RAT and saltwater

I

ingluis

Joined
Jan 30, 2009
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Anyone use their RATs in or around saltwater (i.e. kayaking)? Would a different steel be better in this situation, or should I not even worry about it?
 
I've used my RC-3 on saltwater fishing trips. Just make sure you give it a good rinsing and wipe it clean. Make sure you dry it good before putting it away.
 
The coating will protect the blade. You might get some corrosion on the exposed edge. Keep it wiped and oiled with a heavy oil like mineral oil or even a light coat of vaseline and you won't have a problem. If you get spots on the the edge from using it, simply sharpen and the spots will go away. The coating on the blade makes it substantially lower maintenance.
 
I've spent a lot of years on the ocean in a kayak and that's the one place I would not take a 1095 steel knife, not one I cared about at least. I have a few dive/river knifes that work out well for ocean use. Stainless steel and plastic is the way to go and even those will get rust on them. Gerber makes a few nice kayak/raft knifes that lash on to your PFD. They're tough and inexpensive.
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Get a chunk of beeswax at a hobby store and rub some on the edge before going into saltwater it will protect the edge.
 
I use a light coating of silicone goo on my SCUBA knife. Its worked very well for years.
 
NorCalMtn2 said:
I've spent a lot of years on the ocean in a kayak and that's the one place I would not take a 1095 steel knife, not one I cared about at least. I have a few dive/river knifes that work out well for ocean use. Stainless steel and plastic is the way to go and even those will get rust on them. Gerber makes a few nice kayak/raft knifes that lash on to your PFD. They're tough and inexpensive.
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I agree!
 
I just traded off my kayak knife, a Benchmade 220 fixed resistor in 154cm. Never had a problem with corrosion at all.

I took my Izula proto out kayaking once, it's uncoated and the salt spray left a bit of fine, powdered rust on the handle that I wiped off with an oiled rag. It left a bit of a patina on the steel and on the way back, I had no rust.
 
ingluis said:
Anyone use their RATs in or around saltwater (i.e. kayaking)? Would a different steel be better in this situation, or should I not even worry about it?
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I spend alot of time around salt water in the NE, personally I would not want my RAT around it. You'll spend most of your time lubricating, coating and touching up the edge of your knife than you will anything else.
Something along the Salt series from Spyderco is a good way to go as others have suggested.
 
R.A.T. said:
I agree!
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I was glad to see your post Jeff, I didn't want to offend anyone. I'd rather pass my RAT knifes onto my kids after years of wilderness use than subject them to Neptune with regular ocean duty. Every blade I've ever taken out on the ocean has ended up blemished or ruined or lost.
I'm sure a 1095 would perform admirably in an aquatic survival situation but for everyday ocean use a $25 rafting beater is made to order.
 
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We know when we're out of our element and don't bullshit anyone about what our knives are capable (or not capable) of doing. Extended exposure to salt water is gonna make your RAT knife pretty sore. ;)
 
Granted there are knives on the market specifically made for these applications and taking in consideration the well founded comments above...
When in a similar situation myself, I was reminded that for hundreds of years sailors, pirates and explores took their high carbon blades to sea with themselves and their lives depended on the items not turning into a useless pile of rust. RAT makes a great product and I can understand somebody not wanting to be parted with their favorite RC on any adventure. This is where RAT's exceptional pricing comes into play... Have land rat and a "river RAT" just be sure to give her a little extra special attention. A little oil goes a long way and the beeswax idea is one of the best I have heard.
my $0.02
 
1095 and salt water do not mix well, even if you protect the edge and laser etched portions of the blade(RC,RAT Logo,ETC.)1095 is not design for salt water enviroments !
 
I also would recommend going with a blade that is designed to handle these types of conditions. There are a great many available, my personal favorite right now is the Spyderco Rock Salt. I don't own one (yet) but the thing looks pretty indestructible.

I wouldn't take a RAT in saltwater if I were you. Like everyone else has said, it isn't going to be pretty. I've taken several other knives to the beach before, and seen what just the salt air and a little bit of water will do. That was enough to tell me that I wouldn't risk a RAT there. They're great knives, but just not built for salt water environments.
 
100% in agreement with all. I am definitely not encouraging the notion, I am only suggesting to take a beater RAT if funds have allowed, and if a RAT is a must have... Personally I prefer the SOG Tigershark for salty applications.
 
If it were me, I would definately get a knife meant for the ocean. Of course RATs are always preferred, but I rather keep mine where they won't have that high of a chance to rust.
 
It just gives everyone an excuse to bug them for an ocean survival knife. :D
 
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