RAT/Ontario RTAK II and "n00b" ramblings.

T

tgo-mdai

Joined
Jan 17, 2011
Messages
75
Not sure if this is the correct forum as I don't see an Ontario sub forum, but I wanted to say that I am very pleased with my latest purchase of a RAT labled RTAK II. This is quite the chopper. I was able to chop through some branches on my African Sumac tree. The largest branch was about 5" thick.

The Junglas is apparently the newest iteration of this beast and may one day be in my collection. Will the RTAK II fit in the Junglas sheath? I am going to make some modification to the sheath to add more blade retention (thanks to nutnfancy and PackRat556 on youtube).

After reading and reading and reading, the RAT/ESEE line of knives, to me at least, are simply amazing. The simplicity of the knives and the real world use by others are what have me hooked.

I plan on finishing my Ontario RAT collection and moving on to collecting (and using) the ESEE line of knives.

My Ontario/RAT collection at this time consists of:

RAT Model 1 (First Production Run)
RAT 3 D2
RTAK II

Hopefully the ESEE folder will be available and in my hands. Can someone tell me why the ESEE 5 is not a full flat grind? Just would like some info on this design.

Thanks.

m-
 
RTAK II is a great knife, got one myself. I ask the same question about it fitting into the Junglas sheath. I was told it would not. Your gonna love buying some ESEE knives. YOur wallet might groan a bit however. Not because they are high priced......It's just Damn hard to stop buying them!

From what I have heard about the 5, is that it was made to the specs of a S.E.R.E group and produced of course by ESEE.


And.....WELCOME ABOARD!
 
So I want to update this post.

The first RTAK II that i bought was a partially serrated version. I was using it in the back yard to delimb a tree and it broke! It broke at the beginning of the serrations.

PICT0212.jpg


I was a bit disappointed. The knife broke doing a job that I would never have thought was "difficult". The branches that I was cutting off were maybe at most 3/4". I called the Ontario Knife Company the following Monday and they told me to send it in. I asked if I could get a plain edge version of the RTAK II so I could avoid this type of situation again. They sent me a brand spanking new RTAK II plain edge.

I have an urge to start buying the ESEE line starting with the 5, but I want to get the last remaining D2 variants of the Ontario-RAT collabo. That would be the TAK 1, RAT 5, and if I can, RAT 7.

Then I'll get the ESEE 5, zippo, and the list just doesn't seem to end.

m-
 
Dang, wouldn't have expected that! Well at least they replaced it without a hassel.Good to hear. I've beat my RTAK II up pretty well without any issues. I have a Junglas on the way...Actually was expecting it today, but it was a no show.......Maybe tomorrow!
 
It amazes me that those things are still floating around. If you guys ever get a Junglas you'll wonder why you ever bought the RTAK-II.

But welcome to the ESEE sub-forum. Would you like some of our Kool-aid? Its very good!
 
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This is not intended as a bash, but a statement based on a lot of user statements....

There have been some heat treat issues with RTAKs. Chip out, blade breakages, etc.
 
I figure the Ontario/RAT collabo will be my "gateway" knife to a purebred ESEE knife. Until then, I'll sip my Capri Sun until I am ready for the kool aid. :)

m-
 
don't sweat it bro...the rtak II is a fine blade...remember it is still a Randall designed blade...i have large hands so i actually like mine.....most complain the grip is to big..
 
As luck would have it, I seem to have a box of Kool Aid staring at me...

I can get a TAK 1 in D2 steel or for 2.00 more I can get the RC-4 in Desert Tan. I didn't realize that the RC-4 was priced that way.

Oh no. Does it begin???

m-
 
We actually never wanted to put serrations on the RTAK II. They have no practical purpose on that knife. Sort of like tits on a boar hog. But concessions are made here and there:) Mike
 
I've had my pre-split RTAK II since 2006. It has chopped down small gum trees, sycamore trees, poplar trees, pine, etc. hey, I can't complain about it. I can chop quite a while and then use a hone steel or leather to straighten out the edge and it still doesn't need resharpening. I guess I got a good one, with all the stuff I hear.

I am thinking about a Junglas though. :cool:
 
tgo-mdai said:
As luck would have it, I seem to have a box of Kool Aid staring at me...

I can get a TAK 1 in D2 steel or for 2.00 more I can get the RC-4 in Desert Tan. I didn't realize that the RC-4 was priced that way.

Oh no. Does it begin???

m-
Click to expand...

Let's see, best warranty in the business for $2. I think I'd do it. Not to mention the excellent quality, fit and attention to detail. Oh and the Rowen heat treat. :D
 
tgo-mdai said:
As luck would have it, I seem to have a box of Kool Aid staring at me...

I can get a TAK 1 in D2 steel or for 2.00 more I can get the RC-4 in Desert Tan. I didn't realize that the RC-4 was priced that way.

Oh no. Does it begin???

m-
Click to expand...
I got the RAT 3 D2 long time ago, long before Ontario and R.A.T.(Randall Adventure Training) split. (there was no RC Knives yet). But after I bough the RC-3, I gave the RAT-3 D2 to my brother:rolleyes:. Get the ESEE 4 it will put a smile on your face;).
 
Politics and bias aside, are people being too critical on the RTAK-II? I understand everyone rants and raves about the Junglas, but does that demote the RTAK-II to chopped liver? Everyone agrees, great warranty but what about the knives themselves? Does everyone really believe that the RTAK-II deserves no mention and that they are just toys until people "graduate" to use a Junglas?
 
Arkanian said:
Politics and bias aside, are people being too critical on the RTAK-II? I understand everyone rants and raves about the Junglas, but does that demote the RTAK-II to chopped liver? Everyone agrees, great warranty but what about the knives themselves? Does everyone really believe that the RTAK-II deserves no mention and that they are just toys until people "graduate" to use a Junglas?
Click to expand...

actually i don't think anyone is knocking the rtak...like i said..i love mine....but that said...the junglas does have a little better grip for some and better f and f.....i will probably not get a junglas just because i don't need two large choppers....but for someone with normal size hands..lol...i could see them wanting to upgrade......
 
I have one and love it. Heat treat seems good, it holds and edge pretty good. Better then expected. I did notice the angle on the bevel isnt consistent. Became specially clear when i took my Edge pro to it, its screaming sharp but the bevel on one side is 1.5 times higher/wider than the other. No biggie though.
Nice blade
 
I also have a whole pile of ESEE and RAT product. It's all good stuff because these tools were designed by two guys who knew what was needed in some pretty harsh environments. Buy with confidence!
 
tersfeld said:
RTAK II is a great knife, got one myself. I ask the same question about it fitting into the Junglas sheath. I was told it would not. QUOTE]

I have both the Junglas and the RTAK II the RTAK will fit in the Junglas sheath, but it dosn't lock in. But if you do up the handle snap it'll stay in place.
Click to expand...
 
I also have the Rtak II, and have not had any issue yet . I have blasted my RTAK through many a tree, and that 1095 still takes an edge time will tell though and when it fails I hope ontario will give me a new one so I can sell it, and buy a Junglas=) I have had my RAT 1 folder that completely failed on me though but that for another thread.......
 
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