The American-made Ranger RD Tanto by Ontario Knife Co. (OKC) is designed by retired U.S. Army Ranger Justin Gingrich to be a tough tool that, in addition to cutting or slashing, can be used to dig, pry and penetrate better than a standard drop or spear point.
“I don’t traditionally do a lot of tanto blades,” Gingrich said. “I had been getting more and more requests from guys who needed or wanted one that is usable and ‘bomb proof.’” He added that he tested the RD Tanto and it soon became a hit with users.
The thickness is the key to the effectiveness of the robust full-tang knife.
“The Ranger line has always been built on two traits that make it stand out: [that the knives are] affordable and overbuilt,” Gingrich added. “I want to make sure the blade is a tool and that it can be used as such without worry of failure.
“OKC reproduced it very well. They held to my specs without any issues. Price is always a concern, but with OKC already doing the rest of the Ranger Line in quarter-inch-thick 5160 and the same handle material, they can buy in bulk and help keep the costs in check.”
For more on the Ranger RD Tanto, visit www.ontarioknife.com.
To read similar stories and the latest knife news and much more, subscribe to BLADE by clicking on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb291111#BL1SU
PHOTO CAPTION
Quarter-inch-thickness runs the length of the black-powder-coated, 5160 carbon steel blade all the way to the chisel tip, designed to make the Ontario Ranger RD Tanto sturdy under intense lateral pressure. Overall length: 12.186 inches. Blade length: 7.187 inches. The Micarta® handle comes in black or olive drab. MSRP: $175.64 (includes MOLLE-compatible black nylon sheath with hard plastic insert and utility pouch). (Ontario photo)
NEXT STEP: Download Your Free KNIFE GUIDE Issue of BLADE Magazine
BLADE’s annual Knife Guide Issue features the newest knives and sharpeners, plus knife and axe reviews, knife sheaths, kit knives and a Knife Industry Directory.Get your FREE digital PDF instant download of the annual Knife Guide. No, really! We will email it to you right now when you subscribe to the BLADE email newsletter.