are rat cutlery rc3s goood for bushcraft

B

benchmadebob

Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
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I realy like the size and shape and the steel but i dont know if they are that great for bushcraft. Are they more of a self defense of a woodsy knife?
 
It appears on their website, that they are very adapted for survival/bushcraft type scenarios. I would like to hear what you guys have to say though. Im looking at getting one also.
 
I have an RC-4 and it's perfect for bushcraft and I got it specifically for my camping needs. Granted the RC-3 is initially designed for LEO's, it still makes an incredible knife at a great value and they are very quickly gaining popularity.
 
without trying to hijack the thread. Do you think the 4 is better than the RD 3 for bushcraft.
 
I find that they are a tactical knife that can be pressed into wilderness use if your hands find them comfortable enough. I have large-ish hands and they are too thin to be comfortable for anything but occasional use. If you have small hands or don't mind thin slabs, they are plenty tough enough to handle woods chores, with a warranty to back it up. Between the 3 and 4, I'd go with the 4.
 
Spooky, I have pretty big hands too and have never felt uncomfortable with my RC-4. I actually enjoy using it and fits like a glove in my hand. Both the RC3 and RC4 use the same size handle and grip.

I'd suggest RC-4 for bushcraft since it's a bit more versatile for anything to small whittling up to skinning/chopping/batoning.
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I find that they are a tactical knife that can be pressed into wilderness use if your hands find them comfortable enough. I have large-ish hands and they are too thin to be comfortable for anything but occasional use. If you have small hands or don't mind thin slabs, they are plenty tough enough to handle woods chores, with a warranty to back it up. Between the 3 and 4, I'd go with the 4.
Click to expand...

I've heard that comment before - Good thing I have small hands :eek:

I find that it fit's my hands pretty well. My preferrence for a knife handle is one that is thin anyway so my RC3 falls right into my hand perfectly.
 
I use both and after using the RC-3 the last time in Peru it seemed like it was my favorite between the RC-3 and RC-4. Thin cutting edges and perfect blade geometry. RC-4 has a better feel to the handle being 3/16-inches thick. The RC-3 has a thinner blade and overall handle. It is also the lightest knife of the two.

You decide
RC-3
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526418
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540101
RC-4
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=542939
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5437522#post5437522
 
I have an RC-3 and it's a nice little knife. I, too, find the handle a bit smallish but not enough to be a big deal.
One thing, though, the coating has to go. It really interferes with the cutting ability.

Did we ever decide the easiest way to remove it?

hikingwithmybuddy.jpg


Doc
 
In addition to what Doc mentioned, I found it nearly impossible to get a good spark from a fire steel with a coated blade. I stripped a couple of coated rangers for this very reason.
 
I think the RC3 would make a better choice being 1/8" thick 1095 and the RC4 is 3/16" thick 1095 I believe...if you wear a small portion of the coating off of the spine, the RC will throw great sparks from a firesteel.
 
Have used my RC-3 for some bushcrafty things and it works just fine. Comfortable, light, and it has very good edge geometry and blade shape. It looks a bit more tacticool than I'd like it to, but it works so well I keep using it anyway. They do a great heat treat on the steel, too. The sheath with the MOLLE back is very nice, lots of mounting options. Took it with me on a backpacking trip in the Beartooth mountains because of that, and it being quite light.
 
I love my RC-3 and RC-4. I could do without the choils, but they still handle woodscraft tasks very well. I love the carry options and they are very comfortable to use for me.
You won't regret getting one.
 
I would like an RC-4 offered in 1/8-inch stock. I don't have the kind of pull that Texastony does so I doubt that will happen.

-RB
 
Bear, that would be a great idea. The 1/8" steel is really why I went with the RC-3, I just don't like thicker steel. The choil could go, too. Or at least make the "guard" more subtle than it is. Don't think it will ever happen, though, and there are plenty of customs in 1/8" that I can get hold of so I'm not really going to complain about it. The RC-3 does the job well enough.
 
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