Hiking knife RC-3 or RC-4 ??

[GEC]

I have the the older Rat3 in D2. Sorry I know, but I have to tell you that you won't be disappointed with an rc3. It's light and compact. I still carry a LM wave also incase I break or lose the rat 3. Sometime I just take the SAK or wave and a chopper/ folding saw of some sort. You just never know.
Maybe you should just try out each size to get the feel for them.

 

[MArathonman]

It's interesting to see everyone's reasons for carrying what you carry. What I'm starting to glean from replies is that a hiker is more inclined to go with an RC-3 while a backpacker would prefer an RC-4.

The backpacker is likely to be out in the woods for several days or even an extended period. My sole purpose of selecting a knife is to have something for survival in case of a problem. Survival could be one night or it could be several days.

If the RC-4 is what "extended-stay" backpackers use I'm leaning toward that for my needs.

Flawed thinking?

You got it right for fair weather hiking/backpacking. Add 50+ chance or thunderstorms or snow increase to the next levels across the board.

 

[Gismo834]

I just came back from a Backpacking trip in Norway.
Out in the wilderness. I dont saw any person a few days.

I took a RC-3 with me. It did a very good job. Preparing food.....I like for that the not soo big blade, and also potoning some wood.

The RC-3 did a very good job for that! Love the sheat which i cliped on the belt from the backpack. It stays there after i fall down on a stone block field!!
That is the situation when you need good Quality.

But i think the RC-4 is also a very good choice.

 

[1066vik]

I prefer the 4 to the 3 because of the extra blade thickness - this makes it more comfortable in my hand. YMMV.
go with the one that feels best in hand.

that said, I spent the entire ESEE fest with a TAK on my hip. -- ESEE 4 blade with a 6 handle. If it had a Rowen heat treat, it would be the perfect woods/camping knife for me.
this was used to shave fatwood, build fires, food prep, goofing off, making a spear, etc... no, it does not slice onions as easy as a 2mm thick chef's knife, but it still worked very well for every task asked of it. (yes, I had a big chopper for hiking as well)

 

[blacksaturn]

Go for the 4 its a Great knife and i have both and totally would take the 4 over the 3, i also have the 6 which is actually my favorite and actually ""carry" that and the 4 sleeps in my pack till needed. I too live in NY and never had any problems.

Good call, and I've been carrying the same (6 with the 4 in pack).