RAT 7 in D2 Hardness

[Bowie Mike]

I just bought a RAT7 in D2. Looks and feels like a solid knife.

When I slide it across a ceramic rod there is practically no resistance, and it rings like a piece of glass! It appears to be super hard steel, which is great...but I am a little worried that it may be too hard for chopping.

Anybody have any problems with D2 chipping or with the RAT7 in general?

Thanks

 

[waterboiler]

I too have the RAT-7 in D2 as well as a RAT-5 in 1095. All my knives are users not collectors. D2 is a much harder steel than the more common ( but just as functional ) 1095. Is it more prone to chipping - probably but it has never been an issue for me. It keeps it edge really well and when used as a knife, not a prybar or scrapper on materials that make sense for a knife ( ie. not for hacking through cement ) D2 is a great choice.

If you are going to abuse a knife, like the stuff mentioned above, then 1095 being 'tougher' is a better choice of steel. I have an Ontario Survival Matchette in 1095 that I use as my 'abuse' tool.

The RAT-7 is a great blade for a general purpose bush/camp knife. Not too big for smaller tasks ( fire prep ) but still large enough to help chop up kindling/twigs... If I need to hack, I carry a hatchet. If I need to fillet a fish, then a fillet knife. I have filleted fish with a RAT-7 type knife, you can do it but not the prefered style of blade.

Enjoy your RAT-7 it is a great general purpose bush knife.

 

[Bowie Mike]

Thanks for the info Waterboiler - I'll give it a try on some fire wood (pine) and see how it performs.

I typically don't abuse my knives either, but I do a fair amount of chopping - usually in softer woods for fire making, etc.