Got my first RAT Cutlery knife today an RC-4 and....

Fred Sanford

Fred Sanford

Joined
Sep 3, 2006
Messages
3,131
.....I really like it. Just a small problem. The handle is way too small. I can barely get a full 4 finger grip on it. That seems odd for a 4.5" long bladed fixed blade.

I used to Have an Ontario TAK-1 in D2 and I loved it (not dissing RAT Cutlery). It had a longer handle but bout a 4.5" blade or maybe even a 5" blade. I can't remember. It was similar in size to a RAT-5 from Ontario.

So, what to do? Hmm....

Does RAT Cutlery offer anything with a 4.5 or 5 inch blade with a larger handle? The RC-6 seems a bit much to carry for hiking. Then again I don't want to "support" Ontario considering what's going on these days with them.

With the handle so small (for me) I know I will never use this awesome knife.

With all that said.....super freaking nice job on the fit and finish of this knife guys. Very well done. I'm a real goofy anal person about fit and finish and this thing is perfect.
 
Sorry to hear about the fitting problem. For myself, the handle fits as though it were custom made for me.

Just a thought, but how about giving the handle a wrap job with some stripped paracord (removing the 7 strings in the centre). You will have to leave the top part of the handle where it mates to the sheath unwrapped. Giving the handle a bit more bulk might make it feel much better in your hand.
 
you could put a lanyard on the back of the handle, that might give you some more room to grab onto. beyond that, theres nothing you can really do.
you could wait until the RC-5 comes out, although it will probably still be a bit much for hiking.
 
David, sorry to hear it doesn't fit your hand. There are some users out there that the RC-3 and RC-4 is just too small for when it comes to handle size. Wished we had something we could offer to you with a bigger handles but at the present time we don't have it.
 
Hey folks,

Thanks. I'm just gonna keep my eyes open for something with a bit larger handle. I don't wanna go with the RC-6 due to size but I don't want to buy a RAT-5 from Ontario either.

So for right now I think I'll get some handles made for my Spyderco CPM-M4 Mule.

:)
 
Hmm, this is a little concerning. I'm looking at putting an RC4 on my christmas list. I wonder if it'll fit my big paws?
 
I have big mitts, and the RC3/4 handle is a bit small. Not unworkably so, though. I think the thinness bothers me more than the length though.

Now if they'd come out with an RC version of the TAK (think RC4 with an RC6 handle), that'd be bully.
 
Yeah the TAK-1 I used to have in D2 was perfect size for my hands. To me it seems that the RC-4 needs a handle about 3/4" or 1" longer. Then it would be perfect. :)

Other than the handle that was "too short for me" it is a great knife. It is moving along to another forum member however for now.
 
My first impression of the RC-4 was that the handle was a bit small for me, having fairly big hands as I do. Like you said David, not unworkably so, but a bit small. After using it quite a bit, it's my most carried fixed blade, I don't feel as though it's small anymore. I find myself using the choil more often than not, making the handle feel plenty big enough.

Before I had this knife, I was no fan of a choil but the idea has grown on me over time and I now consider myself a convert.
 
I have small hands, and I thought the handle was too small. I can't imagine if I had larger hands. Knowing that, I would still purchase the knife again however. The fit and finish, excellent sheath, and overall design are top notch. Just a perfect survival/hiking knife. The plus side to the small handle is that it works great when wearing a belt. I had no problems with rubbing or getting in the way of my arm motion whatsoever. I would still like to see the handles beefed up a tad more though.....
 
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