Rat rc-5

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SangYuP

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Jul 16, 2009
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I have been reading a lot of posts regarding various different RAT knives. Initially, I had my mind set on the RC-5, but I am slowly moving towards a Izula or RC-4. I am beginning to feel like the RC-5 might be too much and I might be better off with a RC-4 or Izula. If I get the RC-5 or RC-4, I'll be using it for camping and hiking. I won't be going camping or hiking all that often and it will be at a drive in campsite. Based on my use and location, which knife would you recommend between the RC-5 and RC-4?
 
I like the RC4 but you may want to consider the RC6. It may be a little better suited to camping chores, such as but not limited to batoning, IMHO.

_____Rat Pack #106_____
 
I like my RC4, but I think the RC6 is the better choice for camping. The edge is better suited for a larger blade I think. The increased size would make for a great chopper. Then again, if you are going to use it for the smaller tasks, a RC4 or RC3 may be the better way to go. I like the Izula, but I'd like something a little beefier than that for my main blade.

Can't really go wrong here though. Pretty much guaranteed to like whatever you get, if not love it.
 
I think it depends on what else you take. If you have an axe and a saw with you when you camp, I'd get the RC-4, if you don't take an axe maybe the 5 or 6 would be better.
 
The RC-4 will serve you very well. It is a great all around outdoor knife.
 
I want to thank everyone for your suggestions. I didn't even think about the RC-6. Now you have me thinking. One thing I forgot to add was that I will have one of my spyderco folders (3" blade). I figure I can use that for any tasks that need a smaller blade. Or maybe I will get an Izula as well for the smaller tasks.:D I will most likely not have an axe or saw to use so it will have to be my knife that does the cutting/chopping. Now the choice is between the RC-4 or RC-6. The choice is even harder because the prices are not that different between the models. I might get an Izula to start off with and then decide between RC-4 and RC-6. This will be a tough choice.
 
I've done EVERYTHING with a RC-6 while camping.

A 4 would also be a good choice.

A 5 would be very heavy for any prolonged hiking and it's just not a very effective slicer for the smaller tasks.
 
shotgunner11 said:
I've done EVERYTHING with a RC-6 while camping.

A 4 would also be a good choice.

A 5 would be very heavy for any prolonged hiking and it's just not a very effective slicer for the smaller tasks.
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Thanks for the advice, it looks like it'll be between the 4 or 6. Also, the RC-4 comes with 3 different types of handle materials. Linen Micarta, Canvas Micarta, and G10. What is the best material? (I don't really care what color).
 
SangYuP said:
Thanks for the advice, it looks like it'll be between the 4 or 6. Also, the RC-4 comes with 3 different types of handle materials. Linen Micarta, Canvas Micarta, and G10. What is the best material? (I don't really care what color).
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Never noticed the material difference lol. Can't imagine linen and canvas make for a huge difference, at the least not as big of a difference as G10/micarta would. Hopefully somebody can shed some light on this.

Though, I'd go with the color I liked the best over material since I don't think there is any real difference. Could be way off though.
 
riz_aaroni said:
Never noticed the material difference lol. Can't imagine linen and canvas make for a huge difference, at the least not as big of a difference as G10/micarta would. Hopefully somebody can shed some light on this.

Though, I'd go with the color I liked the best over material since I don't think there is any real difference. Could be way off though.
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Yeah, if there is no real world difference between the materials, I'll definitely go with the color I like. Hopefully, someone will chime in and educate me.:D
 
I like the grip and look of the micarta best. However, micarta will soak up moisture and may take awhile to dry (though this usually isn't a big deal). Because it will soak in moisture, it can soak up smells too.

G10 is a tough material and is very resistant to things that would destroy most handle materials, including many chemicals. It doesn't soak up moisture like micarta will. Depending on how it is constructed, G10 is capable of remaining "grippy" even when wet.

Both materials are good and Rat Cutlery does a fine job of the construction of these materials on their knife handles.

_____Rat Pack #106_____
 
I love my rc-5. It's an amazing knife. I wish the other rat knives had the saber grind and bow-drill divot.... I say go with the rc-6 or rc-4 because i doubt that you'll need something like an rc-5 for anything where you're driving in camping, and a thinner blade and lighter weight will make it more agile? You know you can get both the rc-5 and rc-4 :p
 
I've worn a RC-5 for a 50+ mile backpacking trip before, and it's uh, not the ideal blade for such an application. I mean, it was really great for getting at firewood and stuff - absolutely no fear of damaging it, heh - but I'd say it was a bit heavy for the trip. For smaller tasks I had my Kershaw JYD II, so that wasn't a problem.

It looks like you're mostly going to be doing drive-in sites, so weight's not too big an issue unless you're doing longer hikes. I'd say the RC-4 would probably fit best unless you're expecting to have some really heavy applications that would need the 5.
 
I would go with the RC 4, as the RC 5 is an indestructible blade, but not the first most should get.
 
TheGame said:
I would go with the RC 4, as the RC 5 is an indestructible blade, but not the first most should get.
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Most people so far have recommended the RC-4 and RC-6. I'm planning on getting the Izula and RC-4 and when funds allow, I'll be picking up the RC-6. I figure the izula, 4 and 6 should be a good combo to have.
 
SangYuP said:
Most people so far have recommended the RC-4 and RC-6. I'm planning on getting the Izula and RC-4 and when funds allow, I'll be picking up the RC-6. I figure the izula, 4 and 6 should be a good combo to have.
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I think you can cover all your needs with the Izula, RC-4 and RC-6.
 
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