Rat-3 or Buck 102 Woodsman

D

Dr. Pepper

Joined
Sep 26, 2006
Messages
167
I have a Buck 102 Woodsman that I have "dehorned" and now feels great in my hand. I use it for hiking, camping, food prep, whittling and processing deer. I have never really liked the look of the clip point but find it useful enough to not worry about it too much. By the way, I need suggetions on how to get a custom sheath for this knife because the factory sheath became useless when I smoothed out the handle.

:)I am wondering what it would be like to try a RAT-3 for a while. I know almost everyone has a Buck 102 so there should be some good real life feedback. I like the drop point. I am concerned about the blade being too wide for fine work. I also really can't decide if I like the handle bc I am used to the pukko style handle of by dehorned buck. Also, does the plastic sheath dull the blade everytime the knife gets drawn?

Try to sell me if you can. I am basically itching to buy something new.

Thanks for replies
 
Also...

I sharpen with a Lansky system. Is this a bad approach to D2 or should I stick with 1095 if I decide to buy.
 
I have a RAT-3 in 1095 and D2 and I love these knives. The RAT-3 is like the best EDC utility designed small fixed blade that I have ever carried. I will not go to the woods without one of them. I do not own a Buck 102 and have never handled one, so I can't make an objective call. The RAT-3 however comes with an excellent sheath and is really a hell of a knife.
 
jlfletcher83:

Since you have both steels, which do you prefer? I know this has been talked about a lot but I want to know your opinion.
 
No Woodsman here, but you have peeked my interest and I am of to Ebay. My primary cary fixed blade is a Buck Big Sky, same steel, 420HC. It has cleaned many deer and trimmed many shooting lanes. It has served me well and though I have more expensive knives, it is the one I carry to the woods. In other words, a Woodsman will probably serve you well though it is an older more traditional design.
 
RAT-3 is a great knife, i carried one of these on my belt for about a month, goes great on an acu riggers belt. great knife, great design, great in the hand.
 
Growing up, I saw a lot of squirrel cleaned with a Buck Woodsman. It's a very suitable knife for intricate work.
 
No doubt that both knives will serve you well. But I have read alot of posts regarding D2 and 1095. 1095 tough steel easy to sharpen in the field. D2 I think is a bit more hardened thus more suceptible to chipping. D2 may be harder to sharpen up especially if you let it get dull, also I have read many comments stating that the D2 is harder to get hair popping sharp. The 102 Woodsman is an awesome little knife and a very handy all purpose knife for the woods. If you are itching to get a new knife go for it because the urge will not go away!! Especially the more you are on this site!!! I would go with the 1095 for the RAT-3. Have you considered any of the other Buck brands like the alpha hunter? Although I like and have other knives my Buck's always find there way with me to the mountains. Good luck
 
By the way there are a couple of great sheath makers on this site that I have read nothing but great things about they are Robert with Survival Sheath Systems and Eric from Normark.
 
Diamond Dog said:
By the way there are a couple of great sheath makers on this site that I have read nothing but great things about they are Robert with Survival Sheath Systems and Eric from Normark.
Click to expand...

I think you mean Eric from On Scene Tactical. Normark is his user name here. Great guy to deal with :thumbup:
 
The 1095 is a hell of a lot easier to sharpen, that being said IMO the D2 holds the edge better. I carry both equally they are excellent knives. If I could only have one I would probably pick the D2 on this size of a knife. The RAT-7 I prefer 1095 but the RAT-3 IMO is better with D2.
 
the rat3 is a great knife, i use a lot especially while camping. for a smaller outdoors knife there is none better.
 
Thanks to all who have replied. Your responses are thought provoking. Another "problem" with the Buck is that the blade style is so close to the clip on my full size Boker Appaloosa Trapper slipjoint that I normaly carry as well. The bigger belly of the Rat-3 might give more diversity.

Just as a side bar. I really want a Rat-7 but doubt I would ever use it as I love hatchets and axes.

I am going to order a Rat-3 and then enjoy losing sleep worrying over which knife I like better.
Its not like I don't have anything else to do but when the knife bug gets to you its a real priority.
 
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