More RATs On the Way!

Horn Dog

Horn Dog

Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
4,363
I was hoping to do a comparison of the RC-5 and my Gerber LMF 2 this week, but there was a mixup in my orders. Wendy at KSF has it straightened out, so I'll be doing a few comparisons soon. Just some basic bushcraft stuff. I'm getting a couple of RC-4s, too. I held off getting the RC-3, since I'll be getting RAT Pack version anyway. I used the HEST just today to open a Sam Adams. So next week looks like a fun one for me. I just love trying out new knives. I am really liking the HEST. It has to be the coolest small knife I own. I am looking forward to getting that RC-5 beast and putting it through its paces. I guess I'll scratch up the coating on my new RC-6, too. I'll post plenty of pics when I do the big RAT comparo. :D
 
Sounds like fun, I am looking forward to the pics and I will definitely sub to this thread. As for the Sam Adams, solid choice. However which brew from them are you consuming?



-daddy
 
Sounds like a plan! I'm interested to see what you think about the 5 & 6, I like the HEST also.
 
I can do one right now. Both are designed as heavy beater, shtf survival knives. The LMF is made out of a very brittle and junky quality 440C so don't let the perfect ergonomics and balance fool you-There was never a good knife made from a bad steel. The Gerber is made from a bad steel. Game over, RC5 wins. I can say this because for two years I used one as my bushcraft knife, until I got the RC5. I'd take a good ol' USMC Kabar or Becker over a much more expensive LMF anyday. It kills me to say that because the design of the LMF is just spot on....
 
PayetteRucker said:
I can do one right now. Both are designed as heavy beater, shtf survival knives. The LMF is made out of a very brittle and junky quality 440C so don't let the perfect ergonomics and balance fool you-There was never a good knife made from a bad steel. The Gerber is made from a bad steel. Game over, RC5 wins. I can say this because for two years I used one as my bushcraft knife, until I got the RC5. I'd take a good ol' USMC Kabar or Becker over a much more expensive LMF anyday. It kills me to say that because the design of the LMF is just spot on....
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I take it the 1095 carbon is much, much better then?
 
My LMf II is an older one made of 12C27. It has batoned and chopped and pried. It is very tough. As for 440C, you may be underestimating that steel. With the proper heat treat, it can be plenty tough. A bad heat treat on 1095 can make it brittle, too. I don't do deliberate destruction tests, but more "how well does this tool work" type of tests. It should be an interesting comparison.
 
Horn Dog said:
My LMf II is an older one made of 12C27. It has batoned and chopped and pried. It is very tough. As for 440C, you may be underestimating that steel. With the proper heat treat, it can be plenty tough. A bad heat treat on 1095 can make it brittle, too. I don't do deliberate destruction tests, but more "how well does this tool work" type of tests. It should be an interesting comparison.
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I am not underestimating the steel as I am giving you my personal experiences with it over two years of use. It chips like glass in a rock tumbler. 440C can be a fine quality steel, but NOT with Gerber's name on it.
 
ridgeline said:
I take it the 1095 carbon is much, much better then?
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much. I chopped down probably 10 dead cottonwood trees this week with the RC5 and shaved my face with it on the rafting trip. It's still splitting sharp, looks like I got it when I pulled it out of the plastic.
 
PayetteRucker said:
much. I chopped down probably 10 dead cottonwood trees this week with the RC5 and shaved my face with it on the rafting trip. It's still splitting sharp, looks like I got it when I pulled it out of the plastic.
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WOW! That's impressive! I can't wait for my RC-6!
 
I took so much flack from all the sheeple on that trip til we picked a beach with no wood... then they were all like what are we gonna do when the sun goes down and it gets cold? I went up with my steel and came down with wood where there was no wood to be found. Then they understood why I carried a 1 pound 5 inch long knife on my hip.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I am not underestimating the steel as I am giving you my personal experiences with it over two years of use. It chips like glass in a rock tumbler. 440C can be a fine quality steel, but NOT with Gerber's name on it.
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I've used mine for at least that long. No problems with chipping so far. But I don't doubt that the RC-5 is a better chopper and maybe better overall knife. We will just see how it goes.
 
Jetblack said:
RC-5 is a great knife, I look forward to seeing the pics.
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Let's see what's in this box!

New004.jpg

Nice! This is one hefty and rugged knife.
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Soon as I get a chance, I'll test it out. Now if only those RC-4s that are still wandering in the twilight zone of USPS will come in.
 
Nice pics Horndog. I agree with you about 440 too. Buck has made quality 440 blades for ages.
 
I like what is in that other box too yum yum

cant wait to see that ya do and think of her , shes a beast.
 
I must go into the ghetto and rescue my daughter from school soon. But I am fondling this big chunk of steel now. I can hardly wait to use it. The RC-5 makes most other 5" blade knives feel like cream puffs. The large handle fits my hand perfectly. Balance is on the first finger. The knife even came with a decent edge. Fit and finish are flawless. Very nice. Gotta go. It won't be long now. This knife just begs to be used. :D
 
Horn Dog said:
I must go into the ghetto and rescue my daughter from school soon. But I am fondling this big chunk of steel now. I can hardly wait to use it. The RC-5 makes most other 5" blade knives feel like cream puffs. The large handle fits my hand perfectly. Balance is on the first finger. The knife even came with a decent edge. Fit and finish are flawless. Very nice. Gotta go. It won't be long now. This knife just begs to be used. :D
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you make me want to get the RC-5 sooner than I can afford to. It's not fair I tell you. Too many to choose from so I must get them all...
 
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