Ontario Ranger TFI, first impressions review

UCPOPO

UCPOPO

Joined
Dec 2, 2010
Messages
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I've been looking for an Ontario Ranger TFI for some time now and no one has had them in stock for months. I was surprisingly able to pick up a new one in the for sale forum here and jumped at the chance. Thanks TAGannon;). It showed up today. Very impressed with the fit and finish. Good looking micarta. Although it is a bit squared off for me, after I spend a few minutes on the belt sander it should be perfect. Ive heard both good and bad about products from Ontario but this one I am very impressed at first glance. Its razor sharp and the finish seems flawless. I dont believe I've had any 5160 steel knives so I'm not sure what to expect with it. The sheath, although not great, is an improvement compared to the factory Becker sheaths. Its does have a molle attachement but I will do some mods to it to make it more then usable. The insert isnt much but I do like that the front pouch will hold a survival tin. The sheath all together is a bit large for this blade so I may just make a nice kydex rig for it.

Here are the factory Specs:

Blade Thickness: .250"
Made in the USA
Total Length: 10.228"
Blade Length: 5"
Handle Material: Black Canvas Micarta
Blade-Steel: Black Powder Coated 5160 Carbon Steel
Rockwell Hardness: 57-58 rc

Ive been a fan of the BK2 and ESEE 5 for some time due to the thickness but at times the blade seems a little too much. With the same 1/4 inch thickness but the lower profile I think it will serve my needs well. The jimping and thumb ramp on this feels great. I also like how the edges are unfinished all the way around. Here are a few quick pics:

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Just a quick bit of first impression info. Can't wait to actually put it to use. I think for the price , it cant be beat. Its tuff to find a blade this size but still get the .250 thickness. I look forward to giving it a beating. :D
 
Can you give us an impression on the knife now that you've owned it for a couple months?
I ordered one of these and the info on the Web is limited in terms of real world use/feedback.

Many thanks, And Happy New Year,

Andy
 
cant speak for the original poster, but I have owned one since Justin started making them and I love mine...
 
I love the design of that knife. It's smaller than I thought it would be, which appeals to me even more. Definitely post a review of it.
 
Nice knife. I was hesitant about Ontario also after having a poor example of a TAK in the past but my new RD7 is a very nice knife that seems it should cost much more than it did. Post a pic of the sand job to the handles if you can, about to do this myself without power tools!
 
I'd be interested in your opinion of the TFI, I sat on the fence about one, along with a few other 5-7" blades, including the Afgan, which I have used and liked, I like the smaller profile of it(TFI)...just never seen any reviews of it to speak of.
 
Its actually moved up as one of my favorites for sure. The 5160 steel seems to hold a nice, sharp edge very well. I did reprofile the handle a bit by taking some of the belly out:

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and I made a kydex sheath attached to an esee molle back and survival tin pouch. Its alot of knife for the money.

DSC01146.jpg
 
Good stuff. I know there is a lot of h8 toward Ontario by some, but i like em. Still an affordable, Made in the USA, high quality product at a good price point.
 
Hi Guys, Once I learned how to sharpen my TFI, it became one of my go to survival/bushcraft knives, its what Morsel Kochanski would call a prybar that processes wood, I know a thin blade slices cuts better, but for general camp work, banning and building a shelter, its a great knife, I have a few knives and this one is a gem.
 
OOops this spell check drives me crazy, even though its a short drive its Mors Kochanski and batoning not banning, sorry about that fella.
 
paul'ie said:
Hi Guys, Once I learned how to sharpen my TFI, it became one of my go to survival/bushcraft knives, its what Morsel Kochanski would call a prybar that processes wood, I know a thin blade slices cuts better, but for general camp work, banning and building a shelter, its a great knife, I have a few knives and this one is a gem.
Click to expand...

Out of interest, could you tell us what is the best way you have found to sharpen it please?
 
1. I have the TFI. the Afghan and the Tak1.
2. TFI is my choice. I could live with the others though.
3. I keep one TFI in the car.
4. I gave my son a TFI for his car.
5. The sheath is a great improvement over the sheaths for the Afghan and the TAK1.
6. I use the Spyderco system on the Ontario knives.
7. I dumped the Afghan sheath and modified the Tak1 sheath. Didn't have to do mods to the TFI sheath.
8. The current sheath has two adjustable restraining straps.
 
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Bringing up an old thread discussion. I finally ordered a TFI after lusting over the pics for the last couple years. Those that have had one for a while what are your long term impressions and if you had to do it over would you buy the TFI again?

Also has anyone come up with a full kydex sheath for this knife yet?
 
I have one and though well made, I find it difficult finding it's niche. Too thick for a good slicer. Too small to take advantage of it's heft for chopping. No
 
Appreciate the input Mastif. Definitely not a heavy chopper, but not my primary purpose as I have a Condor Hudson Bay for that . Wanted a heavy duty knife for general camping related duties and more for when the SHTF. I can see what you mean with blade thickness for slicing as my Afghan blade is same thickness (although I haven't used it yet). I really like the TFI blade profile and handle ergonomics. I guess I'll see how it does once its here.
 
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