RTAK
- Thread starter Jeff S
- Start date
I purchased mine several months ago, and am very pleased with it. It is a bit larger than I thought, but altogether there probably isn't a better survival knife out there for $150. It is excellently made, and very solid.
I like the fact that it is not too thick, (3/16" max. at handle) because it lessens the weight of the knife and makes it a better chopper of grass, plants, and the like. From end of handle to tip of blade it is actually 10 3/4" long, and such a big knife would have been too heavy if it were 1/4" thick. All in all it is a great knife and happens to be my favorite at the moment. You can't go wrong with Wicked Knife Co. and their knives - I beleive they are the best knives out there for your money.
I like the fact that it is not too thick, (3/16" max. at handle) because it lessens the weight of the knife and makes it a better chopper of grass, plants, and the like. From end of handle to tip of blade it is actually 10 3/4" long, and such a big knife would have been too heavy if it were 1/4" thick. All in all it is a great knife and happens to be my favorite at the moment. You can't go wrong with Wicked Knife Co. and their knives - I beleive they are the best knives out there for your money.
I purchased mine several months ago, and am very pleased with it. It is a bit larger than I thought, but altogether there probably isn't a better survival knife out there for $150. It is excellently made, and very solid.
I like the fact that it is not too thick, (3/16" max. at handle) because it lessens the weight of the knife and makes it a better chopper of grass, plants, and the like. From end of handle to tip of blade (blade length) is actually 10 3/4" long, and such a big knife would have been too heavy if it were 1/4" thick. All in all it is a great knife and happens to be my favorite at the moment. You can't go wrong with Wicked Knife Co. and their knives - I beleive they are the best knives out there for your money.
I like the fact that it is not too thick, (3/16" max. at handle) because it lessens the weight of the knife and makes it a better chopper of grass, plants, and the like. From end of handle to tip of blade (blade length) is actually 10 3/4" long, and such a big knife would have been too heavy if it were 1/4" thick. All in all it is a great knife and happens to be my favorite at the moment. You can't go wrong with Wicked Knife Co. and their knives - I beleive they are the best knives out there for your money.
sorry, sorry, can't resist.... no, I don't have a RTAK (YET) just received a Air Assault.very impressive.this is definetly #1 solid tool & handle fits like it's been moulded with silly putty. now, I too, know why there are so many people raving about Newt (the Hoots )quality & service.I've gone through a number of 4-5in blades over my 40 (odd) years, this one is here to stay. to those whose posted comments... thanks for all the positive feed back on the air assault.stay sharp W
Go ahead and pick one up. You will not be disappointed. I have been through a bunch of large fixed blades over the years, but the RTAK is about the most versitle. So far I have only cleared huge amounts of brush with it and cut a tire from a rim, but it has performed as billed for both those functions.
The blade stock is thinner than some blades of comparable length. This makes a big blade without having to lug around excess weight, and the thin profile really makes it sing when clearing light to medium vegetation. BUT, it chops really well also. Any knife that can hack through rail road ties is good for me.
Everything about the knife is purpose built, from the extended tang with laynard hole to the full length profile blade. The sheath is awesome too, easily a fifty/sixty dollar addition IMHO. Newt stands behind his knives 100 percent, and you'd have to get a hydraulic jack to break it. At the price, there is NO other fixed blade I know of that compares in performance, not even in the same class.
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"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas
The blade stock is thinner than some blades of comparable length. This makes a big blade without having to lug around excess weight, and the thin profile really makes it sing when clearing light to medium vegetation. BUT, it chops really well also. Any knife that can hack through rail road ties is good for me.
Everything about the knife is purpose built, from the extended tang with laynard hole to the full length profile blade. The sheath is awesome too, easily a fifty/sixty dollar addition IMHO. Newt stands behind his knives 100 percent, and you'd have to get a hydraulic jack to break it. At the price, there is NO other fixed blade I know of that compares in performance, not even in the same class.
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"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
Where is the balance point on the RTAK and Rapid Deployment machete?
The blade geometry look nice from a cutting point of view, does anyone knownwhat are Newt's opinions regarding heavy lateral strain on the tip, edge and blade? Anyone used theirs in this area?
For Jeff Randall, what was lacking in the Rapid Deployment that lead to the development of the RTAK?
-Cliff
The blade geometry look nice from a cutting point of view, does anyone knownwhat are Newt's opinions regarding heavy lateral strain on the tip, edge and blade? Anyone used theirs in this area?
For Jeff Randall, what was lacking in the Rapid Deployment that lead to the development of the RTAK?
-Cliff
Cliff,
The RCM has a total length of 18" - 12" of that is cutting edge. The balance point is at 7" from the handle.
The RTAK is 17" overall length, with a 10" cutting edge. The balance point is at 6 5/8" from the handle.
Reason for the design of the RTAK:
I liked the RCM extremely well (better than anything I had used previously in the jungle) but I wanted a little bit shorter cutting edge and a little more ergonomics on the handle with the 5 degree angle offset for increased chopping power and comfort. You would be surprised how much difference the small variation in length makes using the blades for finer work.
The RTAK and the RCM will do the same thing. The RTAK's prettier and fits your hand a little better. Both of them cost the same. - Jeff
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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
The RCM has a total length of 18" - 12" of that is cutting edge. The balance point is at 7" from the handle.
The RTAK is 17" overall length, with a 10" cutting edge. The balance point is at 6 5/8" from the handle.
Reason for the design of the RTAK:
I liked the RCM extremely well (better than anything I had used previously in the jungle) but I wanted a little bit shorter cutting edge and a little more ergonomics on the handle with the 5 degree angle offset for increased chopping power and comfort. You would be surprised how much difference the small variation in length makes using the blades for finer work.
The RTAK and the RCM will do the same thing. The RTAK's prettier and fits your hand a little better. Both of them cost the same. - Jeff
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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
- Joined
- Dec 25, 1998
- Messages
- 7,394
I just ordered one. Newt said they are behind on RTAKs right now but I should have mine in two weeks. I was expecting two months before I called. I cant wait to get my hands on it. Newt said he thought you could honestly cut the top of a car with it. I will have to keep it in my patrol car with me as an extraction device! Anyway I am looking forward to doing a review on this knife. Although I am sure I cant abuse a knife like Jeff Randall does in the jungle. But Im looking forward to giving it a try.
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-Dennis-
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-Dennis-
Thanks for the replys
I ordered my RTAK about two weeks ago and should be getting it any day and cant wait.
also ordered a L.P about a month ago.
every time I hear the U.P.S truck I get excited.from what I hear it should be a awesome knife and probably no reason for me to spend all the money on a battle mistress.
allthough I might still order a anaconda 7.
I also want a fallkniven f1 or a air assault.
what can I say I'm definetly addicted to knives.Ill post again when I get my RTAK and give some feedback.
Jeff
I ordered my RTAK about two weeks ago and should be getting it any day and cant wait.
also ordered a L.P about a month ago.
every time I hear the U.P.S truck I get excited.from what I hear it should be a awesome knife and probably no reason for me to spend all the money on a battle mistress.
allthough I might still order a anaconda 7.
I also want a fallkniven f1 or a air assault.
what can I say I'm definetly addicted to knives.Ill post again when I get my RTAK and give some feedback.
Jeff
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
Jeff, thanks for the details. When you say "from the handle" do you mean measured out from the handle/blade juncture or from the end of the handle?
-Cliff
-Cliff