Holy Crap! These are some cool knives!

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RancidSumo

Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
160
I just now stumbled upon this company and all I can say is WOW. I wan't every just about every knife offered. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen.

Now the dilemma, which one to get? I see a lot of folks here using the Izula but how comfortable is that handle? Does it feel too thin when using it for typical cutting tasks? How about the RC-3 and RC-3MIL? What is the difference? Finally we get to the H.E.S.T. That also looks like one hell of a knife.

Out of those knives, which one would you lot recommend? I assume that all three would be fine for EDC but how do they compare to a folder for ease of carry? I was going to buy an Emerson Mini-8 (and I still might) but now I really think one of these could end up in my mail box instead.

Thanks for the advice.
 
The Izula is awesome if you plan on getting one of the RC4 - RC6 to go along with it later. Many people do a handle wrap on their Izula and that adds to the comfort. But I used mine with out a wrap for a while with out any problems. I wrapped mine recently and it feels great. The RC-3 I can't speak for because I don't own one yet.
 
I'm in a similar predicatment. I'm having trouble deciding between the RC-3 and 4.

I believe the difference between the RC-3 and the MIL are that the MIL has a sharpened pommel and a serial number.

Wanting my first RAT pretty bad. Probably an RC-3. To MIL or not to MIL? Haha.
 
Welcome to the sickness :D

Hmmmm tough question - if you KNOW you are going to get a few down the road, I'd recommend getting the Izula now and the RC-4 later. This is a knock-out combo that will take care of ANYTHING you could throw at 'em and they compliment each other nicely.

With that said, if you were to just get one RAT, I'd recommend the RC-3mil - it is an exceptional blade that is a monster in its own right and what I EDC. It differs from the standard RC-3 as it has: canvas tan micarta and black blade, numbered, sharpened glass breaker end (though it really isnt sharp - more polished) and the molle back sheath attachment also comes standard.

It also depends on how used to EDCing a fixed blade you are - the Izula is by far the smallest and easiest to just throw in a pocket - even your front one. As far as comfort, the Izula handle is very comfy on its own and even more so if you wrap with some 550.

I am in the minority here regarding the HEST as I dont find it a practical EDC for me - however it is a PERFECT BOB blade.

As you can see, it really depends on what you are comfortable with EDCing and rest assured - THERE IS NO WRONG CHOICE. You will be 110% happy with any of the above and they will serve you well!

To help a bit more, there are a lot of recent threads on this topic by fellers in your same shoes - take a look through them for excellent advice and insight.
 
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I have never EDC'd a fixed blade so I don't really know what to expect or have anything to compare it to. Well, I guess I could try carrying my full sized Bowie but it is a little different:p.
 
RancidSumo said:
I have never EDC'd a fixed blade so I don't really know what to expect or have anything to compare it to. Well, I guess I could try carrying my full sized Bowie but it is a little different:p.
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Haha - I think itd be worth a shot ;)

How are the carry laws in your state? Under a certain size? Have to be concealed? Have to be open carry? Other things to consider...
 
I live in the great state of Wyoming so I can carry whatever I want.

Could you elaborate on why buying the Izula now and RC-4 later is the ideal scenario? Assuming they are good knives, I would bet on several being added to my collection just like I am working on getting my hands on some more Benchmades and Emersons.
 
RancidSumo said:
I live in the great state of Wyoming so I can carry whatever I want.

Could you elaborate on why buying the Izula now and RC-4 later is the ideal scenario? Assuming they are good knives, I would bet on several being added to my collection just like I am working on getting my hands on some more Benchmades and Emersons.
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I am jealous - although amazingly enough in New York City I can carry any sub 4" fixed blade, concealed. Go figure.

Re your question - I just recomemnded buying one now and the other later as I thought you were price sensitive and wanted to buy one at a time - Ideally I'd say save on the shipping and buy both the RC4 and Izula together :D

On why I recommend the Izu and RC4 - assuming you will only buy a couple RCs - I just think out of all, they are a great combo with little overlap. You could be happy EDCing the Izula and you could be happy camping with the RC-4 - they would cover ALL your bases. Hell, EDCing the RC4 isnt even that bad (its really not too much larger than the RC3 - just heavier) and if it came down to it you could camp with just an Izula!

With that said and realistically speaking - RCs are definitely addictive and definitely take my recs with a grain of salt as I wound up buying all the RCs except the RC6 as I've found that each really does have a niche.

(side rant and sorry to go off on this tangent: Regarding Emersons, and this is just my experience and opinion - I used to edc a horseman (the mini 8) and full size CQC8 and it was the Izula that converted me to fixed blades as EDC (I also EDC barkies now). The Emersons are HEAVY suckers for what they are and, I just did not trust the lock as they all had lockup issues and the quality overall felt rough. I might catch heat but, I think the Emersons are a lot more clever marketing than quality blades :yawn: It seems like a lot of the Emerson users here send the knife out for custom work like ti liners and a new grind...)

I pretty much gave up folders altogether as it really was easy to EDC an Izula in the city, which isnt too much bigger than an Emerson and A LOT lighter. In the country I EDC my RC3mil - it just slips in my back pocket and its amazingly less bulky than the CQC8! I have since sold all my folders except a BM mini-grip 555 and an emerson CQC7B for traveling to fixed-blade sensitive locales.
 
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Primarily, at this point, I am looking for a knife to carry around everywhere I go so from what I am reading, the Izula is the best choice, correct? I don't think that anything bigger than the RC-3 is practical. The 4's and 5's look like they would make excellent field knives but I try my best to avoid camping in the winter.

Must...resist...ordering...prematurely...


On the subject of Emersons,

I like my Mini-7 and it is what I carry now. It is good to know that it is actually easier to carry an Izula than an Emerson.
 
RancidSumo said:
Primarily, at this point, I am looking for a knife to carry around everywhere I go so from what I am reading, the Izula is the best choice, correct? I don't think that anything bigger than the RC-3 is practical. The 4's and 5's look like they would make excellent field knives but I try my best to avoid camping in the winter.

Must...resist...ordering...prematurely...
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Haha - the Izula is a wonderful choice for your purpose (or the RC-3mil or the HEST ;)).

I think the Izula is THE rat cutlery gateway drug :D

Now you just need to decide on a color :yawn:

Also definitely check our all the past threads on the subject - this sub forum is an amazing resource, and the people are pretty cool too ;)
 
Thanks. I really appreciate the advice and a <$70 Izula fits my funds much better than the $130 Emerson I was trying to squeeze in.

You're right though, it is hard picking the color. I had card in hand and was ready to go until I tried to decide on the color. Now I have to sleep on it:D.
 
I love the HEST and it is plenty small to conceal or EDC. Bottle opener comes in handy and it has a whole lot of secure grip for such a small knife. I don't have an izula, so I can't comment, but I can tell you the HEST is well worth the money
 
The Izula handle is a little thin but still very usable as is. Once wrapped with gutted paracord it's wonderful for me. The blade is a perfect size for every day use and the Izula has the advantage of being carried around the neck, on a belt or in the pocket.
The other three you listed are all great but cost almost twice as much and can't practically be worn around the neck.
You can't go wrong with any of the others because they lead to Izula ownership anyways.
 
Goi g from folder to izula as an edc wasn't something I planned. I actually threw it in my pocket in my house meaning to take it to another room with a load of junk. Forgot it was there til I took my clothes off before bed. Been carrying it since. If your willing to go belt carry over pocket, the rc 3 with the clip rides easy and secure.
 
I definitely want either an RC-3 or a H.E.S.T. but I think that the Izula will probably work best for light EDC work throughout the winter.

Once again, it is good to know that pocket carry won't be an issue.
 
I started out with a rc4 then picked up and rc3 now I'm eyeing an izula. I think I went backwards. I'd love for rat to make a fatter blade small knife.
 
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