RAT 3 looks bad after some batoning

J

jscalia

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
126
I'm not sure if this is just a matter of course, but after getting my brand new RAT 3 I used it for a one hour batoning session through some pieces of hardwood. Now the black coating on the blade shows some serious signs of wear (indentations). Also, I was surprised at how quickly it stopped shaving hair, needed touching up on the Spyderco Sharpmaker after only a few hours of use.

I have a Fallkniven F1 on order, curious to see how it compares.
 
Are you talking about a RAT 3 or RAT Cutlery RC-3?

Although the knives look very similair, there are big differences in build quality and I've seen videos of RC-3 going through some heavy batoning and it ends up with very little wear or signs of use.
 
...after only a few hours of use
Click to expand...

I think that any knife put thru hard usage needs touching-up. Especially a NIB knife. Contrary to what some may think, you actually have to care for your tools.

Pounding hardwood for hours on end would certainly take the 'shave' out of the blade. That's why you have your Sharpmaker, right?
 
Many new knives only seem razor sharp because they still have a burr from the factory sharpening. They will lose this from the first hard use and that delicate edge will be damaged and ... can be quickly sharpened away to leave a strong sharp edge in its place.

The comment about needing touching up after a few hours of use sounds like kidding around, though.
 
The parkerized finish gets scuffed up easily, vs. the RC3 which has an epoxy type coating. I will second what Esav says about the burr edge, but the first thing I did with my RAT3 was sharpen it myself to get rid of any burr. Mine has held up just fine batonning and shaving through hard woods. Hope you enjoy yours as much.
 
1095 will dull easier but it is easier to resharpen in the field, Coating well that is expected to wear it is after all just paint,on the RAT3 it is the black phosate coating which shows wear when cutting cardboard,now the RAT3 D2 version was powder coated with a grayish tint and last longer but will still show wear,and Being D2 steel will be sharp just not shaving sharp and a little harder to re sharpen being a stronger steel than 1095
 
A worn coating is no big deal, just a sign of love.:thumbup:
At least you'll be safe from pitdog now.:p:D
 
Strop it, and the edge will probably come right back. And what steel still shaves after being batoned for hours?? Even INFI and 3V don't in my experience. They'll still cut plenty, but shave? No way. (But with a stropping it comes right back)
 
Bro---What did you think the knife would look like? Now, it has Character!! ;)
 
when will people get it that a knife is for slicing, cutting or stabbing...

an axe, splitting axe, maul and wedge are what you use for splitting wood or logs.
 
LOL When will some folk realize that some knives are made to be able to do more than slice? If that were the case, why not just carry a paring knife and call it a day?
 
Actually, for splitting a small piece of wood, an axe of any sort is overkill, and may even be dangerous. Tapping lightly in batoning is not dangerous for any reasonably robust fixed blade, and many folders, if done carefully.

But as knives are made to be used, they will show that use. Expecting finish or edge to last long is unreasonable.
 
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