Just got my RC-3 in: a little underwhelmed

S

str8flexed

Joined
Sep 16, 2007
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It's a lot smaller than I imaged. It's about the size of a large folder. In the campground or outdoors, could a large folder take it's place? Maybe I should have gotten a RC-4. I suppose that if I wanted a smaller knife, a folder would do the job just fine, and if I wanted a fixed blade then I might as well get something larger.

Anyway, what are some of the advantages of the RC-3 over a similar sized folder? I know the RC-3 is highly regarded, and just wanted to know some things it can do that a folder can't.
 
I think folders are popular because they can be easily carried- in a pocket or waistband. If you're camping you'd always choose a fixed blade, wouldn't you? A fixed blade is easier to clean and there's no risk of an accidental closing. You can use it hard without worrying about prematurely wearing it out.
 
Holds up better to prying and abuse then a folder. It's fixed so you're not going to gunk it up with mud or sand. Easy to clean and maintain, no moving parts keeps it simple and less likely to break. No lock to fail because it's fixed.

The RC-3 is more of a EDC (small) fixed blade. The RC-4 is the larger outdoor version, while the RC-6 is great for larger tasks where you want the extra blade length.
 
As a fixed blade, it's going to be a lot stronger and more rugged than a folder. I'm no expert, but from reading here, it seems many use a blade of similar size - about 4 inches- for camping/woods utility.

Jordan
 
The RC-3 is a great knife. If you take it out and use it, you may find how useful it actually is. It's not flashy or particularly impressive, but it's a great performer.

You can use a lot more force with an RC-3 than you can with any folder- safely. You can baton with it, hack with it, stab with it etc.- all without any fear of lock failure or failure of any kind.
 
All good points. However, I still don't think I'll ever be one to EDC a fixed blade knife--a little too pretentious, perhaps.

For batoning purposes, a RC-4 might serve better, right?
 
str8flexed said:
All good points. However, I still don't think I'll ever be one to EDC a fixed blade knife--a little too pretentious, perhaps.

For batoning purposes, a RC-4 might serve better, right?
Click to expand...

Depends on what you're batoning. The RC-3 is thinner and might work better for soft woods (<3" diameter though) while the RC-4 being thicker and slightly more robust, at the cost of increased energy needed to force it through, might handle hard woods and wider ranges better then the RC-3.
 
I prefer the size of the RC4 for outdoors uses. But I have a RAT3 and you should be able to do just about anything with the 3 :)

It is by no means a "chopper", but if you have a hatchet already, then chopping should be covered :)

Great knife, hope you give it a chance!
 
I just placed an order for a RC-4. I like to have things incoming at all times. :) I'll just sell the one I decide not to keep. Thanks guys!
 
It's an EDC-size fixed blade that's better than a folder in two respects:

1. It has the most reliable locking system in existence: no locking system at all. Seriously, it's never going to fold on your finger no matter what you do. People have spent countless threads and posts debating about which lock is the strongest or most reliable. A fixed blade avoids all of those issues.

2. With RAT's heat treat, the blade on your RC-3 will take MUCH more abuse without failing. Go to the RAT site and view the video of them flexing one of the blades, and then try that with one of your folders.

I also have to disagree with your suggestion that carrying a fixed blade is pretentious. I prefer to think of it as a wise alternative to a folder.
 
I've batoned plenty with my RC-3, and it's one tough mother. Very well suited to a wide variety of tasks. May I ask why you thought it was bigger? The number indicates blade length. :)
 
I would expect an RC-3 to handle most camping chores, from making fuzz sticks and prepping food, as well as more delicate tasks. If you're planning on doing some camping, you'd bring a wood axe for chopping, right?
 
well it is 1095 and pretty tough so thats a plus against most folders. you sound like you need a 7-9 in knife honestly. they are the most fun to use and to own, imo
 
Obviously the RC-3 has a lot of fans, but I am with the OP in that I think a 3 inch fixed blade just does not offer that much more than a big folder as far as out-door utility to justify carrying it. When I carry a fixed blade in the woods, I want at least a 4 inch blade. Indeed, my "perfect" outdoor fixed blade is 4.5-5.5 inches. If I need something shorter than 4 inches that I'll use a folder, If I need something bigger than 6 inches, I'll use an axe.

YMMV of course. ;)
 
I love mine. It is my in-car blade- pommel for smashing the window and that sucker will fly thru a seat belt. I love my little delica folder, but I'd rather have my RC3 in an accident!
 
My RAT3 has a definite place in my arsenal. It's the FB I take with me on dayhikes or quick overnights in fairly populated spots. It's light but stout, and pairs up well with my Farmer. I seldom need more than 3 or 3.5" unless I'm headed out for a multi-day trip (seldom the case with 2 small children). It would be a perfect EDC size, but the blade length is just over the limit for my state, so if I carry a FB for EDC (which is a rarity), it would be my Izula. And yes, I said RAT-3. I have a beater RAT-3 in D2 that I just can't seem to put away, although I'm looking forward to a future purchase of a RC6 or the hotly-anticipated RAT chopper, when it becomes available.
 
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