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Posted: 6/16/2008 11:46:19 AM EDT
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Opinions on the HC 1095 model? |
you don't like the D2? is it because it's difficult to sharpen? I've been looking at the TAK1-D2, and know about D2's hardness/machineability |
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I just got my new RAT7 today after admiring others RAT's for a while. I find mine to be about the same in craftmanship as their's. The thumb groove cuts on the top edge of the blade in front of the handle aren't perfectly straight for instance and the finish isn't either, but overall it's a good quality knife and the materials used are quality materials. Those points are minor when it comes down to the utility of the knife and that's what a RAT7 is about to me. "Utility". I've had a bunch of knives using 1095 for 30 years now and sold off a TOPS Mocassin Ranger a little while back that would compare very well to the RAT7 in materials, shape and size. I honestly like the RAT7 better than it though. The handle is more comfortable, the blade is thinner at 3/16 compared to 1/4 inch which is much nicer in user comfort weight and the sheath is much nicer than I thought it would be and is made by SpecOps. The sheath besides the front pouch also has a full length MOLLE attachment strap in the back with support cross straps and a snap at the bottom to attach the sheath very well to any MOLLE webbing capable of supporting the knife and sheath. The parkerizing isn't bad by far, but isn't as abrasive resistant than other moly coatings like the TOPS has and my Benchmade's do. I may remove the micarta handle slabs by there bolts and coat the full tang blade in black matte Gunkote for a little extra abrasion and corrosion resistance. Overall though I'd say it's a very good utility knife and value for the money. 
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Well my RAT 7 came today, and it appears to be a capable field knife. The first thing I did was make a quick lanyard, which I'm glad I did. The handle was a little slippery, but that can be fixed simply by ruffing it up a bit. I had a downed limb out back so after I took the pictures I went to choppen. I took a little effort but it chopped through a 4" branch pretty quickly. The edge held up well, and with the weight it went through the small limb easily. I'll be using it to replace my Ontario Spec Plus fighter that I've been using as a multi purpose knife. I do like the sheath it came with, canvas with a plastic liner and a small pocket for a multi tool. I also bought a RAT model 1 folder for $29, I've herd some bad things about them but for the price I like it. Some pictures Next to my Ontario fighter and Ontario Kabar clone  And a pic with the RAT Model 1 folder |
Lympago. Where did you find this pic??....lol I cant remember posting this picture here.
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I dont know either. Maybe he was posting for a reference pic or something? Just not sure how he got it???
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So...That's your RAT and Benchmade knives
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Yes. Although I sold the RAT, and now have a Ranger RD-9 and an RD-4 on the way as well as a Boker Trance and Wharcom. Will be posting pics soon....lol Hope he replys soon, I dont mind he used my pic, but still like to know how he got it???
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It was a nice pic and the only pic I could till the RAT7 got here.  I didn't think you'd mind, but now that it's here I've taken my own and will only be posting the one I took.  How did I get it? Well, I sent a keylogger file to you in an email and now have all your passwords, your Photobucket account included!!!!  I just ordered a new Entrek Commando and another Maxpedition pack on your Visa card too, LOL.  Just kidding, I copied and pasted the image address by quoting your post cause it was a nice up close pic.  Here's a new one,  Thanks for the sweet RAT7 45Warrior.  Here's one of my Benchmade's to go with it for fun and filler.   |
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ETA: Nice wrap by the way!!! They look nice together. Cool....lol I was trying to figure that one out, damn hackers....haha JK  Happy you enjoy the blade bro. Great looking pics too  Happy it found a good home.
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Thanks, I'll try to give it a good home and some work to do too. I actually tried to wrap the handle on it also in my utilitarian 550 with the guts out simple over and under wrap for grip, but the sheath wouldn't close the clasp around it as it's designed for a tighter hold on the handle. I had to cut it off. It's ok though, because the RAT's grip is still very good. Sorry, this is a bad pic.  IM returned to you also. |
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Looks pretty cool. I bet its hard to grip that bad boy though...ha They work great around the yard, they also like chopping down trees.....lol My Ranger is holding quite well too. Will send some more pics after the RD-4 gets here. Enjoy the RAT-7, great blade!!!
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Actually the grip was nice and fit my hands very well. It's too bad the sheath didn't have room at the clasp. I like the sheath too, so I don't really see a need for another. I'll just have to go without the 550 wrap.  Please do on the Ranger's. I've read the reviews and they sound and look very nice.
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Actually the grip was nice and fit my hands very well. It's too bad the sheath didn't have room at the clasp. I like the sheath too, so I don't really see a need for another. I'll just have to go without the 550 wrap. Please do on the Ranger's. I've read the reviews and they sound and look very nice. The closure on the sheath is ajustable, there's velco.   |
I see the clasp on yours is velcro adjustable you lucky bastard.  Mines not though as you can see a bit in the picture above. It's the first I've seen that too. I guess the new sheaths are adjustable as I see you just ordered yours. It's not a big deal really for me to not be able to wrap it. If I decide to buy a new sheath that will allow for it than I might as I could always use this one as a spare for my Cold Steel Military Classic too. |
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