- Joined
- Apr 3, 2010
- Messages
- 955
I apologize for the redundancy of this post. I dont think I posted my questions properly to begin with. So after quite a few days of reading and research. I think I have honed in on what I am looking for. And hopeful this post/topic with significantly help others find they right Knife.
I am looking to start a decent collection of knives broken down into size categories. 4", 5", 6". Maybe a 7" but that would be later. I really dont need it for fighting. However...it is a knife...many can be used for fighting it you need it. That is my last requirement on the list. I think a 3" blade is too small. And 8" gets too big as well would more or less never bring it on a trip or what not.
Let me start in the 5" category. I think this is the most popular on. Best all-around length. Not necessarily the best in each category or task but certainly capable. I am leaning towards the RC-5. I like the thickness of the blade, handle, sheaths pretty good and warranty is king! I was also considering the Fallkniven S1, lighter (dont want to get too light, but this might fit the pack/hike sub category for a 5"...essentially having (2) 5" blades to cover this length well. I currently have a Gerber LMF II...and do like it because it is so versatile. Sheath has many features, sharpener, can be strapped to just about anything. I like extended tang if you need to hammer, pommel or break glass you name it, no one else has a better designed protruding tang design...period!!! In addition, the holes in the front of the handle makes this one of the most capable knives I have seen, tie it to anything, stick rod...etc. One huge downfall!! The 420HC steel it is now made of. They downgraded from the original. It doesnt seem to get the love or respect it once did since the steel was changed. So I am so strongly considering sending it back and just investing in a better knife and be done with it. But it is just so versatile. You cannot deny it. And I think it does fairly well in all its designed areas. But compared to what they had it really has been cheapened up! I like the weight and the grip feels nice. But I think the RC-5 is a much better fit, heavier but heavy isnt necesarily bad...I think a 10-16oz blade in this size and category is fine. Certainly makes it better for batonning and chopping. The Rat is the heaviest 16 oz like the becker BK2. Not to mention RAT warranty! You pay for it but that is a great warranty. The more I think about it, this category might just be filled with 2-3 knives to really make it right for me. Might skip the 4" all together if I get the right weight 5". And only need one 6".
I also have a Seal Pup Elite (within 30-days and has not been used). Not bad...very light and not a huge fan of the handle material but it is really a pack/hiking friendly blade because if it weight and size. I just think there are or might be some better options at this weight, length, and so on. I am not sold on this knife yet but havent used it. Everyone seems to love it...what am I missing here? Let me know what you guys think. And what would fit better. I do like to have one utility knife that is serrated and is lighter to carry on hikes and packing situation that require less weight. I think the RAT RC-3 is just too short of a blade.
So let me add this too my requirements, I initially broke them down into sizes 4", 5", 6" sizes (4" might not be an initial priority). I would like to use all the knives to baton (build sheltering, probably not the 4", that would be more of Pack and hiking carry then camp sight/biv), chopping, food prep, hunt if need be are also requirements of all sizes (to a point...but that is in case I do not have one knife size I dont want to be stuck). The 5" seems to be an all-arounder (if that is a word). So looking for a great knife in each category no matter what the Warranty is wont do you much good in the woods or survival situation if it is broken and you are stuck! So that is a little background.
As for my 6" class of fixed blades. I really like the A1. Seems to be a well-rounded blade. Not too heavy, not too light, stainless blade, thickness is right on the mark, the handle is excellent, comfortable, and well balanced...price...well Fallkniven...they have always been expensive...that part sucks! I looked at the Scrapyard 6. Certainly priced right but am unsure of it. Durability is incredible...moss has proven that! But I also want a protruding tang, like the RC and the A1, S1, and other. Once again more versatility.
Sorry for the long post and overwhelming questions, I am new to the knife scene and appreciate any guidance and assistance from you much more experienced people. Thanks again.
I am looking to start a decent collection of knives broken down into size categories. 4", 5", 6". Maybe a 7" but that would be later. I really dont need it for fighting. However...it is a knife...many can be used for fighting it you need it. That is my last requirement on the list. I think a 3" blade is too small. And 8" gets too big as well would more or less never bring it on a trip or what not.
Let me start in the 5" category. I think this is the most popular on. Best all-around length. Not necessarily the best in each category or task but certainly capable. I am leaning towards the RC-5. I like the thickness of the blade, handle, sheaths pretty good and warranty is king! I was also considering the Fallkniven S1, lighter (dont want to get too light, but this might fit the pack/hike sub category for a 5"...essentially having (2) 5" blades to cover this length well. I currently have a Gerber LMF II...and do like it because it is so versatile. Sheath has many features, sharpener, can be strapped to just about anything. I like extended tang if you need to hammer, pommel or break glass you name it, no one else has a better designed protruding tang design...period!!! In addition, the holes in the front of the handle makes this one of the most capable knives I have seen, tie it to anything, stick rod...etc. One huge downfall!! The 420HC steel it is now made of. They downgraded from the original. It doesnt seem to get the love or respect it once did since the steel was changed. So I am so strongly considering sending it back and just investing in a better knife and be done with it. But it is just so versatile. You cannot deny it. And I think it does fairly well in all its designed areas. But compared to what they had it really has been cheapened up! I like the weight and the grip feels nice. But I think the RC-5 is a much better fit, heavier but heavy isnt necesarily bad...I think a 10-16oz blade in this size and category is fine. Certainly makes it better for batonning and chopping. The Rat is the heaviest 16 oz like the becker BK2. Not to mention RAT warranty! You pay for it but that is a great warranty. The more I think about it, this category might just be filled with 2-3 knives to really make it right for me. Might skip the 4" all together if I get the right weight 5". And only need one 6".
I also have a Seal Pup Elite (within 30-days and has not been used). Not bad...very light and not a huge fan of the handle material but it is really a pack/hiking friendly blade because if it weight and size. I just think there are or might be some better options at this weight, length, and so on. I am not sold on this knife yet but havent used it. Everyone seems to love it...what am I missing here? Let me know what you guys think. And what would fit better. I do like to have one utility knife that is serrated and is lighter to carry on hikes and packing situation that require less weight. I think the RAT RC-3 is just too short of a blade.
So let me add this too my requirements, I initially broke them down into sizes 4", 5", 6" sizes (4" might not be an initial priority). I would like to use all the knives to baton (build sheltering, probably not the 4", that would be more of Pack and hiking carry then camp sight/biv), chopping, food prep, hunt if need be are also requirements of all sizes (to a point...but that is in case I do not have one knife size I dont want to be stuck). The 5" seems to be an all-arounder (if that is a word). So looking for a great knife in each category no matter what the Warranty is wont do you much good in the woods or survival situation if it is broken and you are stuck! So that is a little background.
As for my 6" class of fixed blades. I really like the A1. Seems to be a well-rounded blade. Not too heavy, not too light, stainless blade, thickness is right on the mark, the handle is excellent, comfortable, and well balanced...price...well Fallkniven...they have always been expensive...that part sucks! I looked at the Scrapyard 6. Certainly priced right but am unsure of it. Durability is incredible...moss has proven that! But I also want a protruding tang, like the RC and the A1, S1, and other. Once again more versatility.
Sorry for the long post and overwhelming questions, I am new to the knife scene and appreciate any guidance and assistance from you much more experienced people. Thanks again.
