A Couple of RAT RC-5 SERE Questions - Coatings and Sheaths

Guyon

Guyon

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I'm about to pull the trigger soon on a RAT-5 SERE. I've shopped a number of vendors and see two main options. I have questions about both.

1. Coatings - Is there any durability difference between the green and black coating? I'm coming here from the world of Busse knives, where there are some small but noticeable differences in coatings and how they hold up.

2. Sheaths - Cordura or kydex? Best I can tell, the older cordura sheaths have a gear pocket, correct? When did RAT make the switch to the kydex option? And if any of you have both (even with different knives), which do you prefer?

Along with info/opinions, any and all pics are welcome.
 
there isnt to much differnce between the coatings as far as i can tell...

i personaly like the nylon , its softer and easier to deal with then the kydex... but i like the kydex if im going to be taking it on and off threw out the day... or on a chest rig with molle clips....
 
My 5 should be here tomorrow. OD and kydex. I'll be almost certainly buying additional sheaths like I always do, so it didn't matter. For the most part they are inexpensive and I find it invaluable to have 2nd options. Enjoy
 
I've never heard of any difference in durability between the two colors. I have the kydex sheath for mine and think that it's a great sheath. You can purchase the additional pouch and molle backing for the RC-5 kydex sheath on the RAT web site, that way you have the best of both worlds. It's a great looking setup and well worth the money.
 
I also wondered about which sheath to get. Dont have the knife yet, but I ended up getting the nylon or what is the older version cause that seemed more secure for backpacking. I got it primarly for that activity. Are my assumptions correct?
 
Guyon said:
I'm about to pull the trigger soon on a RAT-5 SERE. I've shopped a number of vendors and see two main options. I have questions about both.

1. Coatings - Is there any durability difference between the green and black coating? I'm coming here from the world of Busse knives, where there are some small but noticeable differences in coatings and how they hold up.

2. Sheaths - Cordura or kydex? Best I can tell, the older cordura sheaths have a gear pocket, correct? When did RAT make the switch to the kydex option? And if any of you have both (even with different knives), which do you prefer?

Along with info/opinions, any and all pics are welcome.
Click to expand...

I think there were problems with the supplier of those cordura sheaths; they coulden't keep up with demand or something, so they switched over to kydex.

Check out the RAT Pack kit as another option. You can choose the RC5 or RC6.

RAT Pack Kit
 
jlamb said:
I also wondered about which sheath to get. Dont have the knife yet, but I ended up getting the nylon or what is the older version cause that seemed more secure for backpacking. I got it primarly for that activity. Are my assumptions correct?
Click to expand...

The kydex one has a slide lock on it. When locked there's no way you're going to pull it out. Both sheaths are good, it's just a matter of personal preference. The kydex is slimmer, and simpler. The Nylon sheath has more capability for carrying things with the pouch. If I could only have one I would choose the kydex and attach a pouch to it but that's just me.
 
A good point is the RAT Pack kit. If you can wait a bit, Jan or Feb, that is a great option. 24,000 posts is crazy!
 
The first RC-5s came with the nylon sheaths. They had a pocket on the front with a strap over top of it but they pocket couldn't be fully closed. The new knives come with kydex but I think there is a newer style nylon sheath still available where the pocket has a full sized cover? With the release of the molle back and pouch kits I would say go with the kydex and add the rest later if you think you'd like it.
 
There really is no difference between coating and you should definitely get a kydex sheath along with your purchase.
 
You definitely have to look at the details when you order. Even the RAT website points out that both sheath styles are out there still.
 
hum? Im a busse collector along with a few other fellow rat pack members...... theres no comp... a good knife is a good knife...
 
kydex in molle back and pouch:
4138393859_daa95ff1c4.jpg


Just Kydex, with belt clip (and an RC4):
3996266236_33cd9dacbf.jpg


No photos of the old online right now. Believe it was made by eagle industries. Good sheath, but I'm not fond of the two retention straps, and the lower one is a pain in the ass to snap on and off.
 
Iboschi said:
Busse coming over to the RAT forums? GET HIM!!!
Click to expand...

Smilies are your friend when your attempting a funny. :p

Guyon is like me in that we like variety, just check out his loin cloth collection! Rivals my own! He wants my George of the Jungle buttflap, but he aint getting it I tell ya!!! :D

Guyon my friend, you will like the RC5, I love mine.
 
I have found that I need to be careful when removing my RC5 from the cordura sheath. The edge cuts into the lower retention strap if not careful. I like the sheath, but I think I would prefer the kydex. I love the sheath for the RC4.
 
leatherman said:
Guyon is like me in that we like variety, just check out his loin cloth collection! Rivals my own! He wants my George of the Jungle buttflap, but he aint getting it I tell ya!!! :D
Click to expand...

That buttflap will be mine. Mark my words.

333rm said:
You can purchase the additional pouch and molle backing for the RC-5 kydex sheath on the RAT web site, that way you have the best of both worlds. It's a great looking setup and well worth the money.
Click to expand...

Dizwolf said:
kydex in molle back and pouch:
4138393859_daa95ff1c4.jpg
Click to expand...

Definitely looks like the way to go. Thanks.
 
The RC5 is on my must buy list this year,might get the pack kit,but will need to get an extra sheath.
 
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