Looking at fixed blades for camping and hiking.

C

CID25

Joined
Aug 23, 2009
Messages
500
So I'm looking for a general use fixed blade for camping and hiking and things like that, and have narrowed my interest down to a few different knives. The ones that have drawn my attention is the Fallkniven F1 and the Rat RC4, maybe the RC3. You guys have any opinions or experiences with these knives? Something else in this general price range I should look at? Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
 
I have a RC6 and an RC4 and love both. I often carry both, larger one for batoning and the RC4 for all other camp chores. They will serve you well. I have never used any Falkniven knives, but I hear great things about them.
 
i would go with an rc4 it will do everything you need it to but i would reccomend bringing an axe/hawk or a saw if you need to make firewood
 
Though I've only held the knives you mention, I've read a lot about them.

RAT and Fallkniven are both solid choices from the impressions I've gotten. I agree with the addition of a folding saw or axe.

If you want to spend a little more, I'd recommend looking at some of the bushcraft blades by Fiddleback Knives and Koster Knives.

Longer wait time on those, however. If you need something right away, the two you mention are readily available.
 
CID25 said:
The ones that have drawn my attention is the Fallkniven F1 and the Rat RC4, maybe the RC3.
Click to expand...

Those are great choices. The F1 is stainless and the rats are carbon but with coated blades to help protect them. I'm a Rat-guy and like both the RC3 and RC4. Of the two, the RC-4 is a better all round little camp-knife that would be fully comfortable paired with a folding saw. The RC-3 is a wicked slicer and would be the best at detailed slicing chores of the three you mentioned. The RC-3 is a bit small to have on its own, but would do well paired with a chopper of some type (axe, long knife of khukri).
 
The decision between F1 and RAT comes down to hand size for me. If you have big hands go for the RAT. If you have small hands go for the Fallkniven. Both knives are good quality and will perform well for almost any task.

Ergonomics (and maybe carbon vs stainless) would be the deciding factor for me.
 
Have you considered dropping into the Makers area here? Check some of the high quality hand made bushcraft knives being offered for sale. Price is WELL within line with mass merchandise knives, and you will get a better blade.
 
I have RATs' and I like them alot.Also,you might want to check out Bark River Knives,they're really excellent knives too.
 
Mannlicher said:
Have you considered dropping into the Makers area here? Check some of the high quality hand made bushcraft knives being offered for sale. Price is WELL within line with mass merchandise knives, and you will get a better blade.
Click to expand...

Great advice!
 
Thanks for the input guys. Rat Cutlery's reputation and passionate following sort of has me leaning in that direction, so I guess my question now is rc3 or rc4? I generally have an axe/saw/big knife or something with me so I'm mostly looking for something to fill the role of a smaller, more generalized tool to upgrade from the folder I'm using now. Is the rc4 worth the extra thickness and length, or do you guys think I'd be better served by the thinner blade on the 3?
 
When I am hiking, I bring a regular-sized SAK and my RC-4. I love that knife; you can't go wrong. However, as you said you regularly have an axe/saw/big knife with you, I'd say you should get the RC-3. It'll be great for smaller-knife-duties. The slicing ability will be great and you will save a few ounces.

Good luck.
 
Back in the Philippines when I was in the province we used what we call "bolo", "tabak" or "sundang" (all are similar to each other) to do everday chores from cooking, chopping wood, bush whacking, harvesting, opening coconuts and even for defensive purposes. The blade did well and we would replace them only when there is little blade for sharpening. There are a couple of manufacturers that produce bolo-type blades like Kershaw, Cold Steel, Gerber and SOG Fusion series. Outdoor, I'd prefer a bolo-type blade over any survival knife because like the machete, it is a versatile tool.

If you plan on carrying a smaller blade, the Kabar Becker Necker is a good pick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top