Handle Sizes?

gunfiter

gunfiter

Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Messages
351
Was doing some work type work with my RC-3 the other day, and one of the LAPD techs I was working with just had to borrow my knife to try. He thought the finger choil was a pretty cool deal. I noticed that even with it choked up in his hand, he had a hard time fitting his ham size grabbers onto the handle. The question is, finally, have you thought about putting a RC-6 size handle on a RC-3 or RC-4 size blade? I mention the 6, because I think the 3 and 4 have about the same size handles?

I do a lot of detail work with my 3 and wouldn't mind a little more handle myself.
 
A lot of guys with real big hands like the TAK handle. In the future I think you're going to see RC do some different stuff. Just the 1/4" thick RC-5 SERE is a major parting from our old philosophy :D
 
I found the RC-4 handle a bit small for me. Certainly not unusable, but a bit cramped. I'm looking forward to the SERE.
 
I guess I am one of the lucky ones with just the right sized hands. The Rc 3 and 4 are perfect for me, whereas my ontario rat 5, 7 and rtak11 have handles that are kinda big.
 
Interesting question. I just got my RC-3 today, and I was surprised at how slender the handle is. I don't have large hands at all, but it feels like my fingers are curled up too far with the handle in hand, and I can't quite exert as much gripping strength as I can on the larger handled knives I'm used to (RAT-5, Ranger, Manix). It feels less secure.

A wider finger choil would also help, as my finger tends smush over and ride up onto the corner of the edge grind, but that can remedied with a little judicious filing.

I don't find the length overly short, especially as I use the choil so much of the time.

It's a smallish knife, anyway, by design, and there are going to be trade-offs for compactness. I always learn something new about what does and doesn't work for me with a new knife.
 
For about 95% of what I do the RC-3 is perfect. But every once in a while I go a little crazy. I use the choil AND stretch out my pinky towards the rear, just for balance.
 
Thats' the reason you will never see RC stomping on another maker or manufacturer - people (users) are all different in what they like. I'm glad to see as many makers and manufacturers in this industry as we have. In my opinion, there's not enough. The consumer needs variety since no one company will ever be the end-all when it comes to making a blade. Whatever niche we don't fill, someone else will and we'll probably serve another customer better on a different style.
 
The RC3/RC4 scales fit me perfectly ..I have a TAK and find it alittle fat but still usable...I am excited about the release of the SERE, that is a bad mo-fo !
 
Yeah, I'll think I'll be needing a SERE when they come out. So far I've got 2 RC4's and my Izula proto. The RAT family is growing quickly.
 
I like handles that are proportionate to the blade. I find the RC4 to be in perfect proportions, but the same handle on the RC3 is too big. With that length of blade the RAT3 handle is more proportionate and symmetrical. I have similar conclustions regarding the RAT7 and RAT5, which share a handle. The handle is propotionate and symmetrical on the RAT7, but too big for the RAT5. In my judgement, having a handle too big for the blade length creates an imbalance.

As a possible solution for handles that seem short, I find a pinky lanyard (a lanyard loop just long enough for one's pinky) is a great addition. It allows the pinky to hang off the back of the knife securely and still contribute some leverage for cutting.
 
I like handles that are proportionate to the blade.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. I think RC-3 is exquisitely proportioned, myself. But I've found no matter how large or small the blade is, my hand stays the same size. :D I used to think Spyderco's designs had a tendency towards "too much handle", too, but I'm changing that opinion based on recent experience.

I might find that my ergonomic issues with the RC-3 are pretty transparent when putting the knife to actual hard use, instead of sitting in my comfy chair "thinking" about how it feels. It's happened before.

PS- I can't afford for there to be more knife companys, anyway. :o
 
I know what you mean. I spend a lot of money on other maker's / manufacturer's knives. I picked up several at the Blade show.

I also use other folks' knives more than our own :) In July I will be taking a new KaBar Becker Necker, a Blade-Tech folder, an SOG folder and a Blind Horse fixed blade to the jungle with us.

Justin and I have been emailing back and forth and if Ontario gets some of his line out by our October trip to the jungle then that will be going with us on that trip.
 
I know what you mean. I spend a lot of money on other maker's / manufacturer's knives. I picked up several at the Blade show.

I also use other folks' knives more than our own :) In July I will be taking a new KaBar Becker Necker, a Blade-Tech folder, an SOG folder and a Blind Horse fixed blade to the jungle with us.

Justin and I have been emailing back and forth and if Ontario gets some of his line out by our October trip to the jungle then that will be going with us on that trip.
 
Well, I just made my first figure-four with the RC-3. The "problem" areas were noticeable, but didn't really interfere with getting the job done. I'll have to do some more strenous tasks before deciding whether to mod or not, but the corner of the grind at the choil will get softened for sure. No cuts, but some abrasion. An easy fix.

I made my second trap with a TOPS Wolf Pup. The comfort and control of the thicker handle was really apparent, even though it's much shorter. But talk about hot spots! The thumb ramp was a nightmare. RAT gets high marks for the jimping areas on the RAT/RC designs. Wel placed, and well textured.

I'll build a log cabin tomorrow and report back.
 
I wish someone would put up pictures of their hand next to rulers to show what they call large hands, or regular hands. I always felt I had small hands that were kind of plump in the palm/thumb muscle area (Drummers muscle) under the thumb.

I would rather a knife be a little smaller in handle than larger for the feeling of craddling the pommel area in the palm. I like the TAK very much but thought the handle was too long. I felt like I didn't need the extra length.

Different strokes for different folks.
 
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