1st Rat... & it's for my son.

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Jul 24, 2007
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My son has plans to join the Marines later this year. His 18th birthday is later this month. I look at this age (like the law does, mostly) as the time when one "officialy" enters manhood, at least symbolically. I think it's a big turning point for most.

So, I wanted to get him something special, something that could serve him well, something he'd be proud of and hopefully be passed down to his son someday.

With these factors in mind I chose to get him the RC-3. Why? Well, it's size will be convenient for everyday gear when on duty and up to any task asked of a blade this size, without getting in the way. If tasks dictate he need a larger blade, he'll know best what size and type suits his needs for his tasks. Also, the -3 is small enough for off duty, whether worn or thrown in a pack or weekend bag. I thought about the Izula but I figure he'll probably carry the -3 and a folder as a combination. Besides, after a while with the -3, he'll probably buy an Izula or H.E.S.T. anyways. After I give it to him I'll turn him onto this forum and the Rat Cutlery website.

As I said, my first Rat purchase is going to my son however, I get to fondle it first to aid in my decision of which will be my first Rat.;)

In case you're curious - Plain edge, tan blade, green handles, MOLLE back sheath with boot clip. $84 bucks.

Thanks for listening to my story - I couldn't help but spill out a little, He's been through a lot and I'm just very proud of him.

Gibby
 
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Sounds good! I know he'll like it!
I got my first rat earlier this year, was an RC-3 also. The swat edition, I love it!:thumbup:
 
If he is going to be a soldier:thumbup:.
There is a special made rc 3 mil to do the job for him:D.
Its just like a normal rc 3 but lightly customized to do the job for military and law enforcement.

I would buy a plain edge.


Joel
 
rc3 mil
rc3p_mil.jpg
 
big ups for your son and his decision to serve.

My 17yo also has aspirations of serving as an Army Ranger someday.
 
:thumbup:

Good choice.

One of my friend's parents looked at it like you do. When he and his brother turned 18, their dad took them out, got them a GI machete, USMC Ka-Bar, and a MagLite (they were new back then -- talk about dating yourself :rolleyes:).
 

I thought the only things that established the "MIL" version were - Pointed Pommel and sheath system as the only way they came, except for serrated or plain options and "MIL" etching on the blade. And only black blade, I think.

We'll the one I ordered is exactly the same as this picture including both sheaths and pointed pommel. Only, my sons blade is desert tan and his handle is green and no "MIL" on the blade.
Here's the designatation:
Rat Cutlery Model 3, Desert Tan Blade, Green Micarta Handle Plain Edge, w/ Sheat SystemRC-3P-MB-DT

Thanks for all your comments, I appreciate it.

Gibby
 
I thought the only things that established the "MIL" version were - Pointed Pommel and sheath system as the only way they came, except for serrated or plain options and "MIL" etching on the blade. And only black blade, I think.

Yep, Foliage green sheath, pointed pommel and all of the attachment options.

The Foliage sheath is good for someone going int he Army, since it's one of the approved colors for gear, due to it being part of the ACU camo pattern.

In general, however, the Marines want everything in MARPAT camo or Desert tan/coyote brown for gear, so you made the right call.
 
That is very cool. Joining the military :thumbup: he will love his RAT, and put it to good use.
 
Semper Fi to all you guys too. However, I'm already retired - From the Air Force. Crew Chief on my beloved A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the WARTHOG. Or as the Iriqi's dubbed it Al Shabbah (sp?) meaning "the ghost". By the
time they heard anything, it's too late - If they heard anything at all. Usually not.

It's probably only a matter of time until My old Clan are providing CAS for my Son, as he's dead set on infantry as a designated marksman. That does make me feel good but I know I'll still worry.

As for the size of the -3, I agree with you bigcountry, that will be the most useful for him.

Thanks again for all the positive comments.

Gibby
 
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So an Air Force guy fathers a Marine...:thumbup:

I'm former Marine and my 17 yr. old is set on Air Force.:D

Go figure.

Good choice. I just traded for an RC-4 for my son yesterday.

BTW...love those A-10s!! Will kick yo azz and fly home with one wing.
 
Semper Fi to all you guys too. However, I'm already retired - From the Air Force. Crew Chief on my beleoved A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the WARTHOG. Or as the Iriqi's dubbed it Al Shabbah (sp?) meaning "the ghost". By the
time they heard anything, it's too late - If they heard anything at all. Usually not.

It's probably only a matter of time until My old Clan are providing CAS for my Son, as he's dead set on infantry as a designated marksman. That does make me feel good but I know I'll still worry.

As for the size of the -3, I agree with you bigcountry, that will be the most useful for him.

Thanks again for all the positive comments.

Gibby

Good man, if I could do it all over I probably would have joined the Marines. Just don't let him wind up with those FIST guys, they're all crazy!
 
You should be proud of your son! Tell him thanks from us.

Also...nice picture up there! :)
 
So an Air Force guy fathers a Marine...:thumbup:

I'm former Marine and my 17 yr. old is set on Air Force.:D

Go figure.

Good choice. I just traded for an RC-4 for my son yesterday.

BTW...love those A-10s!! Will kick yo azz and fly home with one wing.

Yeah, go figure! And my other son, who just turned 11, was dead set on being a Marine Sniper a year ago. Now he's changed that to Astronaut. I'll take that. But I'm sure he'll change his mind a dozen or more times in the next 6 or 7 years. Just 3 years ago all my oldest wanted to do was work at Nintendo... Funny thing, that adolecense is. A real strange thing indeed.:)

Gibby
 
get him a nice bolt gun, he'll be stuck! Until I was about 12 years old, I wanted to be some sort of scientist. After that I started really getting into aviation and figured I was dead set on aerospace engineering. A year later that turned into a fighter pilot with an aerospace engineering degree, and that stuck til I was 17 and hit calculus in school... sheesh...
 
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