RTAK II or ESEE Junglas: Knife Comparison

[@RhysTucker2603]

I own both and i must agree with this review, not much noticeable difference in performance. The only difference being that you buy the junglas and you forget about it, no tweaking the edge or sanding the handle needed. The RTAK ii will do the same job but you'll have to sand the micarta and tweak the edge for it to be as comfortable as the esee.

[@JeepJeep234]

I ordered the Junglas not too long ago, your video's of it started my interest in it. And after seeing the warranty on the knife I finally pulled the trigger and bought one, just waiting for it to get here.

[@gideonstactical]

JeepJeep234 You won't be sorry.

[@wehrewulf]

videos

[@yaahme]

Excellent review between these 2, great job! I am a ESEE Junglas owner and love it. Holds very well in the hand, which to me is actually the most important thing beyond the other obvious points that we take for granted as in should expect i.e. sharpness, quality, fit, finish, along with an outstanding sheath that will last a lifetime AND with a warranty to back it up - well worth the extra coin IMHO.

[@gideonstactical]

+yaahme Thanks so much my friend.

[@adods9824]

You get what you pay for … time and time again :-)

[@adamgreene831]

Dude my RTAK II is razor sharp out of the box

[@crosshair64]

I have three Esee's, not this model. I customized my Rtac ll, totally different knife now. I have XXX hands, just huge, that's why I enjoy using the Ontario more than the Esee, it fits my hands a lot better for long term use. I appreciate your thoughts and opinion on these awesome blades, great review Mr Aaron.

[@wehrewulf]

ESEEs

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I have kind of smaller hands and with gloves on the handles on tne Junglas sound more appealing. Excellent side by side with two great knives! Ted

[@koomo801]

Great comparison. I missed the weight comparison, but that's available elsewhere. Good catch on the finger choil. That's the kind of subtle difference a good reviewer will pick up.

[@nonjaninja4904]

The RTAK2 is better looking and a better value imo. It looks better the more it wears.

[@garrettferrell6821]

I think the ESEE looks a little better but the RTAK2 is certainly the better value,especially if you are ok with the nylon sheath or make your own sheaths

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

I love mine!

[@navigator1372]

I agree. It has a choil too.

[@garrettferrell6821]

I personally don’t care about a finger choil on big knives (I completely understand why one would) but I always carry a smaller blade for the finer tasks..while I don’t care about finger choils on big knives,I think finger choils are awesome on smaller blades like the Bradford Guardian 3 and 4(my 2 favorite knives I own,can’t wait to for my ESEE Junglas to come in and join my ever growing collection)...I think my Bradford Guardian 4 will be an excellent companion knife to the ESEE Junglas

[@vonsprague7913]

Great, great video of two great knives. I've just ordered my Junglas and love my Essee 6 but have recommended the RTAK ll to a friend who has a young family and therefore higher spending priorities. I agree with the comment below that a bit of tidying up would improve the RTAK but by the the time you start adding Kydex sheaths in the UK you may as well have bought the Essee. Good job mate, thank you.

[@sevensurvival]

Very well done, thanks. Good knives for the jungle in Jamaica. Chopping coconuts, splitting bamboo, digging African yams, harvesting Ganja, and stuff. Aaron I've learned a lot from You. May the blessings of The Most High protect You , and Yours through this Gideon. Rasta's call Armageddon " The Gideon ".......Joshua Seven Thunders///////

[@shcmoly]

Excellent video! I currently have an Ontario SP-50 so I do not need either of these bad boys currently but they are both on my wish list.

[@gideonstactical]

Nice, I am going to be getting my hands on the sp50 early next year. I think it will be able produce the same results as the RTAK & Junglas.

[@markc3197]

From what I understand the reason you would go with Ontario is budget , if you want the better knoife you go for the junglas , I’m partial to the junglas cause I paid 320 bucks go it and I don’t have an rtack 2 but the reason I went with junglas is the sheath which is impeccable

[@2009statechamps1]

Awesome, as usual. The pressure is on to keep up the great videos!

[@gideonstactical]

Haha, I will do my best. Thanks for the support!

[@DV8DOG]

It's pronounced “hoon-glas" not "hun-glas" if anyone cares. Thank for the comparison, it was just what I was looking for

[@wolfman011000]

Amazon.com quote Rockwell: 57HRC for the ESEE Junglass. I have the RTAKII and i used a dremal to round off and shape the handle and flush fit the bottom of the handle to the blade. The RTAKII you can with a small amount of effort custom fit the handle to your hand. I have recently bought the Junglass but have not used it enough toform a worth while opition beyond it is a cadillac of a knife fir and fish are excellent but as always comes at a price. If you can not afford the Junglass the RTAKII will serve you well and with a bit of effort you can improve it's fit and finish to a semi custom knife, improving the handle, sheath and protective coating as you time and budget allow. Thank you gideonstactical for the excellent video much appreciated, take care God Bless.

[@garrettferrell6821]

I just ordered the ESEE Junglas about an hour ago...I highly considered the RTAK 2 but the way I see it,I might as well pay the extra for the ESEE..if I would’ve went with the RTAK 2 I would’ve been replacing the crappy sheath immediately..after replacing the sheath the RTAK 2 is close to the same price as the ESEE...figured the extra money for the sheath,better heat treatment as well as better fit and finish would be worth the extra...with that being said,if you are ok with the nylon sheath and aren’t looking to spend $150+ the RTAK 2 is a great choice...I considered the TOPS Armageddon as well but $200 for the awesome knife and a super cheap nylon sheath...it’s crazy,I have $30 Schrade knives that came with pretty good sheaths,I have $50-$70 Gerber knives with pretty good sheaths..then you have companies like TOPS putting out awesome $150-$200+ knives coming with horrible sheaths...it should be unacceptable,that’s one thing I love about ESEE,you never have to worry about having to pay for the knife and then pay for a new sheath right after...if the don’t want to use kydex or a decent leather sheath then at least give us a decent molded thermoplastic sheath..these 100% nylon sheaths just don’t cut it for me,especially on a knife that costs over $100

[@RichAllfieldnohit]

I've used the RTAK II extensively (with 5160) and the edge has chipped multiple times. Hopefully, as you've said, their heat treatment is better now. That said, I've torqued the blade through tough, hard, knot infested wood and it has never failed. The blade warbled along the edge maybe half an inch up but that was my fault as I believe I hit a stone while batoning.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

A homing rod should take care of a rolled edge.

[@stefanodogg280]

At half the price I can live with finish wear on the RTAK II and fitting the handle is an easy task. The choil is the deal sealer for me. I hate kydex and will make my own custom black bullhide sheath with pouches for a leatherman and a sharpener kit

[@michaelstjohn6086]

ESEE = No hassle lifetime warranty is what made my choice.

[@gideonstactical]

True!

[@crazycarl8160]

Ontario = 5160 beats 1095 and it's more affordable. Ontario will replace it if you break it.

[@eternalvigilance6095]

Why does it beat 1095?

[@dizocilpine]

sword steel has more flex and less likely of chipping in larger blades

[@eternalvigilance6095]

Thanks. What are your thoughts on the Tops Armageddon?

[@Capellix0001]

Update please

[@carscigarsscotchnwatches5158]

Excellent review. I have both and prefer the Junglas for it's ergonomics even though like you I wish they would have put a finger choil on such a large blade. The reason why Randall did not put it in the Junglas is because he patterned the Junglas more off of the original RTAK made by Newt Livesay for Randall(designed by both in the late 1990's). The original RTAK did not have a choill. Our loss. The original jungle use was as a short heavy machete and if you look how short work with machetes is done they put both hands on the spine and shave wood and do chores like that. On a short machete or knife it would have been nice to have the choill.

[@vonsprague7913]

roy roy I'm thinking that filing one in or using a dremmel would be fairly straightforward.

[@MB-jg4tr]

Tramontina 12" machete will do almost everything these blades will at $13 USD. And it will do some things much better. Shape the tip and wood handle to fit your hand, sharpen it up. Thin ultra-dependable spring steel. Not a popular opinion on forums like this, But, for people around the world who use these kind of tools everyday, the $13 machete will probably last longer.

[@joeframo3347]

Gideon tactical hello my friend great videos you got going I bought all these knives because of you 👍

[@tat2jitsu411]

I have both of them changed The Handel scales removed The coating on them Patina Them with vinegar an mustard Now there like twins feel the same Look the same the two of them are great knives

[@adods9824]

They’re

[@wehrewulf]

handle

[@julesthurongi1223]

It'd have to be pretty awesome heat treat to beat Dan Maragni's water jet cut, "super saiyen" 5160 on the Ontario...

[@Carolinacaveman]

I really wish the junglas had the finger groove at the base of the cutting edge or atleast a sharpening notch.

[@wehrewulf]

C H O I L

[@dirrtyvanilla]

6 years later, has the RTAK ii stood the test of time? Or has the compiled use destroyed the blade?

[@Capellix0001]

yeah an update would be nice

[@seanantill3366]

I have had an original RTAK since the first came out and has been a favorite as for my large knife option so what they've been out for what 10-12 years now and I have processed countless pieces of wood for fire literally blazed trails through dense alder and chopped down countless trees and after all that plus mastering throwing it it is still tough as hell holds a hair popping sharp edge is comfortable in the hand and has plenty of coating on the blade and was half the price so i'll put it up against the junglas any time any where you will not be disappointed with the Ontario for a large blade option also bought my brother an Ontario bowie a few years back and it is his goes everywhere with him large blade

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for the comment and info.

[@Buzzby4020]

Sean Antill Wasn't the original RTAK (Randall's Training and Adventure Knife) made by the same people who are now making the Junglas?

[@seanantill3366]

No its made by Ontario

[@moonrunner8791]

+Sean Antill wrong, Jeff Randell used to work with Ontario and designed the entire rat line which since they've moved on to become esee.

[@adods9824]

@@Buzzby4020yes

[@hiker9830]

Thanks for a damn good video!

[@Nightknight159]

You should have done a lightsaber duel to test them out!

[@joeframo3347]

Ontario knives are number one I like them morning k bar I don't know why but I do

[@RFord2]

Prob gonna grab the RTAK2 and sand the handle flush. Thanks for the video 👍

[@chef_nick3022]

Just keep that blade dry man lol high carbon content blades need a good coating to repel moister

[@chicanoghost818]

3:28 A WHOLE MILLIMETER?!

[@keithmckeith]

Top quality review mate!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

The esee junglas can also get a finer edge than the esee 6 or the esee 4 cause the blade is the same thickness at the spine, but the blade is much wider on the junglas so the angle is at a lower degree than the others!!! I always liked the esee 4 but would have loved it if it was the same thickness as the esee 3!!! Then it would have been an amazing cutter!!!

[@jn3750]

You should test the latest version of the RTAK II (in 5160 steel). I think it is as lest as good as the BK9 or Junglas.

[@ricev7071]

I have it, and I tell you it's way better. I live in Canada and have yet to seen an RTAK made with 5160 break in the cold of winter with heavy use but I have seen the Junglas break or chip off so there's that.

[@Ve-suvius]

@@ricev7071 Others have seen the Ontario RTKAII with 5160 chip and fail also. The heat treat of Ontario is far from consistent. So, there's that.

[@i45on]

Great review. Thanks!

[@patrickgermond2750]

What were the weights please. I watched it all. Maybe I missed it. And the Rtaks on ebay won't say either. Just length and width.

[@dave3gs]

I would go with the Ontario RTAK II.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for the comment

[@fbravus]

I've seen RTAK II failing a lot on youtube videos / forums. Chipping and breaking, Both in 1095 and 5160. I tried to find a jungle failing but I couldn't. I don't own any of those knives both seem to be great but I would stick to the junglas. Hopefully Ontario will fix their isues with HT.

[@billpeart]

Do you think this could attributed to more Rtak's being used and abused than Junglas'? Just because one knife has more information pertaining to its failures doesnt mean it lacks in quality. It just means it has more information pertaining to its failures. KZbin videos only tell a small part of the story. KZbin is only one source out of many.

[@gideonstactical]

I have never seen an esee of any kind chip out like Ontarios knives have. I like Ontario alot and at half the cost of a Junglas it is worth the coin flip in my opinion, and Ontario will replace it if it has a failure.

[@billpeart]

gideonstactical I dont own either, but I do own a Ontario SP 10. Now, I may be wrong here, but I would be willing to say that RTAK owners outnumber Junglas owners 5 to 1. Just like saying, I see many more cars broke down on highways than tractor trailers. This doesnt mean that tractor trailers breakdown less. I could be wrong though brother. Nice video by the way.

[@fbravus]

Pete Privitere Well, Ontario is running for a longer time than ESEE ;) Also, I've been searching on forums and aparently some times, ontario heat treatments / Quality control Isn't as good as it should be resulting in blades failing / chipping. That's what I've been reading ;)

[@gideonstactical]

Good assestment

[@huttonanderson5134]

wtf mine does not tell time or the date..

[@Roadbikerider79]

For me the RTAK 2 has the most comfortable handle, but that is just my personal opinion. Your point about the choil is very important. A knife this big really needs a choil for finer work. Just cant understand why Esse dont do it on the bigger blades (Junglas and 5) The Esee 3 and 4 both have choils but they really dont need a choil if the handle had been made like the Esee 5. I just dont get Esees design some times. I have convexed the edge on my Rtak 2 and it is shaving sharp, the factory edge is gargage. Both the Rtak 2 an Junglas are great big blades, and offer something other knives cant and that is funfactor. They are just a laugh to use. The Junglas with a choil and a spot to strike a ferro rod would be the ultimate big bad fun blade!

[@gideonstactical]

Right on and I totally agree with you!

[@Ve-suvius]

I hate choils. So not thanks, and great that the Junglas has no choil. The handle is for gripping, not the blade. It's a waste of steel having a choil.

[@Roadbikerider79]

@@Ve-suvius To each their own i guess.

[@Ve-suvius]

@@Roadbikerider79 True..

[@highonimmi]

I would rather save the money and get the rtak II over the junglas (pronounced hung-las...not hungah-las). I can mod the knife and do my own kydex sheath with the bells and whistles I want. thanks for the vid... btw, it's cool you picked Gideon for a part of your moniker...the best damn fighting leader the Israelites ever had.

[@gideonstactical]

highonimmi Thanks so much! It is awesome how God used an average guy to do awesome things. That is why I picked it. I and many who watch are just average guys and gals, but we can do great things!

[@highonimmi]

gideonstactical Amen brotha, Amen!

[@jakerblunttaker8369]

Pronounced Hoon-glas. In the grab scheme of things it doesn't really matter.

[@HiltsyAdventure]

highonimmi Just got an RTAC II, its way cool. the sheath isn't to bad and will hold up for a long time with proper care

[@brianmccann666]

RtakII seems better to except for the finish on the blade. Not a big deal.

[@spectermad9180]

Question I am going to get either the Esee Junglas or the Coldsteel Trailmaster...and I am stuck in on what I am going to pick...so I am asking you for you thoughts on one or the other...because I am sure you have Experience with both...Knives so can you help me out...and if you know of any other big knives that's not a Bk9 that you can think of...

[@gideonstactical]

Esee Junglas is an easy choice! Only other one I would look at your be a Lionsteel m7. A little smaller but excellent. I have a video on it.

[@RadDadisRad]

Pretty much a heat treat and steel comparison as they are both the same length and thickness.

[@jakemccracken347]

they tell me that extra 1/4 inch really makes the difference ;)

[@sssttt90]

Well I ain’t got 1/4 inch to spare ;)

[@davebward]

I have to disagree with you on the choil topic. I think it's great to have on medium/large knives like my esee 6 where I may not want to take moment to switch to my 3 inch companion knife (which doesnt need a choil)...but I can't see where it would be of benefit on a 9-10 blade since I can't imagine any scenario that being the only blade one would carry into the woods.

[@brianmccann666]

Say you dropped & lost your smaller knife at some point. Then it matters.

[@davebward]

+Brian Mccann my tools have very specific places they're kept. if its not on my my hip, then it's in my pack. I've been going off trail for about 30 yrs now, and have never lost a knife. the functionality of a choil on a tool that's too big to be a purposeful knife, but too small to be a machete or axe, is really not a consideration for a tool this size. if you did happen to somehow lose a smaller companion knife, then one could still easily get by without the luxury of a choil until they replaced it. it's just saw a low factor to take into consideration in an extremely large knife to determine if that's why you buy it or not. besides, I don't see any type of necessary task that can be accomplished with this blade over what my esee 6 can do....but the reverse is not true, at all.

[@OhiohiO216]

I'm with you man. I think he's upset he got the wrong knife ;)

[@RossBoss90]

what if your pack falls off a cliff?

[@Carolinacaveman]

I never go into the woods without my coldsteel trailmaster. Iv chopped down countless dead free standing wood and split countless logs by batoning. With practice you can widdle abit. When it comes to getting a fire going you can NEVER beat a large blade.

[@ryanc5681]

Yeah I'm surprised the junglas doesn't have a finger choil. I don't understand why they wouldn't put one on

[@SimpleAdventuresLLMSX]

Ryan Caiazza I hate the finger coil 👍

[@c.r.5106]

Especially on the ESEE 3 and 4. Unnecessary and a waste of valuable blade space.

[@alexfresel6198]

Was reading about the tools of the Coureurs de Bois and for finer work they usually carried a small fixed blade..... So different tools for different jobs even for someone out in the wilderness..... Actually it seems they carried some sort of light axe or hammer poll tomahawk, a six inch fixed blade and then a short fixed blade lashed to their leggings.

[@navigator1372]

I actually like the look of the rtak 2 better than the junglas presented here

[@sahuaritasteve]

Great video. Thanks.

[@steeltrident]

Great comparison.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks!

[@CorkKNIFE]

Hon-Ga-Lass? HOON-glass. HOON-glass. HOON-glass. :-) Great review/comparo.

[@gideonstactical]

Right on, thx!

[@Heeman5]

It's actually pronounced Hoon-Gloss!

[@CorkKNIFE]

Stuart Hee There are only the 5 vowel sounds in Spanish. There is no in-between sound from the "A" as in santA to the "O" as in Opera. It's a two syllable word with the accent on the first syllable. HOON-glass. HOON-glass. HOON-glass. :-)

[@fordrac1ng81]

+CorkKNIFE I think with american accents they pronounce it better as "yoon-glass"

[@BlazinBlades]

No competition in my book, Rtak II all the way and at half the price plus that finger choil and a little extra blade length what is there to think about? Great review!. Blazin'Blades

[@knivenkniven3848]

Couple of years back rtak2 was 1095 those where the ones that broke.

[@ricev7071]

that's right. The RTAKII in 5160 is way better now, especially in the winter here in Canada!

[@johnprepper4049]

Great vid Bro..

[@gideonstactical]

THX!

[@frayfraymapalien6849]

you should review the comparison between cheap store bought katana and a good quality katana. Because most people will buy a cheap on and it will break within a week or so and not a good quality one that will last for ever and can cut through anything.

[@ricev7071]

I Disagree. The RTAK is better because Ontario switched them from 1095 to 5160 high carbon steel which is better if you live in cold places as I do here in Canada. The Junglas is the same and is still made from 1095, so Ontario has the advantage as I have never seen an RTAKII 5160 ever break in Canada but I have when they were 1095.

[@timseaton2370]

Could either one of these be used for hog hunting i.e., pig stickers?

[@karaski24]

Nope

[@adamwaldorf3944]

Junglas HRC is 56-57 while the steel on RTAKII is not 5160 - it is 5161 (HRC 54-56 as you said). I could never find the precise composition of 5161, but I know they are both used in automotive industry but for different parts - mainly 5160 is leaf springs material whereas 5161 is used for pinions.

[@ORflycaster]

According to Ontario's website, the RTAKII is made from 5160. A good steel for a hard use chopper.

[@mmrtactical7764]

great reviews!!!

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks so much!

[@stevenr123456]

I would hope for double the price...

[@Buzzby4020]

Which one do you really want, want the Mercedes or the Ford? If you are most people, you forget about the Mercedes and get the Ford. A few will make the effort to be rich enough to afford the Mercedes. But in the case of the RTAK II and the Junlas, you don't have to blow your budget to get the best factory-made knife of it's kind in the world. I don't waste a lot of time wanting things that are beyond my means. My means are such that I don't have a lot of things that could be reasonably called "the best in the world". In this case, I could have it for the additional cost of a couple of good restaurant dinners. Now I have the best knife and the best dog. And I don't want to argue with anybody about either of them.

[@christoforospilitsis541]

These two knives are both old trucks,check out th swamp rat rodent 9

[@Buzzby4020]

christoforos pilitsis How does the Rodent 9 improve on the Junglas? Is it worth $100 more?

[@JeepJeep234]

A better comparison would be King Ranch or Sport.

[@elissa626]

Doing away with D2 steel is better?

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

Coudl you just file out a choil on the junglas?

[@gideonstactical]

***** I might just do that.

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

Make a video on it

[@donavantew8278]

Awesome

[@austinlozinski2119]

Alright thanks.

[@blacksmith44]

The one difference I'm gonna have is the tang of the handles..! Is it skeletonized or not? That's gonna be the difference for me...

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

They're solid!

[@adods9824]

@@akeeperofoddknowledge4956On both knives?

[@williamhedgepeth5277]

Well done.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks William.

[@younggun454]

Question - I want to ask your personal opinion, Which type of steel do you like more/better 5160 or 1095 ?

[@gideonstactical]

I love ESEE and TOPS knives 1095, and I really like the 5160 on the buck punk, thug, and hoodlum. 1095 is more common in knife making but either on will serve you well.

[@danmartin4552]

It depends on the use and heat treat. Both rust about as easily. Generally 5160 is run a bit softer and will be much stronger, but will not hold an edge as well. Personally I feel 1095 is a bit on the brittle side, but it holds and edge surprisingly well for such an old and cheap steel.

[@goldedrago]

Should I get the Junglas or the Swamp Rat Rucki, for general camp use,chopping wood,SHTF protection, and of course zombies xD ...any help/your opinion you can give would be great, Thanks!

[@gideonstactical]

ESEE Junglas all the way.

[@gideonstactical]

The Scyko 911 Scrapyard Dog would be a good choice too.

[@goldedrago]

What is your opinion on the Scyko 911? It seems smaller than the Esee, which might be good because my hands are on the small side, Thanks!

[@danmartin4552]

*Warning, long detailed reply* Well those are two very different blades. I have a few suggestions you may want to consider, along with some decent background on what you are getting into. Swamp Rat is the sister company to Scrap Yard. They both are owned by Busse Combat. Busse is the most expensive of the 3 (most over $500 going over $1000) because they are exclusive and use a proprietary steel called INFI, which is immensely strong and decently rust resistant for carbon steel, the edge holding is adequate. The next tier down is Swamp Rat. They use primarily SRS101, which I hear is similar to CPM 3V (one of my personal favorites). SRS101 is still amazingly strong, but not quite that of INFI (still I doubt you could break it if you tried), It is a bit more rust prone but okay do to the coating, and is a bit better edge holder than INFi. Swamp Rats have exposed full tangs (like Busse) and use Micarta or G10 for handle material. The Bottom price bracket is Scrap Yard. Scrap Yard uses mostly SRS101 and have very similar blade sizes and shapes to Swamp Rat, the main difference is that Scrap Yards have a Resin handle that in closes the full tang. The Handles tend to be a bit more comfy bare handed, but in the very very long run, are not as durable. All of Busse/Swamp Rat/Scrap Yard are all very high quality blades. They are low production so some blades may take longer to get. Some are even built with each order. But with every blade they send out, they go as far to insure the quality by X-raying the steel; to make sure the crystal structure is uniform and no fractures can be found. A note to consider about these blades is that the majority of them do not come with sheaths; they come in a Card Board sleeve. Good kydex sheaths are easy to find for them, matter of a fact they have links on their site. However do to this you will end up paying about $30-$70 more for the knife because it is generally a good idea to have a sheath if you plan on having a large, sharp, fixed blade. Another thing to note about them is if you ever have a problem with one of your blades, and you contact them reasonably, they will go a long way to make sure they fix your problem. *Suggestions.* The Swamp Rat Rucki is a heck of a knife. I will go as far to say that it is one of the best large hard use out door knives one can possibly get for any price when it comes to versatility, strength, and just plain coolness. A cool thing about it is that you will be able to pick the color of the blade coating and a handle color. The Rucki is a very rare blade in the sense that it very well bridges the gap of what a Machete, Chopper, and even a short sword is… the only example I know like it is the Hanwei Banshee which is more so a Machete/Sword than a chopper. Now it does cost $360 and $70 more for a good sheath. Also it will take 4-14 weeks to get. I highly recommend it, but form the sound of what you would be doing with it, I do not recommend it to you. It is way more than you need. I literally need a blade like it for my summer job, but at this point I can still not justify getting it. It is like wanting to try a sporty car out, and instead of getting a BMW or Mustang, you go straight for a $500,000 Italian Supper car. Take a look at the Swamp Rat Rodent 9. It is about the same size as the Junglas and is no questioning a better knife for the intended use. This knife will cost about $240 (plus sheath) and take most likely 4 weeks to get. Good knife, will do what you want it to, better price, all is well. The Scrap Yard Scyko 911. Same size, just about, as the Rodent 9 and Junglas. Once again a better performer than the Junglas. Runs at around $200 (I think), and will take most likely less than 4 weeks to get… but once again it will need a sheath. Same deal as the Rodent 9, just with a different handle which is not necessarily worse or better, just depends on personal preference. The Scrap Yard Scyko 1111. This is very good for filling the gap size wise between the Rucki and the others. It is pretty much just a larger version of the Scyko 911. I recommend this one a lot for what I think you are looking for, but once again I feel it is over kill for what you actually need. You may want to look at the company Bark River Knives. They like the others, are made very high quality, and in America. They are a lot more classy looking, and more classical in general. I suggest the Grasso Bolo III (5160 steel) (Probably the best chopper on the list besides the Rucki), and the Golok (A2 steel) which is for a bit lighter material like vines; both cost about $200 giver or take. They come with very nice leather sheaths, which you can order with a water proof upgrade for a bit more. They will require a bit more care than the others on this list however. They are optimized for performance so does not have a coating that would cause some friction. These will require some oiling after use. Also they have much more thin edges than the others listed, so they will bite deeper, but also are more easy to mess up. I would not recommend these to someone who does not all ready have a few years of experience in using these kinds of blades in the field. Also there is a bit of debate the past few years saying they may be over heating the blades in grinding causing them to have brittle spots, and a few have turned up with massive edge chips from doing basic of tasks. I feel it was just a few bad ones and not representative of their quality, but it is a bit up in the air. Finally I have two last suggestions. Both about $160-$180, and come with good sheaths. The ESEE Junglas , which you know all about. Or the Cold Steel Trail Master (currently made in O-1, but many of the last batch are left over in SK-5, both good enough steels). Both are highly reviewed and highly liked. They are two of the best sub $200 performers for an outdoor knife of this size. The only big difference is that the Cold Steel is not coated, so cleaning the blade and a bit of oil is good after you use it for a while. I recommend these the most as entre level large outdoor blades. They are not quite as good as the other blades on the list because they are flat ground compared to Convex ground… but for a knife to use from time to time, or even regularly, they are great. Also if you find yourself more into it, they are a great starting point for you to decide what you like and do not like. For example if you like an exposed tang, or wrapped tang; Or if you would prefer a smaller or larger blade; do you like having a hand guard or a finger swell; do you like to have a forward finger choil. You may even consider taking a different route and going with a smaller 4” ish inch bladed knife pared with a Huston Bay ax (small ax/large hatchet)

[@goldedrago]

Thanks so much! I recently found the Sycko line and was thinking about it, and as me and my dad are forging a big knife (that i forgot about) I will put off getting a large knife for now...probably gonna get the SYKCO 511 for for most tasks I will be doing, THanks again!

[@frankthedog2504]

Never touched an RTAKII...Love my Junglas though...

[@allemander]

Junglas FTW. All. Day. Long.

[@gideonstactical]

Haha, nice!

[@treon123456]

DOES THE RTAK ll FIT IN THE JUNGLAS KYDEX SHEATH?

[@gideonstactical]

treon123456 The handles are different and will not line up.

[@YrielRazik]

I don't get the intro, you run towards the camera and stop, then at the end, you walk away... Love the review but the intro is weird :P

[@James-ke5sx]

I don't think I would want a finger choil on a knife this long. This was my first Esee. Then I got the six, the four and then lastly the five and then I stopped that's it. Anything smaller I'll use a folding knife.

[@MFD00MTR33]

5160 beats 1095 toughness wise anytime.

[@Redshift313]

I have 2 Winters use behind my 1095 RTAK 2 with no chipping or problems. I chose it over the Esee because the Handle felt better in my hand and overall it felt Beefier... the Choil is a must have for me too. I am thinking about replacing the Sheath with a Kydex one in another season or two... so the Total Cost will end up being about the same as the Junglas. I do NOT agree with your analogy of a Rolex compared to Timex or Casio... more like a Lambo compared to Farrari. I think the Failure rate of the RTAK is NO higher or lower than the Esee or any other comparable knife. The number of Failure videos on KZbin is probably do to the fact that there are MORE RTAKS out there than Junglas'... because the RTAK is less expansive (without a Kydex Sheath) and has been around longer. Any knife can and will fail... count on it !!! The only questions are... do you have a Backup at the time and the Manufacturers Warranty !!!

[@jaymack568]

Yup but it sounded like he was pushing the Esee Jungles hard and nitt pickin the RTac.

[@stefanodogg280]

I'm going with the RTAK II and will make my own bullhide custom sheath with accessory sharpening and Leatherman pouches. I hate kydex

[@kevinperez7555]

Redshift313 I totally agree with this statement.

[@Dan-sq5cv]

He was defiantly pro Esee , and it is probably finished better, it should be for the cost difference. Some of the things he pointed out however like the blade finish was really reaching out there, Granted the Esee appears to be retaining the finish better but it will come off like the all do. Both knives are carbon steel and will rust if not wiped off and oiled, That fact does not mean you don't have to care for the Esee because the edge is always exposed to rust. As far as the handle these are personal preference things and a little sand paper can bring it down to tang level, Generally with knives handle fit the complaint is if the tang is proud. Both knives are very good. I think if I could afford it I would go for the Esee as the sheath is much better, If I had to be more conservative with money the the RTAK.

[@Pencil-b4m]

Redshift313 I'm pretty sure that since the JUNGLAS has been available it has out sold the RTAk2. Every store I've run that sold both the Esee sells better and I've never seen one brought back for warranty but I have seen quite a few Rtak2's. Not as many as when they were 1095 and poorly heat treated but still more come back. I've also heard of customers not having the warranty honored on broken Rtaks. Never on a JUNGLAS. Btw,it's "due to" not "do to". So many people seem to be confused about that.

[@austinlozinski2119]

Is the Esee Junglas around $180?

[@gideonstactical]

$160 at knifeworks.com or theknifeconnection.com.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Junglas is 55 to 57 HRC

[@richardcontinijr9661]

The Esse has a don't give a damn what you did to it warranty and the other one doesn't

[@carmas54]

your analogy at the end for the knives is wacky, the RTAk ll ...a Casio! I have two Rolex's and the RTAK ll is no casio, you basically compared a 50$ watch with a 8,000$ Rolex. LOL

[@jukeboxhero1649]

I'll take your lunch money, new kid.

[@davids11131113]

Fit and finish means nothing for purpose knives like these I'll take the rtak at half the price.

[@Rubicon1776]

junglas

[@billyjacobs965]

Yeah but is the esee literally 100 dollars better? Prolly not

[@Gterr1971]

did you see him grab the rtakk by the sharp edge!

[@bloodstriper3649]

Okay, it is pronounced, "Hoon-glas," not, "Jungle-as." Junglas means "Jungle" in English.

[@gemlazium]

Horrible analogy lol the difference between a rolex and a Casio is way further than between these two knives. You could have said standard Casio and a Casio g shock.

[@gideonstactical]

So true

[@bryantb4833]

the junglas tip is too fragile, mine snapped with ease.

[@gideonstactical]

morgan banks It is thin, but I have hard used it in the Rockies for two years and had no problems. If you don't pry you should good.

[@bryantb4833]

Yeah, mine could have been a flaw as well because I tip pried with my bk9 much harder with no problems

[@soundmanspencer]

+morgan banks You got a replacement, right? Esee has a lifetime guarantee

[@bryantb4833]

I returned it to the vendor and got a cash refund, I don't trust the weak tip

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

"hoong-las" not "hunga-lis. you wouldn't pronounce taco "take-o."

[@MrRogerio31]

Hiungla

[@karaski24]

You’re an idiot

[@The1oldBiker]

the higher the rockwall hardness the harder the metal 54 to 56 is a good range ...too high a hardness makes it more brittle and lower the hardness makes it bend ...you prove yourself as no inspector for sure ...done with this half-ass review ...

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

He said the same thing!

[@cecilm3720]

RTAK-II costs USD 150 where I live. :( You can imagine how much an ESEE is.

[@chitownshowtime5246]

$159 at The Knife Connection

[@cecilm3720]

@@chitownshowtime5246 $240 where I live.

[@chitownshowtime5246]

I try to buy locally but you can't beat TKC... check them out.

[@cecilm3720]

@@chitownshowtime5246 Yes, I know them. Sadly, international shipping is $40+. And then we have to pay local import duties of 25%. And then there’s still a big chance of the order getting lost (stolen) before it reaches its destination. One of the disadvantages of living in SE Asia. :(

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

"hoong-las" not hunga-lis." seems like the handle on the rtak is wider.

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

Rtak 2 win because have finger choil easy to fine work..

[@darktimber554]

I'm going 8 on the grizz

[@willie8649]

JUNGLAS = HOON-GLASS

[@34482muz]

Dudes yous pay way to much money for a blade,

[@cornenothome4191]

blllade

[@scottcarter4059]

If you know how to use a knife you don't need a finger choil just my opinion