Help a noob decide

J

jeffrice6

Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
101
Just can't decide between the RC-4, 5 or 6???? While I'm sure I'll collect them all down the line, just need help with my first. Blade will be used for camping/backpacking & introduction to field craft.
The RC-5 originally caught my eye, I like the size but I'm just not sure of the weight and blade thickness. Is she to thick for normal small job cutting?
So naturally my sights shifted to the RC-6......Looks like another great knife, but would it be to large for finesse jobs? Would it best be paired with an Izula?
Ok, the RC-4 looks about perfect.....But is she on the small side for some of the larger camp tasks????
Like I said, super noob. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Howdy,

My first RAT was the RC-4. I am EXTREMELY happy with the choice!

The RC-4 is a great first RAT for all around use. I personally don't like to carry a knife much bigger than the RC-4 for hiking/day use.

Go for the RC-4, you won't be dissappointed! After that, get an IZULA!
 
I personally would go the RC6 and add a small folder or multitool and you'll be set for backpacking /Camping
 
texastonydobbs said:
I personally would go the RC6 and add a small folder or multitool and you'll be set for backpacking /Camping
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Agreed, but I do add an Izula to the mix on that combo. It's just more comfortable to cut with an Izula than with my Wave.:D
 
My vote to cover about any camp chore you will have would be a RC-6 paired with an Izula. If I could only have one camp knife then I would go with a RC-4.
 
I have a RC-4 with a RC-3 on order...any of them would suit your purpose but i think i would choose a RC-6 for what u prescribe. good luck...no wrong choices.
 
If you have big or wide hands I'd go with the RC-6. If they're average, the RC-4 would be excellent as well.
 
That is like asking what color m&m candy do you want. You will get them all! RC-4 was my first and the only one I don't have is the RC-6 but I am sure in time I will have one.
 
My first RAT knife was a RC4. I believe for your needs of camping and backpacking, the RC4 will do anything that you require of it.

Great knife!
 
My first was an RC-4 and I'm really happy with it. I'd do the same thing over again. I think it's big enough to do most all camp chores and it's light enough to carry on your belt and forget about.

An Izula and an RC-6 would make a great pair. Those will be my next RATs.
 
The four is a perfectly good knife, I love mine. But if you plan to do alot of chopping and splitting, the six is a good choice. There are as many reasons for any knife as there are days in the year. Really isn't a wrong one to have. If you plan on using it to prep wood frequently, I'd go as large as you're comfortable with. If you only take tree apart on occassion, a three or four should fit the bill nicely.
 
The RC-5 is a bit on the heavy side for hiking and camping IMHO. That in no way makes it a bad choice, it's just that is was designed to be a SERE / Emergency knife and not a daily camping instrument.

For an everyday hiking and camping knife you really cant beat the RC-4, it has enough size to take care of the big jobs and is small enough to do a lot of the finer work you might need to do. It will just loose it's self on your hip, and is super comfortable to wear. The weight and size is just awesome, It is almost the perfect knife.

The RC-6 is a monster of a knife and just loves to be abused (sorry Jeff, but it really does like to be batoned and chop through things), It is big and heavy and I just love it. It will serve you well in camp or in the field. The only concern I would have with it is the weight, some folks do not want or need a big and heavy knife on them on short hikes and two-three day trips.

And as others have said the Izula is a must. I EDC one and will never give it up. It is one of the best little companion knifes I have ever used or owned.

What ever one you decide to get I don't think you will be disappointed.

Just my (over opinionated)2 cents.
 
I would go for the RC4. Even though it is not a chopper, you can certainly baton with it and accomplish nearly anything you could with an RC 6.

The RC4 is the best all around RC knife in my opinion. :)
 
get the RC 4. everyone's all, get a 6 and the izula, doot dee dooooooo, but if you can only pick up one right now there isn't a better choice than the 4.
 
Get the RC-4, as mentioned it's a damned good allrounder.

RAT Pack #64

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I would get the RC 4. It is one of my favorite camp blades for all around tasks. Or an RC-6 and an Izula.
 
I started with the RC4... but that's because the RC6 wasn't out yet :)

But seriously I love the 4. But the 6 is on my Christmas list!
 
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