RAT rc3 or rc4?

H

hotfuzz

Joined
Oct 13, 2009
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56
hey guys
ive never owned a rat cutlery knife and i am trying to decide between the rc3 or rc4. i am not exactly sure what i will be using it for but it will most likely be for something along the lines of a new camp/carry knife. since im not sure of the exact predicted usage, i was hoping some of you RAT owners would tell about what you do with yours
thanks
dan

oh yeah and since i know a lot of you guys have em both which would you suggest and why? thanks
 
I was torn between the rc-3 and the rc-4; I did have a plan in mind. It was more for a hunting knife than anything else but I wanted something a little extra if needed during my hikes. I got the RC-4 and could not be happier. I havent yet used it for my deer processing but I am thrilled with my decision. ( I am still going to get a RC-3 next :D) And dont forget, the biggest difference is not so much the size of the blade but more the thickness of the blade.
 
Do you have big hands? then get the RC-4.

I got myself a RC-3 MIL and it was way to small for my hands so I sold it.
 
I had this dilemma when I was looking at getting another RC knife after I was blown away by the Izula. Basically what made up my mind was that I could pay around the same price and get a bigger (thicker and longer) blade, and I chose to get the RC-4. I don't have an RC-3 yet, but I'll be getting one when the RAT Pack knife ships. You can't go wrong with both, and many recommend getting the RC-4 if you're not sure which one to get. The RC-3 will serve as a better slicer and will carry better if you choose to EDC it, but the RC-4 is the better knife if you want a general outdoors knife.
 
Bierkameel said:
Do you have big hands? then get the RC-4.

I got myself a RC-3 MIL and it was way to small for my hands so I sold it.
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RC-3 and RC-4 have the same sized handle in length. There is only a slilght difference in handle width but the shape is exactly the same. IMO handle size is not a criteria that can/should be used to choose which model you are going to get (between the RC-3 and RC-4). That being said I really like the RC-3. The thinner stock makes it a better slicer and it just handles and carries particulary well for me. If you are doing a lot of batoning though, the RC-4 may be of benefit in that area, although you can baton with the RC-3.
 
Bierkameel said:
Do you have big hands? then get the RC-4.

I got myself a RC-3 MIL and it was way to small for my hands so I sold it.
Click to expand...

They're the same size handle-wise.



To the OP: I've had both and sold the RC-4. It was a nice knife but I never used it since I had the RC-3.

The 3 is much better for what I use a smaller knife for. Food prep, whittling, processing game, yard work, etc the thinner RC-3 excels. It just feels better in the hand to me than the RC-4 as well. If I want a heavy duty camp knife I go for my RC-6 or one of my larger Busses.

YMMV.;)
 
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gottahaveit27 said:
RC-3 and RC-4 have the same sized handle in length. There is only a slilght difference in handle width but the shape is exactly the same. IMO handle size is not a criteria that can/should be used to choose which model you are going to get (between the RC-3 and RC-4). That being said I really like the RC-3. The thinner stock makes it a better slicer and it just handles and carries particulary well for me. If you are doing a lot of batoning though, the RC-4 may be of benefit in that area, although you can baton with the RC-3.
Click to expand...

Haha! You must have posted seconds before me!
 
great advice i dont think i will be doing much batoning so that would not really be an issue with the rc3 i need to find a store where i can handle them both to see which feels better in my hand but i havent found one yet!!
 
I have the RC4 and it quickly became my EDC blade. The sheath system allows it to be set up for carry in several ways. Plus I liked the thicker blade for the tougher stuff I do in the hills.

Hwever the RC3 will also perform equaly well and the RC3 Mil is one hell of a good package deal.

I convexed the edge on my RC3 if I picked one up.

I prefer the RC4, I l;ike the extra strength in the outdoors. and the little extra blade lenght comes in handy.

RAT PACK #103
 
I had always thought about the RC-3 but realize that the blade was a little small and rather have the extra that comes on the RC-4.
 
Personally, I think the RC-3 is a better knife for doing knife things than the RC-4. It is of thinner stock and really just the perfect size for fine control cutting tasks and skinning animals.

The RC-4 gives you more piece of mind for the 'what if' factor. It's beefier 3/16" thickness comes at the expense of cutting performance and ease of sharpening. The 1" extra blade length makes it handier for wood processing and batoning chores, but if you were focused on that you would probably pull for an RC-6. The RC-3 is lighter and better adapted for EDC. It is also better paired with a larger chopper of some type.

I love my RC-4 because it sort of reeks with confidence as both a survival blade and it is a 'good enough' performer to overcome the disadvantages I discussed above. The other thing that the RC-4 has going for it is the kydex sheath which I just think is better than the molded plastic ones. I don't hate the molded plastic, but I like the kydex better.

If you are just looking for 1 knife than the RC-4 will do you fine. If you think you are going to have a knife plus hatchet/axe or later buy larger knives than I think the RC-3 is a better blade to purchase.
 
nate1714 said:
I had always thought about the RC-3 but realize that the blade was a little small and rather have the extra that comes on the RC-4.
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The blade on the RC-3 is probably bigger than you think (in my opinion it is plenty long for most camp chores and excells at more detailed work where the 4 is not as proficient). You should try to get ahold of one because it may surprise you.
 
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The 3 is thinner so it is the better slicer of the 2
The 4 is thicker but still a pretty good slicer and a more alround blade

I'd go with the RC 3, don't like the 4's blade / handle ratio.
and if you need a complete alround blade i'd go with the RC 6, best rat IMO :D
 
I think the idea of the RC3 being too small for lg. hands vs the RC4, might've been that the person was thinking of the RAT3? Those are definitely smaller.

As has been stated, it really depends on what your priority is. If you're looking for an all around personal knife, the RC3's probably the better choice. I think it'll carry better, slices a little better, & is handy.

The RC4 would be more if you might not carry it as much & need a heavier duty blade. It'll still slice, but not like the RC3's thinner blade. But the RC4 can probably handle chopping, prying, & cutting heavier stuff.

Of course, you really can't go wrong with either one.
 
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