Popularity

byrd687 said:
So, as long as RAT produces gear that I find valuable (i.e. its perceived utility outweighs its cost to acquire), I'll buy again and be loyal, but never because something has a RAT logo on it or not.
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Jeff would be proud. :D:thumbup:

Wise words. ;)
 
i ordered the rc4 first doubtful of all the hype. when i received the rc4 i was so blown
away with it, i immediately ordered the izula. these knives are users and theres no
b/s involved period. the izula has become my edc.
 
I am pretty new to knife accumulating, I first heard about RAT on here due to all the folks with numbers in their signatures. I then posted about looking for a nice neck knife and the Izula was mentioned a number of times. I probably would have never found RAT if it wasnt for all the gleaming recommendations for the Izula. I ordered one and really like the solid design, plus the price tag wasnt bad either. Add the warrenty and I am now sold. I got a rc5 coming in on thursday.
 
I started with an Izula... I really liked it. Its my daily carry when I wear jeans. I was looking for a little beefier field knife and got an RC4. Then I got the forum knife just because...

I really didnt think I would like the RC3... but man... That blade is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Now that all my bases are covered, I wont be getting any more RATs. I have what I need and use them a good bit. I probably didnt NEED the forum knife, but now Im glad I have it from a users standpoint... Just feels nice and balanced for me.

So, to answer your question... for me, I started with an Izula to get a feel for the brand... and I fell for 2 more LOL.
 
I got the RC 3 first and am still impressed with it. My new Izula will be arriving this week.
 
The Izula started it for me. I was browsing for a pack on another forum, saw one hanging from a pack and asked the guy what it was. From there I went to the local knife shop, held it, bought it, used it, and then went back the next week for an RC-4.
 
The izula definitely drew me to RAT. However I don't really see myself buying any of the rest of the RAT lineup except maybe the HEST and the Junglas.

I don't really like or use big blades all that much, and I've got a BK7 for when I do. I prefer thinner stock on my 3-5 inch blades, as I usually carry an axe or hatchet/hawk. I also like a more traditional aesthetic to my blades in that size range.

I do like the HEST and the Junglas looks like it's gonna be sweet. I may also pick up an izula in stainless if/when they do it.

So to answer, yes the izula did draw me to RAT, but I'm not any more likely to buy one of the larger blades than I was before I had an izula. They're just not my style and don't fit my needs for usage.
 
The Izula started things for me. If not for the Izula I probably wouldn't own a RAT yet. Now that I have the Izula I must admit I'm would really love to have a Tan or Black RC-4.

Bill
 
byrd687 said:
speaking from a non-cultish standpont, I really don't care where my gear comes from based on name alone. I was looking for a large knife a few years back and ordered a RTAK from Ontario, then when I went to get a smaller version, I stumbled onto the fact that RAT had split off. after doing a lot of research I ordered an RC4, then an RC6 and a few izulas. workmanship is outstanding!

I only ordered each of them because I considered each carefully and thought they were the best knife for my intended purposes for really atractive prices. I do find the izula a REALLY useful knife. The design is near perfect for a variety of small tasks

To contrast that, I find the RC-5 an inferior design for what I want/need, not only to the RC4 and RC6 , but also to many other designs by other makers. That's MY opinion for my needs and I'm entitled to it. similarly, there are other products RAT makes that I personally don't care for or find useful. No doubt the quality is there, as I've handled the Rc-5 without putting my own money down.

So, as long as RAT produces gear that I find valuable (i.e. its perceived utility outweighs its cost to acquire), I'll buy again and be loyal, but never because something has a RAT logo on it or not.

For me, it's a quid pro quo relationship, but I like my odds, based on what I'm seeing that my loyalty will be continuing into the future.
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Exactly what Jeff and Mike intended (my guess) with their product line. Not everyone will have the need for everything they have but they cover the span pretty well. Choose what YOUR need is and use it with confidence. Some people are hard core and others are light duty. You can find what fits you and be happy when it works.
 
first RC 4 and now waiting for HEST and RC5, It was a difficult choise between the hest and the izula, but the hest won because of the apliccations. Izula = next order.
 
I own a decent amount of knives, but the Izula was the first one where I bought one and bought another one BEFORE it arrived by mail :) And then actually a third one...
Seeing the specs and loads of reviews it just made me want more... So yes, for me it definitely sparked something.
Had one older (ontario) rat and the rc-3. But after buying the Izula's also bought the rc-4.
 
Wanted a nice locking blade for my afghan deployment....found a killer deal on Boker Turbines at Kinfecenter.com and they happen to have a izula image up and the paracord caught my eye.....bought them both.

Later bought an RC5
 
Jake Bauer said:
Sure Izula is popular... Its the cheapest, it brings people in then they buy more!!!!
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I didn't buy the Izula because it was cheaper, although some probably do. I was looking for a small rugged fixed blade for use in more urban hiking situations. I didn't want to carry my Bravo 1 or Model 5 at the local park, yet I wanted to have a strong inconspicous knife on me. It will also be a back up knife for more demanding excursions. Now of course I do want an RC-4.

Bill
 
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