Ranger RD9 Survival Knife: High Country Chopper

At 23 ounces, the Ontario Ranger RD9 is a stout blade capable of heavy duty woodscrafting. The 9.5" clip blade is ¼" thick and provides excellent wood batoning capabilities as well. Another is selling point on this large blade is the full-flat ground blades which aids this performance. Control is aided by a small jimped thumb ramp. But I was a bit shocked to see this 5160 steel experience some chipping and edge burring while hammering through some tough wood. The knicks will be ground out during a re-profiling of the blade but this was a surprising development for a non-stainless tool steel blade (and it happened on the first woods outing too). Another downside for some, might be the smallish micarta handle that possesses some sharp transitions and edges that may need the attention of some 400 grit sandpaper. Small handed or gloved users won't find these sharp edges bothersome. A blade of this size and weight however should offer the user more gripping area for both comfort and increased leverage; space is at a premium on this handle. The sheath is standard Ontario for large blade: MOLLE attachments in back (too big of a knife for LBE vest use!), sharpening stone pocket, and a loose plastic insert that will need heat gun modification for snug fit (shown). The Velcro® retention strap is inadequate and should be upgraded with a snap. These distractions aside, the Ranger RD9 proved itself to be a capable blade in the woods and equal to several other competitors in chopping and splitting. /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability: 6.5 of 10 //////////////////// Music from Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ka-bar
• combat
• survival
• knife
• review
• 1095
• steel
• full
• flat
• grind
• batoning
• fallkniven
• a1
• a2
• forest
• wilderness
• tools
• woodscraft
• fire
• making
• ontario
• rtak
• II
• spec
• plus
• sp17
• quartermaster
• sp5
• sp10
• marine
• raider
• molle
• sheath
• tactical
• doodle
• bugget
• nuster
• cold
• srk
• trailmaster
• recon
• scout
• sk5
• 5160
• ranger
• ready
• detachment
• series
• kelty
• redwing
• backpack
• kabar
• heavy
• bowie
• nutnfancy
• tnp
• allie
• mountain
• dog

[aznpos531]

Hey Nutn/Veri. Comparing the two, the RTAK II is probably the superior knife to the RD9. However, taking the price and weight into consideration ($90 vs. $100; 23 oz. vs. 30.5 oz), which blade would be the better overall to take on backpacking trips?

[nutnfancy]

@aznpos531 Hiya azn. Nutn says he prefers the RTAK ll but its really heavy for distance backpacking. He prefers the Ontario Gen 2 SP-46 or similar. Hope that helps. -- Veri

[aznpos531]

@nutnfancy Thanks Veri! That helps! I also want to take this chance and thank you personally for dealing with all the incessant questions you no doubt get on a daily basis. You and Nutn truly are the life and blood of TNP! =)

[nutnfancy]

@aznpos531 Oo thanks! That's awful nice of you. -- Veri

[GABRIELISDABEAST]

does anyone know if the store knife centre.com sell there products online by £?

[TacticalNorwegian]

Hey Nutn,

I think you should get your hands on a "samekniv" it's a native knife much used in Norway. I like it a lot, just search "samekniv" on google pics! I don't know how easy it is to get your hands on in the states, but you should test it out for sure!

[nexgen91]

Hey Nutn,

Did you ever contact Ontario and/or Justin to get the handles re profiled? I have read that they fixed the problem, and am considering ordering one of these (I have smallish hands). I also considered the BK9 (have a BK2 and love it), and the RTAK II, but wanted a 1/4" thick blade. I was looking for a large knife with this styling (dont like the traditional bowie look, or I would go with the Marine Raider or Heavy Bowie).

[smaalle]

im sorry, but you dont wont to cut or chop a tree that is that big. you lose to many energy and you need that for finding food and water if youre in a survival situation

[84SuperDom]

@markshmily Cool thanks man. They seem so similiar ive really been trying to research other opnions. I think i will go with the rat. from what ive been reading 1095 steel is prob the way to go

[markshmily]

@84SuperDom I have an RD-7 and I think I'd rather have the Rat 7.

RD-7 handle isn't great and my blade is chipped as well. =(

[84SuperDom]

Hey nutn or veri :) I was wondering what is perfered. The Ontario rat 7 or Ontario rd7? thanks!

[kalenberg11]

@pabushcraft That certainly explains why. Haha. Thanks for the heads up.

[pabushcraft]

@kalenberg11 This video is 2 years old, the hoodlum didnt exist when he made it.

[kalenberg11]

Im suprised you never mentioned the buck hoodlum. Its at a higher price point but similar in size and much lighter. Also the 5160 blade meterial held up better on the hoodlum. HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING! That gives me an idea. You should do a review of some turkey carving knives. LOL.