Looks like two pieces of micarta on both sides. Repair? Custom?
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I have the RD 6, 7 & 9 all with the non-coated finish and they all preform very well but the RD 6 is the one I've used most over the past several years. It's a very stout blade and has proved to be a great all around camp knife. I used the Spyderco diamond coated Duckfoot sharpener to put a nice sharp edge on it and it'll chop more than enough wood for a fire (or whatever else you need done) and still slice meat very easily. Very nice knife for a great price. I ordered all mine on the phone from Justin and he couldn't have been any nicer.

Does he still take on new knife orders?
 
I passed on the RD9. I have heard but not seen first hand 5160 steel chipping issues. 1095 seems to be tried and true. But then again alot of this has to do with heat treating and how well that company can do it. I have an RC-5...pry bar!!! Holy crap. This is the sharpest knife out of the box I have had yet. Sharper than my Fallknivens or Mora. It is crazy and the most even...no dead spots. RAT is really a sweet company!! Love the sheath but that knife is heavy!! 1lb. I tend to use the S1 more. More versatile because of size and weight...I actually dont mind the sheath. it does lock in well so it wont fall out.
 
I think the issue with 5160 is the Rc rating it is near 60 if not 60...making the blade hard as hell...aka more brittle. So chipping might be an issue simply because of hardness...but once again I cannot confirm it. I have only read it as well as seen too many youtube yahoos comment on it...including nutnfancy.

Sharpening of 5160...I do not know how well or easy they are to touch up but I would imagine average for sharpening once again based on hardness. I do however love how the are far more corrosion resistant than 1095. The sheaths are very nice from ranger RD series. I love the secondary utility pocket. What is the weight of the RD6? I know the length is 6" in the blade which is why I didn't go with it for a 0.25" blade and size must have some weight to it. But once again I cant confirm it. That is were I really like the A1 I have....travels well and seems to really perform, not too little, not too heavy, not too light!
 
soapboxpreacher said:
I passed on the RD9. I have heard but not seen first hand 5160 steel chipping issues.
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Haven't heard that. Bill Siegle uses 5160 for all his knives, including big choppers. Member WILLIAM.M has used more Siegle knives than anybody, and I don't think he has ever seen any edge damage.
 
resinguy said:
Haven't heard that. Bill Siegle uses 5160 for all his knives, including big choppers. Member WILLIAM.M has used more Siegle knives than anybody, and I don't think he has ever seen any edge damage.
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Very good point. :thumbup: To be fair to the BATAC a better comparison would be between the RD-6 and the NO-E or BATAC SE/LE. All rugged.
 
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resinguy said:
Haven't heard that. Bill Siegle uses 5160 for all his knives, including big choppers. Member WILLIAM.M has used more Siegle knives than anybody, and I don't think he has ever seen any edge damage.
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You are correct Sir

I have used and abused Siegle and Ranger Knives

5160 is a Tougher steel that 1095

and I'll wager that Ranger is also 5160(That is what Justin uses most in the RD line)

(I have beaten the hell out of many 5160 knives and have had none of them chip)

Ranger makes a great knife(as does Siegle)--Both use 5160--cause it works.
 
Dude, you are right, my bad! This knife is in fact 5160 and NOT 1095 as I originally stated. ;)

WILLIAM.M said:
You are correct Sir

and I'll wager that Ranger is also 5160(That is what Justin uses most in the RD line)

(I have beaten the hell out of many 5160 knives and have had none of them chip)

Ranger makes a great knife(as does Siegle)--Both use 5160--cause it works.
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:thumbup:I have a pile of Rangers and one of Bill's and have NEVER had any trouble with 5160 at all. Both makers are great guys and make purely tough knives. :thumbup:
 
Honestly, I wouldn't try attacking Jerry with that little knife.

It would just bounce off his invincible liver.

And then you would face ... The Revenge of the Drunken Designer.:eek::eek:

The carnage would be awesome.:D
 
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