Rangers and Rats?

It really depends on what you want.

If we're talking the bigger Ranger models like RD6 to RD9, then we're talking of seriously heavy and thick knives made out of great steel (5160) for hard use. You can chop and baton with these guys all day long, and if you feel like prying boulders, go for it - you're pretty darn unlikely to break one of these things, and if you somehow succeed, Rangers have a great warranty. I own an RD7, and am very pleased with it. On the other hand, the big Rangers aren't scalpels. These blades aren't for precise work, but that should be obvious just from looking at them. That problem is easily solved though - just stuff a SAK or a small folder in the sheath with the Ranger if you feel like you need a more precise cutter.

As for the Ontario RATs, I have some of those, too. Quite honestly, I don't much like them. These things aren't as tough as the really tough ones, like Busse, Scrapyard, Swamprat, Ranger, etc. And they aren't as good at plain cutting, edge holding and ergonomics as for example Fällkniven, in my experience. The RATs have steel that is either too soft or too D2, choils that don't belong on small to medium size knives, and highly varied fit and finish. Not for me, but there are guys out there that love them, so I think it might be best to try one and see how you like it.
 
Sounds like the Ontario Rats are going to be the thing for me. I've already handled some of them but not used them. I believe a knife should be extremely sharp and I don't think sharpened pry bars are really necessary. They're not for me, anyway. Some people think they are must-have items, I don't.

I was basically looking at the RAT7 and the RTAKII or whatever they are calling it now. I have a Becker-7 and a Becker-Necker which are my primary outdoor fixed blades and have been for a few years.
 
It seems to me that the Ranger knives will be superior if you do a lot of prying or heavy batoning with your knife. The RATs would be superior if you're doing. . .knife tasks with your knife.

If you're looking at the RAT-7, I own a 1095 version and it's a great knife in the field. But I also carry a hatchet or a kukri to do the heavy chopping.
 
While I agree with the anti-sharpened pry bar argument, I must say that working with Justin on an individual basis is worth your time. He was very helpful in putting together my spear-point RD 4 and then also helpful in suggesting a reprofiled edge to make it a razor sharp slicer and still maintain it's ability to chop. The thickness of the knife gives me comfort and I'm one who appreciates knowing the knife is in my hand, the weight is not an issue, especially with a good leather sheath.
Just some of my thoughts.
 
I got almost all the RAT models (in 1095) and almost all RD models in standard configuration.

The sharpening argument doesn't count for me. If it's dull I'll sharpen it. Simple.

It just depends on your use what knife you want to use.

For a several days, full load hike, I prefer my RAT-3 or TAK-1. When I expect to run into some bush I have to whack away on that same hike, I take the RTAK (which is in the mail as we speak :D ) or RAT-7 instead of the TAK-1.

When I just go for a short trip, I take the RD for fun, because it's such a beast. But the weight is a issue with the RD7 and RD9. Not a problem but an issue to consider.

Just use you knife what you want it for. I don't try to chop off rocks or pry in the rocky surface. Instead I make a digging stick.

I've build shelters with a RAT-3. Even with a SAK camper. Yes, it does take time, but it works.
A tool is an addition to your mind. Not the otherway 'round!!

CZ
 
I own several RAT's 1.RTAKII 2.RAT-7 1095 3.TAK 1095 4.TAK D2 5.RAT3 1095 6.RAT3 D2 all plain edge and for the money and quality hard to beat the Rat line-up, never held or owned a Ranger knife but heard only good things as well for them... just buy one of the RAT's and a Ranger knife and let us know which you prefer ?
 
I own a RAT3 and would like to order an RD6. That said......

You take two reputable companies and give them steel. To one you give 5160, the other 1095. They give back to you 2 pieces of steel with micarta or special rubber/plastic/poly stuff, each on one end of these pieces of steel. Both companies know how to make knives....it's what they do. Oh...and both pieces of steel sell for about the same amount of money.

How in the world can one be significantly better than the other???? Remember: 2 pieces of steel. How? Fixed-blade knives are pretty simple devices. They don't even need an owner's manual!

I'd say go with the one that you see yourself carrying around and using.

(I couldn;t resist) :D
 
StretchNM said:
...How in the world can one be significantly better than the other????Remember: 2 pieces of steel. How? Fixed-blade knives are pretty simple devices. They don't even need an owner's manual!
...
Click to expand...

Setting aside the metal question, what makes one knife "better" than another
is the design of the knife as a whole in light of your intended use.

I have some knives that are made from some very good material, but after using I find that the ergonomics are not good.
Conversely, some knives that are made with plain, nothing special materials, have excellent design ergonomics.

You' generally reach for the knife that "feels" best for the job.

Like I said, setting aside the materials question, it's how well the design of the knife fits your hand,
in order to do the job, that makes one better than another.

Of course the holy grail is to have a knife with the perfect design put together with the finest materials...:)

(I couldn't resist ether...:D)
 
Comparing the RAT's to Ranger knives seem pretty common on the forums but to be honest I see very little similarities other then maybe appearance.

A friend loaned me his RD7 about a year ago for a week long camping trip. I liked the knife and used it for a variety of chores and the like through out the trip. One thing that bothered me was the way it fit my hand...or didn't rather. The handle seemed short and my hand felt crowded between the guard and pommel or end of the handle. I really don't feel I have large hands. I later purchased a RAT-7 satin in D2. To me, a world of difference. The knife fit comfortable in my hand and I really liked the steel. I thought about buying a Ranger RD7 but decided it just didn't make sense seeing I already have a RAT-7 in D2.

We are planning another trip here in the very near future and I'll have another chance to compare them then.
 
I have the Ranger RD6 and Ontario TAK-1. The Ranger grip is a bit crowded while the TAK feels much more comfortable. If I ever go custom on a Ranger, the handle is the first mod I would ask for.
 
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