RTAK dilemma

Mentioning machetes--I read on the RAT website that Jeff carries an ATM (American Trail Master) by TOPS Knives in his BOB. It leads me to hope that maybe we'll have an overpriced hatchet in the RAT line up some day!

Jeff--any kind of review for this piece of equipment?
 
shotgunner11 said:
I thought the same thing but people seem to really be liking them and they are crazy cheap.


Who knows.
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They have a fantastic heat-treatment and convexed edges. The sheaths are phenomenal as well. Even though they use 420HC, it's actually a great steel for the task with the treatment they give it. I don't trust a stainless machete from anyone else as far as I can through it, and I don't have much of a pitching arm.

The are starting to introduce carbon models this year, too, by the way. ;)
 
There is nothing wrong with the Condor line or the steel. I use them and love them.

The ATM is a good piece to throw in a bag. It has some heft to it for tough chores. Keep your eyes on SWAT magazine for a full review of it along with my favorite multi-tool: the SOG PowerAssist.

RC does indeed have an interest in producing the RTAK, just not sure when we will have time to get it on our plate. The RTAK was designed as a cross between a sheath knife and a machete, thus it is an over-priced machete in my mind ;) With that said, there are a lot of them in service across the world. Many of them with the narcotics guys.
 
R.A.T. said:
RC does indeed have an interest in producing the RTAK, just not sure when we will have time to get it on our plate. The RTAK was designed as a cross between a sheath knife and a machete, thus it is an over-priced machete in my mind ;) With that said, there are a lot of them in service across the world. Many of them with the narcotics guys.
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I had one of the original RTAKs from Ontario. However, on the first test with a 2x4 their heat treatment revealed something to be desired -- it blew a big chunk out the size of your finger. They sent me a new one, but my Ontario trust factor was significantly lowered by the first test. So to make a long story short the replacement RTAK became a gift to a tribal chief in Africa, who now uses it for slaughtering goats for food in the village and other tasks. I believe having a knife like that doesn't hurt his image much with his people, either. Probably his most prized possession. So it all worked out OK in the end.

Now I just need a nice over priced machete that doesn't say Ontario...
 
I had the Livesay RTAK...it was great but not much use in my area.... I had a RTAK II as well very nice chopper.I am awaiting the RAT Cutlery version of anything in that realm.
 
If you don't want to wait for RAT's overpriced machete, check out Off the Map Ouitfitters' modified machete. It's a hand-modified machete (and company run by) forum member Brian Andrews.

BTW, IMO 420HC is about as close to 1095 as stainless gets. If you want a blade in 1095, but want it in stainless, 420HC is a good way to go, provided a good heat treat (true with any steel).
 
Well for big choppers, I really only have a couple. I love my Ranger RD-9 (made when Ranger Knifes was still Justin) and I really like my KaBar Cutlass. Kinda in the RTAK size grouping.... and it works really well. And it will do until RAT decides that I need another loan on my house and comes out with a big chopper... :)
 
Minuteman said:
I've wondered about that one. Have you cut and/or split wood with it?
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I am also interested in its wood splitting abilities - it might be what I need if I am to avoid buying from Ontario. I am ok with supporting Ka-Bar (plus the cutlass is like $50).
 
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Becker Combat Bowie
https://www.kabar.com/product_detai...egoryId=1,2,3,7,8,9&categoryName=New Products
BK9_large.jpg
 
I haven't messed with the new Ka-Bar offerings yet, but the Cammillus version was great and if Ethan put's his name on it, I would trust it. He's just a good dude.
 
It is Ontario's business practices - the knives that they make, especially the RAT designed ones are fine I'm sure :-)
 
Masteroffajitas said:
I don't see a problem giving money to Ontario, they make good knives.
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It isn't the knife, it is how they are trying to bully (If that is the word?) RAT.

As to the subject, just because you have all got me excited about a RAT Chopper, I have started a "piggy bank" for it. This way I will have the money for it when ti comes out if it is in the winter, or sometime when I am unable to get any money excluding crappy unemployment.

Here is to a sweet RAT Chopper :thumbup:
 
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