Old Style Thread from a Newbie: RC-5 vs. RC-4

C

Cutwater

Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
40
First post ya'll and I'm proud to be joining you. Now I'm sorry to say that I'm not currently an owner of a RAT, but I intend to be by the end of this week.

I recently came across a post detailing a Gerber LMF II failure, which bothered me as I owned one. Well I decided that it was time to replace it with the Kabar/Becker BK2. Thought it was a good deal, but the grind is kinda messed up (uneven in areas). I'm sure it's still a fine blade, but I'm the insecure kinda guy that likes his working tools to be perfect.:D

Long story, short: Love what I've been seeing from RAT and I've got the itch. I need ya'll to help me pick out my first one: RC-4 or the RC-5. It'd be my Camp Knife/Belt Knife. Sort of a supplemental utility blade in case one of the more specialized tools fail or is not on hand(Hatchet/Spade).

Sorry if this is a redundant post, which I know every forum has their X vs. Y, but I did try searching and I can't find what I want. Hopefully the more experienced folks will be able to shed some light for me. Thanks!
 
I've got both, and it's a matter of personal choice really. The four is smaller lighter and thinner. It's a very solid blade, and a favorite of many.

The five is a large thick knife designed for very very rough use.

For general use, I'd recommend the four
 
RC-5 weighs 1 pound. RC-4 weighs 7.4 ounces. Both are virtually unbreakable.
 
I too have both. Quite honestly, I probably didn't need the RC-5, but it will serve as my heavy duty base camp knife. In the city, it sits in my truck in my Go bag, ready if needed (i will be one pissed off camper if someone swipes my bag - they can have the truck as it is insured...).
I have the RC-4 as an EDC in my daypack and it is perfect size and weight to carry around as my backpacking knife for anything outdoors. It will do anything I need it to.
 
I have an RC-4 and absolutely love it as a belt carry camp knife.

The RC-5 is to heavy for me to concider in the all day, belt carry role. If I needed a bigger knife, I would go for the RC-6. It has a longer blade than the RC-5, and is lighter too.

Around camp, hunting big game, or hiking up a trail, the RC-4 does everything I need.

Pair the RC-4 with an IZLUA and you have a complete package! Both of these knifes together still weighs quite a bit less than the RC-5.
 
The RC-4 is a small knife. The RC-5 is a BIG knife.
RAT020.jpg


I hope this photo helps.
 
Another +1 on the RC-4 over the RC-5.

The RC-4 is a lot of knife packed into a very usable size.

It is a jack of all trades and master of none - it can slice, chop and baton and should be nearly impossible to snap.

I'm actually thinking of selling my RC-5 (and the majority of my Busse Combats) - for my use the thickness is just too much for me and usually doesnt help in 90% of my knife tasks...

Yes there is a huge wow factor in a blade over .20 but, in reality, its often a big pain in the ass and adds nothing more than weight. I used to enjoy the confidence boost in knowing that I have a .25" monster that will never break, but, the more I have used my RC4 (and RC3), I am just as confident in them.

I actually grab my RC-3mil the most now as it is the thinnest of all my RCs (thinner than the Izula too)...

Also, don't forget what the RC-5 was designed for - a survival blade for downed pilots - not as a bushcrafter or for general camp chores (though it will do them)...

But again, this is just my opinion based on my personal usage.
 
Well that settles it guys, I'm going to go for the RC-4. I appreciate the insight ya'll provided. The picture helped a ton, and I think I might grab a Izula next pay check.

Thanks again, I'll post the pics when I get it!
 
Personally I love the 4 and the 6. I think the 6 is a more versatile camp blade but I like the 4 for hiking and as a more compact knife. Due to its thin kydex, the RC-4 slips in my gortex jacket pocket (a chest pocket) without the slightest printing and at this time of year I just keep it in there. The jacket goes where I do and I always have a great blade on me.

Take a look at those pictures closely. The RC-4 gets critiques often enough for having too small of a handle. If you have large hands or really like the grip on your BK-2 then there is a chance you will find the grip on the RC-4 wanting. Personally, the RC-4 really fits me well. When I first put it in my hand it feels a bit small, but as I continue to use it I find that it doesn't give me hotspots like many thicker blades will do. I love my Becker, but I got rid of the scales because I thought they were far too thick for comfortable use. They feel okay to hold onto the knife, but when I use them I get hand fatigue much in the same way you do when working with too tight latex gloves.
 
I have both the RC5 and the RC4.

The RC4 is great as an all around use knife and the sheath allows a great deal of flexibility in carry. I had concerns about the size of the handle when I first purchased it. I have large hand and the handle fits me fine. In fact it is one of the most comfortable knives I've ever used. The design is so exceptionaly thought out and executed that they hit it out of the park.


I have the RC5 as well. It is heavy at first but you get used to the weight with use. Even with the thickness of the blade it still cuts very well. It is indeed intended as a rough use survival blade, and it will serve that purpose very well indeed. I carry it less mainly due to the sheath not providing as many options for carry as the RC4.

The RC4 is the one I would give the nod to as a first RC knife as it will serve equaly well even in a survival scenario. Mine sees extensive outdoor use and serves exceptionaly well indeed.
 
Sounds like you already decided but I was going to say the RC-4 would be the best place to start in my opinion also.

Izula teamed with it is a great setup.

I have the RC-5 and so far I've only used it for batoning.
 
They now both come in very similar Kydex sheaths.
The RC 4 molle back does come with a Velcro retention strap. I removed it on one of my backs for easier draw off a belt. Still has the elastic at the top however if I need to lock it down.

3996266236_33cd9dacbf.jpg

3996267028_890363e934.jpg
 
RC 4 over the RC 5 if it is your first. It is more versatile, and a better cutter. That being said, the RC 5 is my favorite of the RAT Knives.
 
nothing wrong with the RC5 just was not design for Camping.
the RC4 is a good belt knife. if your looking for alittle more length the RC6 may fit the bill.
 
RJT64 said:
Does the RC4 come with a different type of sheath than the RC3?
Click to expand...

Yes.

RC4 comes with AWESOME kydex, RC3 comes with plastic molded.

You can buy wither with an optional molle back attachment.

Check out the RC website for some good close up pics!
 
I have the rc4 and it's awesome! I can put it anywhere and theblade is long enough for many tasks.
 
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