RTAK vs TOPS

T

TomF

Joined
Apr 15, 2000
Messages
463
Hello all. I've seen several comparisons on these forums between RTAKS and Busses, esp. the Basic 9. I've had a Basic 9 and actually didn't much like it. My two major problems were the handle (too thin for me) and the point (too rounded/semi-circular. I like a more pronounced point for detailed work).

So my question is, what about RTAK vs TOPS?
Specifically, i'm looking at the Condor Alert 9.5" blade or the Steel Eagle 107E 7" blade (straight back, hunter's point)

From what I have seen on the net (haven't found either one in person) pros and cons are:

Pros: RTAK- More ergonomic handle; Price; Thinner blade may make for better chopping/ cutting; Lighter weight.
Tops- Thicker blade may mean better durability in heavy use such as prying/ twisting(?); more pronounced point; thicker, more filling handles.

Cons: RTAK- Thinner blade may be more apt to twist(?); more rounded point; thinner handles may be TOO thin(?)
TOPS- Heavier; more expensive; handles have traction grooves which may be abrasive.

This knife would be sort of a do-all camp knife/survival knife. There are others, such as Mineral Mountain, which also look good (but the MM's look a bit too large for me in width and weight) and some custom works such as Rinaldi's Armageddon, or the Busse BM, which are just too pricey.

PS, I have handled a couple of CRK Projects, and really didn't like the round handles, so despite their quality, they're out, too.

Any experiences, ideas, comments? Thanks!

Tom
 
I haven't handled or played with an RTAK, but my Air Assault is built like a tank. For utility use, I would trust it over my Ka-Bar any day. Newt's knives don't look like much, but they tough as nails and just fun to have around (as evidenced by my 6 WKC Neck Knives....hmmmm
wink.gif
)

KM
 
I'm not sure if you've seen Cliff Stamp's work on one of the TOPS Steel Eagle models. That would be helpful to look at. He also did work with the Livesay RCM, which is similar to the RTAK in some ways.
 
Wow, Mr. Jim those are some beautiful knives. If only I had the $$$. That 13" model is amazing. Wow.
 
Love the TOPS. The handles are very ergonomic IMO, and many others agree, do a search, and you'll find I'm right. Also the steel is tough as heck.
 
Schrade has now discontinued a knife, a survival type, that got a very good review in TK, but I think some are still to be had. Should be less expensive than the RTAK, and appears to be solidly built. Damned if I can think of the name. SOmething like Explorer/Extreme, or whatever. Anyhow, its been on my short dream survival-type knife for awhile now. If I don't get one soon, probably never will. They sure don't come up often -- if ever -- on the individual sales forum.

Of course, an awful lot of people think very highly of the Fallkniven A-1, and the VG10 steel its made of. And, lots like the Becker Magnum Camp, which is more the size of the 2 knives you mention, plus the Brute, an even heavier chopper. Nearly everyone likes the handles of the Beckers, and find them to provide a big bang for the buck.

------------------
Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
I own the RTAK and like it a lot. Have used it to chop only, and it holds an edge well. The handle is very ergonomic- fairly large, won't fatigue the hand. The sheath holds the knife securely. The coating shows little sign of wear. I think it's currently on sale (about $20 off) at Newt's website.



[This message has been edited by AF (edited 06-07-2001).]
 
Decisions, decisions...so many good tools, so few $$$
frown.gif


But thanks for all the responses! I've got more thinking to do.

Tom
 
Here's two others to think on. Bill Siegel's Green Utility. He hand grinds these one at a time. I just got one of his 12" machetes and would be hard pressed to find a way to kill it. 1/4" 5160 stock and G10 Mic. handles.
Also, if you like a more pronounced poker, look at the Livesay HKR Utility. This is a big pointy monster. Mine should be arriving in the next couple of weeks and I will update on it.

I had bad luck with SOG. Maybe it was just one bad knife from a bunch but it turned me off of there products.
Best
recondoc
PS. Newt's sale has RTAKs for 127.50 and HKRs for 170.00 until 1600hrs on the 12th of June. HURRY!!!!

[This message has been edited by recondoc1 (edited 06-11-2001).]
 
Are there any pics of the Green Utility anywhere? Does Bill Siegel have a website?

Thanks for added input!
(And i just can't come up with the funds for teh RTAK right now
frown.gif
, but that's still high on my list of probables. Even at the regular price it looks like a great deal. But so do the Grecos...

Tom
 
Try:http://www.geocities.com/siegleknives for Bill Siegle. If you look for a post by Marion David Poff in the Wilderness and Survival Forum on Survival Fishing Kits the link is active.
Bob
 
Thanks for the link! That's also a sweet looking blade. Sigh...even more decisions
wink.gif


Tom
 
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