Help me with my first RAT

tonydahose

tonydahose

Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
742
i am looking to get my first RAT knife. i have been collecting knives (100% spyderco, this is my first different brand) for about4-5 years. i also notice that every knife besides the izula has the same basic shape, just different sizes. that makes me think they have the design down pat, i am guessing great ergos and dependable too with the warranty. i like the looks of the RC5 with the green blade/tan micarta handle. i would like with the Cordura sheath too. a few questions for you diehard fans.
is this a good choice for my first RAT? or should i go with a RC4?
do they make the same color configuration in a RC4?
i see it is made with a high carbon steel, i know about caring for it, my question is i have heard that you can get a great edge with carbon steels, is it much easier to get it this way than lets say VG-10?
any other thoughts/insights are appreciated
thanks
 
I'll let other give you more info but in my opinion, for just "regular" things, start with the RC-4. I say start because it seems like anyone who gets one RAT, can't stop with just one.
 
I would not get a RC5 for the first RAT knife, it will be a huge jump in weight from your folders.

I like the RC3, it's light, and goes in my pockets comfortably.

For the sharpening, its been easy for me so far, I can get a good edge with little effort.
 
RC-3, RC-4 or an Izula would be your first choices. Depends on what you intend to use them for. Give us your intended use and we can narrow the selection down.
 
the izula would probably be the best first rat and wouldn't be a big step from folders..or maybe a nice HEST? :D
 
I would do what I did. :) Go with the RC-4 first. It is just a great all around knife.

And as for getting an edge on carbon steel, you are in for a treat. Carbon steels, and especially 1095, are ridiculously easy to sharpen (D2 is one obvious exception). The VG-10 stainless from Spyderco that you are used to is my favorite stainless but I will take just about any simple carbon steel over VG-10.
 
Doesn't really matter which one is your first RAT, because there's no such thing as your last RAT. ;)
 
Go with the Izula first. It's agreat little knife and not terribly expensive.

With it in hand you'll learn some things:
  1. RAT makes great quality knives at reasonable prices.
  2. The carbon steel is no problem to sharpen. The Sharpmaker gives you a shaving sharp edge in only a few passes.
  3. RAT knives are like potato chips...you can't have just one.
 
Wich one you choose is up to you, all are great knives but i'd say that you should look at your needs and go with the knife that fits it the best

I went with an izula as a first one
it's cheap (enough), comes razorsharp, easy to edc and great in outdoor use

as for the sharpening, in my eyes there's not much of a difference between vg 10 and the 1095 of rat-cutlery

My 0.02$
 
Hey Tony,
I am also a Spydie collector & I like the CLB Bokers too. I'm a sucker for anything black with a lanyard. My 1st RAT--You guessed it. A black Izula. I think that the Rc3 or 4 will be my next RAT.
 
If you're going to be using a RAT for EDC, and you usually use Spyderco folders for most things, I'd recommend an Izula. It pushes Spydercos out of my pocket for EDC quite a bit. Great size, shape, and it carries pretty well in your front pocket. It's also surprisingly friendly around people who are usually scared by knives, even folders. Used to be a huge Spyderco fan myself, but I usually carry fixed blades nowdays, although I have been carrying an FRN Stretch for a while now.

The RC-4 is a great option if you plan on using it for camping, hunting, fishing, or other general outdoors craft. I'm a fan of the RC-3, which is a bit shorter and made from thinner stock, but that's just me. Both would probably be overkill if you're looking for something to carry on you every day, unless you work or live in a situation where a bigger knife will really get used.
 
Tony,

I too like Spyderco, though I don't have as many of them as you do. Both RAT and Spyderco are great companies (although I have not needed Warranty work from either one, of course).

I started with the Izula, but recently followed it up with an RC-4 (bought it at same time as my new Spyderhawk) -- my needs are mostly for camping/fire-making etc. I was thinking the weight of the RC-5 (about a full pound) would be too much, but now I am contemplating adding that next, I think the heft would work out real nice for camping and fire-making.
 
Welcome tony! I know exactly where you're coming from. I too am also a 100% Spyderco fan. Imo for folders, there's not much better. My fixed blades are RATs and Beckers. There are no better fixed blades for the $. Take it from me, go with the RC4 first. That's what I did and I'm happy. I also have the Izula and it has replaced my spydercos as my EDC for the past 7 months, but I still love em!
 
I just received my RC-4 and RC-5 yesterday. Both excellent knives the RC-4 is a better all around knife, RC-5 is like a brick in your hand....it almost begs for abuse it feels so tough.
 
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