This will be a general purpose camping/outdoor knive. I have settled on Ontario Knife because I have worked with them for several years with military knives and I like both the quality and designs on the knives. It also helps to know the quality control manager so I will be able to get some savings that way. What I have not settled on yet is what model I will get. What do you guys think.



Rat 5D2
Features
•Steel: D2
•Hardness: 55-57 Rc
•Finish: Black Phosphate
•Thickness: 0.187"
•Overall Length: 10.75"
•Blade Length: 5"
•Handle Canvas Micarta
•Sheath: Lined Cordura w/ Accessory Pouch



Ranger Series RAK Assault Knife

Features
•Overall Length: 12"
•Blade Length: 6"
•Blade Thickness: 0.1875"


Ranger Series Afghan Knife 5" Plain Edge
Overall Length: 10"
5160 HIGH CARBON STEEL BLADE
BLACK TEXTURED POWDER COAT FINISH
BLADE LENGTH: 5"
BLADE THICKNESS: 1/4"
RC HARDNESS: 57-58 RC
OVERALL LENGTH: 10"
HANDLE/SLABS: BLACK MICARTA
BLACK NYLON SHEATH WITH PLASTIC INSERT

All knives are made in the USA.

This post has been edited by redbarron06: May 11th 2009 1:58 PM

I have an Ontario RAT-7 and a RAT Cutlery-4, and the Rat-4 has better fit and finish and feels better. They are both nice, but the RAT-4 is a better knife.

RAT 4

don't they have anything with a partially serrarated blade?

All of these hve the option for partially serrarated blades I just dont like them.

Out of the (3) knives you've selected I would pick the 5" RAT Cutlery model sans serrations (to which I'm mostly indifferent about). The RAK has a perfect length blade for a "camp knife", but the "Assault Knife" comes with a "skull crusher" not really needed for a weekend outing. I'm assuming this blade material is 5160 "high carbon" steel, thus more prone to edge-rusting (yet easy to sharpen in the field). The "AFGHAN" has a very "camper-friendly" profile to it, a point in it's favor. The handle material for all (3) are micarta, with canvas being the toughest material on the RAT. The RAT also is made of D2 steel which is stronger, and less rust-resistant than plain carbon steel. I would eliminate the "Assault Knife", and the 'AFGHAN" . Even though the latter would serve well as field knife, I like better steel choices (D2 or SV-30). Based on the info provided, I would chose the RAT. If you opt for a RAT, buy one directly from Randall Outfitters not Ontario. Ontario made RAT's beyond they're mutual licensing agreement, that were inferior products.

Barron, if you like high-carbon and something that's fairly easy to re-sharpen then go "AFGHAN". If you want a better made knife chose the RAT with 'better' steel. This is just my opinion. Both knives will serve as campers in an equal capacity.

I dont care for them either. They look like quality knives. Are you buying off the net or are you gonna get see which one fits the best?

I have handeled all of them except the Afghan. I know a company rep for OKC that goes to a show or 2 a year that I am at. I will get one directly through her. The RAT has been out for 3 or 4 years from what I recal but the RAK is new they year. The AFGHAN is very new.

IMHO go for the RAT6 http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-6.htm
Now that is a sharp knife

I was comparing the Ontario Rat and the RAT Cutlery knives tonight. The RAT Cutlery is far superior as far as the grind and blade coatings go. If I could take an excellent photo, I could show the differences. The RAT Cutlery handle is ground better as well.

I would go with the one you like the best. Me, I prefer Tops knives. Nothing against the ones you posted but I have had good luck with Tops and have never handled any of the above.

I did not look at the types of steel and do not know a lot about knife quality in general but chose the afghan for the thicker blade for camping use and possible chopping needs.

I would also go with the RAT-4. I tend to heal my knife or beat on the end of it and the points in the others would have to go.

I like the serrations personally....they are handy

I voted RAK . this knife is sweet!!! my brother just ordered one for his wife for her birthday. we ordered it from chestnutridgeknifeshop.com and recieved it in about three days!! they also had the best prices hers was i think 51.00 with the cord wrapped handle and we made a micarta handle and kydex sheat when the knife was recieved. here is a picture. the olny thing left to do are the grip screw which still have not come in the mail

Don't know much about these blades, but I like about a 5" blade for general camp cooking & other chores, much bigger and ya have to much knife.