Backpack, camping and contractor in Iraq.

kicwk

kicwk

Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
215
Was looking a few fixed blades to get most jobs done for all of the above. I just ordered two knives, tell me what you think about my picks.

Ontario RAT 3 Utility Knife w/ 3.5" Plain Blade & Tan Sheath
rat3plain1095.jpg


SOG Revolver 4-3/4" Blade Revolves To Become a Saw W/ Satin Finish
Revolver.jpg



Did I miss something? The only thing I tried to do is keep them under a 100 bucks, they will get a good beating.
 
I don't know anything about the SOG, but the RAT is a nice knife. The RAT 3 has a great blade, but the handle did not fit me well. The finger guard has to sharp of a radius (where your pointer finger sits), and the finger choil was wierd to use. Nice knife though, hope it fits you better. You should be able to get by with just one or the other. My recomendation for Iraq: get a nice multitool with pliers (I like Leatherman and Victorinox), this will come in very handy when you rely on machines. For hiking, that SOG looks like it will be nice.
 
Thanks for the info, I have small hands so I'm hoping for a better fit. I do have a few multi-tools ( SOG and Leathermen ) and many good folders. Just new to the fixed blades.
 
Thanks, only other knife I was looking at was the
Benchmade Fixed Blade Griptilian Satin 154CM Stanless 4.15"
but the RAT 3 looked tougher
 
I found the Grip fixed blade handle uncomfortable. You made the right choice. IMO.
 
Both good choices.


I don't think the straight edge SEAL Revolver like the one in the pic you posted exist (may be a proto photo).........:D

There should be serrations on part of the blade next to the handle. (I sure would like to have a straight edge SEAL Revolver though.)

The Revolver saw is wicked sharp and will cut bone and wood really well. They have seen lots of time over there since 2003 when they first came out.

It is a amazing knife for camping and back packing since it weighs about 7 ounces with sheath and can easily "saw" your wood (rather than chop) for shelters and fire making.............good luck over there and stay safe.


Robbie Roberson.
 
I personally try to steer clear of stainless steel fixed blades unless it's laminated. Some 154 cm and many stainless steel fixed blades have a tendency to snap in half if you hit it on the back. Some carbon steel blades would do that too if you don't heat treat it right. Swamprat, Falkniven make knives that has built great reputations for the toughness of their knives. These knives are within your price range.

I don't really trust that SOG revlover. I do believe that if you hit in the back it will break or that saw might pop up. There is a review of a SOG Seal 2000 knife that snaped in 2.

Below is a link to a site for Cliffstamp. It has a lot of reviews of different knives including SOG.

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/seal_2000.html
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/reviews.html

God bless
 
I have small/medium sized hands, and the Rat 3 grip fits me very well. It's a great knife. Mine came shaving sharp out of the box, has seen some light abuse, and took it very well.

I don't know too much about the SOG but it seems like it can take some good abuse.

Good luck and be safe over there.
 
The Revolver has a excellent track record.

The saw can not come up into your hand, it has a safety stop and a pin that locks it.

Cutting pressure on the blade makes the saw blade push downward.....into the hidden safety stop........and this is backed up by the the steel lock pin.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354507&highlight=sog+revolver

http://talks.guns.ru/forummessage/5/80565.html

Any knife can be broken under the right conditions, the Revolver has more than shown it's capabilities I think.

Also, there are lots of pictures (on the internet) of knife blades all over the world, of many different brands that have been broken.........it happens.

I think the user has control over most of these problems.





Robbie Roberson.
 
Thanks for the links and all the input from everyone. This was my first post and let me say I love this place. Thank you I hope I can help out some of you like you guys have helped me
 
Iraq :eek: Best leave those little knives at home and get yourself a bigass Kukri. I have a D2 RAT3 and use it a lot, its a great knife. Don't know about the SOG. Welcome and good luck to you.
 
Two great choices. As Robbie pointed out all knives break (and they also can get dull!) - but remember, they are knives, they are supposed to cut things and take a REASONABLE amount of abuse. All this criticism of certain brands who happen to break in half when put on a vise(or other silly tests) is , in my opinion, foolish. Perhaps we should test pry bars and hammers for cutting ability?

Stay safe!
 
Quick note on the SOG Revolver, as many of us know: Robbie is the designer, the inventor of the system, and he's tried to make it fail under working conditions. When he says it holds up, he's speaking from experience.
 
kicwk,

First off, good luck to you. Second, I believe you made good choices with your fixed blades and I am in total agreement though with michaelmcgo and say to you get a multitool. As you've said, you already have SOG and Leathermans, but I would advise you to get a Wave or Charge model as they have one-hand opener blades that are uber handy in sticky situations. The Soldiers in my unit that have been over in Iraq said that a multitool is the most used tool in Iraq. Most of the big "Rambo knives" aren't ever used as they're intended. I own a new Charge TTi with titanium handles and an S30V main blade. While at annual training with my unit this year I used that thing so much just because I could open it with one hand. And it has a gut-hook/saw blade on the other side (four blades can be opened on the outside).

Just my .02,
Ryan
 
Thanks I was thinking of picking a Charge up. Thanks for all the good lucks from everyone, this will be my third tour over there the first two equaled 18 months. I'm always looking to better myself over there and I'm happy to here that my picks were solid. Thanks.

I can't stay away from the middle east, got to do my part!
 
I have a RAT3 in 1095 and it is a great little knife. Tough and cuts well. The handle is on the short side, but I find the choil user friendly (YMMV). The only thing I don't like about it is the sheath. I just haven't found an ideal way to carry it with the kydex tec-lok sheath.
 
I've used a Revolver for 3 seasons. I'm a saw blade knife user too, and when I first "saw " one I had to have it. At first the construction appeared less than bullet proof but now I can say it is at least fool proof, strong, and extremely useful. The best thing is the saw negates the need to misuse the knife blade. The edge stays sharp through all reasonable multiple tasks until a good sharpening is convenient. I no longer bother to carry a sharpener ( I've always got a folder in my pocket:D ) with it knowing I'll eventually get home to do it right. The saw is among the best, and I actually have one with me when I need it rather than a 3-incher that's marginal or a 10" pruner at home. The teeth have not broken, bent, dulled or clogged. Sound design, excellent materials, well assembled, good sheath. I haven't seen any competition for direct comparison except by carrying two tools at three or more times the weight, or a Spydersaw and a stout fixed. As a recovering 0.10 ounce counter from mountaineering days, it continues to be among my top 3 when the route and needs are uncertain. I have no idea what may be needed "over there" but I trust it to the job of a dependable knife and a dependable saw for wood and bone. The only other saw I like is the Spydersaw, roughly equal because it's thin ,light, and a true pocket folder. The Revolver is no gimmic, it's very real and very handy. Regards, ss.
 
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