Ranger RD9 differences

dfcrane

dfcrane

Joined
Feb 27, 2000
Messages
1,341
I am interested in ordering a Ranger RD9 from Ranger knives. I have seen people refer to the new style RD9 and an old style RD9. I have been told Justin will make both styles. Can someone explain the difference between these or post a picture of both styles. Thanks for your responses.
 
Listen to my $.02, if you will. I bought a RD7 from Justin. Great guy. Strong knife. Heavy knife. Get yourself a Fallkniven A1 or A2 instead. You will never look back. And you will never regret it. On the other hand, you may need to take the circuitous route I took...for one will never know what one has unless one can compare it to what one had, eh?
 
The old style is a spear point, and has a "birds beak" pommel, the new has a semi clip point, and a "skull crusher" type pommel. Other than that, pretty much the same, all more recent are flat ground, oh, and the original ones were hollow ground, but there weren't very many of those made. Hope that helps you with what you wanted!
 
You are quite right that he will still make you one in the old style but it will cost you more money as I asked recently about an old style RD4.
Saying that however, even with the extra payment they are still some of the best value knives on the planet with a guarantee that can't be beat !!!!
 
I got a newer RD9 and don't regret it one bit. I had Justin give it a satin finish and sharpen up the swedge. One of my favorite knives.
 
Nice, I still have the link: http://img276.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rdcomparetc5.jpg
rdcomparetc5.jpg
 
Thank you guys very much for the information and the pictures. I think I would like an old style RD9.
 
I, too, prefer my Ranger RDs the new way. The full flat grind is more acute and cuts better, and the pommel is fun for bashing things with.
 
Elen said:
I, too, prefer my Ranger RDs the new way. The full flat grind is more acute and cuts better, and the pommel is fun for bashing things with.
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:):):)

Those RDs are certainly all about having fun making big things into lots of little things, aren't they?
 
Elen said:
I, too, prefer my Ranger RDs the new way. The full flat grind is more acute and cuts better, and the pommel is fun for bashing things with.
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Elen,
I think they are both flat grinds, old and new style. Justin made a few hollow grinds early on from what I understand. In a knife this size and this thickness, I much prefer the stouter tip the spear point provides. To each his own I understand and can appreciate. Either way, it's a great knife:)
 
CitizenQ said:
Listen to my $.02, if you will. I bought a RD7 from Justin. Great guy. Strong knife. Heavy knife. Get yourself a Fallkniven A1 or A2 instead. You will never look back. And you will never regret it. On the other hand, you may need to take the circuitous route I took...for one will never know what one has unless one can compare it to what one had, eh?
Click to expand...

I agree with Q on this.

I own an A1 and was just recently planning on purchasing an RD6, that was until I actually got the chance to handle one for myself. The words that immediately rushed to my mind were "Sharpened Pry-bar", it is a big, heavy chunk of steal. I was able to play around with it out in the back yard and was not impressed not only with the fit and finish but with its design. The blade was far to obtuse. Cutting food was difficult and shaping wood was uncomfortable and time consuming compared to my A1. Delicate work was impossible because of poor grind and bad tip design. The handle ergonomics make for a poor comparison to the A1 aswell. Chopping was surprisingly slow for the overall weight of the piece, much more exhausting than the A1. I immediately came to the conclusion that this knife was not suitable for my outdoor activities, the only thing I could think it might be useful for would be... a pry bar with an edge, For battoning through logs. Which if necessary, the A1 does quite well, plus tramples over the Ranger at any other task without comparison.

I strongly suggest that you think about picking up an A1 or A2 (As Q suggested) before buying a Ranger.

Cheers,
~ Wabajack
 
marcinek said:
:):):)

Those RDs are certainly all about having fun making big things into lots of little things, aren't they?
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Pretty much! :D

IUKE12 said:
Elen,
I think they are both flat grinds, old and new style. Justin made a few hollow grinds early on from what I understand. In a knife this size and this thickness, I much prefer the stouter tip the spear point provides. To each his own I understand and can appreciate. Either way, it's a great knife:)
Click to expand...

Really? I was under the impression Justin did sabre grinds on them before, but I'm not sure.

But yes, tastes differ. I don't mind the old style either. But the tips on the new Rangers aren't very fragile, either. :D
 
I have an RD-7, & it is razor sharp & has performed many different tasks very well , Justin will modify any RD, to fit your needs & will bend over backwards to make a customer happy. he also will make a total custom knife to your specs at a reasonable price. check out www.knifeforums.com & look at the Ranger knife forums!
 
I have a RD-6, and have handled the Fallkniven A1.
IMO-Yes the blade design of the F-A1 is more useful for tight work, and does sport a sharp edge. RD-6 is more robust for camp chores, and backcountry adventures.
Now I ask myself one more Q before buying. WHERE IS MY MONEY GOING????
Remaining in the USA with Ranger Knives, or going overseas. I choose the former.
Just IMO
 
RussMo said:
I have a RD-6, and have handled the Fallkniven A1.
IMO-Yes the blade design of the F-A1 is more useful for tight work, and does sport a sharp edge. RD-6 is more robust for camp chores, and backcountry adventures.
Now I ask myself one more Q before buying. WHERE IS MY MONEY GOING????
Remaining in the USA with Ranger Knives, or going overseas. I choose the former.
Just IMO
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Just to add to this, the money not only stays in the USA, but goes to an actual retired Army Ranger, who has no nonsense or hype involved with him, just true professionalism. Justin is a great guy, and like some said, is the most communicative and customer service oriented business owner I've ever come across, in any capacity, not just knives. I have 3 Rangers, all customs is one way or another, and I love them. I would agree on the edges however, they are really thick something like 25deg per side, but I like to sharpen all my knives myself to the edge angles I prefer, so it was no big deal to me.
 
samhain73 said:
Just to add to this, the money not only stays in the USA, but goes to an actual retired Army Ranger, who has no nonsense or hype involved with him, just true professionalism. Justin is a great guy, and like some said, is the most communicative and customer service oriented business owner I've ever come across, in any capacity, not just knives. I have 3 Rangers, all customs is one way or another, and I love them. I would agree on the edges however, they are really thick something like 25deg per side, but I like to sharpen all my knives myself to the edge angles I prefer, so it was no big deal to me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I own both Fällknivens and Rangers, and I like both. While Fällkniven certainly doesn't have any nonsense or hype involved with their operation, neither does Justin. And Justin truly is a great guy to deal with. Rangers and Fällknivens are very different knives, and the companies are different, too. I can't bloody well call Fällkniven and ask for them to build me a custom knife pretty much however I want it, but I can do that with Justin. It's true that the A1 and A2 are better cutters than the standard Ranger RDs are. On the other hand, it's equally true that the Rangers are tougher. If you really want to seriously beat on a knife, a Ranger is a better choice for that. Rangers are also much cheaper (yes, even for me, although I live in Finland with Fällkniven based just across the border in Sweden, and Justin operates way over there in the USA) and have a better warranty. If I had to choose to buy from only one of the two, it would be a very difficult choice. Glad I don't have to make it! :D
 
Please don't think I was saying that Fallkniven was hype! I've never seen anything but no nonsense blades and advertising from them. If you like stainless fixed blades, they are one of the best choices by far!
I was just pointing out that Justin really was an "Operator" and never used that fact to capitalize on people, or his product, like others have. It was kinda off topic, sorry.
 
I disagree with comments on the cutting performance of the RD series. Yes, when you first get it th edge geo is obtuse but it only takes about 20 minutes to change that.

Mine cuts like a champ. I have the RD-4. For the money this knife can't be beat. The A-1 are thick too! I am not sure if it is exactly 1/4 but it is close.

It is all in the grind.
 
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