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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Ontario RTAK 2 Fixed Blade Knife Review

Ontario Randall RTAK2 Knife Micarta Handle 10.25" Combo Edge Blade

The RTAK 2 (Randall's Training/Adventure Knife) is a large jungle blade/survival knife built for hacking and slashing. The 3/16" thick 1095 carbon steel is durable as all hell, and the Mil-spec phosphate finish on the blade wears like nobody's business.

The original RTAK knife was actually designed by Newt Livesay, but later Ontario developed the modified version. This second generation of RTAK is like a hybrid between a Bowie knife and a machete. With that being said, the knife obviously will have some wilderness and tactical abilities.

The Ontario RTAK II is a great performer. It does everything well and I wouldn't hesitate to take this into the wilderness. It is BIG! The RTAK 2 knife measures 16.5 inches overall with a 10.25" drop point blade. The handle is made from a very durable and thick Canvas Micarta, which will allow you to get and keep a good, solid grip. The Micarta handle is big but well designed, and I have no problem with its size. The Micarta is better finished than on the Ontario Ranger RD7.


While the Ontario RTAK 2 is approximately 2.2 lbs heavy, it is a very good knife to have since it handles wilderness tasks so well. It is a great chopper due to its length and weight, and it splits well. If it had a slightly thicker blade it would split better, but then it would be even heavier. Nonetheless, because of its length and weight it will plow through anything, maybe with just a little more force.

The edge maintaining capabilities on the RTAK 2 knife are phenomenal. The fact that it has a full flat grind will allow you to get a very sharp edge on it.


However, no tool is perfect, and one drawback of the RTAK 2 is an interesting one. First, the sheath is a bit on the tacky/flimsy side. There's a rather thin plastic liner under the nylon exterior. This has started to slide out a couple times, and it didn't fill me with confidence. It's thin, clear plastic, not thick black Kydex as I'd hoped. Of course, the sheath does not make the knife, but it does need to be addressed. Cordura nylon sheaths have always been my bane, especially poorly made ones. The plastic liner inside of the sheath is not form-fitted and the sheathed knife makes an audible rattling sound as the user walks. A loose fitting sheath can cause many problems including; a lost knife, scaring of wild game, and (in combat situations) alerting people of your presence. The cordura nylon is thinner than the sheathes offered by other brands, making me personally uncomfortable with the sheath as a safe scabbard for such a large (and sharp) knifeblade. Of course, the sheath does not make the knife, but it does need to be addressed. The sheath also sports a pocket on the outside that is actually of a pretty good size for carrying a multi-tool or small survival kit. That's a nice touch in my book.


My second issue is with the huge and obvious logo across the blade. It's laser etched into the steel providing a nice place for rust to set in. Rust there would almost be welcome, as the logo is quite bright and shiny as opposed to the subdued finish on the rest of the blade. The RTAK 2 isn't the only blade to commit this "sin". The Kershaw Outcast is another blade that sees fit to advertise itself with a blade billboard.

These are definitely not reasons to avoid this blade. The logo is easily subdued with a Q-tip and some spray paint, and the sheath is okay for camping and hiking use. If I wanted to haul this into battle, I'd probably re-sheath it.

All in all this is an excellent option survival knife, priced affordably and worth it for the abilities of this blade. The RTAK 2 will out carry out knives that are two and three times its value.


To buy or get more information on the Ontario Randall RTAK2 Knife Micarta Handle 10.25" Combo Edge Blade
, click the link below.

Ontario Randall RTAK2 Knife Micarta Handle 10.25" Combo Edge Blade


The Ontario RTAK II is also available with a plain edge blade.

To buy or get more information on the Ontario Randall RTAK 2 Knife with Micarta Handle and 10.25" Plain Edge Blade , click the link below.

Ontario Randall RTAK 2 Knife Micarta Handle 10.25" Plain Edge Blade





All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

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