Newbie Question

TattooBlade

TattooBlade

Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
1,347
Hey All,

I've been around this site for a while and have been collecting knives on and off for many years. I have everything from low end to high end. I am however new to RAT knives. I do not own one yet, but am in the market. I have several TOPS knives, which appear to me to be very similar. I have looked at the RC 3,4, and 5. I am looking for an EDC that will also work well in the woods, camping, survival, etc. What suggestions do you have? I also have several Busse knives which I like and was wondering what you think of the steel, quality, etc compared to the RAT. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
You'd be happy with any of the knives you mentioned. Got any more specific requirements for the knife? Might be able to make a better recommendation with more info. Other than that it's pretty much preference.

I don't own any Busse knives but I can tell you that RAT makes a high quality product that you can depend on.

By the way, just in case you didn't notice the rc-5 is 1/4" thick and the 3 and 4 are 3/16"
 
If you also want to EDC is, I think the smallest of them all is the best choice. The RC-3 is perfectly usable for camping and survival, and small enough for EDC.
 
6,5,4,3. 3's a touch thinner than the 4.
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And a basic size comparison:
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I prefer the 3 and the izula for EDC
 
jonnyghost said:
Depends on what he does. :D
Click to expand...

Ofcourse, but he said he wanted to use it for EDC and camping/survival stuff. The RC-3 is the only knife that is big enough to use for camping, but also small enough for EDC. The RC-4 is too big for EDC, and the Izula too small for camping.
 
I'd grab an RC3 to start. Its robust enough to handle pretty much anything you'd reasonably throw at it, but thin enough to still slice impressively.
I find it also feels like the best fit to pair with a bigger edged tool, be it an axe or machete, for general woods use
 
I have a few knives similar to the 3 made by Tops. I'm kind of leaving towards the 4 or even 5. The 5 does seem huge, but I like thick blades. My only real concern with RAT is their steel choice. I live in humid San Antonio and spend a lot of time in the outdoors hiking, etc. I know my TOPS seem to need a good wipe down more than any other brand I own or carry. Not that big of a deal, but still. Legal carry here is 5.5 inches, though packing that large a blade can be a pain (no pun intended)! :) Thanks for your thoughts!
 
Dizwolf - Thanks for posting the group picture it sure helps seeing the size difference of the models :thumbup:
 
:eek: - RAT OVERLOAD

Thanks for the link, that is some collection. Are you also a lefty? I saw in a few pictures the knives were set up for a lefty.
 
Lefty55 said:
:eek: - RAT OVERLOAD

Thanks for the link, that is some collection. Are you also a lefty? I saw in a few pictures the knives were set up for a lefty.
Click to expand...


Any lefty questions, holler at texastonydobbs...... he uses the wrong hand also. j/k :D
 
Lefty55 said:
Thanks for the link, that is some collection. Are you also a lefty? I saw in a few pictures the knives were set up for a lefty.
Click to expand...

Thanks :)
Shots taken over the shoulder into a mirror. :) never flipped them. However, they all can easily be setup for lefty draw. RAT sheaths are great.
 
I would go with the RC3 if you want a great EDC AND camping knife. This was my first RAT and it is now my EDC, plus it is also my hiking, camping, food prep, and go to knife. But you said that you like thick blades and the RC3 is only 1/8" thick. This makes it a great all around knife IMO, but if you do something that requires extra length or thickness I would go with the RC4 anything over that size is going to be hard to truly EDC with comfort. The RC3 is a great gateway RAT, and will lead to many more.

Also there are some rumors going around about some 440C RATs coming out which would be good for the humid environment, although I havn't had a lot of issues with mine here in Michigan.
 
As far as bushcraft/edc goes it is going to depend on how much bush time you are looking at versus how much time the knife will be used as a regular edc blade.

If you are only spending the odd day or maybe overnighter here and there in the trees then I would say go for the RC-3. The 3 is lighter and smaller than the other 2 that you are looking at making it a little easier to carry all the time. If however you spend quite a bit of time in the trees, I would say the RC-4, it is big enough to be great in the bush but still makes a good EDC it is a pretty big EDC but still more than serviceable. (I carry the rc-4 as my EDC it is great, but if you are going to I suggest you augment it with a smaller folder or sak for around the knive squeemish.)

Personally I wouldn't really recommend the RC-5 as an EDC blade it is heavy and thick (not that those are bad things) but that makes it less serviceable for things that an EDC blade is more often used for (slicing, food prep, opening packages and the like).

Just my $.02 YMMV.

Edited to say: Also if you are ordering a Rat blade add an Izula, it makes an excellent blade either as a supplement to a larger blade or as an EDC itself. To be honest you will end up with one anyway almost all of us have at least one. :)
 
+1 on the sheathing, very versatile :thumbup:! Rowen's 1095 is no INFI but also not that expensive (by FAR!!) and fit & finish is right up there with the best, I think. If you'll be leaning more towards the survival part of your needs get the RC4: a little thicker, a little more blade then the RC3 and still very EDC-able (I do it alot). Sturdy beast of a knife! If you're more of a camping/cooking person (like I am, actually :o), get the RC3: less weight to carry around, less obtrusive to the...uhm...sheeple, I believe to be the correct term and still very able on the suvival part. Plus, RAT's truly excellent warranty! Really, you can't go wrong with either of them. Buy a few Izula's for company, because ... you know ... you're gonna do so anyway :D (oh, and they're great, handy little knives to have around too;))

I have a TOPS Steel Eagle 107E, same quality (Rowen's 1095 and F&F) but the looks are a little on the ninja side. I just like the no nonsense, utilitarian look of the RAT's better.

Thanks,

D-R
 
If it is for camping and EDC, and the laws allow it, I would go with the RC 4. The RC 3 is better for EDC, but for camping I would much rather have the RC 4 than the RC 3. Just my opinion though.
 
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Dang I am missing pics of my HEST non serialized version and DT RC4 and some others....
I go with the RC3 almost perfect starter RC blade
 
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