Rat-4,Rat-5, or the Rat-6

S

seanystrangle

Joined
Oct 1, 2009
Messages
374
im sorry im new to this. but im looking for a good backpacking/camping knife. i live in a area where it does get wet and snowy and i usualy need to wear thick gloves but i need something that can do basic chores
what do you all recomend?
 
Last edited:
Im starting with the RC-4, The good news is they are not that expensive so you can have more than one. you cant go wrong with any of them.
 
RC-6 for your camping needs. Maybe an RC-4 if you do not need to a bunch of batoning. The handle is bigger on the RC-6 which may be better if you have to wear gloves.
 
thank you so much and can the sheaths they come with be worn horizontaly? vertical seems to hurt when i go to sit lol
 
the kydex sheaths can use almight tek-loks or simple 550 chord rigged for horizontal carry. It's very easy to do.
 
Remember, the RC5 is a very different beast than the 4 or 6, it isn't as good for fine work, but if you need a prybar or something for battoning with, it'll work well.
 
The RC-4 was my choice and I've been VERY happy with it!

I will probably get an RC-6 next year, because it's a want. The RC-4 was a need!
 
The 4 or 6 will work well. Go with the 6 if you plan on doing alot of batoning. I personally choose the 6 for the one does all knife but the 4 seems to be the most popular. The 5 would be a little thick for general camp use. You will love them all.
 
Get the 4 and pair it up with a good chopping tool of some sort. If it gets wet and snowy, you'll need more firewood than is easily obtained with any of the RC knives. You need something that can fall a tree and section it up. That being the case, you won't expect to be chopping or splitting with your knife, so there's no need for it to be a biggin. The RC4 is much better suited for everything else you could do around camp. It's easier to use for carving, traps, eating, etc. Get the 4.
 
The RC4 makes an ideal backpacking knife for most all chores. It'll even handle tasks usualy reserved for larger knives with a little thought and technique.

I've got to warn ya though, once you use an RC4 for a while you wont ever take it off your belt, and won't want to put it down. Great very well thought out and designed knives.
 
The RC-4 would be my pick. Weight is at a premium when it comes to back packing so you need maximum versatility and minimum size. The RC-4 is compact and reasonably lightweight yet it is still VERY stout (3/16" thick 1095 steel). It has enough blade for most tasks.
 
I'D go rc-4. I have an rc-5 size Becker bk2 and it's more capable but heavier and more of a commitment to carry it. Rc-4 would be more versatile
 
ak jones said:
The Rc -5 is thicker than the rest but it'll split wood easier.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say that. If it's cold outside and wet you will probably be doing alot of battonning, so I'd stick with a bigger blade. No downside other than more bulk and negligible weight difference...
 
another vote for RC4 - jack of all trades, master of none - which makes for a perfect camp blade :thumbup:

If you go for the RC5 I'd bet you wind up carrying another thinner blade in addition...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top