Ditch the ka-bar and get an RC-6?

well i have a ka bar. couldnt say about the RC-6. you could always try and sell the ka bar. i would recommend to do whatever makes you feel better. if you like the feel of the ka bar keep it. if you want an RC because of the warranty and the Rowen heat treat get it. or just get both.
 
ZombaiO said:
Hey Don - the edge of my KA-BAR has chipped from chopping a 1,5 '' stick.It's very very soft :( Also the coating is extremely weak.The knife had so thick grin,that it couldn't be even used for chopping - the thick edge just don't bite in the wood.

That knife was my first knife ordered from the USA -

I'm a big fan of it's shape and looks but mine is just not better than a random 5$ chinise knock-off...

Maybe mine is some sort of a bad quality one that has slipped through the QC ?
Click to expand...

What color is the leather washer handle, black or brown? What color is the sheath and what is stamped on the blade?
 
I owned a Kabar USMC for almost 30 yrs and did everything with it. Skinned everything imaginable, camped, worked with it. Hell, I dug holes with it when I didn't know any better. It was fairly easy to sharpen and held an edge for a long time. It's one of the best designs ever.

My RC6 surpasses my Kabar in every way so far except edge retention which I haven't had enough time to test. I'm sure the RC6 will hold it's own in that catagory as well. The handle ergonomics of the 6 is far superior. I have very large hands and the 6 fits them perfectly. I swear Jeff and Mike made this knife just for me!:D I prefer the full tang of the 6, full flat grind and the blade has the right thickness for this design. I can live with or without the coating on the blade but it does add an undeniable cool factor. Fit and finish of the 6 are better than any I've seen at this price. Balance is great. I haven't had any experience with micarta scales before but they seem to work well, no complaints.

The modular sheath system (when the molleback and pouch are used) is the perfect compliment to the knife. Well thought out. Tough and durable. :thumbup::thumbup:

The Kabar is a great knife but it's not in the same class as the RC6.
 
I just recieved a RC-6 and I am so impressed. The grip is well designed and large. the blade is awesome and sharp as hell. I have othe knives and this is my fourth Rat knife but this is my new favorite. I cant imagine needing anything else. Keep your K-Bar but get the RC-6.
 
Ka-Bars are damn fine knives. You could go your whole life with just that Ka-Bar and be good to go.

That said, I LOVE my RC-6. One of the best users I've ever had and I've had a metric s%#t-ton of knives.

I would keep the Ka-Bar seeing as you already have it and try out a 6 if you get the chance. If you like the feel of it, buy it and the Ka-Bar can be your backup. Two is one and one is none.
 
I have a Kabar big tanto. Not mean to bash Ka-bar. Just my personal impression, perhaps it is just that particular knife.

The tang feels like is not heat treated (properly?) and is a bit soft. If you hit something with the pommel - pommel is simply bents out of place. Eeasy to hammer it back though, but it all makes a surprising impression of "flimziness" for such a big and supposedly strong knife. I think you can bent it with your bare hands (big lever, soft tang). It took a very good edge fairly easy. The sheath is simply awesome (kydex) - probably the best thing about that knife.

RC's knives feel A LOT stronger. And you can not beat the warranty. A bit more expensive though, but money well spent in my view.
 
OK here is my expanded expounded opinion.

Ka-Bar Handle is less comfortable and doesn't rpovide as good of a grip as the RC6. It could be more prone to degradation by the elements over time but this has never been a problem for me because I apply boot dressing to the handle occassionaly.

The full tang construction of the RC6 is stronger. lus the lack of the top guard etc. on the RC6 makes it much easier to choke up on and use in a variety of holds.

The edge geometry of the RC6 is far superior from a cutting standpoint as well. i had to thin the edge of my Ka-Bar considerably, and the sabre grind doesn't cut as efficiently. However it still will cut very well.

The sheath on the Ka-Bar leaves a whole lot to be desired. Unfortunately this is also true of the stock RC6 sheath. While it does retain the knife well and is well designed it is inadequate in the carry dept. unless you purchase the add on molle back.

Overall I believe the RC6 to be an excellent value and a better performer in the woods.

Add to that RAT's fantastic warranty.
 
+1 on the RC4

Perfect for what you want. Plus, at times and depending on your state laws, it can serve you as an EDC as well.
 
Don Rearic said:
What color is the leather washer handle, black or brown? What color is the sheath and what is stamped on the blade?
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It has dark brown leather handle and black zytel sheath :)
It's stamped KA-BAR , Olean NY and USMC.
It's build quality was kinda poor so I think it may be a factory second - who knows...
 
What can i say?:) Jeff and I have a few really good friends at KA Bar. Paul, John, Ethan.... Ethan Becker even lives a stone's throw from me here in Tennessee:) Good thread...good thread. I'd love to jump in and say the Rc6 or Rc4 beats the slats out of Ka Bar but the truth is Ka Bar makes a very good product. It boils down to how much money you want to spend and what works for you. If I have a knife whether it is Ka Bar or RAT Cutlery and it works for me and is reliable then I don't really give a hoot who built it. If I can get good customer service then I don't care what the brand name is (well almost don't care:)) .

Keep your Ka Bar unless it fails to do what you ask of it. I don't think you will regret that. Buy one of our RC6 or RC4 when you can and if you want to try something different without risk (lifetime guarantee:)).
 
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I think this thread should be titled, "Tell Me Why I Shouldn't Buy a RC6."

There really aren't any reasons. Go ahead...do it!! You won't regret it. Keep the Kabar cause its always nice to carry different knives sometimes. But the RC6, or any RC knife for that matter, is a sound investment.
 
Mike,

Thanks for the kind words. As most RAT Packers are aware, we at KA-BAR are very good friends with Jeff and Mike. (Actually we just like Tara and Shannon)
Most RAT Packers are also KA-BAR Beckerheads and vice versa so neither of us want to get into this argument.
Our USMC knife was from a different era with different technology. The RAT line is a contemporary view of knives.
Buy both knives and let's all be friends.


Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
I'll raise a beer to buying more knives any day. Cheers from Buffalo!
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Mike Perrin and Paul Tsujimotosan, classy posts guys...

I own 3 Rats(ontario), 3 RC's, 7 kabar's(liking your large bowie Paul), all but one of becker/kabar (magnum camp dreams) and they are all good 1095 knives.

Between them all there is something for everyone, it boils down what specific tasks and personal design tastes.

Good to see you guys stand above the mudslinging. Reminds me of ford vs chevy vs toyota truck debates. They all get the job done, some just have better options, durability, and style. (My Toyota 4x4 is better because....)(and it is!!!....)

regards and keep the designs coming!
 
Toooj said:
Mike,


Most RAT Packers are also KA-BAR Beckerheads and vice versa so neither of us want to get into this argument.......

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...

Now if you asked me to compare a RAT RC-6 to a Ka-Bar Becker that's an even tougher sell.

Ethan's designs are, in my opinion, directly on par with Jeff and Mikes.

I couldn't pick favorites out of that crew.

Thanks for posting Paul, nice to see you around.:thumbup:
 
I have no complaints with my Ka-Bar since I abused it for 4 years in the Marines from Deserts to the Mountains and some parts of Texas-lol However I just purchase and it should be here today my new RC 3 mil spec, this will look friendlier when you bump into me in the boonies instead of a big Ka Bar strapped to my pack.:thumbup:
 
rat's and beckers, gotta love them. my best buddies in to the ka bar beckers,
iam into the rats. we spend a lot fo time pawing each others knives.
hey i dont think that came out right!!!!! oh well.
 
wow im hearing all these kabar horror stories. mine has never failed me never had chippage. true the sbaber ground sucks for batoning, but this design had more of a fighting role in mind when designed. i find that eveb though there not full tang, there tough as hell. ive never had that pin even budge. there tough as hell. for fighting id take a kabr any day, but for woodwrk give me and rc-6. so what should you do. get both
 
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