Rat-5 or fallkniven s1

S

seanystrangle

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Oct 1, 2009
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im looking for a good backpacking camping type knife i own a fallkniven f1/g3 but i planned on using it as a backup, for a bigger blade i narrowed it down to a fallkniven s1 or a RAT-5
i was thinking fallkniven because i like how it is better for cold weather
and i like the rat becuse i heard nothing but good things and the warrenty on it.
oh and i live and camp in wyoming so it gets pretty snowy and wet here if that makes a differeance
what do you all recommend? or would a different knife be better? sorry im new to this all
thanks
 
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Fallkniven, yes they cost a pretty penny but they are worth it. The only down side is the sheath it could be better, but you could buy another one for it.
 
In my opinion the RAT-5 might be a little too thick for an all purpose camping/backpacking knife. I would go with the S1 or if you go with RAT, the Rat-4 or Rat-6.

If you get the S1, look for the leather sheath which some dealers have.
 
I have an RC-4 and the S1.

The Rat is a well built solid knife, you will get a great knife either way but my preference is for the S1.

Kevin
 
bcornelis said:
In my opinion the RAT-5 might be a little too thick for an all purpose camping/backpacking knife. I would go with the S1 or if you go with RAT, the Rat-4 or Rat-6.

If you get the S1, look for the leather sheath which some dealers have.
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Think again the RC-5 (NOT RAT-5) is not too thick for an all purpose camping/backpacking knife. the 20 degree flat ground edge is just as sharp as any thinner knife. It is heavy, but it is solid, and if a camping/backpacking trip ever turns into a frantic survival situation, that knife will NOT fail you. I don't know how a Fallkniven knife would be better than a RC-5 in the cold weather but I've used 1095 in the snow for years now. I'm not saying Fallkniven is a bad company or I like one over the other, as the only Fallkniven I have is the G1, but I wouldn't say the RC5 is too big for anything.
 
in my opinion, both knives are excellent from excellent manufacturers. I would however go with the rat (rc-5) if you are looking for a primary blade in the woods. Mainly because it is made out of 1095 carbon steel. Carbon steel I think is one of the best steels you can use in the woods. Its hard, but as brittle as stainless, so you can abuse it, especially in a survival situation, and fear less of it cracking or failing you, which is very important if you are looking for a primary blade. Plus, you cannot beat the warranty and the customer service of RAT. The warranty is as good as striders, you break it, you get a new one....
 
I have an S1 and a RC-4, and prefer the S1 for a woods knife. the RC-4 is great, but The S1 is perfect for me. I don't think you should worry about breaking either, even in a survival situation, so the debate for me comes down to form. I like the S1 because it is slim and cuts wood vert well with it's convex edge. The handle is comfy and the blade is perfectly shaped for woods work. I happen to like the plastic sheath very much and have been meaning to pick one up for my F1's.


Like others have said, you can't go wrong with either.
Keep an eye on the sale forum, new S1's go for $100 about once a month.
 
RC-4 or RC-6.

The RC-5 is just too heavy to concider as a backpacking knife (for myself anyway), your mileage may vary.

The RC-6 has a longer blade than the RDC-5, and is lighter to boot. It is definately stout enough for battoning work.

Personally, the RC-4 is the biggest knife I carry hiking.
 
For a backpacking/camping knife that's going to be used often in snowy weather, I'd choose the S1.

The laminated VG-10 stainless steel is incredibly tough.

Only thing maybe is having to develop some field sharpening skills for the convex edge.
 
thank you all so much. but im sorry to ask more but why do you prefer these knives?
sorry all and thank you so much
 
seanystrangle said:
thank you all so much. but im sorry to ask more but why do you prefer these knives?
sorry all and thank you so much
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Overall build quality of the RAT RC-4 is excellent but I find the square, block like handle slabs detract from the enjoyable use of an otherwise very capable knife. It just isn't comfortable in my hand. This is a personal fit preference. You will need to determine for yourself how each knife feels in your hand.

Also, I'm not a fan of coated blades. Fallknivens laminated VG10 gives excellent corrosion protection without the need for coating.


Kevin
 
I have an RC4,RC5 and an RC6. All are fantastic knives and will easily fill your needs.

The RC5 is one of my favorite blades. It is a bit heavy when one first starts using it, but the baLnce positions the weight in such an excellent fashion that it doesn't impair the use of the blade at all. If what you want is an extremely stout well built knife that will not fail you at all. The RC5 is it. I have one of the first ones out with the eagle sheath. It is set up as a small survival kit.
 
A US-made survival knife of a coated carbon steel vs a Japaneese made SS laminate... hmmmm... I'll take the RC-5!

IMG_3519.jpg


Great knife - worth the few extra ounces of blade mass.

Stainz
 
Fallkniven or Rat-5, another great debate, Chevrolet or Ford. Now are we bringing up patriotism, buy US not Jap. Is this 1941?
 
i'd take an rc 6, cheaper than the 5, thinner, less of a chopper than the 5 but not a big deal
but you should take a look at the bark river bravo 1, also a great knife
 
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