RAT, or TOPS

J

Jake Bauer

Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
4,293
Hey guys,

I read in another thread that Rat cutlery knives were very well recomended for hard use/survival situations. After looking at them, they seem to look a lot like TOPS knives. They're made out of the same, 1095 Carbon, and the handles seem to be very similar. Which do you guys prefer?
 
both are excelent quallity knives i own three Rat cutlery knives a RC4 an RC3 and an Izula and love them all i also own a three tops a tracker a scout and a dawn warrior and i love them all to if i had to go with one company i think id go with RAT!
 
Both outfits seem to have high quality control. TOPS is a great deal more expensive--the reason for this expense has been a topic of debate often on these forums over the years, as their knives are neither difficult to produce nor using costly materials. But, if you like something, and it's well made, you might as well do what will make you happy.

For me, the RAT designs are far more useful, as their full flat ground blade geometries will out-cut the half-height saber grinds that often appear on TOPS knives by a very wide margin. On the other hand, if you're planning to drive the knife into the side of a mountain as a stake to support the weight of the whole rock-climbing team, the TOPS will be stronger. ;)
 
Jake Bauer said:
Hey guys,

I read in another thread that Rat cutlery knives were very well recomended for hard use/survival situations. After looking at them, they seem to look a lot like TOPS knives. They're made out of the same, 1095 Carbon, and the handles seem to be very similar. Which do you guys prefer?
Click to expand...

They should look similar, they're both made by the same manufacturer, Rowen Manufacturing.;) Personally, I'm in love with my RAT Cutlery, RC-4, but TOPS has so many models to choose from that you may find something from them that really floats your boat. My suggestion is that you take a look at all of the models that both RAT and TOPS have available, and pick the one you think would best suit your needs. That said, I bet you end up with an RC-4.;)

Regards,
3G
 
RAT, hands down. If you need a sharp prey bar go with TOPS, not for low quality but the thickness of the blades. Way to thick for everyday use.
 
The RATs are better cutters in my experience, because of the thinner blades and better geometry.
 
I've got an RC4 and it's a superb knife. TOPS would be good too considering they're from the same manufactuers
 
I like TOPS alot. Will hold a razor sharp edge forever. They have some sub 100 dollar knives. CAT, prairie fox, wolf pup...just to name a few.
 
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