I was one of the fortunate ones who got the RAT Cutlery RC-6 early and I have been using and abusing it ever since so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on my findings.
First let me say that this is my first RAT knife as well as my first 6" blade. I wasn't sure how practical a 6" blade would be since I knew it wouldn't be as good a chopper as my Dog Father and it wouldn't be as good at delicate work as my Benchmade MiniGrip or other small 3" & 4" blades.
I was afraid that the handle would be a bit small considering the reputation the RAT line has for donning small handles. That fear was immediately put to rest when I opened the box. I have large hands and this fit perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better shaped and sized handle, and the Micarta gives very good grip when your hands get wet or sweaty.
Last Saturday we went hog hunting so I threw it in my pack hoping it would see some action. Unfortunately the RAT didn't get to cut a hog, but it did get a chance to clear some shooting lanes after the hunt was over. I wish I had taken pictures of that, but let me assure you that the 6" inch 1095 blade handled wonderfully. I was slicing through 1.5" limbs with nooo problem at all. Even after 30 minutes of heavy use cutting live oak and cedar the blade remained hair popping sharp.
Since autumn is now here and the weather is finally cooling off here in Texas, it's perfect time to go camping. I thought it was time for my RAT to earn its keep and chop up some fatwood that's been lying around here for a while. Batoning the wood was a simple task with the blade design and such strong steel. I haven't sharpened yet... because I haven't had to but I'm sure that with a few passes on my Arkansas stones it won't be a problem.
It's a great feeling knowing that I can give this knife hell knowing it's backed with the lifetime guarantee. That guarantee is only as good as the guys who back it and I know there are some great guys over at RAT Cutlery as you all know.
The only thing I don't like is the sheath. The clips are crap in my opinion. I mean they're great attaching to your bag but horrible for belt IMO. I like for my knife to sit lower than this allows. But with the blade width I can understand why they had so many problems getting this sheathing done right. Don't get me wrong, I love the retention of the sheath and the fact that it is thin and doesn't get in the way... I am just looking forward to the Molle back option.
All in all, I give this knife a full :thumbup: :thumbup: for anyone hunting, hiking, camping, etc. This will for sure be my number one go-to knife and will replace the one in my bail out bag.
First let me say that this is my first RAT knife as well as my first 6" blade. I wasn't sure how practical a 6" blade would be since I knew it wouldn't be as good a chopper as my Dog Father and it wouldn't be as good at delicate work as my Benchmade MiniGrip or other small 3" & 4" blades.
I was afraid that the handle would be a bit small considering the reputation the RAT line has for donning small handles. That fear was immediately put to rest when I opened the box. I have large hands and this fit perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better shaped and sized handle, and the Micarta gives very good grip when your hands get wet or sweaty.
Last Saturday we went hog hunting so I threw it in my pack hoping it would see some action. Unfortunately the RAT didn't get to cut a hog, but it did get a chance to clear some shooting lanes after the hunt was over. I wish I had taken pictures of that, but let me assure you that the 6" inch 1095 blade handled wonderfully. I was slicing through 1.5" limbs with nooo problem at all. Even after 30 minutes of heavy use cutting live oak and cedar the blade remained hair popping sharp.
Since autumn is now here and the weather is finally cooling off here in Texas, it's perfect time to go camping. I thought it was time for my RAT to earn its keep and chop up some fatwood that's been lying around here for a while. Batoning the wood was a simple task with the blade design and such strong steel. I haven't sharpened yet... because I haven't had to but I'm sure that with a few passes on my Arkansas stones it won't be a problem.
It's a great feeling knowing that I can give this knife hell knowing it's backed with the lifetime guarantee. That guarantee is only as good as the guys who back it and I know there are some great guys over at RAT Cutlery as you all know.
The only thing I don't like is the sheath. The clips are crap in my opinion. I mean they're great attaching to your bag but horrible for belt IMO. I like for my knife to sit lower than this allows. But with the blade width I can understand why they had so many problems getting this sheathing done right. Don't get me wrong, I love the retention of the sheath and the fact that it is thin and doesn't get in the way... I am just looking forward to the Molle back option.
All in all, I give this knife a full :thumbup: :thumbup: for anyone hunting, hiking, camping, etc. This will for sure be my number one go-to knife and will replace the one in my bail out bag.
