RAT-5 and RAT-7 or wait for RC-4 and RC-6

B

billstevens

Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
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Basically I was going to buy the RAT-5 and RAT-7 but since I saw that RAT are coming out with two more in their RC line I am now conflicted suggestions?

I was also thinking maybe of just getting the RC-6.
 
I to own alot of RAT's but if you just getting into the RATS(Ontario).....wait until RC blades hit the market,alot better... IMO!
 
I'm sure the RC blades will be a lot better; but, having said that, the RAT blades are generally very good. I own knives by a number of the "big names" and have spent $800 on a knife before:eek:, but I often go into the woods with only a RAT7 and a RAT3 and don't feel "underknifed" at all (if that's a word:)).
 
Yeah I think I will say screw it on the RAT series and wait for the RC series they are supposed to be better designed anyways.
 
I'm thinking that the RC's will have better quality control than from Ontario. I can't wait until the RC 4 and RC6 comes out.
 
The RC models are supposedly improved versions of the Ontario versions. For example people who have the RC-3 say it is a better version than the RAT-3. Plus the RC-6 is supposed to have better balance than the RAT-7.
 
I have the Ontarios and the RC versions of the RAT3. The RC3 is definitely an upgrade from what Ontario offers. Better fit and finish and fits my paw a lot nicer. If you can stand to wait I would go for the RC4 when it hits. Won't be too long to wait by all accounts :)
 
I think it depends. The Ontario RAT series are offered in 1095 & D2 steel. I'm not trying to get into a steel war, but D2's great for shorter knives (Slicers). So, if you want D2, you're better off getting the Ontario's.

If you want 1095, you're probably better off getting the RC series, because they're differentially heat treated (Basically the RC's 1095 blades will probably be better than Ontarios 1095).

I haven't seen the entire RC series, but Personally, I prefer the RAT3 (In D2) instead of the RC3. While the grip isn't quite big enough for my large hands, I like the concealability of it over the RC3. Also, I think the "glass breaker" is more of a pain in the @$$ (Or maybe another part of your body :D).

Either way, they're all nice knives.
 
I seen one on this Forum, I think. The RC3 is about 1/2" to 3/4" longer, I believe, than the Ontario RAT3.
 
Here is a side by side pic. I like the better lines of the RC3 and the extra handle length. The glass breaker is hardly sharp enough to bother my mit. Just pointy enough to concentrate a strike on whatever surface you hit. The scales of the RC3 are also sculpted better IMO. When I got my RAT3 the edge was overly thick and needed a little thinning. The RC3's edge is nice as it came out of the box.
 
The RC-4 is coming in early Jan and the RC-6 in mid feb so.
Specs RC-3
Specs: Overall length: 8 5/16" - Cutting Edge length: 3 3/8" - Blade Length (end of handle to tip of knife): 3 7/8" - Maximum thickness: 1/8". Sheath System and boot clip included with every knife. Click here to view the sheath specs. Weight: 5.2 ounces (knife only), 9.3 ounces (knife and sheath).

Specs RAT-3
Blade length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 7.8 inches
Thickness: .125
Steel: D2
Hardness: 58-60 RC
Finish: Gray Textured
Handle: Black Linen Micarta
Sheath: Includes TexLok and Boot Clip
 
As to the RC-3 I have I would say above average sized hands and the RC-3 fits perfectly and the glass breaker just isn't a issue with regular use.
On another kinda unrelated note Bill do you have any pics of any Scrapyard Dog knives I am thinking about getting one the Dumpster Mutt I believe it is called.
 
Sorry no DM pics. Try checking the Exchange. Someone will surely have a pic or two with a FS post :)
 
billstevens said:
Basically I was going to buy the RAT-5 and RAT-7 but since I saw that RAT are coming out with two more in their RC line I am now conflicted suggestions?

I was also thinking maybe of just getting the RC-6.
Click to expand...

One thing I've found over the years is that knife companies are not always "dot on" schedule with newly announced models. Far from it, in fact.
(With a few exceptions.)

If you need a good knife now, I'd go with the RAT5 or RAT7.

I've had a TAK1 and a RAT3, and I have an RTAK II and a RAT7.
IMO they are very good knives, especially for the money.
 
I own RAT 7 1095/RAT3 1095 &D2/Tak-1 1095 & D2/RTAKII all plain edge never needed the RAT5,IMO the TAK fit my need perfectly but upon release of the RC's I will try to get RC4 & RC6 & neck knife....:thumbup::D
 
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