RAT/ESEE RC4 or RC5 for urban survival

R

relay2rl

Joined
Jan 30, 2011
Messages
3
I currently own a Becker BK2, SOG Seal Pup Elite, and Gerber Prodigy. All knives were purchased for survival and urban SHTF scenarios.

The Seal Pup Elite's weight and size make it the perfect knife for my wife.
The Gerber Prodigy was an impulse buy (I was looking for something with a tactical look but after reading about other knives it just looks and feels like a toy... It's probably going to be returned).
The BK2 was purchased based on great reviews. I agree with all the positive reviews and, for the price, it makes a great beater knife. I'm looking to replace the scales for micarta but that would bump the price up to the $100+ range of knives.

So now I'm debating between the RAT/ESEE RC4 and RC5. I'm hoping the guys who own a similar set of knives could help push me over the edge. I like the reviews on how sharp and compact the RC4 is (I think the RC3 would be too small). But I'm concerned with how short the RC4 handle is and it just doesnt have the assertive size/weight of the RC5. Regardless, I think the value is amazing considering the ESEE warranty. Now I just have to choose...
 
The 4 and 5 are really different knives. The 5 is very similar to the BK 2 in size, blade shape, etc. The 4 is not as thick, or heavy. Just real different knives.

If you already have the BK 2 ... the ESEE 4 ? Obviously up to you.

I have a BK 2 and the ESSE 4 - both great knives. Like them both, but for different purposes. Am I being clear as mudd ? LOL


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Edit: Not sure of your hand size, but one thing about the 4 is it has a smaller handle. (at least to me it did) I made some larger ones for it. Works great.
 
The N*5 is on the top of my wish list, have handled it and like it.
I prefer the blade shape and the glass breaker is a great urban survival tool...
 
Yeah the 4 is really a woods knive. The ESEE-5 is so robust that you could pry with it especially if you really get it in there deep. Prying with the ESEE-4 is not going to go much better than prying with any knife...snap...serious urban style prying like doors, locks, gates...the kind of stuff you are going to need in the city in a crisis. I would have a crowbar personally for that.

ESEE-5 is a hard core survival tool for urban, aircraft egress, and that kind of stuff.
 
I apologize, but what exactly makes a knife suitable for "urban SHTF" and another not?

It would seem to me that for urban SHTF a can opener on board would be more valuable than "assertive size/weight."

In an "urban SHTF" scenario, if you want to be intimidating with your knife, a machete is a proven tool in that role. At least until you take rifle bullets or shotgun pellets COM.:p
 
I own the 4,5, and BK2.

If you like the BK2, skip the 5. If you like the micarta handle, then get it. Personally, if you want a woods knife, use the BK2. If it's too thick, get the 4. If you want thicker or longer handles then visit, The Knife Connection. You can get some contoured G-10 handles that extend past the pommel.
Or, you could just roll with the BK2 as is. There are so many options, and none of them are wrong.
 
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