Rat-3 or Tak knife?

S

segaman22

Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
104
Well my wife is getting my dream knife for me for Christmas, but i cant decide which one to get. Choices are a Rat-3 or a Tak survival knife. Both are basicly the same except one is a little shorter than the other. Ill mainly be using it for eveyday carry and as a camp/survival knife. I dont like carrying folders that much. So help me decide guys please? I like the rat 3s sheath the best and i like the smaller version but I would rather have the tak in the woods. I want which ever one i get to be in 1095 hands down. I just cant decide on which one to get.............What do yall think?
 
Both are more than capable. the rat-3 blade is definitely shorter and not as wide as the TAK. I have both and would choose the TAK for all around knife in the woods. The rat-3 would do you fine as well. I just prefer a little more cutting edge.
 
I don;t have both, but I like my RAT-3. I wish I'd have gotten 1095, but the knife performs well. The sheath is pretty nice, but as I've said before, there needs to be more collaboration between sheath makers and accessory clip makers. Making holes line up in more than one or two postions shouldn't need a rocket scientist for design.
 
Thanks morrowj__98, What about everyday carry? Would the tak be ok? I mean how much bigger is it than the tak3?
 
I really like the Rat-3 for EDC, the sheath fits very well and the blade is plenty big. That being said if you go out in the woods alot the TAK would be my first choice.
 
If you are starting to get the idea that this decision isn't going to be easy, you're right:D The TAK would be more useful to you in camp. I'd go with a RAT-3 for EDC though, a lot more compact. It would also fill the survival role for you with not much of a problem.
 
I can't speak for the TAK, I've only handled it for a few minutes at a local surplus store.

But I do have the RAT-3 (1095) and I love it. Perfect for EDC as far as size goes. Handle is fit for small/medium sized hands.
 
New to the forum but not to the Ontario's. I've got both and have to agree with woodysone and IUKE12 on the EDC opinion. RAT-3 is a tough little knife for hucking around and EDC but if i were looking for an all-around camp user and survival knife, i'd rely on the TAK. TAK is too much for EDC IMO. I do know one thing -- no matter which you get... you'll want the other one shortly :). This is called a good problem to have.
 
Definately the Rat-3 for EDC. The sheath is much better for EDC IMHO. The TAK blade is about 2 inches longer than the Rat-3
 
I have an RTAK II possible one of the best knives i own....I would definitely go with the tak if i were u...it is similar to the rtakII just smaller and i love my rtak II. Do not go with the serrated though.....much harder time sharpening, trust me.
 
That's a hard one. If you plan on EDC better go with the RAT3. You got a birthday coming soon right:D maybe you will get the TAK then. sounds like you have a great wife.
 
Get the RAT3, it is a better EDC and it still works great in the woods. I use it regularly in there. Get it and save your money and get a RAT7 down the road. IMO that is a better combo.
 
I've handled both and the ergos for me felt much better on the RAT 3. The handle is very comfortable and the blade to handle ratio felt just right.

I think it will depend on what you see yourself doing with the knife, a RAT 3 and and nice small Camp Hatchet would be a great combo!

Enjoy and let us know what you decide.
 
Thanks guys for the comments. Honestly, i still am having trouble deciding. You guys have helped me alot though. I have to admitt, im leaning toward the tak, cause of its size. I do like that rat3 though. I want both, but i just cant afford them both. Its as simple as that. Man i have over a hundred knives, i dont know why i really need this knife. I guess that is why you could call me a knife nut huh? Can the rat3 be carried around the kneck as well? I have a pilots survival knife for the woods and a Buck 119. I really dont need another woods knife, but I kind of would rather have the rat3 as an every day carry knife. Now what would be great is if i could have the tak with a rat3 sheath! Thats what i really want.
 
I really like my RAT3. To me, it is the perfect size for woods carry. I do not care for the sheath. I ordered the olive drab and it is too green. I am going to make a leather one for it. I ordered my knife as a replacement for a BK11 as I did not like the skeleton grip and and pleased with my decision. My trio for the RAT-3 includes an Ontario 12" Cutlass and a GSAK OHT.
 
Ok guys, im goin with the Rat3 1095 plain edge. After weighing my options and listening to yalls advice, that size knife is what i really need and want. I have enough knives for the woods. I have a Pilots survival knife in 1095 steel for my BOB bag, I have a Buck 119 that is always on my side when i am in the woods, I have a Hen and Rooster Bowie knife and an old WWII Marine Kbar made by Camillus. So i have enough sheath knives and all are to big for EDC. So im going with the Rat3. Oh and yes i have a great wife.
 
I own all models by Ontario/RAT from RAT3-RTAKII and a good all around camp knife is the TAK 1095 plain edge in my opinion...Enjoy !
 
If you already have a camping knife, then I'd suggest getting the RAT3. It's better for EDC. I found that I could carry it IWB if I want w/o a problem.

My only complaint is that my hand is a little too big for the handle, unless I use the choil (A lanyard takes care of that).

I found the TAK to be too big for EDC, plain & simple, but it was definitely a better camping knife.

Good luck on your choice.
 
Maybe one other to consider. The RC3 -- it is the new RAT knife made by RAT Cutlery. The handle is a bit larger and the fit and finish a good step above. I would recommend it above either of the two you mentioned.

If it must be those two, I prefer the RAT 3
 
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