Very nicely edited video. The background cut clips were a professional touch and put Nutn's comments in context for viewers who have not seen the previous videos. Great job... and knife.
Great review as always Nutn! I've had my RTAK II for nearly a year now - love it. I run the accessory pouch flap through the lanyard, then snap the two retainer straps over the lanyard and the knife stays in place - no slips! Rounded the scales with sanding block and it feels like a whole different knife. Oh yeah, found out I can spark a Ferro rod through the choyel! Just sayin'.
Just got this knife today and I love it. Haven't had a large survival blade before but it has such a nice heft to it. Hopefully it can replace my Gerber Gator machete paired with my kabar utility knife. Thanks for selling me on this knife nutnfancy!
@pist0lpete02 I don't know why some messages get marked as spam, it has baffled me for quite a while. Nutn says that the RTAKll is better for survival uses...its coated, and the Laredo Bowie is raw steel. Hope that helps. -- Veri
Awesome vid Nutn! Thank you for your review of this blade. Prior to seeing the survival shelter video I was in the market for a large fixed blade. After I saw the workout you gave the RTAK II, I knew it was the knife for me. I would suggest the RTAK II to anyone looking for a high value survival knife.
I was going to get this but when I started looking at the junglas the price difference in my opinion was not much of a wallet killer since you get a better finish on the blade, kydex sheath, and the warranty doesn't say it will void for abuse or neglect. ESEE says If it breaks they will replace it no questions asked and the knife warranty is transferrable from person to person.
Nutn, i used this knife last night a few times on Iron Wood and it blasted right through it, I will say my arm was tired afterward. It did bend while going through the wood, however it went back to straight right after.
I had my local knife shop order me one in Dec, I finally went to pick it up today. I was impressed with its quality but not impressed with the sheath. I'll be putting it through the paces in the coming weeks. Im excited. Thanks from North Idaho to Nutnfancy
@zarnitintunzanyzack Ok. I asked Nutn and he said that a good carbon steel is best if you can take care of it. 1095 or 5160 work well. If its for a wet environment, a laminated stainless steel is best like Cold Steel San Mai 3 or Falkniven.
MOLLE attachments can be used on MOLLE-compatible rucks, not just LBE/LBV. If backpacking, I would most likely attach the sheath to the outside of my pack using the MOLLE system.
i retain the plastic inserts on my sheaths with a Chicago screw or similar when possible, allows me to remove them and flush dirty and grit out. can also allow you to switch formed inserts to lefthand carry and keep them secured
Just got 1 and I love it already. I was testing it on some unfortunate 2x4s in my backyard and it did amazing even though it didn't come that crazy sharp out of the box. Can't wait to sharpen it and get this thing out in the woods and do some real damage lol.
I own a half dozen Ontario knives, including this one, the Rtak 2. The manufacturer says mine is made of 5160 spring steel. However, I just purchased mine in January of 2014. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinion on this awesome blade, I appreciate it.
Yeah, they switched steels awhile back after some reported breaks. 5160 is incredible tough, and they're using it with great success on the Spec Plus Gen II's. I like the Junglas myself, (b/c of grind & sheath,) but all things equal, 5160 is tougher than 1095. And Ontario's got Dan Maragni overseeing production, and not only is the guy a knifemaking legend, but he's a stickler for heat treat.
and it has a nylon cloth backing for putting onto a belt or molle vest with 2 added adjustable leg straps so you can attach it securely to your thigh and your belt of if needed to your shin.
great vid, now that you bring up sharpening, maybe you could do a vid on sharpening tools, such as stones, steels, diamond rods, ceramic rods, etc and which are the best for what. love how the production of the vids are going up, like how other clips are included and such
Hey Nutnfancy thanks for the great video... I just ordered myself a RTAK 2 last night I'v been looking for a survival blade that meets my needs for a long time thanks to you i feel i found a blade that will fill the bill thanks dude
i have done more studying of the subject and have discovered that because 1095 steel has a high carbon % (.95) then the eutectiod of .77 it can not be produced by equilibrium slow cooling. it is immediately quenched as to prevent formation of Alpha and Fe3C steel to make martensite steel each is so hard that you cant use it for anything because it will chip. (loss of ductility) so to get some of that back it is reheated (tempered) to allow some of the Alpha and Fe3C to form.
TNP, help me! Here I am in Feb of 2010. I am totally locked over 2 knives and need advice. This knife will never be deployed to a combat zone so main concerns are survival tasks and hike-ability. LOVE the RTAK for it's proven reliability (and really dig its "second kind of cool"). The CS Recon Scout has the practical advantage of a kydex-ish sheath and weighs half as much (but the RTAK is so sweet!). I could sure use some perspective now that these knives cost the same (~$110). Thanks.
I just bought this knife for $105. I really enjoyed the blade and it is pretty sharp straight out of the box. The knife is getting a custom made kydex sheath for it. The sheath that it comes with absorbs alot of water and keeps the blade rather loose.
As a kid I use to do a lot of tree cutting in my parents yard. Mostly pine tress, cedars, birch, persimmon, willows and the like typically found in New Jersey. Needless to say I'd end my day washing tree sap off my hands and out of my hair with everything from Ajax to kerosene. Then a few years ago I stumbled upon using cedar oil (available at health food stores) and low and behold "INSTANT SAP BE GONE". It dissolves the tree sap instantly. I don't know if it works on every tree sap though.
Just ordered mine on Amazon! Crazy deal at $40 from Opticsale. I was skeptical at first, but I've ordered from them before and they delivered (not on time but thats another story)!
Do you have a suggestion for a good starter large survival knife. I am JUST starting to learn survival skills, and have limited money. What would be the most economical GOOD blade?
Just an update to let you know I got my RTAK II's from that insane deal you posted a week or so ago... couldn't believe it was real, but here I have two for nearly the price of one, thanks to the TNPer who hooked us up!
i just made a solid steel knife with a micarta handle that is a little less than 1/4" thick and i heat treated it and its amazing. 13" long and only 15.5 ounces!
Yes, I included the price of the sheath in my post as they don't include it automatically. Scrap Yard Knives is one of Busse's sister company (along with swamp rat) and specializes in lower price point blades. $140 for the blade, $20 for nylon $25 for kydex (check the order page). $95 RTAK II vs. $165 for the Dogfather (complete minus shipping), its worth the extra to me. The hinterboonies of Montana demands good blades of you go out in the woods.
I have owned the Trailmaster and the Junglas. Both good, BUT the Junglas is a little too light for chopping and the Trailmaster handle is not very tough or comfortable for me, so I am here thinking of buying the RTAKII. Good Luck.
As far as I know Ontario started using 5160 around two years ago. If I judge by comparing SP50's edge retention the new RTAKII will be better in edge retention than old with 1095...
Good video. Thanks. I was wondering on this. When all I had was my cold steel bushman and I had to take down dead trees, I would set the blade at a 45 angle to the tree and baton it. Sure it doesn't have the weight- but the baton can help a lot. I am going to try this with my Kabar Heavy Bowie 9. Usually through I just bring a saw, that's what I am working with currently. Anyway, thanks for the video.
The steel wasn't to weak. 1095 is incredibly tough when done right. Ontario just couldn't manage to get a reliable heat treat on it. So, many of the blades were prone to chipping and breaking. Because of this they moved to the easier to produce 5160.
He did.. but set the video to private I think.. I had the video favorited but now it reads private. . If you're thinking of getting one.. it's a great blade. I love mine. =D
I have used them both, the junglas feels higher quality to me but there is not a lot in it. The scales on the RTAK feel like the makers got lazy and did not finish rounding the edges. They are both very similar and you should just get what you like the most.
I own one of these, and its a beast. I love the knife. Seriously, I should build a shrine for it. But it is BIG. I see this knife on my hip at all times when people start fighting in the streets. Ammo will be in short supply and most people will not have any. Using a knife for defense will be every man's "go-to" first option. So you want a big knife, and not a big kitchen knife. This is a supreme fighting weapon. If someone pulls a knife on you, and you respond with this baby, the fight is over. Your opponent will simply turn and run. It gives you superior reach, superb steel, tremendous strength and structural integrity. The knife is solid. I hold mine up by the lanyard and rap it with my knuckles to make it resonate like a gong. Again, the steel is sublime. Its hard, so maintaining a razor edge takes effort. The sheath: I liked the look sort of. Its definitely not up to the standards of the knife itself. But after owning it in black for a year or so, I just got up from my desk, took my sheath and some spray paint out onto my porch and camo'd it. Not I can't take my eyes off it and looks like God's own EDC. Paint that sheath. bro. You cannot hurt it and you can always repaint it black. It took me maybe four minutes, tops. Just slapped on some light green and some dark green with a wad of tree leaves oversprayed in places. Gorgeous. For a knife that you will use when all else fails, this one is the King. You will hand it down to your grand kids, guaranteed. Oh, and do the heat-gun thing to the liner to tighten it up. I did it and it works fine. But you know, a regular steam iron and wrapping the liner in some aluminum foil (with the knife inserted while you iron it) might give you more direct control to make a tighter fit. I might just try that myself. Props to Nutnfancy for all his good work.
LOL! Thats a GREAT knife. I wish I had bought that one instead of the RTAK. The problem with the RTAK is the handle. Its much too big, and I have "large" hands, whatever that is. I would not buy it again.
Nut'n!!! yur vids are getting much improved with the editing! i guess you only need it when you're referencing something from another vid, but still cool! and with more vids more possibilities right? great work, love the RTAKII
ESEE knives (formerly RAT knives) manufactures this same knife (RAT and Ontario had a partnership for a few years where they shared designs etc). Anyways, their model is called the Junglas Machete and comes with a Kydex sheath. Price is about the same.
Hello! Love the vids Nutn! As far as I know the RTAK series is actually Ontario's version of Justin Gingrich's old Ranger series. Justin always favored 5160 (leaf spring steel) at 1/4" thick for his blades. Ontario bought his design from him and began producing the knives for themselves. I don't know what Mr. Gingrich is up to now, but I have the distinct pleasure of owning a custom knife he made for me that is also 5160 at 1/4" thick. Hopefully Ontario holds to Gingrich's original quality.
Been watching the Dogfather for awhile and I think "lsutigers101" has one. It miffs me that they do not supply a sheath with it and they are limited sizes/styles. Great knife it seems though.
@Fry790 thanks for the heads up man, the heck with them then. I'll stick with the Ontario in that case!! I watched the review on the Junglas and it was a good review I don't understand what there problem is. Now it's time for me to buy and I'll be going with the RTAK II. Thanks! :-)
ps: what steel would you have preferred for the RTAK II. great video, i love the reviews you have done for this knife... i'm going to be buying one after my birthday. thanks for your knowledge and your commitment you have made to the nutnfancy project. I love every video!!!!!!!
have u looked at the esee junglas at all, id love to see a detailed review between the RTAK II and the Junglas, and who can review knives better then nutn lol, thanks for everything you do, i really appreciate it
Well, I've done some research so I can answer my own question for me and you as well: The only two differences I can see, besides the massive price gap, are that the Junglas has a nice Kydex-like (super expensive IMO) sheath and a high saber grind as apposed to the FFG on the Ontario. Other differences are seem to be cosmetic. I love the look of the white/grey micarta scales and the sheath on the ESEE but I love the price of the RTAK II. I suppose the knife is the most important part. Hmmmmm
im studying material science right now. we are studying steel phase diagrams. i would like to know what you mean when you say that 1095 steel is just OK for the RTAK II and that the heat treatment is really good. from my understanding 1095 steel is gamma iron with 0.95 weight % Carbon which can only be made by equilibrium cooling gamma iron (Austenite) from >= 727*C mixed with Fe3C (Cementite) to room temp. lol, thanks for making me do my HW
5160 is the same thing as leaf spring steel, holds a nice edge but known to be brittle. youll see it alot at really high rockwell hardnesses. it will also rust alot easier than 1095 or cold steel's 1055 and 1085 which are similar steels. ive thought about getting a 5160 Becker, thats a sweet ass blade. but as for the rangers i dont know, never used one. but with just about every steel out there, performace is in the heat treatment and carbide distribution, dont forget that.
this is next on my list of knives to get i already have the kabar produced becker bk9 and i am a little unhappy with the edge it came with and sheath so im going to send it to john at razors edge and heave it reprofiled like nutnfancy and then send it to have a custom kydex sheath made, probably going to do that to the rtak-II as well
Seems like ESEE re-defined this knife in their own brand, called the "Junglas", its seems to be almost same specs. Several ounces lighter, 1/16" thinner, but comes with a Kydex sheath! Have you had any experience with this revamp? I imagine this would have the ESEE "no questions asked" replacement policy? If so, people are going to beat the hell out of the Junglas.
Hey nutn, just noticed something, and I thought I'd let you / veri know. The RTAK II is actually 3/16'' thick , not 1/4'' thick like you say in your video. I've checked multiple sources, and all say 3/16" unless they are citing your video's description. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Found clearance sale under 40 bucks shipped. Not sure stock levels hopefully not out but put in order for Three of them. ESEE Junglas should be here tomorrow and thinking maybe the Kydex sheath will work with the RTAK II also, if so will post. If it works and ESEE sells them separate would be a good addition for this blade. Later dude.
Both are great but Ive seen the RTAKII fail and I havent seen the Junglas fail. However the RTAKII at $100 less and with a warranty if it does fail(which is rare) makes the RTAKII a better deal between the two similar blades.
Hey nutn, you should check out some of Eric fehrmans knives. Less about the knife, and more the handle. He actually makes micarta scales for his knives, but puts a Kraton lining between the bland the scales to give it the durability of micarta, and shock absorbency of kraton
when i got mine i popped the handles off and applied thin film of lithium grease and cranked the handles down and wiped of the excess. i have done the heat gun trick but used a Chicago screw to resecure it instead of glue so i can clean it if grit and crap gets in the sheath insert. even time i use it i think crocodile dundee 01NHcTM5IA4
One question about your suggestion to put a lanyard on the knife - If the knife flies out of your hand and is attached to your wrist by a lanyard, couldn't it pivot around that fixed point and injure you? Seems like I'd rather go looking for my knife than be bandaging myself... Any experience one way or the other?
This really is one of the most functional large survival knifes available. Until you get it in hand it's hard to appreciate the balance and feel of hte blade. It's a combo between a chopper and a machette.
but because the Fe3C is formed as spheres instead of as lines in the alpha matrix it makes it ductile without loosing huge amounts of hardness rapidly. because it is 1095 steel this # means that it has no alloying elements in it other then carbon. this means the quenched steel will produce alpha and Fe3C in lines (weaker) then it would if it had an alloy in it, which is again added to slow their formation before the metal can be quenched so that only martensite will be formed. so i get it now.
just got mine today, $200 CAD well-spent; thanks for the awesome review Nutn - I watched this vid more times than I'd like to count. The shaping of my handle slabs is a little uneven in some places, I will probably be sanding those down, I also read you can get many different textures with canvas micarta using different grades of sandpaper. Wondering about the 'crinkle' paint on it too - wouldn't Duracoat etc. be tougher?
Awesome review nutnfancy! I am in the market for a new large fixed blade knife and am torn between the rtak 2 and the esee junglas. I would feel bad about getting the junglas because my great uncle runs the Ontario factory up here in NY but the lifetime warranty is a big plus. Price is not really a factor but since esee is basically RAT now I find it hard to discern the differences in quality if any. Have you used the junglas at all, and if so have you noticed any differences?
I just got my RTAK II today. I've been impressed with this blade since I watched Firemaking in Snow last summer. This is my first survival blade (it's true, I'm a youngin') and I was wondering if you had any tips for care and cleaning? Thanks, and keep up the good work Nutn!!!
Great vid, nice editing skills! Btw you seen the CS Rajah? That's a pretty mean folder, you should get one and put to some hard use and find out what it's really made of.
@no1livez4evr That was 8 months ago and it was the non serrated version. They most likely changed the price. I would check yourcornerstore or just look around.
At one point, the RTAK was made by the same two knife company's, so both blades should be around the same level of quality. However, that being said, the Esee Junglas comes with a much, much better sheath than the RTAK does. The sheath the RTAK comes with isn't bad, it's just not as high quality as the Junglas. The RTAK is cheaper than the Junglas, but just because something is cheaper doesn't always mean it's of less quality. I'm not Nutnfancy, lol, but I'm giving you my honest opinion.
hey nutn, I was wondering what you think would be a good companion for this would be in a backpacking pou. i need something smaller for fine work because im finding out that its hard with this beast. thanx
Very nicely edited video. The background cut clips were a professional touch and put Nutn's comments in context for viewers who have not seen the previous videos. Great job... and knife.
I am so hype. Just brought mine. Now to take care of it. You have been a treasure of info.
@jackrock1313 Plastic insert will hold up well. However it has to be heat formed for better retention.
Great review!
Your thorough beat down during testing, sealed the deal on my survival knife purchase.
Thanks for the awesome review! Bought the rtak ii and wasn't disappointed at all. Love the knife.
Thanks, Nutn. Been looking for a large knife and this video helped me a LOT. Placing order now....
Great review as always Nutn! I've had my RTAK II for nearly a year now - love it. I run the accessory pouch flap through the lanyard, then snap the two retainer straps over the lanyard and the knife stays in place - no slips!
Rounded the scales with sanding block and it feels like a whole different knife. Oh yeah, found out I can spark a Ferro rod through the choyel! Just sayin'.
Thanks for the input abou the sheath, thinking of getting the RTAKII, both are 1095 steel too.
Outstanding review, Sir! Ontario RTAK II added to my collection of edged sidekicks based on YOUR review.
Just got this knife today and I love it. Haven't had a large survival blade before but it has such a nice heft to it. Hopefully it can replace my Gerber Gator machete paired with my kabar utility knife. Thanks for selling me on this knife nutnfancy!
@pist0lpete02 I don't know why some messages get marked as spam, it has baffled me for quite a while. Nutn says that the RTAKll is better for survival uses...its coated, and the Laredo Bowie is raw steel. Hope that helps. -- Veri
Awesome vid Nutn! Thank you for your review of this blade. Prior to seeing the survival shelter video I was in the market for a large fixed blade. After I saw the workout you gave the RTAK II, I knew it was the knife for me. I would suggest the RTAK II to anyone looking for a high value survival knife.
I was going to get this but when I started looking at the junglas the price difference in my opinion was not much of a wallet killer since you get a better finish on the blade, kydex sheath, and the warranty doesn't say it will void for abuse or neglect. ESEE says If it breaks they will replace it no questions asked and the knife warranty is transferrable from person to person.
Nutn, i used this knife last night a few times on Iron Wood and it blasted right through it, I will say my arm was tired afterward. It did bend while going through the wood, however it went back to straight right after.
I had my local knife shop order me one in Dec, I finally went to pick it up today. I was impressed with its quality but not impressed with the sheath. I'll be putting it through the paces in the coming weeks. Im excited. Thanks from North Idaho to Nutnfancy
Excellent review, as usual. Really liked the spliced in video from the outdoors!
@zarnitintunzanyzack Ok. I asked Nutn and he said that a good carbon steel is best if you can take care of it. 1095 or 5160 work well. If its for a wet environment, a laminated stainless steel is best like Cold Steel San Mai 3 or Falkniven.
MOLLE attachments can be used on MOLLE-compatible rucks, not just LBE/LBV. If backpacking, I would most likely attach the sheath to the outside of my pack using the MOLLE system.
Excellent review! I'm going back and forth between getting a big knife or machete for my outdoor activities. This review has helped a lot.
i retain the plastic inserts on my sheaths with a Chicago screw or similar when possible, allows me to remove them and flush dirty and grit out. can also allow you to switch formed inserts to lefthand carry and keep them secured
Cool techno music at the end.
Just got 1 and I love it already. I was testing it on some unfortunate 2x4s in my backyard and it did amazing even though it didn't come that crazy sharp out of the box. Can't wait to sharpen it and get this thing out in the woods and do some real damage lol.
I own a half dozen Ontario knives, including this one, the Rtak 2. The manufacturer says mine is made of 5160 spring steel. However, I just purchased mine in January of 2014. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinion on this awesome blade, I appreciate it.
Yeah, they switched steels awhile back after some reported breaks. 5160 is incredible tough, and they're using it with great success on the Spec Plus Gen II's. I like the Junglas myself, (b/c of grind & sheath,) but all things equal, 5160 is tougher than 1095. And Ontario's got Dan Maragni overseeing production, and not only is the guy a knifemaking legend, but he's a stickler for heat treat.
and it has a nylon cloth backing for putting onto a belt or molle vest with 2 added adjustable leg straps so you can attach it securely to your thigh and your belt of if needed to your shin.
Great vid. Nice editing as well. That blade did some work for sure in those survival vids.
Thanks for the review!
hello from Croatia (where everything is much more expensive), love your knife videos, very informative.
bought myself 125th OKC anniversary edition, great sheat right from the box.
great vid, now that you bring up sharpening, maybe you could do a vid on sharpening tools, such as stones, steels, diamond rods, ceramic rods, etc and which are the best for what. love how the production of the vids are going up, like how other clips are included and such
Hey Nutnfancy thanks for the great video...
I just ordered myself a RTAK 2 last night
I'v been looking for a survival blade that meets my needs for a long time thanks to you i feel i found a blade that will fill the bill
thanks dude
i have done more studying of the subject and have discovered that because 1095 steel has a high carbon % (.95) then the eutectiod of .77 it can not be produced by equilibrium slow cooling. it is immediately quenched as to prevent formation of Alpha and Fe3C steel to make martensite steel each is so hard that you cant use it for anything because it will chip. (loss of ductility) so to get some of that back it is reheated (tempered) to allow some of the Alpha and Fe3C to form.
TNP, help me! Here I am in Feb of 2010. I am totally locked over 2 knives and need advice. This knife will never be deployed to a combat zone so main concerns are survival tasks and hike-ability. LOVE the RTAK for it's proven reliability (and really dig its "second kind of cool"). The CS Recon Scout has the practical advantage of a kydex-ish sheath and weighs half as much (but the RTAK is so sweet!). I could sure use some perspective now that these knives cost the same (~$110). Thanks.
I just bought this knife for $105. I really enjoyed the blade and it is pretty sharp straight out of the box. The knife is getting a custom made kydex sheath for it. The sheath that it comes with absorbs alot of water and keeps the blade rather loose.
@85wifebeater Nutn says this one...has full flat grind, chops a bit better, stronger tip, and can get a great Kydex sheath for it. -- Veri
As a kid I use to do a lot of tree cutting in my parents yard. Mostly pine tress, cedars, birch, persimmon, willows and the like typically found in New Jersey. Needless to say I'd end my day washing tree sap off my hands and out of my hair with everything from Ajax to kerosene. Then a few years ago I stumbled upon using cedar oil (available at health food stores) and low and behold "INSTANT SAP BE GONE". It dissolves the tree sap instantly. I don't know if it works on every tree sap though.
Just ordered mine on Amazon! Crazy deal at $40 from Opticsale. I was skeptical at first, but I've ordered from them before and they delivered (not on time but thats another story)!
Do you have a suggestion for a good starter large survival knife. I am JUST starting to learn survival skills, and have limited money. What would be the most economical GOOD blade?
Just an update to let you know I got my RTAK II's from that insane deal you posted a week or so ago... couldn't believe it was real, but here I have two for nearly the price of one, thanks to the TNPer who hooked us up!
I recently purchased one as well.......gotta love it.
i just made a solid steel knife with a micarta handle that is a little less than 1/4" thick and i heat treated it and its amazing. 13" long and only 15.5 ounces!
Yes, I included the price of the sheath in my post as they don't include it automatically. Scrap Yard Knives is one of Busse's sister company (along with swamp rat) and specializes in lower price point blades. $140 for the blade, $20 for nylon $25 for kydex (check the order page). $95 RTAK II vs. $165 for the Dogfather (complete minus shipping), its worth the extra to me. The hinterboonies of Montana demands good blades of you go out in the woods.
I have owned the Trailmaster and the Junglas. Both good, BUT the Junglas is a little too light for chopping and the Trailmaster handle is not very tough or comfortable for me, so I am here thinking of buying the RTAKII. Good Luck.
As far as I know Ontario started using 5160 around two years ago.
If I judge by comparing SP50's edge retention the new RTAKII will be better in edge retention than old with 1095...
Good video. Thanks. I was wondering on this. When all I had was my cold steel bushman and I had to take down dead trees, I would set the blade at a 45 angle to the tree and baton it. Sure it doesn't have the weight- but the baton can help a lot. I am going to try this with my Kabar Heavy Bowie 9. Usually through I just bring a saw, that's what I am working with currently.
Anyway, thanks for the video.
The steel wasn't to weak. 1095 is incredibly tough when done right. Ontario just couldn't manage to get a reliable heat treat on it. So, many of the blades were prone to chipping and breaking. Because of this they moved to the easier to produce 5160.
He did.. but set the video to private I think.. I had the video favorited but now it reads private. .
If you're thinking of getting one.. it's a great blade. I love mine. =D
I have used them both, the junglas feels higher quality to me but there is not a lot in it. The scales on the RTAK feel like the makers got lazy and did not finish rounding the edges. They are both very similar and you should just get what you like the most.
I own one of these, and its a beast. I love the knife. Seriously, I should build a shrine for it. But it is BIG. I see this knife on my hip at all times when people start fighting in the streets. Ammo will be in short supply and most people will not have any. Using a knife for defense will be every man's "go-to" first option. So you want a big knife, and not a big kitchen knife.
This is a supreme fighting weapon. If someone pulls a knife on you, and you respond with this baby, the fight is over. Your opponent will simply turn and run. It gives you superior reach, superb steel, tremendous strength and structural integrity.
The knife is solid. I hold mine up by the lanyard and rap it with my knuckles to make it resonate like a gong. Again, the steel is sublime. Its hard, so maintaining a razor edge takes effort.
The sheath: I liked the look sort of. Its definitely not up to the standards of the knife itself. But after owning it in black for a year or so, I just got up from my desk, took my sheath and some spray paint out onto my porch and camo'd it. Not I can't take my eyes off it and looks like God's own EDC.
Paint that sheath. bro. You cannot hurt it and you can always repaint it black. It took me maybe four minutes, tops. Just slapped on some light green and some dark green with a wad of tree leaves oversprayed in places. Gorgeous.
For a knife that you will use when all else fails, this one is the King. You will hand it down to your grand kids, guaranteed.
Oh, and do the heat-gun thing to the liner to tighten it up. I did it and it works fine. But you know, a regular steam iron and wrapping the liner in some aluminum foil (with the knife inserted while you iron it) might give you more direct control to make a tighter fit. I might just try that myself.
Props to Nutnfancy for all his good work.
Jerry Davis I will pull out my Natchez bowie, and YOU will run
LOL! Thats a GREAT knife. I wish I had bought that one instead of the RTAK. The problem with the RTAK is the handle. Its much too big, and I have "large" hands, whatever that is. I would not buy it again.
Jerry Davis large hands, large you-know-what
Nut'n!!! yur vids are getting much improved with the editing! i guess you only need it when you're referencing something from another vid, but still cool! and with more vids more possibilities right? great work, love the RTAKII
Mine, shipped to the door for under $90, will arrive in tomorrow!! WHOOH HOOH!
ESEE knives (formerly RAT knives) manufactures this same knife (RAT and Ontario had a partnership for a few years where they shared designs etc). Anyways, their model is called the Junglas Machete and comes with a Kydex sheath. Price is about the same.
Hello!
Love the vids Nutn!
As far as I know the RTAK series is actually Ontario's version of Justin Gingrich's old Ranger series. Justin always favored 5160 (leaf spring steel) at 1/4" thick for his blades. Ontario bought his design from him and began producing the knives for themselves. I don't know what Mr. Gingrich is up to now, but I have the distinct pleasure of owning a custom knife he made for me that is also 5160 at 1/4" thick. Hopefully Ontario holds to Gingrich's original quality.
hey nutn and veri could you get the esee junglas review out before christmas thanks for all the hard work and time. :)
Been watching the Dogfather for awhile and I think "lsutigers101" has one. It miffs me that they do not supply a sheath with it and they are limited sizes/styles. Great knife it seems though.
like this knife a lot. just getting in to knifes. have a lot of axe use under my belt.
@Fry790 thanks for the heads up man, the heck with them then. I'll stick with the Ontario in that case!! I watched the review on the Junglas and it was a good review I don't understand what there problem is. Now it's time for me to buy and I'll be going with the RTAK II. Thanks! :-)
Chai - would love to hear back whether you're happy with it or not -- Veri (Nutn's sister)
@Wingsfan7 Ooo thanks for the heads up, Wings! -- Veri
love the video, snippets were awesome
I agree with the video editing comment, did a really good job Nutn!
ps: what steel would you have preferred for the RTAK II.
great video, i love the reviews you have done for this knife... i'm going to be buying one after my birthday.
thanks for your knowledge and your commitment you have made to the nutnfancy project. I love every video!!!!!!!
have u looked at the esee junglas at all, id love to see a detailed review between the RTAK II and the Junglas, and who can review knives better then nutn lol, thanks for everything you do, i really appreciate it
Well, I've done some research so I can answer my own question for me and you as well: The only two differences I can see, besides the massive price gap, are that the Junglas has a nice Kydex-like (super expensive IMO) sheath and a high saber grind as apposed to the FFG on the Ontario. Other differences are seem to be cosmetic. I love the look of the white/grey micarta scales and the sheath on the ESEE but I love the price of the RTAK II. I suppose the knife is the most important part. Hmmmmm
im studying material science right now.
we are studying steel phase diagrams.
i would like to know what you mean when you say that 1095 steel is just OK for the RTAK II and that the heat treatment is really good.
from my understanding 1095 steel is gamma iron with 0.95 weight % Carbon which can only be made by equilibrium cooling gamma iron (Austenite) from >= 727*C mixed with Fe3C (Cementite) to room temp.
lol, thanks for making me do my HW
id be cool to c a review on the condor dundee bowie.
Any chance you could do a review on the TOPS Anaconda 7B. It is another design by Ron Hood, and bears the Hoodswoods logo.
I love the look of that rtak II
5160 is the same thing as leaf spring steel, holds a nice edge but known to be brittle. youll see it alot at really high rockwell hardnesses. it will also rust alot easier than 1095 or cold steel's 1055 and 1085 which are similar steels. ive thought about getting a 5160 Becker, thats a sweet ass blade.
but as for the rangers i dont know, never used one. but with just about every steel out there, performace is in the heat treatment and carbide distribution, dont forget that.
Have one myself. they aren't 1095 anymore though. they're 5160 now. The 5160 is arguably better for large blades but a tad more expensive.
+Zack A Yeah they are 5160. I was about to correct him on that
this is next on my list of knives to get i already have the kabar produced becker bk9 and i am a little unhappy with the edge it came with and sheath so im going to send it to john at razors edge and heave it reprofiled like nutnfancy and then send it to have a custom kydex sheath made, probably going to do that to the rtak-II as well
tried to find that deal ,but I cant locate it.
Thats a great price. If you can find it again let me know.
Thanks,
Joe
Seems like ESEE re-defined this knife in their own brand, called the "Junglas", its seems to be almost same specs. Several ounces lighter, 1/16" thinner, but comes with a Kydex sheath! Have you had any experience with this revamp?
I imagine this would have the ESEE "no questions asked" replacement policy? If so, people are going to beat the hell out of the Junglas.
Hey nutn, didn't you have a video about the ESEE Junglas? Where'd it go, I can't find it anywhere :(
Congrats, that's a beautiful knife. -- Veri (Nutn's sister)
Hey nutn, just noticed something, and I thought I'd let you / veri know. The RTAK II is actually 3/16'' thick , not 1/4'' thick like you say in your video. I've checked multiple sources, and all say 3/16" unless they are citing your video's description. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Found clearance sale under 40 bucks shipped. Not sure stock levels hopefully not out but put in order for Three of them. ESEE Junglas should be here tomorrow and thinking maybe the Kydex sheath will work with the RTAK II also, if so will post. If it works and ESEE sells them separate would be a good addition for this blade. Later dude.
Nutnfancy, if you haven't reviewed Ontario's Gen II SP 52/SP 53, I would really like to see you review them.
Both are great but Ive seen the RTAKII fail and I havent seen the Junglas fail. However the RTAKII at $100 less and with a warranty if it does fail(which is rare) makes the RTAKII a better deal between the two similar blades.
Maybe a Hunter Honer sharpener review to show folks how to maintain their blades.
Just ordered mine $89 ! Can't beat it for the price
Hey nutn, you should check out some of Eric fehrmans knives. Less about the knife, and more the handle. He actually makes micarta scales for his knives, but puts a Kraton lining between the bland the scales to give it the durability of micarta, and shock absorbency of kraton
when i got mine i popped the handles off and applied thin film of lithium grease and cranked the handles down and wiped of the excess. i have done the heat gun trick but used a Chicago screw to resecure it instead of glue so i can clean it if grit and crap gets in the sheath insert. even time i use it i think crocodile dundee 01NHcTM5IA4
One question about your suggestion to put a lanyard on the knife - If the knife flies out of your hand and is attached to your wrist by a lanyard, couldn't it pivot around that fixed point and injure you? Seems like I'd rather go looking for my knife than be bandaging myself... Any experience one way or the other?
For the warranty and sheath I can't see not buying a ESEE Junglas even for the money difference.
This really is one of the most functional large survival knifes available. Until you get it in hand it's hard to appreciate the balance and feel of hte blade. It's a combo between a chopper and a machette.
What I would suggest in regards to the MOLLE sheath... it would be, for me, an attatchment to the side of my pack, not on a tac vest...
but because the Fe3C is formed as spheres instead of as lines in the alpha matrix it makes it ductile without loosing huge amounts of hardness rapidly. because it is 1095 steel this # means that it has no alloying elements in it other then carbon. this means the quenched steel will produce alpha and Fe3C in lines (weaker) then it would if it had an alloy in it, which is again added to slow their formation before the metal can be quenched so that only martensite will be formed.
so i get it now.
What do you think of the best steel for all around survival/tactical use knives ? Thanks nutnfancy .. ! and of course Veri :)
@ Southpaw991 - me too! I would like a machete paired with a great knife 6 - 10" blade length.
You should test out the cold steel perfect balance as there are no survival videos on them
just got mine today, $200 CAD well-spent; thanks for the awesome review Nutn - I watched this vid more times than I'd like to count. The shaping of my handle slabs is a little uneven in some places, I will probably be sanding those down, I also read you can get many different textures with canvas micarta using different grades of sandpaper. Wondering about the 'crinkle' paint on it too - wouldn't Duracoat etc. be tougher?
i really like your video editing
Awesome review nutnfancy! I am in the market for a new large fixed blade knife and am torn between the rtak 2 and the esee junglas. I would feel bad about getting the junglas because my great uncle runs the Ontario factory up here in NY but the lifetime warranty is a big plus. Price is not really a factor but since esee is basically RAT now I find it hard to discern the differences in quality if any. Have you used the junglas at all, and if so have you noticed any differences?
Dude that's my main blade when I'm out its been my fav for while
I just got my RTAK II today. I've been impressed with this blade since I watched Firemaking in Snow last summer. This is my first survival blade (it's true, I'm a youngin') and I was wondering if you had any tips for care and cleaning? Thanks, and keep up the good work Nutn!!!
Great vid, nice editing skills!
Btw you seen the CS Rajah?
That's a pretty mean folder, you should get one and put to some hard use and find out what it's really made of.
Nutnfancy, do you have any experience with Ontario's Ranger line? Specifically the Night Stalker 9.
@no1livez4evr That was 8 months ago and it was the non serrated version. They most likely changed the price. I would check yourcornerstore or just look around.
At one point, the RTAK was made by the same two knife company's, so both blades should be around the same level of quality. However, that being said, the Esee Junglas comes with a much, much better sheath than the RTAK does. The sheath the RTAK comes with isn't bad, it's just not as high quality as the Junglas. The RTAK is cheaper than the Junglas, but just because something is cheaper doesn't always mean it's of less quality. I'm not Nutnfancy, lol, but I'm giving you my honest opinion.
do a review of the busse battle mistress please.
hey nutn, I was wondering what you think would be a good companion for this would be in a backpacking pou. i need something smaller for fine work because im finding out that its hard with this beast. thanx