Rat Cutlery RC-3

O

okbohn

Joined
May 26, 2006
Messages
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I just had an opportunity to handle the new Rat Cutlery RC3s--they are a definate improvement

RC-3s1.jpg

The Fit and Finish are significantly better than their Ontario cousins. They have green slab liners on the stock handles--NICE.

I still don't care for a coated blade...but to each his own.

The sheath system is well thought out and should work for everyone. I think they need to come up with a leather sheath...but that is my own bent.

The pointy pommel was a concern for me, but actually handling the knife set that concern aside. It is not obtrusive and doesn't cause a problem while wearing the sheath.

all in all, a good bit of improvement. I don't know enough to speak of the improved heat treat, but if the rest of the knife is any indication, should be good.
 
No, Rat Cutlery Co is contracting it with Rowen mfg.--Ontario is going to continue to make theirs--and I think they are even continuing to develop the line.
 
Hey Derrick,
I just got mine yesterday. I'm with you about the sheath system...a simpler one would do me better. Great knife, but....I wish that the blade was thicker. It's only 1/8 " thick. What gives? For a hard-use tactical? :confused:
 
I think the 1095 is tough enough to work well in the 1/8", but I know what you mean.

To me, the thing I like best about the whole knife is the well thought out choil--fits my hand like a glove.
 
okbohn said:
I think the 1095 is tough enough to work well in the 1/8", but I know what you mean.

To me, the thing I like best about the whole knife is the well thought out choil--fits my hand like a glove.
Click to expand...
When the blade snaps, I'm not going to be thinkin' about how great the choil fits. :mad:
 
Hi Troop.

I responded to your post at Knifeforums on these same issues:

The short answer is it fits the same sheath as the RAT-3 so the thickness had to be the same. The long answer is we make knives to cut and slice. The RC-3 and RAT-3 are lightweight, compact general utility knives. Neither the RC-3 or RAT-3 are made to be heavy duty knives to pry open doors, but they will do fine for 90% of all the chores that a compact carry knife is made for.

What type of uses does your duty knife see on a daily basis? You may be better off with the Ontario TAK or a similar style knife from SwampRat, SOG or TOPS.

We've had the RAT-3 fielded with Marines and Soldiers for a long time now in the combat zones of Iraq and Afganistan and they're holding up well for their uses. But again, I wouldn't pry open doors or break locks with a knife this thin.

Jeff
 
R.A.T. said:
Hi Troop.

I responded to your post at Knifeforums on these same issues:

The short answer is it fits the same sheath as the RAT-3 so the thickness had to be the same. The long answer is we make knives to cut and slice. The RC-3 and RAT-3 are lightweight, compact general utility knives. Neither the RC-3 or RAT-3 are made to be heavy duty knives to pry open doors, but they will do fine for 90% of all the chores that a compact carry knife is made for.

What type of uses does your duty knife see on a daily basis? You may be better off with the Ontario TAK or a similar style knife from SwampRat, SOG or TOPS.

We've had the RAT-3 fielded with Marines and Soldiers for a long time now in the combat zones of Iraq and Afganistan and they're holding up well for their uses. But again, I wouldn't pry open doors or break locks with a knife this thin.

Jeff
Click to expand...

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your posts. Got 'em on the "other forum".
As a matter of fact, I have had to pry open doors; but this doesn't happen very often. I have more than several Swamp Rats and Busse's, but I wanted one from you.
I'm sure that the RC-3 will be fine for most of my duty-related tasks; it's a Sweetie.
Thanks again for the heads-up on the RC-4 thickness.
 
We appreciate you. Like I said in my last post on the "other forum" if you break it then we'll make it right. The knife design had a lot of input from combat soldiers. They wanted a last-ditch utility knife that was very lightweight and compact with a lot of carry options. It is by no means a heavy-duty prying knife, but if you have to use it for that in your daily work and you break it, then let us know and we'll take care of you.

Best regards,

Jeff
 
R.A.T. said:
We appreciate you. Like I said in my last post on the "other forum" if you break it then we'll make it right. The knife design had a lot of input from combat soldiers. They wanted a last-ditch utility knife that was very lightweight and compact with a lot of carry options. It is by no means a heavy-duty prying knife, but if you have to use it for that in your daily work and you break it, then let us know and we'll take care of you.

Best regards,

Jeff
Click to expand...
Jeff, you're the best. That's why I wanted one from you... I knew that you'd stand behind your work. :thumbup:
 
Troop said:
When the blade snaps, I'm not going to be thinkin' about how great the choil fits. :mad:
Click to expand...

Nope...you are correct. The thickness is not a big issue with me because I don't do any door prying, but if you were in a situation where that was needed, the knife would lack a bit.

Nice to see Jeff jump in.
 
Where can I buy one? I've been looking for something like this. A small knife that was actually designed to cut and slice:D

I want one.

GregB
 
So, now how do I decide which one to get??

I've been on the verge of picking up a RAT-3; normally, I'd think, "well, this is just the improved release of the same knife;" but if someone is still making the RAT-3, then there are really 2 different knives...great. The wife will definitely NOT understand this one....
 
Ontario still makes the RAT-3 in 1095 and D2. The RC-3 has a slightly longer handle and some added sheath options.

Jeff
 
I should get my RC-3 anyday. I have the RAT3 and love it, it's heavy duty for such a small knife if that makes sense but the longer handle of the RC-3 should make a good difference. I like the fact that I can use either sheath system with either knife and one can be the back up knife for the other. I do wish the RC-3 Sheath was black instead of brown though but to each their own.

Anyway these are the reasons I used to rationalize buying two knives that are similar :D

I'm anxious to see the RC-4 someday, assuming it'll be a 4 or 5" blade but the same design.

God Bless
Gideon
 
I really like the new RAT 3! The longer grip will be great and I really like the blade shape and thickness. I think it would fit in with my uses perfectly.
Bob
 
does somebody has some side-by-side comparison pictures of the RAT-3 and RC-3?

Im very curios of the overall difference and how much longer the handle of the RC-3 is
 
These are private label. RAT-3 at the top, RC-3 at bottom. All private label RC-3's have red scale liners.

Jeff

edited to add: private label RC-3s have the RAT logo etched into the handle. Standard RC-3s do not.

rat3rc3.jpg
 
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