Is the RC-5 an unpopular knife? I've been going through the sticky photo thread and see dozens of photos of Izulas, RC3, RC4, RC6 but only a few of the RC5. I have nothing against the RAT knifes, don't own one (yet), but was thinking about the RC5, but so many seem to prefer other sizes has me wondering. Why is the RC5 so under represented?
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Is the RC-5 unpopular?
- Thread starter Haakon
- Start date
Mainly it would be for carrying back in the woods. We have a fair size piece of property I hike around on, I'd use it for some minor limbing of trees and cutting the blackberries and salmon berry plants back from trails (hedge clippers really work great for that, but using a knife can be more fun), creating the makings for fires and so on. A RC4 may very well be a better choice, it was just interesting that the RC5 seemed to have so few fans - some stunning photos of them in that thread, just not many of them.
And that may be the crux of the question. Is the RC5 to much a 'jack of all trades, master of none' that makes the smaller and larger better choices for so many people?
Fred Sanford
Gold Member
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- Sep 3, 2006
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It has a 1/4" thick blade. Damn that's thick. If I need a blade that thick I'll use a Hatchet or an Ax.
What I want is an RC-4 with a bit longer handle. I was dead set on a 5 until I saw how thick it was.
What I want is an RC-4 with a bit longer handle. I was dead set on a 5 until I saw how thick it was.
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- Oct 27, 2008
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I think you hit the nail on the head. The knife is a monster, it will baton a jeep in half and keep going, but you may have significant frustration if you try to use it for more delicate things. Its designed as a "hard-use downed pilot's survival knife", so it has to double as an axe and a shovel. If this is what you want/need, its the knife for you.
I would carry a thinner knife (like the much loved RC-4) and a hatchet.
I want a knife for backpacking, and the rc-4 is my pick. however I first thought the rc5 seemed a better choice, but 1/4 of an inc thick blade just isn't practical for what I need a knife for in the backcountry. plus, I think I read somewhere that it's 16 oz, which, while I'm not obsessed with ultralight backpacking, i do enjoy keeping things on the light side, and a 1 pound knife just isn't worth it to me.
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It was designed to pry things and survive and definitely appeals to the sharpened prybar crowd. As others have pointed out, it is a true blue survival knife meant for military operations. Most of us are woods bums who use knives like knives. To me, the RC-6 is more versatile for its length and better slicing ability owing to slightly thinner cut and full flat grind. Even the RC-6 is a bit big for all things and I like to pair it up with a smaller delicate task slicer.
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That's me; oh, and an Izula also. That's one knife short of a 'Full House', but the four I've got are all Aces. :thumbup:
Four aces and a jack, Rotte? 
Something else occurred to me that is probably skewing the apparent popularity of the RC5, it's one of the newest designs from RAT, isn't it? Several of the others have been out for a couple of years, but the RC5 was only released early/mid 2009 right?
Something else occurred to me that is probably skewing the apparent popularity of the RC5, it's one of the newest designs from RAT, isn't it? Several of the others have been out for a couple of years, but the RC5 was only released early/mid 2009 right?
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
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- 718
I held off on the RC-5 cuz I have a BK2 I love that knife lots of clubing and have been digging out the center of a stump so the wife can use the stump for a flower pot it's a great digger.I just had to pull the trigger for a RC-5 for a early christmas gift amazing just amazing! next to the RC-3 RC-6 Izula RC-4 I like the RC-5 just as much I won't use it as much as Izula or rc-3 the RC-5 has a special purpose for me.
If any one is on the fence about getting one I say get it
just awsome and the RC-5 is cool to!
If any one is on the fence about getting one I say get it
just awsome and the RC-5 is cool to!
I think the reason you din't see as many pics of the RC5 is because it has been out for a much shorter period of time than the others.
I have all three the RC4 , RC5, and the RC6. They are all great and all perform very well.
The RC4 is my EDC balde due to its size and excellent sheath system.
The RC5 contrary to popular belief will perform delicate tasks it just takes working with the knife longer to get the knack of doing so.
The RC6 is the sleeper in my department due to the sheath that came with it. Once I pick up the molle back and pouch that weakness will be corrected.
My RC5 is set up as a complete kit for dayhike etc. I too don't really notice the weight. Probably due to my being used to wearing much larger knives (kukri's).
I have all three the RC4 , RC5, and the RC6. They are all great and all perform very well.
The RC4 is my EDC balde due to its size and excellent sheath system.
The RC5 contrary to popular belief will perform delicate tasks it just takes working with the knife longer to get the knack of doing so.
The RC6 is the sleeper in my department due to the sheath that came with it. Once I pick up the molle back and pouch that weakness will be corrected.
My RC5 is set up as a complete kit for dayhike etc. I too don't really notice the weight. Probably due to my being used to wearing much larger knives (kukri's).
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2009
- Messages
- 100
Took mine out today on a short hike, hanging from my belt with the eagle sheath. Extremely comfortable and quiet. I love my knife and would purchase all over again. The extra weight of the RC-5 is not a problem, after all I am a big guy and it just feels right in my hand
