RAT Questions from a newbie

hunter s thompson

hunter s thompson

Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Messages
1,530
I have been looking at trying a small fixed blade for EDC. After spending all last night going through the RAT forum here and the RAT web site I have succeeded in confusing myself even more than I usually am. So if I am thinking right the 3 smallest RATS (mice?) are the Izula the HEST and the RC3. My 1st question is unless I missed it no one on here talks about convexing the edges on any of these knives. I am a knife knut that hates to sharpen knives so I have been sharpening on a 1x30 belt sander.So would a convex edge be all right on a RAT or do I need to try to find my Sharpmaker? My next question is which RAT should I get? I plan on carrying the knife sheathed in my front pocket at work with a dummy cord (I am an EMT/Paramedic) and probally belt carry on my off duty days. Thanks your help for a future RAT.
 
Well to help you out with that I have been using a RC-4 and Izula with a convex edge. There have been no problems to date with either of them. They were a little rough knocking the shoulders down but that is mainly because I did it by hand with sandpaper and a mousepad. I am also a full time paramedic and just for "people friendliness" I would have to say go with the izula. It is probably all you will ever need.
 
scotsmanspride said:
Well to help you out with that I have been using a RC-4 and Izula with a convex edge. There have been no problems to date with either of them. They were a little rough knocking the shoulders down but that is mainly because I did it by hand with sandpaper and a mousepad. I am also a full time paramedic and just for "people friendliness" I would have to say go with the izula. It is probably all you will ever need.
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What he said. The HEST is currently unavailable so it's not yet an option and the RC-3, although compact and awesome, is just too big. The Izula is nice and covert so you won't scare the crap out of the sheeple you're trying to save. Convexing the edge is fine. All of mine end up slightly convexed after i sharpen them several times and eventually they just go all the way. There are actually several RAT owners here that have convexed their RATs and love the new edge.
 
Thanks for the quick answers. So it sounds like I need to order an Izula. To carry an Izula on my belt what would I need to order or is this just not possible?
 
You can either order just the knife and sheath or the whole kit which is a really good deal IMO. People have been using a tek-lok or using paracord on the sheath, as well as the MOLLE lock that comes with the kit . Lots of options to try out.
 
I have convexed the edge on my RC4 and it works great. I chose the RC4 for the EDC role due to the sheath system, and I like a bit longer blade than the RC3 offers. Either knife will grow on you. Great knives.
 
You're a paramedic. You deal with emergencies. You are supposed to have a big, scary knife. :D

I'd get the RC-3 and Izula as back up.
 
Pilot1 said:
You're a paramedic. You deal with emergencies. You are supposed to have a big, scary knife. :D

I'd get the RC-3 and Izula as back up.
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Yeah yeah thats what they all say:D in almost 16 years as a paramedic I have never seen a knife used by a professional on a scene ever. That being said a good knife is indispensable in my every day life.
 
I agree with all the previous posters. Sounds like the Izula will fill your needs nicely.

Also, according to Jeff, handle scales will be available in the future for your existing Izulas, giving you another option.

Honestly, you'll end up buying more RATs anyway, so your just trying to decide on your first RAT.:D
 
shotgunner11 said:
I agree with all the previous posters. Sounds like the Izula will fill your needs nicely.

Also, according to Jeff, handle scales will be available in the future for your existing Izulas, giving you another option.

Honestly, you'll end up buying more RATs anyway, so your just trying to decide on your first RAT.:D
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The Izula sounds like the answer. It also sounds like the question. The way I see it I need 2 Izulas (one to cord wrap one for scales) a RAT 3 just because its so damn cool. Then if my 15 year old daughter sees the tactical pink theres another couple. Sounds like I am screwed:D
 
scotsmanspride said:
Well to help you out with that I have been using a RC-4 and Izula with a convex edge. There have been no problems to date with either of them. They were a little rough knocking the shoulders down but that is mainly because I did it by hand with sandpaper and a mousepad. I am also a full time paramedic and just for "people friendliness" I would have to say go with the izula. It is probably all you will ever need.
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How long did that convexing take you? I was planning on buying another RC 4 and convexing it :thumbup:

PS. Get the Izula, and when you get it you will find out you must get all the RATs. Than you will decide to get all 4 of the color variants of the Izula.
 
hunter s thompson said:
The Izula sounds like the answer. It also sounds like the question. The way I see it I need 2 Izulas (one to cord wrap one for scales) a RAT 3 just because its so damn cool. Then if my 15 year old daughter sees the tactical pink theres another couple. Sounds like I am screwed:D
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That's pretty much how it works my friend.:D
 
hunter s thompson said:
The Izula sounds like the answer. It also sounds like the question. The way I see it I need 2 Izulas (one to cord wrap one for scales) a RAT 3 just because its so damn cool. Then if my 15 year old daughter sees the tactical pink theres another couple. Sounds like I am screwed:D
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Yup, that's how it is for the rest of us :D.
 
TheGame said:
How long did that convexing take you? I was planning on buying another RC 4 and convexing it :thumbup:

PS. Get the Izula, and when you get it you will find out you must get all the RATs. Than you will decide to get all 4 of the color variants of the Izula.
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It took probably 2 hours give or take. I started out with 220 to knock the shoulder down some. Then to 500, 800, 1200, 2000 then to the strop. I had a few issues with the tip ..had to go back to 500 and then up again but now that it is done it is fanfreakintastik! Just watch the videos on knivesshipfree.com
and it will help some. NOW CONVEX that thing and never look back!:thumbup:
 
Another vote for the Izula.:thumbup: It's a little knife that can do a ton of work. It's a great knife for pocket carry.
 
The Izula fits in a front pocket more easily than some fat folders, and drops into a vest or jacket pocket and lies nice and flat. You can paracord it to a belt for close carry or Tek-Lok it to have it stand off a bit for easier access.
 
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