Quick question about MOLLE Locks and Blade size

M

mrng

Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
54
Hey guys,
I'm thinking of taking the dive and getting a RAT RC-4/3 but I'm curious about the MOLLE locks that it comes with. I want to be able to carry it horizontally on my belt and also on the strap of my backpack. Seems like a silly question but will the MOLLE locks let me do this and how well does it work? Should I opt for the MOLLE back instead?

Also, I'm looking for a good blade size to compliment a larger axe for use in the bush while camping. I'd like something to do smaller chores such as gutting fish or food prep (stuff like that). I also intend to take it hiking with me in a relatively popular nearby park (hence the horizontal carry for more concealment). Would the RC3 or 4 be better?
 
MRNG,

Go with the 4, its just the right length to complement your axe. On the concealment issue they are almost the same size. But the 4 comes with a kydex sheath which is WAY better than the plastic one that comes with the 3's. I have a RC-3 MIL and every time I put my buddies Tan RC-4 in the kydex I want to steal it! The molle locks will only work if your belt is very thin. No leather or thick nylon. They are made to fit molle webbing and thats just about all the room they have. I have tried this myself and have had no luck. I have heard that the Tec-Lok(?) Allows for a thicker belt but I havent had the chance to try one.
 
Hi TGR.Shadow

That kind of sucks but I just saw a picture of someone using the paracord lashing through the holes in the sheath. It looks like a decent option but how well does it actually hold up?
 
When I first got my Esee's , I quickly realized the molle clips don't fit regular belts. It does fit my BDU belt, but it's tight.
I recently switched all my Esee's to paracord belt loops. Inexpensive,adjustable,tough, replacable,and very lightweight. Just hooked her up like the paper shows ( or whatever) with a cordlock for adjustability and you're set. Makes the sheath profile small also , and straps to anything.
 
mrng said:
Hi TGR.Shadow

That kind of sucks but I just saw a picture of someone using the paracord lashing through the holes in the sheath. It looks like a decent option but how well does it actually hold up?
Click to expand...

Its A pretty good system actually. The only minor draw back is that it is a pain to take on and off but thats about it... Also if you cant get a tight cord lock your 550 cord comes loose often.
 
Sounds good guys, thanks!

Looks like its a go. Feel free to add any size opinions, I'm open to anything.

EDIT:
Doesn't the RC4 come with a cord lock? I'm hoping that its tight enough.
 
mrng, The RC-4 does come with the cord lock. Mine wears well on my belt while using the cord lock. I've tried the molle locks and they would pretty good as well for me. I have a wide and thick leather belt though.
 
I posted a thread on making a provision for scout carry for an ESEE 5 - could work for any knife, really.

I tried the 550 cord, couldn't get it tight enough - it tended to wander around quite a bit and had to remove the belt to remove the knife... these were primary considerations for my fix.

I tried MOLLE locks and found them too long and didn't really trust the locking mechanism in a scout carry. I looked at getting tec-loc and understand that people trust them to hold their firearms also, but just couldn't see myself relying on them long term in hard use.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730748
 
The large tek-lok works sweet on my RC3 for small of the back carry but I wear a heavy leather belt and it still droops some so I don`t know how it would work on a softer belt.Also the tek-loc makes it so easy to remove the knife and sheath without a hassle. I took it off and put it back on while walking around a gun show and no one even noticed.
 
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Since you already have an axe i would skip the 4 and most definitely get the 3. The 3 is a better slicer than the 4 due to it being thinner. Get the MIL version. It comes with a nice MOLLE back that you could thread a belt through for horizontal carry. Or just get a regular 3 and pick up a thin belt to use with the MOLLE locks.
 
tarditi said:
I posted a thread on making a provision for scout carry for an ESEE 5 - could work for any knife, really.

I tried the 550 cord, couldn't get it tight enough - it tended to wander around quite a bit and had to remove the belt to remove the knife... these were primary considerations for my fix.

I tried MOLLE locks and found them too long and didn't really trust the locking mechanism in a scout carry. I looked at getting tec-loc and understand that people trust them to hold their firearms also, but just couldn't see myself relying on them long term in hard use.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730748
Click to expand...

Wow this is perfect. I will likely do this if the paracord lashing doesn't work out.

If I wanted a knife that would also perform decently without the axe, such as while hiking/fishing/bushcraft/hunting, would the 3 or 4 be better? I'm stuck between the two :p. The 4 looks like a great knife overall but maybe all I need is a 3. Judging by the length of my benchmade rift, the 4 seems to be a better length without actually handling the RAT in person.
 
Well are you gona be doing allot of battoning when you leave your axe at home? If not get the 3. However the 3 can baton, ive done it but you have to take smaller "bites". It still gets the job done. My 6 batons for me now so i have no use for the 4 at all. Personally i think the 4 is a little short for battoning and a little thick for slicing/food prep IMO. I dont see myself ever getting a 4 seeing that i have a 3 and a 6. I simply have no need for it. YMMV.

I can tell you that the 3 is a great knife and so is the 6. Both tough as nails, maybe tougher and both backed by a no nonsense warranty. You break it you get a new knife. Period. Bottom line If you will be taking your axe with you ALL the time when you go camping, get the 3. If you never take it with you, get the 6.

Just my 0.2 cents.
 
When I go camping I will always take the axe with me. When I go hiking or just a day trip for fishing or other outdoor activities I may not (depending on what I plan).
 
mrng said:
When I go camping I will always take the axe with me. When I go hiking or just a day trip for fishing or other outdoor activities I may not (depending on what I plan).
Click to expand...

Then the 3 gets my vote. ;)
 
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