New Here and need help

[Brodie002]

People do their camping very differently. I personally can't imagine lugging around anything as big as an rc-5 or 6 - I just don't do anything when I'm camping that would require a knife that big. But for some poeple, it's essential. Additionally, when I'm hiking or backpacking, weight is very important to me - lighter the better. So I've got my Izula, and I'm torn between getting an rc-3 or 4. From all the reading I've done around here, it's clear to me you can't go wrong either way.

 

[shotgunner11]

So I've got my Izula, and I'm torn between getting an rc-3 or 4. From all the reading I've done around here, it's clear to me you can't go wrong either way.

Yea, both are great. Just keep in mind, there's a big difference in thickness between the two. The 3 is a fantastic slicer and cutter, the 4 is much more robust.

 

[ironmike86]

If you have an Izula get the RC4.The 4 cuts good. I think the RC3 is good if you only have one knife. I carry 3 knifes when I back just because weight I don't worry to much about.

 

[ron_m80]

pairing an RC3 and an IZULA is nice, but i am in agreement with others, it will leave you wanting a beat around knife.

 

[InsaneMachine]

I went on a 3 day backpacking trip in Upper Michigan recently, and took my RC-6 with me. I carried it on shoulder strap of my backpack, and didn't think it was excessively heavy.

 

[milani74]

The RC-4 is hard to beat. I've found that a 4 inch knife is just about the perfect size for hiking. Where I prefer a longer blade if car camping. Still, Ive yet to find a task that my 4 cant handle.

 

[Petros]

Another vote for the RC-4 - very little extra weight, but usable for a wider range of tasks than its smaller brother...
The RC-4 is a better companion knife for the Izula, as the RC-3 is a little too close to the Izula in blade size, IMHO

 

[ktomes_340]

IMHO you need an RC4 and an Izula knife combo. The Izula is small enough for an edc and the 4 is just the right size(not being too small).

 

[mtngoat]

Thanks for all the input folks, I think I am leaning toward the RC4 to start with. I have the beater cover right now with plans to get an RC 5 or 6 in the future. Right now I have several Tramantina Machetes, and an HI Kurkuri, one of which is always with me in the woods.

 

[hoopster]

It depends on what else you plan on bringing camping. Will you take the Izula, a hatchet or folding saw, a multi-tool? Let us know and you'll get more useful recommendations.
Looks like you partially beat me to it. Anything else besides the longer blades? I'm sure when it boils down to it the RC-4 would really do it all but it is nice to have a multi for the pliers, etc.

 

[Jake Bauer]

I vote RC4 as all around best RAT

 

[cavemike]

Thanks Goat and everyone else for the info. I just joined BladeForums especially for the RAT forums, as I've been wondering the same thing Goat asked (how do they actually perform). Glad I found this before I duplicated the post.

I'll be picking up an RC-3 (instead of a 4, because I like to carry as little as I can get away with), and from what I'm reading here, it looks like it'll be a great "one-knife-in-the-woods."

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

[rodloos]

This is an excellent thread. I find myself considering the same thing: I recently bought an Izula, and keep debating between what other model RC-3/4/5/6 to get (and of course the possibility of another Izula, perhaps keep one wrapped with paracord, one naked?

I do already have a couple of different machetes of different lengths, so I don't think I need the extra reach of the RC-6 (plus Texas limits blade length to 5 1/2" so I couldn't keep it in the truck after camping etc). Most places I go there is no brush to clear anyway.

Looks like the RC-5 weighs double what the RC-4 weighs? I'm not likely to keep it strapped on my waist all day, so that may not be important, but right now I'm leaning towards the RC-4. Like y'all have said, eventually it might good to get 'em all!

 

[hoopster]

Looks like the RC-5 weighs double what the RC-4 weighs? I'm not likely to keep it strapped on my waist all day, so that may not be important, but right now I'm leaning towards the RC-4. Like y'all have said, eventually it might good to get 'em all!

I will say the RC-4 is not to heavy to carry all day and is also slim enough in the handle to be a thin carry blade. If you've watched any of the destruction videos on youtube you'll see it's stronger than anyone should ever need.