Crkt vs. Benchmade

Capt. Carl · Jan 29, 2009

Something for any environment? Mora!

outdoor_guy08 · Jan 29, 2009

Can you guys tell me what the difference is between the RAT RC-4 and the BM Rant?

I purchased the Rant recently and love it, but obviously have never seen a RC-4 or any RAT knives.

So please educate me on why the RAT RC-4 is so much superior. Thanks.

vjb.knife · Jan 29, 2009

meliaant said:
Wow, out of 38 responses, I think maybe 4 or 5 people answered the question posed...he wasn't asking for recommendations for a fixed blade, I'm pretty sure he was asking for a "which one of these two?"

Rant.

WOW what are you talking about? I am not too familiar with the knives he is asking about so I googled them and unless Google has steered me completely wrong a CRKT M60 and a Benchmade Rant are both fixed blade knives. And IMO both of them look shitty; sorry but sometimes the truth hurts. Check Fallkniven, Bark River, Rat Cutlery.

CRKT M60

Benchmade Rant

OmegaJuicebox · Jan 29, 2009

superflyafro said:
I am in need of some advice..i want to purchase a good drag through the mud fixed bladed...kind of a Man VS. wild knife for me...something for any environment....I like the CRKT M60 spear pt and the Benchmade Rant...anymore have a opinion and why they would pick either of these....both knives are economical andhave good reps....but i am looking for some adivce...please explain why u would choose one or none of these knives

Neither. Save your money and get a fallkniven or something better than Benchmade or CRKT.

bradpierson26 · Jan 29, 2009

everyone that is anwering (including myself) RAT or Fallkniven or BRKT IS answering the question. it may not be the desired answer but everyone around here has plenty of experience with GREAT quality knives and WE are trying help a fellow member choose the best knife

meliaant · Jan 29, 2009

vjb.knife said:
WOW what are you talking about? I am not too familiar with the knives he is asking about so I googled them and unless Google has steered me completely wrong a CRKT M60 and a Benchmade Rant are both fixed blade knives. And IMO both of them look shitty; sorry but sometimes the truth hurts. Check Fallkniven, Bark River, Rat Cutlery.

CRKT M60

Benchmade Rant

Is something confusing to you? Could you not comprehend a rather simple post? The O.P. asked for an opinion between two knives, and people started tossing in their opinions about other knives, none of which he asked about. I was merely commenting on that, but I can see how that could be easily misconstrued...

OmegaJuicebox · Jan 29, 2009

meliaant said:
Is something confusing to you? Could you not comprehend a rather simple post? The O.P. asked for an opinion between two knives, and people started tossing in their opinions about other knives, none of which he asked about. I was merely commenting on that, but I can see how that could be easily misconstrued...

Ok, between those two, I'd go for the Benchmade Rant drop point. 440C with proper heat treat IMO is a damn good stainless steel.

Tripton · Jan 29, 2009

meliaant said:
Is something confusing to you? Could you not comprehend a rather simple post? The O.P. asked for an opinion between two knives, and people started tossing in their opinions about other knives, none of which he asked about. I was merely commenting on that, but I can see how that could be easily misconstrued...

In the OP he says which of the two blades or neither.

please explain why u would choose one or none of these knives

Most elect to say "Neither, there are much better knives out there for only a little bit more money."

Understand?

meliaant · Jan 29, 2009

Of course I do, but when both original knives are around $50, and recommendations roll in around $100-$125, let's aim for consistency...

vjb.knife · Jan 29, 2009

I guess most people seem to think that when someone asks if they should buy a Yugo or a Trabant that it would be best to save just a bit more and at least get a Kia (no offense meant to Kia owners).

Jake Bauer · Jan 29, 2009

outdoor_guy08 said:
Can you guys tell me what the difference is between the RAT RC-4 and the BM Rant?

I purchased the Rant recently and love it, but obviously have never seen a RC-4 or any RAT knives.

So please educate me on why the RAT RC-4 is so much superior. Thanks.

The Rat Cutlery RC-4 has a 4.5 inch, .188 inch thick blade made out of 1095 Carbon steel. Carbon steel is a time tested hard use blade steel that can take a lot of abuse. The edge holding is very good, and quite easy to sharpen. Unlike stainless steels where generally if it holds an edge longer, it will be more of a pain to sharpen. And of course, the right Heat Treat makes 1095 fantastic, able to withstand lots of abuse and not chip, or break, and helps maintain the edge. Fortunatley, Rat Cutlery is one of (if not the) best heat treaters of 1095. The downside of 1095 is that it is not stainless, and is apt to rust easier than stainless (like in the rant). But, RC puts a rust inhibitor on their blades before sending them out that helps, but over use, you will need to put a few drops of oil on it every now and then, especially after hard use, or use in the water right before you store it. Don't let "more apt to rust" scare you, you just need to take care of it. The RC4 also uses a micarta handle which provides a comfortable, yet solid grip. The sheath has multiple options for carry. It was designed for military use with their MOLLE system, but works well on any belt or backpack too. To top it all off, RAT Cutlery has probably the best warranty in the business. If anything happens to your RAT, whether it be your fault or a factory defect, (with the exception of losing it), RC will replace it free with no questions asked. Also USA made, with fantastic customer service. (if you can't tell by now.. I'm a fan) http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-4.htm

The BM Rant is an exceptional fixed blade for its price. It has 440C stainless. A great stainless steel (especially from Benchmade. Their 440C is probably the best out there due to great heat treat). For general and camp purposes, it holds its edge well, is easy to sharpen, and doesnt rust quickly. It has a fatter, sanoprene (hardcore rubber) handle, a 4.5 inch, .175 inch thick blade, and comes with a sasic leather sheath. Made in the US, great price. It also has a good warranty, and BM is good people, but they wont replace your knife for free if you break the blade by stabbing it into a marble counter.

for $46 bucks, the Rant is a steal, but you do get a better hard user and warranty with the RAT.

Hope that helped. My fingers are sore.

johnu2 · Jan 29, 2009

The CRKT is designed primarily as a tactical knife so I would choose the BM Rant. SOG Field Pup/ Mora is another good low cost knife

Tony8179 · Jan 29, 2009

Definitely a RAT or BRKT. If you want something a bit cheaper go with a Buck Nighthawk. You can beat the heck out of the Nighthawk and it'll keep working for ya.

outdoor_guy08 · Jan 30, 2009

Jake Bauer said:
The Rat Cutlery RC-4 has a 4.5 inch, .188 inch thick blade made out of 1095 Carbon steel. Carbon steel is a time tested hard use blade steel that can take a lot of abuse. The edge holding is very good, and quite easy to sharpen. Unlike stainless steels where generally if it holds an edge longer, it will be more of a pain to sharpen. And of course, the right Heat Treat makes 1095 fantastic, able to withstand lots of abuse and not chip, or break, and helps maintain the edge. Fortunatley, Rat Cutlery is one of (if not the) best heat treaters of 1095. The downside of 1095 is that it is not stainless, and is apt to rust easier than stainless (like in the rant). But, RC puts a rust inhibitor on their blades before sending them out that helps, but over use, you will need to put a few drops of oil on it every now and then, especially after hard use, or use in the water right before you store it. Don't let "more apt to rust" scare you, you just need to take care of it. The RC4 also uses a micarta handle which provides a comfortable, yet solid grip. The sheath has multiple options for carry. It was designed for military use with their MOLLE system, but works well on any belt or backpack too. To top it all off, RAT Cutlery has probably the best warranty in the business. If anything happens to your RAT, whether it be your fault or a factory defect, (with the exception of losing it), RC will replace it free with no questions asked. Also USA made, with fantastic customer service. (if you can't tell by now.. I'm a fan) http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-4.htm

The BM Rant is an exceptional fixed blade for its price. It has 440C stainless. A great stainless steel (especially from Benchmade. Their 440C is probably the best out there due to great heat treat). For general and camp purposes, it holds its edge well, is easy to sharpen, and doesnt rust quickly. It has a fatter, sanoprene (hardcore rubber) handle, a 4.5 inch, .175 inch thick blade, and comes with a sasic leather sheath. Made in the US, great price. It also has a good warranty, and BM is good people, but they wont replace your knife for free if you break the blade by stabbing it into a marble counter.

for $46 bucks, the Rant is a steal, but you do get a better hard user and warranty with the RAT.

Hope that helped. My fingers are sore.

Thank you, that is perfect explanation for what I was looking for! :thumbup:

enderwiggin · Jan 30, 2009

vjb.knife said:
WOW what are you talking about? I am not too familiar with the knives he is asking about so I googled them and unless Google has steered me completely wrong a CRKT M60 and a Benchmade Rant are both fixed blade knives. And IMO both of them look shitty; sorry but sometimes the truth hurts. Check Fallkniven, Bark River, Rat Cutlery.

CRKT M60

Benchmade Rant

If by "Truth" you mean your opinion... It doesn't do much of anything. The drop point Rant is a nice looking blade with a comfortable looking handle. If you can find a $50.00 Fallkniven to offer as an alternative, it would make the comparison a lot more realistic.

vjb.knife said:
I don't know what your budget is but my choices would not be CRKT or Benchmade. CRKT's are crap and I don't like BM as a company.

I would be looking at a Bark River or a Microtech Currahee maybe a RAT or Fallkniven also.

Ahh, I see. Well, there you go.

I'm glad you were able to confirm both are fixed-blade knives though.

Pmazzei · May 25, 2014

I have a pretty extensive collection of knives ranging from $2000 cabinet queen specimens to flea market finds that I found unusual and/or interesting. A knife is nothing more than an edged blade for cutting or stabbing. Any knife that does the job for which it's intended and is well-made can be a good knife. Unfortunately, some of you are fanatics that are obsessed with defending some brand that you happen to own, even if you paid more than would be prudent at your income level, and you feel compelled to denigrate any knife you don't approve of. I've recently seen and handled a few a Benchmade Griptillians and was not impressed. While the mechanism may be well made and the steel a better grade, the scales felt like cheap plastic in my hand. I ended up foregoing the $200 benchmade Griptillians and purchased the CRKT M16-12ZLEK AND 14ZLEK FOR $90 and $100 respectively. These knives are better survival and rescue tools than the Griptillians and have a seat belt cutter and window breaker. They are tactical folders that lock up so well that you'd think you were holding a fixed blade. The blades lock up solidly and with no play at all. What's more, these knives look more like weapons and have a greater intimidation factor than the Benchmades. I'm very satisfied and proud to own and carry these as they do the job they're intended for and feel solid in my hand. The point here is that some posters here seem to unjustly denigrate certain knives more because of some personal preference than based upon real-world performance and intent of use.

marcinek · May 25, 2014

Well. It's a good thing finally someone who actually uses knives and who can think objectively came around five years later to explain things for the rest of us here.

RemyKaze · May 25, 2014

Pmazzei said:
I have a pretty extensive collection of knives ranging from $2000 cabinet queen specimens to flea market finds that I found unusual and/or interesting. A knife is nothing more than an edged blade for cutting or stabbing. Any knife that does the job for which it's intended and is well-made can be a good knife. Unfortunately, some of you are fanatics that are obsessed with defending some brand that you happen to own, even if you paid more than would be prudent at your income level, and you feel compelled to denigrate any knife you don't approve of. I've recently seen and handled a few a Benchmade Griptillians and was not impressed. While the mechanism may be well made and the steel a better grade, the scales felt like cheap plastic in my hand. I ended up foregoing the $200 benchmade Griptillians and purchased the CRKT M16-12ZLEK AND 14ZLEK FOR $90 and $100 respectively. These knives are better survival and rescue tools than the Griptillians and have a seat belt cutter and window breaker. They are tactical folders that lock up so well that you'd think you were holding a fixed blade. The blades lock up solidly and with no play at all. What's more, these knives look more like weapons and have a greater intimidation factor than the Benchmades. I'm very satisfied and proud to own and carry these as they do the job they're intended for and feel solid in my hand. The point here is that some posters here seem to unjustly denigrate certain knives more because of some personal preference than based upon real-world performance and intent of use.

Wow, sounds like you pay basically double what those knives are worth. I bet you could have had that "cabinet queen" for a thousand bucks! If you're out there getting ripped off, how can you logically rag on other people about prices?

Pmazzei · May 25, 2014

RemyKaze said:
Wow, sounds like you pay basically double what those knives are worth. I bet you could have had that "cabinet queen" for a thousand bucks! If you're out there getting ripped off, how can you logically rag on other people about prices?

Well, here's the deal. I'd rather pay a bit more and support a small family-run knife shop than pay bottom dollar to a large discount internet superstore. But that's just me. Point is, so far, the CRKTs I mentioned are good, solid, dependable knives. Just my opinion.

Lee D · May 25, 2014

some large internet "super stores" that offer "bottom dollar" prices are family ran as well.