Shorter blade alternative to RTAK II ?

MTHall720

MTHall720

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
2,957
I have a Very nice 9 inch blade RTAK II which I have never actually used. I like everything about thus blade a lot, with the exception of the length. Are there any good alternatives in about a 6-7 inch length, but similar design, thick blade, and fairly stout? What makes thus tough though is I need to keep the "street/used" price down to not more than $100.00. I like the KaBar Becker BK7 but do not like the scales it comes with. I like the aftermarket scales which Chestnut Ridge carries but that would put me over my price range.

Thanks everyone.
 
The Ontario Spec Plus Gen II SP-42 comes to mind. I've got a Taskforce Military SP-19 that I love but it's not really along the lines of the RTAK
 
Well, there is always the option of shortening your RTAK II if you or someone you know has access to the tools that this would require.

The blade that came to mind when you were asking this question was the BK7. What about the scales do you not like? If it is the material, then I just want to let you know that you can get Micarta for it. I think you could buy a new BK7 and new scales for it for just about exactly $100 (like ~$102 something actually if you look at the scales that tomarskabars sells). You could also buy some wood and make the scales yourself.

The ESEE 6 is just barely out of your price range, and the blade is a touch smaller than what you are looking for.

The CS Leatherneck might work out for you, if you're ok with a full guard, but I'm not as sure about the blade thickness.

Good luck :).
 
ocnLogan said:
Well, there is always the option of shortening your RTAK II if you or someone you know has access to the tools that this would require.

The blade that came to mind when you were asking this question was the BK7. What about the scales do you not like? If it is the material, then I just want to let you know that you can get Micarta for it. I think you could buy a new BK7 and new scales for it for just about exactly $100 (like ~$102 something actually if you look at the scales that tomarskabars sells). You could also buy some wood and make the scales yourself.

The ESEE 6 is just barely out of your price range, and the blade is a touch smaller than what you are looking for.

The CS Leatherneck might work out for you, if you're ok with a full guard, but I'm not as sure about the blade thickness.

Good luck :).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. It never occurred to me to think of shortening the blade. Don't know if there is someone in my area knows how to do that.
Maybe a used ESEE could be almost in my price range.
 
MTHall720 said:
Do you mean the current one from Ontario?
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Yeh you like the rtak 2, so the same handle design is in the rd 6 and 7. Both 1/4 inch thick and can take a beating. I like beckers myself but I understand about the grivory. Although if you were to price it out a bk7 with micarta is roughly the same price as a rd7, and the Becker handles aren't blocky and more ergonomic for long use. Just my opinion of course.
 
Ka-Bar MkI (new!)
KA2221.jpg


You might also consider looking for a used Bill Siegle knife. :D Good knives too.
 
try to find a used CS Recon Scout -- 7.5" blade 5/16" thick at the spine, full flat grind.
cutting down the RTAK will change the balance/feel - a lot.
you might also look into a Becker BK7 and make your own wood or leather scales for it.
 
I have a Rat-7 in D2 from chestnut ridge. Once I got it sharp, it is my default woods knife. It is stout and really holds an edge. It's in the ballpark size wise for you too.
 
MTHall720 said:
Maybe a used ESEE could be almost in my price range.
Click to expand...

Though it might be a touch smaller then what you're looking for, you could get a new ESEE-4 that would meet your budget. Or set aside an extra $20 and pick up a new ESEE-6. :thumbup:
 
Sorry to dig this one up again, but I just found this model after some reading and googling. To address the OP's taste in blade length, price, pattern, location of manufacture, and styling...

1236_large.jpg
 
Another ESEE 6 vote. You're very unlikely to regret that purchase. I don't have any Beckers, but they have a large following, so if you could work around the handle issues, the price is good.
 
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