Overall feelings on the RC-5?

You're over thinking things man. Every minute you spend on YouTube is a minute you spend without a big blade in your hand. Grab anything sharp, and get into the dirt :)
 
I like it, I've been using it for alot of backcountry trips in northern Idaho and have trusted my life to it. I give it two thumbs up, definately worth the money.
 
Dizwolf said:
You're over thinking things man. Every minute you spend on YouTube is a minute you spend without a big blade in your hand. Grab anything sharp, and get into the dirt :)
Click to expand...

I second that... Got me a few bastard files and sandpaper this week, I found some railroad ties I am going to turn into hand sized hatchets. I doubt wraught iron will hold much of an edge but people used it to kill each other for centuries so we'll see how it turns out. Cost to me, a 3 dollar file and 4 bucks in sandpaper.
 
As long as the user that buys the knife, likes the knife, then what more can we ask?
 
seanuhthin said:
Lol. But I saw that "RC-5 and a lil fun" thread of making the shelter, and I am just inspired. I want something to put to use like that...
Click to expand...

Since you mentioned my thread I will give you my 2 cents.

If you are looking to carry something on your hip while running around in the woods; making fuzz sticks, tent pegs, and cutting cordage etc; look at a thinner knife like the RC-3 or RC-4. Not that RC-5 can't do it, it is just that the other RC knives have grinds better suited for that.

I have had my RC-5 Convexed and thinned out since 1st getting it. It is a much better cutter now. My RC-5 can be found strapped to my Pigmy Falcon most of the time. However, it is not what I reach for unless I am splitting wood or doing some abusive thing that a knife is not really meant for. Most of it's duty is as a socket for a bow drill....

All that said, some guys like carrying a heavy 1/4" thick knife on their hip. If that is your thing, get it and use it! You won't be dissapointed. What I like and what you like may be different. We are all knife users who enjoy being out there in the woods, and that's what's important.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I second that... Got me a few bastard files and sandpaper this week, I found some railroad ties I am going to turn into hand sized hatchets. I doubt wraught iron will hold much of an edge but people used it to kill each other for centuries so we'll see how it turns out. Cost to me, a 3 dollar file and 4 bucks in sandpaper.
Click to expand...

rail road track? it's 1080/1084 steel... you're gonna have to post pics.
 
I've heard RR track is a good steel for a knife...the tons and tons of pressure on it over the decades squeezes all of the impurities out of the steel (or something like that I've read..)
 
Pretty much anything that says impurities get squeezed out of steel by any process other than the smelting/refining process when it's made is a bunch of voodoo nonsense as far as I can tell. But railroad ties are made of good steel from the get-go, and I've seen more than one improvised anvil made out of it. :)
 
Track would be good. I think he may be talking about the spikes, which also should do well.
 
I have had an RC-5 for over 6 mos and I have not formed an absolute opinion yet. It is very heavy. Much heavier than you can realize from videos and photos of the knife. The length of the knife is nice, but not sure if anyone needs a .25 inch thick blade, especially when it is only 5 inches long. I have large hands so it fits me well.

I have had it out lots of times. I love the dimple in the handle for use as a bearing when using a bow drill. I have used this feature a lot! Wish they would incorporate it in all the RC knives. Works awesome for batoning and light machete-type tasks.

I use a sharpmaker to sharpen and it suffices. The knife is made for hard use, which seems to be reflected in the bevel of the blade. It is more like a hatchet bevel then a fine cutting instrument. Very hard to put a super sharp edge on this knife. I use my Sharpmaker to put a 15 degree back bevel to make slicing tasks easier. Still not super sharp, but more than adequate for the type of knife.

I would really like to compare it side-by-side to an RC-4 or RC-6, both of which have thinner blades, so see how they compare to bushcraft chores. Anyone out there want to do this test (I only have an RC-3 and Izula)? I really want a get an RC-4 next, but a Fallkniven is next up on the wish list.
 
Last edited:
Sorry forgot to mention that the Eagle sheath that came with my RC-5 is awesome. Wish I had a sheath like this for all my knives.

Another think is that the RC-5 is so heavy, feels like you are carrying a sidearm instead of a knife on your belt.
 
I don't have a test, but I can give you this:

compared to the rc5, the rc4 is a breeze to carry. If weight and size are a consideration it is far and away the winner of the three for size to punch ratio. Obviously not a chopper, but at this size that's not expected. I have large hands, and find the handle comfortable.

The rc6 as compared to the five, it's lighter, longer, and thinner. It slices better for obvious reasons, but in use I find very little diffrences between the two.

The last few days I've hiked, I've taken the five with me. I got the kydex sheath for it, and it seems lighter, and def much easier to carry than with the eagle.
 
tonym said:
Since you mentioned my thread I will give you my 2 cents.

If you are looking to carry something on your hip while running around in the woods; making fuzz sticks, tent pegs, and cutting cordage etc; look at a thinner knife like the RC-3 or RC-4. Not that RC-5 can't do it, it is just that the other RC knives have grinds better suited for that.

I have had my RC-5 Convexed and thinned out since 1st getting it. It is a much better cutter now. My RC-5 can be found strapped to my Pigmy Falcon most of the time. However, it is not what I reach for unless I am splitting wood or doing some abusive thing that a knife is not really meant for. Most of it's duty is as a socket for a bow drill....

All that said, some guys like carrying a heavy 1/4" thick knife on their hip. If that is your thing, get it and use it! You won't be dissapointed. What I like and what you like may be different. We are all knife users who enjoy being out there in the woods, and that's what's important.
Click to expand...

Aye thanks for posting here. :thumbup:
Yea, I'm pretty sure I am placing my order tonight, and quite honestly I am looking at the 4. People talk about it a lot and it looks like it can handle what I want. However, on the other side the 6 would definitely be better for chopping, but so would a Kabar Heavy bowie :D What I mean is that Jeff advised I try some other things. I'm ready to just get something and get out into the dirt with it. I can't say I don't have info though, this thread flourished and I will re read everyone posts before I purchase. I know I am buying tonight and I will tell people.
 
R.A.T. said:
a Tramontina or Imacasa machete for my neck of the woods
Click to expand...

Sorry to double post Jeff, I didn't want to write a whole thread about this question. But may I ask what Tramontina you use? I think I might be looking at a bad source because I am seeing machetes by this company running for 10-15 dollars. Is this correct? The Bolo looks awesome :thumbup:
 
Trams are cheap.. $5-15 US but remember they need some work,maybe the handles need smooth out.... grinds uneven or dull as a butter knife... but good steel. put in a little work and you'll have a great machete !!
 
Wow, I feel like I have discovered a whole new world lol. Do you have experience with these? What do you apply them to?
 
otis williams said:
rail road track? it's 1080/1084 steel... you're gonna have to post pics.
Click to expand...

I lived next to a railroad track and guys would come buy once a week, pick up all the crap that rattled loose, put new ties and stakes in, and leave it all at a big pile at the end of the block. I grabbed 3-4 ties and an entire pack full of stakes... if it is 1080 i'll be happy go lucky! Make me some PSK sized knives from the stakes and hand hatchets from the ties.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top