OK guys - I'm trying to decide what fixed blade to attach to my (mini BOB, PSK, EDC Survival Kit, whatever).

Right now, I have my Ontario Rat TAK in D2 steel, plain edge, in a Jeepsrock Kydex sheath (its great - as small as it can be and straps right to the outside of my kit).

My other options for knives in that same size grouping are:

2. Busse Badger Attack TAC (BATAC) - its a little bit larger than the TAK, still 3/16 thick, but INFI - my Okuden sheath is a little large though...

3. Scrapyard Dumpster Mutt - not a cutter - but indestructible - SR77 - I've thought hard about swapping the Mutt in, but it really, really, isn't a cutting chore knife. Could do lots of batoning with it...

4. Ontario RAT-5 - 1095 steel - this is the knife I'd like to have, but its got a cordura sheath and won't really attach to my kit well.

5. I have the Koster Bushcraft knife on order - but that could be quite a wait. We'll see how it stands up next to the others when it gets here.

I do have a Victorinox OHT inside my kit. I always have a big chopper and saw in my vehicle, but I might not have access to it if I'm out on a hike and need my kit.

Any opinions? I want the blade that will stand up to hard use and function well, and still be relatively compact.

And, does anyone know "how tough" D2 is?? I know its harder and more brittle than some of the stuff "we" use (1095, 5160, Busse steels)

d2 holds an edge well but is impossible to sharpen in the field
it chips easy also
you have to buy from a good maker, if you dont the heat treatment is bad

I have a diamond rod in my kit.

My Ontario RAT TAK is made by a good maker - but being D2, I'm worried about chipping... and wouldn't want to baton with it, really...

I think I'm going to put the Dumpster Mutt in the kit... it doesn't cut as well, but in the "worst case" scenario, I'd rather have a knife that CAN'T break, even if it doesn't cut quite as well!

I'm askin my ma for a mod4 posted above
thinkin of having leatherface make me some od kydex pants for it
what do you think

What do they usually run, price wise?

how thick is it?

on me the PSK is my smallest, compacted, easy to put in my pocket kit I have, I only have a tiny sak in it, no bigger knife. this way I can always take it with me in my pocket and I do!

I always carry a good folder also in another pocket or on the belt for bigger/faster stuff. if my PSK where bigger, it would not be as easy to drop in my pocket every time and I might not take it.

so think fast/easy/small, something that you know you'll grab everytime bro <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dice, go for the BATAC, you can choke back on the grip especially with a paracord wrist strap and it will chop a bit as well as being tough as hell. Mind you I'd still take my S6 over my BATAC everyday of the week...

The MOD survival knives vary between 5 and 6.5mm thick depending who makes it..

congrats 3500 man Paul! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thanks mate! I didn't notice..