Thinking about a new camp knife: Help me choose!

C

CaptInsano

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Apr 11, 2007
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I'd like to do some more backpacking this spring break and I want a new knife for big blade chores. I'm trying to decide between a Becker BK9, an Ontario RTAKII, and a Ranger RD9. Seems like the RTAK would be the lightest, but it also has an extra inch of blade length. I think the RD9 would be the beefiest. Hard decision!
 
might try e-mailing stomper of JK knives and see if he has any big ones currently available, he makes some beasts. i dont know much about the designs you posted, but the BK9 seemed nice based on the one that i have handled.
 
Of the 3 you listed I would say you would be well served by any of them. I have owned all three at one time or another and they are all very trustworthy tools. If you can handle them 1st I'd suggest going with the one that feels best in your hand. The RD9 and RTAKII are solid grip materials and would also allow you to shape the grips to suit you even more. The BK&T grips are a tough but hollow polymer and you won't be able to remove as much material if you should decided you wanted to mod the grip more than a tad.
 
Good point. I have an RD6, and I think its great. I guess the RTAK would have the most similar grip feel to the Ranger? I don't really plan on reshaping the grips, BTW.
 
CaptInsano said:
I'd like to do some more backpacking this spring break and I want a new knife for big blade chores. I'm trying to decide between a Becker BK9, an Ontario RTAKII, and a Ranger RD9. Seems like the RTAK would be the lightest, but it also has an extra inch of blade length. I think the RD9 would be the beefiest. Hard decision!
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If you are considering the RTAKII, why not splurge and pick up a Busse Battle Mistress? There are a couple of Combat Grade Fusion Battle Mistresses going cheap over in the Busse "for sale" area.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
CaptInsano said:
I'd love to have one, but I don;t think he can stay in that price range at that size.
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You may be surprised. He just sold a really nice camp knife very reasonably.
And he is incredible to work with. Just my two cents, I'll take custom over factory any day.
 
I'd suggest a Breeden Peace Maker or an RC-6 for an affordable work horse. Any bigger is just extra weight for me.
 
You should look into a Himalayan Imports Kukri. My M-43 was in that price range when I purchased it. Hnad forged from 5160, differentialy hardened, lifetime guarantee plus unbelievable cutting ability. I've used mine to build a couple trappers cabins as well as much much more.
 
The BK9 would be at the top of my list there. I'd consider checking out the KaBar heavy bowie too, it's inexpensive and just superb at that role. I've beat the snot out of mine and it's not blinked an eye.

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+1 on the Breeden Peace Maker :thumbup: Bryan is an awsome guy to deal with ! I have the new Ka-Bar Becker BK-9 also& It's a real brute :thumbup:
 
your choices are a lot of knife for backpacking. I would think about what you are using it for first and then find a tool that is most suitable. I carry a small gerber ax, a SAK huntsman and a fiskars pruning saw this really covers everything I need when woods walking. From time to time I may add a Buck 110 for show and a rough use knife for digging and prying so I don't mess up my ax.

A Woodman's Pal may work well too. So many knives, so little time.
 
desmobob said:
If you are considering the RTAKII, why not splurge and pick up a Busse Battle Mistress? There are a couple of Combat Grade Fusion Battle Mistresses going cheap over in the Busse "for sale" area.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
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I think I wont do that because I have a thing for variety and unit value. That doesn't mean that a fine, fine, Busse unit isn't in my cards. It just means that a Busse FFBM that costs 3-4 times as much as I'm considering isn't worth as much to me right now as the total number of different blades (or whatever) that I could purchase instead.
 
burddogg said:
I'd suggest a Breeden Peace Maker or an RC-6 for an affordable work horse. Any bigger is just extra weight for me.
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I've run miles and miles with pounds of delicious, scrumptious Hormel beef stew on my back just for the hell (and taste) of it. A few extra ounces won't change my plan, but it is a valid point to make.
 
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