Why no Ontario love?

Monofletch

Monofletch

Gold Member
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Jan 14, 2010
Messages
10,180
I received my Ontario RD4 today. First impression is WOW! That's a lot of knife!! Fit and finish is great. The orange grips fit flush with the steel edge. All the grind lines are perfect. What do you know.... it came out of the box sharp enough to shave! The knife is perfect!

I don't understand why Ontario knives don't get the love like some of the "other" brands. Am I missing something? I know I haven't taken it out and beat on it yet, but a knife this well built should take anything I throw at it.
 
You must not be paying attention around here but Ontario knives get recommened to people a lot around here and I think that people here generally think they make a quality knife at a good price.
 
mcrow said:
You must not be paying attention around here but Ontario knives get recommened to people a lot around here and I think that people here generally think they make a quality knife at a good price.
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I read about the RAT 1, but that's about it.

This RD4 is nice.
 
I've considered them several times, but the grips just appear too blocky in the photos. I've yet to handle one, but for what they cost, I'm not willing to try.
 
Monofletch said:
I read about the RAT 1, but that's about it.

This RD4 is nice.
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Well with fixed blades of that configuration it's hard to stand out when there are seemingly thousands of knives similar to it.

I could probably find 50-100 knives like that of similar materials and close to the same design. Not saying it is a bad knife, it looks great, but I think it's just in a class of knife that is absolutely flooded with competition so it's easy to get overlooked.
 
mcrow said:
Well with fixed blades of that configuration it's hard to stand out when there are seemingly thousands of knives similar to it.

I could probably find 50-100 knives like that of similar materials and close to the same design. Not saying it is a bad knife, it looks great, but I think it's just in a class of knife that is absolutely flooded with competition so it's easy to get overlooked.
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Well said. Does the 5160 steel set it apart at all?
 
I was about to point out the 5160 thing as well, that's what got me. I don't think a 1/4 inch thick piece of 5160 in a 7.5" blade is overpriced at $80 (rd7) at all.
 
I have a feeling it's related to the RAT/ESEE thing. There have been reports of blade failure that are probably blown way out of proportion and that sort of internet parroting as well. I've handled both ESEE and OKC versions of the Randall line and if I closed my eyes my hands wouldn't know the difference. They have blocky handles but they can be formed with sand paper/belt pretty easily. I'd rather have micarta over kraton or grivory any day of the week.
 
I have three Ontario blades. The RTAC II, Utilitac II and the RAT Mod. 1 folder.

They have their flaws, but for the coin involved, IMO you'd be hard pressed to find better constructed knives.

That being said, I'm pretty new around here and haven't seen anything about Ontario (that might say something)...

YMMV, but I dig them, providing they fit my needs...and they've not let me down yet.
 
mcrow said:
You must not be paying attention around here but Ontario knives get recommened to people a lot around here and I think that people here generally think they make a quality knife at a good price.
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This.^^
 
crom said:
I have a feeling it's related to the RAT/ESEE thing.
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SOFEX in November 2012 had TWO knife companies....Ontario and Spyderco. Technically you could say three with the presence of Leatherman, but their specialty is multitools....make your own conclusions.
 
Monofletch said:
Well said. Does the 5160 steel set it apart at all?
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Depends. Most competitors use 1095 and some others use o1 or 5160 for hard use knives.

I would say 5160 and 1095 are fairly similar in performance but 5160 is a little tougher and 1095 holds and edge better.

Either one is a great steel for sruvival/hard use knives because you can beat the hell out of them.

So, I don't think it sets them apart because it's not really better steel than what others use. I think if you know you're going to beat the hell out of the knife you might take 5160. The funny thing is 5160 steel is generally more expensive than 1095 so it is interesting that they can price the knives the way they do compared to others that use the less expensive 1095.
 
Nobody else is making knives in 5160 in that price (roughly $80 for an RD7) range. The original RD series by Gingrich were 5160 and I'm honestly surprised they kept with that when he signed with Ontario. They offer a 1095 line in 3/16" at a slightly cheaper price which may be the better buy. edit, just priced an ESEE 5, $160.
 
crom said:
Nobody else is making knives in 5160 in that price range. The original RD series by Gingrich were 5160 and I'm honestly surprised they kept with that when he signed with Ontario. They offer a 1095 line in 3/16" at a slightly cheaper price which may be the better buy.
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Yeah, the prices are very low considering the steel but then the performance between 1095 and 5160 isn't that big of a difference either. Makes a lot of sense for companies to use 1095 over 5160 but obvioulsy Ontario manged to get a good deal on some 5160 or bought a ton of the stuff way back when and are still using up stock.
 
I love every thing about then, that being said i don't have any use for one...sigh
 
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