Whats the grind difference between the RTAK II and Junglas??

[brewcitymike]

I know that the Junglas has the more narrow and rounded angles on the handle but it seems like the RTAK is a flat grind and the junglas looks almost to be a saber(I think,still learning all the grinds). So I'm just wondering if someone can straighten this out for me and I know MANY out there love the Junglas and say it is the superior blade of the two but the RTAK must have quite a bit of love too cuz it's still a popular knife. Also I'm thinking spending around $80 less on the RTAK and just grinding the handle down to make it similar to the junglas is a smart idea. Plus I actually like big wide handles though I've heard people say the same thing and even they say the Rtak is just too wide and too flat...idk. I guess I'd like to hear what you all think is better for a chopper when it comes to a FFG vs. Saber(or whatever). I say saber cuz it kinda looks like the same grind angle as the BK2. Well I wanna see what you guys have to say....

 

[Moses2792796]

In terms of grind I don't think there is a huge difference since the saber grind on the Junglas is very high. However I think just about everyone here will say that ESEE are all around higher quality and definitely worth paying the extra money for. At the end of the day the ESEE is basically an improved version of the RTAK II made by a company with higher standards and a better warranty.

 

[1066vik]

Originally the Junglas was basically an RTAK 3 -- some refinements in grind and handle, a different heat treat, and a MUCH better sheath.
Current manufacture RTAK 2 is 1/4" thick 5160, not the 3/16" thick 1095 it was up until a year ago.

 

[Moses2792796]

@1066vik

That's interesting. Nearly all retailers still seem to be stocking the 1095 RTAK II rather than the 5160. Are they making both or will the 5160 version replace the 1095 version once they have sold out?

 

[1066vik]

I'm guessing old stock - or they didn't update their descriptions.
According to Ontario Knife it's 5mm (.2") 5160.

 

[Moses2792796]

I'm guessing old stock - or they didn't update their descriptions.
According to Ontario Knife it's 5mm (.2") 5160.

Cool thanks. A 5mm thick RTAK II would be a monstrous thing to lug around, from what I heard even the old one was extremely heavy. I guess they changed because of the issues they had with them breaking.

 

[1066vik]

I'm guessing they changed because they make a lot more big 5160 knives than 1095, so it was cheaper to standardize metal stock and HT protocols.

 

[FTR-14c]

The grind on the RTAK is considerably thinner than the Junglas. Because of this the RTAK works much better as a cutting tool. It really excels at slicing and green vegetation.
The flip side is the Junglas can take more abuse. I feel the superior heat treat and quality sheath justify the increase in cost.

I took a nickle sized chunk from the blade of my RTAK chopping extremely hard fat wood. I sent it back to Ontario and they replaced it in just a few days with no questions asked. They provided great costumer service and communication.

I gave my Junglas to my son because I have similar quality designs and keep the RTAK in my truck as a compact machete for confined areas and general use.

Here is a pic of my RTAK with the handle that I shaped to fit my hand

[/URL][/IMG]

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[brewcitymike]

Originally the Junglas was basically an RTAK 3 -- some refinements in grind and handle, a different heat treat, and a MUCH better sheath.
Current manufacture RTAK 2 is 1/4" thick 5160, not the 3/16" thick 1095 it was up until a year ago.[/QUOTE

Wow that's cool cuz I'm a fan of 5160, though I do like 3/16" as a thickness for knives of the RTAK's size. I know 1/4" gives it more weight behind it for chopping...but that's just it-it gives more weight to it. I have found that my BK-9 and Condor Hudson Bay chop as good if not better than some of my custom choppers made of 1/4" stock.

So has the MSRP been changed for the RTAK do to the change in steel and thickness?

 

[1066vik]

don't think so.