NOOB Question

S

scottf

Joined
Mar 31, 2008
Messages
8
I am in the market for a FB knife and have definitely settled on RAT Cutlery. I have never seen or held an RC in person, but from what I can find after an exhaustive web search, an RC is the best out there for me. They are well made, practical and ultimately useful. First-class owners at a first-class Made in USA company is a big factor for me too.

The problem is I am really on the fence between the RC-3 and RC-4. (I seem to get into this "purchase paralysis" from time to time.) On the one hand, there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference in size. On the other, I'm afraid the 3 will be too small and the 4 too large. You guys help me out if you can. Here's what I can tell you:

*I am not a knife collector, per se, just want the best FB to take care of most of my needs. I doubt I'd get more than one model, especially a 3 AND a 4, but they do seem to be addictive.

*Don't even own a decent FB right now.

*I have fairly small hands (5'9/155#).

*Primary intended uses: Outdoors, Camping, Back-Packing, Fishing,
"Survival" if ever needed.

*Not likely to use this knife for REALLY heavy work (chopping or major splitting).

*Not likely to EDC this knife, but would probably keep in the truck, "just in case but hope I never need it" for SD.


Given that, am leaning toward the RC4 as it seems to be the better "fit" for me, just a little concerned I'll wish I'd gone with the 3 as the "fit" is what I'm most worried about. Sorry for the long first post, but thanks for any advice you can give.

Scott
 
With what you describe, I'd lean towards the RC-4, that extra bit of blade isn't that big a deal, but IMHO, it will make the knife more of a "Jack of all trades" knife for what your going to use it for.
 
I, personally, would go for the RC4. I like the extra length and especially if it is going to be used only out in the field and in your truck, the extra weight will not matter a bit.

I prefer the sheath system on the RC4. Handle is not an issue--small, medium or large--because the handle is designed right. I have large hands and it is no problem. I had my wife try it out--she has pretty small hands--no problem.

No question for me--RC-4
 
just by reading your post the RC4 fits you to a tee....I EDC a RC3 and love it , I also have a RC4 for which is for fishing & camping...
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okbohn said:
Handle is not an issue--small, medium or large--because the handle is designed right. I have large hands and it is no problem.
Click to expand...

I have small musician hands and the RAT is really comfortable to use, guess it will be the same for RCs. So I totally approve what you said.
 
Nice comparison pics. As you can see, the handles are the same size. The main difference is in the blade. The balance is a little different aswell. The RC-4 balances perfectly on the first finger, which I really like. The RC 3 balances a little behind the first finger, because of the larger handle to blade ratio. Personal pref is the biggest issue. I would choose the RC-4 for what you describe. Just accept it now, that you will own both. That way the internal struggle won't bother you. I just used the RC-4 on a two week pack trip, and it performed flawlessly. It is light weight, and will do anything you need it to. Like I said, just give in to the addiction and buy both. You will find reasons to use both.:D
 
scottf said:
*I am not a knife collector, per se, just want the best FB to take care of most of my needs. Scott
Click to expand...

You don't have to be a collector, just a RAT knife user!!!!!!!!!

scottf said:
I doubt I'd get more than one model, especially a 3 AND a 4, but they do seem to be addictive.
Scott
Click to expand...


:D LOL please let us know how that works for you ;) (j/k)



cody1 said:
Just accept it now, that you will own both. That way the internal struggle won't bother you. Like I said, just give in to the addiction and buy both. You will find reasons to use both.:D
Click to expand...

I couldnt decide... so I ordered both as well.

Mine havent arrived yet so I cannot comment on preference!
But I will soon ;)
 
Ok, I'm going to say something totally different from the other guys here and say. . .

















. . .Get the RC4.
While you're enjoying it, you can save for the RC3, RC6, .. .. ..
 
The RC-4 would be a good choice. You may also look into the sheath system there is a difference between the two.

Tom
Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop
 
Tony will you post pictures showing the difference in sheathing between the two. I only own a 3 but before I order a 4 I want to see the sheath.
 
Guys, thanks a bunch for the suggestions, advice and pics. I just ordered a RC4 (w/molle back) from Derrick. Now the wait begins..........

Thanks again!
Scott
 
Scott
you did good by going the complete set-up ;offers you more versatility. the waiting for it is tough , I suggest looking at the RC3 and the proto type blades soon to be released ...awe man the RC6 is going to be sweet !!!
 
Wait til you see our neck knife and how it works ;)
 
I need to say here that the only tough question for me was which RC knife. As I stated earlier, I looked around at a lot of knives from different makers. There's some really nice knives out there (though some are a little too military-oriented for my needs).

Once I saw the RAT Cutlery line, I knew one of the RC's would be my choice. These knives are very well designed and, even from the pics, I can tell they are well made and nicely finished. In my mind, they would serve well for about every purposes, including tactical. I hear and see nothing but good things from and about Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin. The warranty is fantastic, but I doubt many will ever have a need to make use of it due to the quality. I always feel better spending my $ on a product from an American company with a philosophy like theirs.

Speaking of new products (i.e. the neck knife), I'm very interested in the future RAT folder. I've been carrying an A.G. Russell One Hand Knife for 20 years. It's been a good one, but the lock will now fail every time if rapped on the blade spine. So I've been looking around at my choices for an EDC folder also. I'll put in my plug here, for what it's worth, for a design that's truly ambidextrous, as I am one of the 10% +/- who is "wrong-handed". Keep us lefties in mind if possible!
 
Scott, I have been preaching " I am a lefty " to the RC Gang for a while now.....we are not wrong handed Scott we are Special, get ready here comes the wise cracks.....LOL !!!
 
texastony,
I usually say "correct-handed", but figured being a noob (and outnumbered) I'd better not be too cocky.
 
TTD, thanks for the pictures, BTW.

The MOLLE back is perfect for how I like to carry a knife. I like to carry my do-all blade horizontal crossdraw (makes it easy to get at with both hands, and doesn't stick me in the thigh when I sit down), and the MOLLE setup they have is perfect. Unlike the Spec Ops, where they seem to want you to use the paracord for any rigging other than horizontal on PALS webbing, the RC4 sheath, I can just thread my belt through the MOLLE loops and Whoop! There it is!
 
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