Rat-7 Over-rated

S

SPERRON

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Sep 14, 2008
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I have had and have been using my RAT-7 in D2 for about 2yrs. and find it to be a poor choice as a general camp knife. It would be a good choice if you could only have one knife, yes. But it's like buying an enduro motorcycle, they suck on the road and the suck in the dirt.

A RAT-7 is too small for heavy chopping, too small for splitting wood over 5" in diameter, too small for clearing brush, and for doing detailed work (gutting, food prep., etc.) it is way too damn big!

All RATs are very well made. Mine held up real well in regards to toughness. But I am now going with an RTAKII paired up with a RAT-3 in D2.

The only downside is the weight. If you watch some videos on YOUTUBE you will see that the RTAKII is practically indestructable. I have only used it on one outing but so far I am very happy with it. I am giving by RAT-7 to a friend.
 
I think your comment is more about knives with 7" blades in general than it is about the RAT-7 in particular.

Never the less, that is a good observation about the usefulness or lack thereof of knives with 7" blades. So many folks seem to think that a "survival knife" has to be a big whopper of a blade.
 
My bad, I was criticizing 7" blades in general. If you want one, the RAT-7 is an excellent choice. It did get the job done for a long time (until I could afford an RTAKII). I also use a Gerber folding saw (works great and weighs little).
 
I've seen that video before. Yes, it chops well. But if he used the RTAKII or any 10"+ blade he would be through that little stick in 8 or 10 chops. (by the way, he also recommends the RTAKII)
 
7" blade is my favorite length because it can be carried on a belt without being too large/heavy. It can handle light chopping and splitting which is sufficient enough in a survival scenario. The WWII Ka-bar fighting/utility knife did everything the soldiers asked of it and they didn't complain. Overrated? I don't think so.
 
I have to agree, I love the RAT 7 in D2, great utalitarian design and top steel. Its one of my favourites. Ive got the RTAK II as well as the RC-3 (Swat logo) and must say that I love these too.

I think they all have a purpose they can fulfill and I would take all 3 with me on a hunting trip. The RTAK is handy for building a ground blind (bow hunting) but kept on/in my pack. The RC-3 is good for general purpose skinning and food prep around the camp. The RAT 7 is the one I would have on my belt though at all times
 
greens said:
7" blade is my favorite length because it can be carried on a belt without being too large/heavy. It can handle light chopping and splitting which is sufficient enough in a survival scenario. The WWII Ka-bar fighting/utility knife did everything the soldiers asked of it and they didn't complain. Overrated? I don't think so.
Click to expand...

i'm in that boat with ya, brother.

i really like all sorts of long and short knives, but especially when you don't expect to need a knife, i think a 6 to 7 -incher is one to throw in the pack or gear, over smaller or larger blades.

the "medium" blades just require more technique.

a lot of the gear nuts don't like that factor. - it's an argument very akin to the age-old silliness about "no one needing a big knife" (cringing)....

vec
 
Life is much easier when you have two blades, a small axe and a small knife (under 4"). However, if you can have only one blade, neither the axe nor the 4" knife is the best choice. You need something that is a compromise between the two, and the RAT 7 is perfect for the job.
 
I also find a 7" blade not too useful. A 9" blade not only makes a better chopper (usually, anyway) but is much better for two handed work, e.g. use like a draw knife.
 
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