- Joined
- May 27, 2006
- Messages
- 2,325
I have had my RAT 3 long enough to form some definite opinions. Overall I still like the knife very much and it is proving to be very handy and a good size for overall use. I have been using knives made of 1095 all my life, even when I had no idea what 1095 was, so no surprises, the fairly thin stock takes a wicked sharp edge, holds it for a decent time and is easy to sharpen in the field with my spyderco pocket stone. The sheath is solid and very functional, holds the knife securely but it is still easy to get the knife out.
Now what I don't like, the handle could stand to be just a hair larger, I have small hands and it still is just a bit small, I don't see this knife as a concealed SD knife so I have no idea why they made the handle as short as they did.
I absolutely hate the blade coating, rumor is that it is to protect the knife from rusting I know how to take care of my knives without this crappy coating. I know I can take it off and I will, I just haven't yet.
The sheath with the teklok and the clip is very nice to hold the knife, it is a PITA to carry the knife on a belt and still be easily accessible. It seems that the teklok would be perfect for attaching the knife to gear or webbing but I really don't like the way it rides on a belt at all. The knife rides too high and too close to my body, which again is nice for concealment but sucks to have a knife easy to your hand. I have started carrying the knife on a piece of braided Paracord with a pouch attached over my shoulder, seems to be working out fine. I plan to attach a small d ring to the bottom of my sheath to attach to a belt loop when it is over my shoulder to hold it in one place.
Overall I like the outfit and am happy with what my 68.95 bought, might like it a bit better with a custom sheath but I will see how my rigging works, if nothing else I have loads of paracord if it is needed. Also in another month hunting starts and it will really get put through the ringer we will see how it does from squirrels to hogs. Chris
Now what I don't like, the handle could stand to be just a hair larger, I have small hands and it still is just a bit small, I don't see this knife as a concealed SD knife so I have no idea why they made the handle as short as they did.
I absolutely hate the blade coating, rumor is that it is to protect the knife from rusting I know how to take care of my knives without this crappy coating. I know I can take it off and I will, I just haven't yet.
The sheath with the teklok and the clip is very nice to hold the knife, it is a PITA to carry the knife on a belt and still be easily accessible. It seems that the teklok would be perfect for attaching the knife to gear or webbing but I really don't like the way it rides on a belt at all. The knife rides too high and too close to my body, which again is nice for concealment but sucks to have a knife easy to your hand. I have started carrying the knife on a piece of braided Paracord with a pouch attached over my shoulder, seems to be working out fine. I plan to attach a small d ring to the bottom of my sheath to attach to a belt loop when it is over my shoulder to hold it in one place.
Overall I like the outfit and am happy with what my 68.95 bought, might like it a bit better with a custom sheath but I will see how my rigging works, if nothing else I have loads of paracord if it is needed. Also in another month hunting starts and it will really get put through the ringer we will see how it does from squirrels to hogs. Chris
