i've been trying to research a few blades to use as a general purpose camp/backwoods blade. first and foremost is blade strength. next in line would be cost, field serviceablility (sharpening), and a decent sheath. i want a blade that will last quite some time.
that being said, i've eyed the ka-bar, ontario rat-7, becker cu7, and swamprat camp tramp.
first off the camp tramp is a bit more than i'd like to spend. a good knife no doubt, but i saw no mention of a sheath on their site. i'm assuming that one must purchase a sheath on their own which only adds to the expense. also i'm not a huge fan of the handle. i really like full length and width tangs with slabs.
the ka bar is nice but the handle issue arises. also the ka bar looks the most like a fighting knife out of these, and i'd like it to be a bit less flashy to those i might meet along the trail.
the becker seems to get rave reviews from most. blade design seems nice and i like the use of slabs for the handle. the matrial seems like it might be a bit slippery though. the sheath leaves something to be desired from what i'm told. and as far as price, it seems like a winner.
now for the rat-7. this is the one i'm leaning towards the most. i like the drop point blade design. the sheath seems acceptable. the handle design/material seems like the best set-up of the bunch. and the price is reasonable.
now for the tough questions.
if the rat-7....1095 or d2?? i'm told that d2 needs the proper heat treating. does anyone know of ontarios process?? also are there any that i'm missing?? preferably in the under $100 price range.
i've seen plenty of comments on everything but rat-7. anyone with personal experiences with this blade?? any comments on the camp tramp's sheath or handle??
thanks for your time.
that being said, i've eyed the ka-bar, ontario rat-7, becker cu7, and swamprat camp tramp.
first off the camp tramp is a bit more than i'd like to spend. a good knife no doubt, but i saw no mention of a sheath on their site. i'm assuming that one must purchase a sheath on their own which only adds to the expense. also i'm not a huge fan of the handle. i really like full length and width tangs with slabs.
the ka bar is nice but the handle issue arises. also the ka bar looks the most like a fighting knife out of these, and i'd like it to be a bit less flashy to those i might meet along the trail.
the becker seems to get rave reviews from most. blade design seems nice and i like the use of slabs for the handle. the matrial seems like it might be a bit slippery though. the sheath leaves something to be desired from what i'm told. and as far as price, it seems like a winner.
now for the rat-7. this is the one i'm leaning towards the most. i like the drop point blade design. the sheath seems acceptable. the handle design/material seems like the best set-up of the bunch. and the price is reasonable.
now for the tough questions.
if the rat-7....1095 or d2?? i'm told that d2 needs the proper heat treating. does anyone know of ontarios process?? also are there any that i'm missing?? preferably in the under $100 price range.
i've seen plenty of comments on everything but rat-7. anyone with personal experiences with this blade?? any comments on the camp tramp's sheath or handle??
thanks for your time.