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