Which should I buy, the CS Scout Recon or Ranger RD-7?

A

ak74auto

Joined
Jan 28, 2006
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I have been given the blessing by the wife to a knife for future deployment use. I have narrowed my choices down to the Ranger RD-7 and the CS Recon Scout.

Which of these two will serve as a better all around field knife?
 
RD7

Or Recon

both will serve you well

but I carry a Rd7 when I go woods bumming, so I have to give the overall nod to the RD 7
 
I hear very good reports about the new Mar-tempered SK-5 from Cold Steel. Mine is in the regular SK-5 and it's a very strong knife.
I have no experience with Ranger knives other than a custom, which is an amazing piece of work.
So no help from me, but I wish you good luck on your choice! :D
 
All around would the Cold Steel for sure, the only advantage for the Ranger would be as a chopper only. I've got both and the Recon Scout as a better handle and sheath than the RD-7 but still both are great but you ask for the best choice and to me it's the Recon Scout.If your looking for a better chopper then go with the RD-9 or look at the big brother of the Recon Scout the Trailmaster another great knife...hope this helps!!!!
 
i am a big fan of the recon scout,i think its one of the best knives for around 100.00.i like the fact that it has the oval guard , as opposed to just a large curve in the front of the handle.i also like the shape of the kraton handles,even though ive seen lots of comments about it being rough on the hands..:thumbup:..
 
Any reason for these 2 models ? Any other's in the race ? If only out of these 2, I'de pick the RD7 but... If this was going to be a knife that I was going to be taking to the Sandbox then I would spend just a little more money for a little better blade ;) If I may suggest a few .
1. JK Handmade knives - Scout or Lobo
2. Breeden knives - WarThorn or Peace Maker
3. RatCutlery - RC6
I have a couple of knives from Bryan Breeden (Sicily02 on here) & they are really good knives that you can trust w/ your life :thumbup:
I also just got my first JK & you talk about Sweet !!!! I would take a knife from either of these 2 custom makers into combat & not worry about it's performance ;) & the price of these ain't much more than the ones you are looking at. Rat Cutlery makes some tough as nails blades w/ a warrenty like no other :thumbup:
 
coaldigger said:
Any reason for these 2 models ? Any other's in the race ? If only out of these 2, I'de pick the RD7 but... If this was going to be a knife that I was going to be taking to the Sandbox then I would spend just a little more money for a little better blade ;) If I may suggest a few .
1. JK Handmade knives - Scout or Lobo
2. Breeden knives - WarThorn or Peace Maker
3. RatCutlery - RC6
I have a couple of knives from Bryan Breeden (Sicily02 on here) & they are really good knives that you can trust w/ your life :thumbup:
I also just got my first JK & you talk about Sweet !!!! I would take a knife from either of these 2 custom makers into combat & not worry about it's performance ;) & the price of these ain't much more than the ones you are looking at. Rat Cutlery makes some tough as nails blades w/ a warrenty like no other :thumbup:
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Research wise, I am most familar with Ontario Rats, Ranger Knives, and Coldsteel. I didn't think that I could afford a decent custom knife, so I nixed that idea very early on.
 
I have heard of blade rattling in the handles of Recon scouts but I can't confirm that having never owned one. May be due to Batooning through wood. I held one and thought it felt good.
 
I'd have to hardily recommend the RD-7. I have an RD-9 and it is top notch. 5160 is a better steel than the other alternative. The RD-7 is a decent chopper, but the clip point on the RD-7 makes it a very versatile blade for nimbleness. Sculped micarta handle or a piece of plastic with little diamonds that rub your hands raw? Your decision I suppose. Of course, I just hate cold steels handles (with a passion), so I have my biases.

Of course, I'll agree with Coaldigger that the RatCutlery RC-6 beats the pants off of both these choices except for chopping where the RD-7 will win. The RC-6 costs about $30 more though. With it you get perfect F&F, really well balanced blade, superb Rowan heat treat and a great, versatile sheath system.
 
I plan on taking whichever knife I buy out to the woods and chopping with it along with other outdoor use.
 
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ak74auto said:
I didn't think that I could afford a decent custom knife, so I nixed that idea very early on.
Click to expand...
I have there links at the bottom of my signature....check 'em out...you'll be surprised at the prices ;) These guys are also Great to deal with & very easy to get along with :thumbup:
 
ak74auto said:
Which knife is more comfortable to chop with ?
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Not the RD7 !!! the handles are just to small & square for chopping.:thumbdn:
Now Stompers - LOBO has a Sweet handle for chopping ! here is my Burgandy Lobo w/ 6" blade 3/16 thick ! -
Picture179.jpg
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In my hand -
Picture180.jpg
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Hey CoalDigger I'm glad you put up those pics 'cause I was thinking to getting one but now I'm getting one...:) Do you have any pics of the sheath...
 
Treg said:
Hey CoalDigger I'm glad you put up those pics 'cause I was thinking to getting one but now I'm getting one...:) Do you have any pics of the sheath...
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Go over to the makers section under JK handmade knives & look for the thread - Burgandy Lobo !
Update : I just E-mailed you 'Ol Bud ;)
 
Thank's CoalDigger it's done...now the long wait begins...:) mid January not too bad.
 
Treg said:
Thank's CoalDigger it's done...now the long wait begins...:) mid January not too bad.
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Dude...it's well worth the wait :thumbup: Trust me !!!! This thing is built like a Tank & Scary sharp ! Oh & it looks awsome to boot :p
 
I went with hollow pins, serrated thumb, red liners and black canvas micarta...now I got to do someting to change my mind...:) maybe buy another knife...:) oh and sorry for hijacking your thread AK74Auto...:(
 
kgd said:
I'd have to hardily recommend the RD-7. I have an RD-9 and it is top notch. 5160 is a better steel than the other alternative. The RD-7 is a decent chopper, but the clip point on the RD-7 makes it a very versatile blade for nimbleness.
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+1 :thumbup:
 
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