beestokk
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 942
Hey all! Just a disclaimer that this is a long post 
! Sorry for that but I figured I'd get my thoughts out in one post, and it seems most of you prefer more details vs. less details! If time is limited, skip to the bottom for the summary, or just skip entirely 
!
So I've been agonizing (but enjoying doing it!) over fixed blades for quite some time now and which one to purchase. I currently own a Benchmade Rant Bowie in 440C. I've been looking to upgrade this blade or compliment it (given the overall quality of the blade and that it fits the application it was designed for and that I need, I'm leaning more toward complimenting it rather than upgrading at this time). I've done LOTS of reading but little handling other than the more common consumer brands (some SOG, some Beckers, etc...no ESEEs, no fallknivens, etc.).
My criteria is a tough/durable, well-rounded (in terms of function/application) outdoors knife for general camping and bushcraft-type use, one that can be used harder and/or for more applications than the BM Rant and that I'd take out with me if I had to grab one or the other. Initially I was much more interested in stainless steel but now I could go either way, however, I do prefer a steel that is relatively easy to sharpen and holds a nice tough edge (hopefully not mutually exclusive ha). Being that my Rant is a bowie style, I'd prefer a drop point in the next knife, but it's not crucial. As far as grind goes I'm open to anything but hollow or chisel grind. Price range is max $150.
The knives that have consistently been on the list have been:
Fallkniven F1 (definitely upgrade in components/grind, but not much dimension-wise...I've read about the whole the VG-10 chipping thing but this doesn't seem to actually be much of a concern to me, but it is something to consider when being open to other steels)
Fallkniven S1 (definitely appealing in all regards, only downfall is that this too is a bowie style)
ESEE/RAT RC-4 (same thoughts as F1, minus the convex grind, but have read that handles are quite boxy and can be uncomfortable and handle is too short for some)
Becker BK2 (great deal, but may be more than I need/would require)
I've also considered Cold Steel Master Hunter and SRK, but those have kind of fallen in and out of the short list.
HOWEVER, as of recently I've been looking into the ESEE/RAT RC-6 and it's one that has gotten me quite excited, despite it having received the least amount of research on my behalf. It seems like it can do a LOT for it's size, especially with the choil for finer work. Seems very durable and the warranty of course is excellent. My biggest questions about it are the linen micarta grips and the sheath. I always planned on going with canvas if I got micarta but that's not an option for the RC-6 and I don't have an RC-5 (nor is it in the plan for the near future) to swap the handles with. I know the sheath is molded plastic and not kydex, and that the molle locks can't be placed for horizontal carry, but I'd likely upgrade to the molle back anyways.
Summary of this post:
1.) The linen micarta handles on the RC-6...how are they?? This may be my only/biggest hesitation with this knife...are they too smooth or are they grippy enough in most applications? Can they easily be roughened up if they're too smooth? Grip is important to me. Also are the handles too boxy (personal preference, I know) as I've heard some of the ESEE models (mostly RC-4) are to some people?
2.) RC-6 sheath...seems quality to me...any input on the molded plastic vs kydex? They don't seem much different to me.
3.) S1 vs RC-6...any thoughts on this as these are probably the most comparable to each other and complimentary to my Rant?
4.) As you can tell I'm leaning toward the RC-6, all things considered...handles being the biggest hesitation, would you tell me to go for it or look for something else? If the latter, what would you recommend that fits my criteria?
THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THOSE WHO REPLY!! I really do appreciate it! :thumbup::thumbup:
! Sorry for that but I figured I'd get my thoughts out in one post, and it seems most of you prefer more details vs. less details! If time is limited, skip to the bottom for the summary, or just skip entirely !So I've been agonizing (but enjoying doing it!) over fixed blades for quite some time now and which one to purchase. I currently own a Benchmade Rant Bowie in 440C. I've been looking to upgrade this blade or compliment it (given the overall quality of the blade and that it fits the application it was designed for and that I need, I'm leaning more toward complimenting it rather than upgrading at this time). I've done LOTS of reading but little handling other than the more common consumer brands (some SOG, some Beckers, etc...no ESEEs, no fallknivens, etc.).
My criteria is a tough/durable, well-rounded (in terms of function/application) outdoors knife for general camping and bushcraft-type use, one that can be used harder and/or for more applications than the BM Rant and that I'd take out with me if I had to grab one or the other. Initially I was much more interested in stainless steel but now I could go either way, however, I do prefer a steel that is relatively easy to sharpen and holds a nice tough edge (hopefully not mutually exclusive ha). Being that my Rant is a bowie style, I'd prefer a drop point in the next knife, but it's not crucial. As far as grind goes I'm open to anything but hollow or chisel grind. Price range is max $150.
The knives that have consistently been on the list have been:
Fallkniven F1 (definitely upgrade in components/grind, but not much dimension-wise...I've read about the whole the VG-10 chipping thing but this doesn't seem to actually be much of a concern to me, but it is something to consider when being open to other steels)
Fallkniven S1 (definitely appealing in all regards, only downfall is that this too is a bowie style)
ESEE/RAT RC-4 (same thoughts as F1, minus the convex grind, but have read that handles are quite boxy and can be uncomfortable and handle is too short for some)
Becker BK2 (great deal, but may be more than I need/would require)
I've also considered Cold Steel Master Hunter and SRK, but those have kind of fallen in and out of the short list.
HOWEVER, as of recently I've been looking into the ESEE/RAT RC-6 and it's one that has gotten me quite excited, despite it having received the least amount of research on my behalf. It seems like it can do a LOT for it's size, especially with the choil for finer work. Seems very durable and the warranty of course is excellent. My biggest questions about it are the linen micarta grips and the sheath. I always planned on going with canvas if I got micarta but that's not an option for the RC-6 and I don't have an RC-5 (nor is it in the plan for the near future) to swap the handles with. I know the sheath is molded plastic and not kydex, and that the molle locks can't be placed for horizontal carry, but I'd likely upgrade to the molle back anyways.
Summary of this post:
1.) The linen micarta handles on the RC-6...how are they?? This may be my only/biggest hesitation with this knife...are they too smooth or are they grippy enough in most applications? Can they easily be roughened up if they're too smooth? Grip is important to me. Also are the handles too boxy (personal preference, I know) as I've heard some of the ESEE models (mostly RC-4) are to some people?
2.) RC-6 sheath...seems quality to me...any input on the molded plastic vs kydex? They don't seem much different to me.
3.) S1 vs RC-6...any thoughts on this as these are probably the most comparable to each other and complimentary to my Rant?
4.) As you can tell I'm leaning toward the RC-6, all things considered...handles being the biggest hesitation, would you tell me to go for it or look for something else? If the latter, what would you recommend that fits my criteria?
THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THOSE WHO REPLY!! I really do appreciate it! :thumbup::thumbup:
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