RAT-3 first impressions

StretchNM said:
That was an excellent review! Nice pics by Btuner too!

Mine is a D2 blade and it has the grey epoxy coating. Not long after I got it, I realized I'd be happier with the 1095 version. Still, I like the overall knife...it's a keeper! ((( :D )))

I made the sheath (the Kydex is MUCH better) and added the plain Mesquite scales (the Micartas are MUCH better) !!!

RAT-3-02.jpg
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To me that looks great, I'd take that any day over the Micarta !!!!:thumbup:
 
Ludwig said:
The Rat-3 is a very nice buy. I have the D2 version, and it's held up great to all kinds of abuse. I agree that the coating isn't the best. I'm tempted to get some paint remover and to just get rid of the coating all together.
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I just got a Rat-3 in 1095 and also don't like the coating. I read somewhere on this forum that guys have used spray on paint stripper from a hardware store to take the coating off--wonder if that's the best way to go? I'd like to try it. Would you take the scales off to get the top and bottom of the tang also, or would that matter?
 
DaleW said:
The F1 is a better tool all the way round, but to be fair, it costs a bit more than the RAT-3 too. It takes a better edge, and it's nearly twice as thick. I like the handle on the F1, the blade geometry, and it's stainless. Both knives are perfectly usable trail knives.

They are just good basic cutting tools. When I go down my packing checklist, I can check off the "Knife" box and know I have that base covered.
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Dale why does the F1 takes a better edge for you? I've got my RAT-3 and my Endura (also VG10) both hairpopping sharp, after it has seen a loaded strop. Both have 25degree angles and both get stropped.
It's good to see the F1 besides the RAT-3. Now I know my search for a F1 has ended. The TAK-1 fills that gap for me instead of the F1. I'm not saying the F1 is a bad knife! It just doesn't add anything in size. And when I'm cutting with my eyes closed, I don't feel no difference in SS or carbon steel. That's why I usually go with 1095 or 5160 for most of my fixed knives.

Thanks,
CZ
 
I took a fresh scotch brite pad to mine and it is much better now, sort of a satin grey. Chris
 
I just talked the wife into letting me get the RC-3. I have the 1095 and D2 RAT-3 and they are excellent knives. I am excited about this RC-3
 
I am a big Ontario RAT knife fan & Can't wait to get a RC-3 (rat cultery)just to say i have one and they refined the RAT 3 from customer input to improve the new RC-3.
 
cz75b said:
Dale why does the F1 takes a better edge for you? I've got my RAT-3 and my Endura (also VG10) both hairpopping sharp, after it has seen a loaded strop. Both have 25degree angles and both get stropped.
It's good to see the F1 besides the RAT-3. Now I know my search for a F1 has ended. The TAK-1 fills that gap for me instead of the F1. I'm not saying the F1 is a bad knife! It just doesn't add anything in size. And when I'm cutting with my eyes closed, I don't feel no difference in SS or carbon steel. That's why I usually go with 1095 or 5160 for most of my fixed knives.

Thanks,
CZ
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I was able to get a sharper edge with the F1, and I'm more than willing to concede that has as much or more with my sharpening skills as the blade. The real test would be keeping the edge, and I have no input there. I am often around salt water, so the stainless is a good thing.

These two knives are certainly in the same ballpark for size and function, but the Fallkniven has a street price of ~$100 and the RAT-3 is more like $70. I'd say they are about equal value for their price/finish.

Other than that, I like the look and feel of the F1 more, and that's one of those "what floats your boat" things. Like I said, If I was in a bad spot, I would be tickled pink to have either knife.
 
my avatar has some ,i have added a tak-1 1095 and Rtak II to the already owned tak 1 d2 rat 3 d2 & 1095 and rat 7 1095
 
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