how do i choose between the different rat models?

M

mantashrimpman

Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
17
i know i will probably end up with all of them but what is each knifes specialty. i went to their website and most of the info on there is geared toward specs. can someone point me in the right direction. i am very new to knifes but like my other hobbies i tend to do lots of research and try to end up with the best money can buy. i love the fact that this company stands behind their product with an amazing warranty. to me buying a expensive knife but being to scared to use it for fear of breaking or getting dirty is useless. thanks in advance for all the help and advice.
Mike...
 
You have to choose based on what you want to do, and how you like to do it.

Typically, the RC3 and Izula are great for carrying ona a daily basis, or as a companion to a larger blade.

The RC4 is considered the best do-all blade, particularly in the outdoors uses.

The RC5 was designed as a SERE (Survive, Escape, Resist, Evade) knife, by Air Force SERE instructors.

The RC6 is an excellent medium sized blade, good in the "one-knife" setting, or if you prefer larger blades.
 
If you're uncertain about which one to get then opt for the Izula. It's a high value tough knife backed by one of the best warranties out there (well all of RC's knives are). Great little EDC knife.

Looking for an EDC FB that is a little larger (Izula has a thicker blade)? RC-3.

If you're looking for something bigger and good for all around use then you want to check out the RC-4.

Want a sharpened pry bar? RC-5.

Looking for a larger knife for bushcraft? RC-6 and the new RTAK that RC will be producing.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
You have to choose based on what you want to do, and how you like to do it.

Typically, the RC3 and Izula are great for carrying ona a daily basis, or as a companion to a larger blade.

The RC4 is considered the best do-all blade, particularly in the outdoors uses.

The RC5 was designed as a SERE (Survive, Escape, Resist, Evade) knife, by Air Force SERE instructors.

The RC6 is an excellent medium sized blade, good in the "one-knife" setting, or if you prefer larger blades.
Click to expand...

This sums it up nicely!
 
Cpl Punishment said:
Typically, the RC3 and Izula are great for carrying ona a daily basis, or as a companion to a larger blade.

The RC4 is considered the best do-all blade, particularly in the outdoors uses.

The RC5 was designed as a SERE (Survive, Escape, Resist, Evade) knife, by Air Force SERE instructors.

The RC6 is an excellent medium sized blade, good in the "one-knife" setting, or if you prefer larger blades.
__________________
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Now, I think this one post should be made into a sticky so that anyone who's wondering exactly "which blade is right for me?" will have no trouble finding the answers.

Not to be harsh, but several times a week it seems like the exact same questions are risen. So, I think its about time a permanent post is made for quick reference about the suitable purpose for each knife. I think it would not only help new RAT lovers enthusiasts but would also be a great discussion area for long time RAT aficionados.:D

Cheers
 
Cpl Punishment said:
You have to choose based on what you want to do, and how you like to do it.

Typically, the RC3 and Izula are great for carrying ona a daily basis, or as a companion to a larger blade.

The RC4 is considered the best do-all blade, particularly in the outdoors uses.

The RC5 was designed as a SERE (Survive, Escape, Resist, Evade) knife, by Air Force SERE instructors.

The RC6 is an excellent medium sized blade, good in the "one-knife" setting, or if you prefer larger blades.
Click to expand...

This does sum it up very well. Simply comes down to what you use it for. Can't go wrong with any of them. Another consideration, depending on what you want the knife for is blade thickness. The RC3 is the thinnest and smallest blade, but will slice very well I'd imagine. The RC5 may be the thickness, 1/4" was it? The RC4 and RC6 I thought were the same thicknesses. I have the RC4 and it has proved to be a great knife. Real beefy and up to nearly anything, plus can get really sharp.
 
What's been written pretty much tells the story. Just determine your needs & use the posted info. to guide you.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
You have to choose based on what you want to do, and how you like to do it.

Typically, the RC3 and Izula are great for carrying ona a daily basis, or as a companion to a larger blade.

The RC4 is considered the best do-all blade, particularly in the outdoors uses.

The RC5 was designed as a SERE (Survive, Escape, Resist, Evade) knife, by Air Force SERE instructors.

The RC6 is an excellent medium sized blade, good in the "one-knife" setting, or if you prefer larger blades.
Click to expand...

Post up a pictures containing all the RAT line up available or instock at a dealer that you like and throw darts ,where it lands model you buy...you'll end up with atleast one each sooner or later...:D
 
right on thanks for all the great advice, sorry if this question gets asked a bunch of times but i really appreciate all the help. now plain or combo edge on the rc-4
mike.
 
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You must mean what Rat Cutlery knife do I start with .The RC3 plain edge is what started it for me I purchased an Izula within days of getting it. Great knives all of them. Really the only choice is the colors you go with right off so you can try to save money and not buy all the color options.
 
I'd start with the 3 honestly. The 4 is only the slightest bit longer, and is a thicker blade which does not slice as well as its younger brother. With the 3, I think, less is more. :)
 
I started with a 3, then a 4, then an Izula and just got a 6.
All of them are top notch knives. The 3 & 4 seem to have the most overlap in my opinion, although I really like both. I find that I carry the Izula & 3 the most, the 4 is my hiking & hunting knife and the 6 may be my all time favorite & fun use camp knife. If I were to start again, I would go for the 3 first. The fact that the 3 will be our forum knife sayes a lot by Rat Cutlery & the pack.
Honestly you can not go wrong with a Rat. Let us know what you get.
 
chris in mo said:
Start wth the RC 4 then add aother models as interest budget allows!
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This is what I did. Started with the RC-4, then got an Izula now hopefully this week I'll get my RC-5 & RC-6 I ordered. Next I'll start saving up for the RC-3. RAT knives are like tattoos, they're addicting....unless your wife doesn't like tattoos that is. :grumpy:
 
I'm still waiting for the RTAK-II replacement. Not that I need another big chopper, but I WANT ONE :D
 
If you are set on the RC-4 than I'd suggest a plain edge given its thickness and size. I love my RC-4 as a belt knife and is one of the better survival knives in the line - even if the RC-5 was designed more for survival purposes.

As somebody mentioned, the RC-4/3 have the most overlap to them. However, a combo or RC-4 plain + RC-3 serrated makes a good mix. For some reason I can't fully understand, the serrations on the RC-3 really work on this knife. I think it has to do with the thinner blade. The serrations cut through rope and cordage like no other business and the RC-3 is a perfect size for doing this kind of thing.

An Izula, RC-4 mix is a good one to have as well as Izula/RC-6 mix. Izula fits very nicely in the front pocket of a pair of cargo pants or dockers/hiking pants but is less comfy in jeans.

So - yeah, I'd say getting the RC-4 plain edge as your first rat would be a great choice. It was afterall my first choice! The izula can come at a later time as a close compliment and because of its economical choice, won't set you back much time for saving up..
 
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