Ranger RD7 vs. RD9

Yosemite Sam

Yosemite Sam

Joined
Dec 17, 2001
Messages
1,055
I'm in the market for a survival knife to add to the collection, and really like everything I've read about Ranger, as well as the prices.

I've got a Becker Patrol Machete to handle big chopping chores, and a couple of 6-1/2" Bowies that make good camp knives. I want a 1/4" stout carbon steel bladed knife, but can't decide between the RD7 and the RD9.

I've always leaned toward shorter blades as I find they tend to be more useful. But the RD7 is so close in size to my Bowies I wonder if the RD9 would round out the collection better.

How does the balance of these two knives compare? Are there any other factors that would make someone lean one way or the other?

I know, I know: "buy both", but a man's gotta eat, too. Oh, and not aggravate the wife too much in the pursuit of hobbies. And there are a number of slipjoints I still want.

Finally, yes, I'm aware of Swamp Rat, Busse, etc. I'm pretty settled on Ranger, just can't decide which.

Thanks in advance,

-- Sam
 
Up front, I have never used an RD7, but I got my first Ranger, an RD9 a month ago, and it is amazing. It carries very light on the hip, and the choil is just about perfect for doing smaller work (it will never be SMALL, but it does better that I though it would). I originally bought the RD9 to tide me over until the new Swamp Rats came out, but now I have no interest in getting another big knife. A great knife and a great buy.:thumbup:
 
RD7 has about an almost 8" blade, so yes, it's big enough, and fits nicely into your collection.

The RD9's just too big for me, and weighs a lot too. Besides, you can get a orange micarta-handled flat-ground RD7 for $100 shipped, whereas an RD9 is $20 more- and it can't do hardly anything the RD7 can't do.
 
Yeah, after spending the evening reading about Rangers, measuring things, and using 7" kitchen knives (it was a good brisket) I think I'll stick with the RD7, which was my original plan. The RD9, at 15-1/4" overall, is darn near as big as the machete.

Thanks for the replies,

-- Sam
 
If you order your ranger from BrigadeQuaterMaster.com and sign up for their newsletter first, you can get 20 bucks off your purchase. I personally have the RD9 and wouldn't trade it for the 7. If those few ounces determine if you buy one or not do yourself a favor and hit the gym. The 9 is handy enough to handle large task and well suited enough to handle the small ones. Don't compromise, if your gonna go...GO BIG!!
 
Gravelface said:
If you order your ranger from BrigadeQuaterMaster.com and sign up for their newsletter first, you can get 20 bucks off your purchase.
Click to expand...
Are they still offering that? There's nothing about it on their website.

I'm thinking about getting one with a satin finish, so it'll probably be a special order anyway. Don't know how that affects the same price. I suppose I'll find out.

-- Sam
 
As of a month ago they were.
Really fast shipping also. 3 days to my door from the time I ordered it.
I am also a fan of the satin look, and am taking mine to the project shed.
The black coat came off with use a specialty tool ( a bic ball point pen cap). not very durable, unlike the blade.
Jason
 
Paraglock
You must go to www.knifeforums.com look for the Ranger knife forum and view the many pictures and reviews on all the Rangers. You can also get a size that is not offered if you ask justin he will make whatever you want. I have an RD6 RD7 RD9.5(custom) all satin/flat grind/black handles. Plus an RD7 hollow grind black coating.
 
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