Rat3 for survival?

S

segaman22

Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
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Hey guys, im getting a Rat3 for an all around carry knife, for Christmas. I was wondering if it will make a good all around Survival knife? I mean in terms of food prep. defense, shelter building and all around eveyday carry. I love the knife. It fits me in every way, but in terms of survival, would it do? I carry a Ontario Pilots Survival knife or a Buck 119 right now in the woods. I want the Rat 3 to be an every thing knife. What do yall think? Thanks
 
A bit small, maybe? If I'm only going to have one tool in the woods, I'd want it to be at least 4". The RAT3 would complement a SAK and hatchet well, however...
 
I hear nothing but good things about the Rat3. I really like that knife alot! I think this knife would suffice just fine. I would manage just fine with the Rat3.
 
I've taken the RAT3 on many trips as my only knife. I've tested it splitting wood, food preperation, and fire building. It can definately get the job done but on a long haul i'd want a pack hatchet for any major shelter building. So yes, it would definately work fine as a survival knife, and the size means you'll likely have it on you in a survival situation.
 
Thanks guys for the info. I see im not the only one up late at night haha. I am really looking forward to Christmas morning knowing im getting this knife. I feel like a kid again. haha. What about defense? I live in Mississippi and the biggest most dangerous critter in these woods would be a couger or coyote or wild hog. I guess in a pinch it would work. I will be carrying a hatchet with me or Machete.
 
It could work as a last ditch effort for defense, but i'd use the machete and hatchet first. If thats not handy grab a big stick or rock..
 
Oh yeah i agree with you on that CosmosDrifter. I was going to get a tak but i wanted the Rat3 cause this will me my evey day carry knife. I feel more secure with a fixed blade than a folder for edc. The size of the Rat3 just seems to fit the bill for me and in the summer when im wearing shorts i can were it with the clip or around the neck. Is your Rat3 sheath very secure? I mean does it stay in the holster good? No chance of losing it by falling out? Oh and by the way, im getting mine in 1095. I just love that steel.
 
I have the 1095 as well. At first the sheath held really well, but slowly got less snug. I used a blowdrier to heat up the platic and pressed it around the knife, it worked well. I dont know if i'd want it around my neck, but i guess i've never been one for neck knives anyway. The clip is flimsy and doesnt last long. The teklock is great though.

I suppose if you didnt have the clip or teklok on the sheath it would feel fine around the neck.
 
Cosmos, i havent figured out that sheath yet. I have only seen it in magizines, so i dont know what to expect. You say the sheath gets loose over time and what is teklock?
 
segaman22 said:
What about defense? I live in Mississippi and the biggest most dangerous critter in these woods would be a couger or coyote or wild hog. I guess in a pinch it would work. I will be carrying a hatchet with me or Machete.
Click to expand...

What you need for animal defense is known as a .454 Cassull

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But seriously, coyote isn't a threat at all to adults. You likely won't even notice a cougar until it bites you on the back of the neck. Hog might be a problem, knife isn't likely to help.
 
I love the rat3 ,and i have been many places from TX- CO as my only fixed blade and no issues ,granted I was not making a shelter ,camp chores ,ax did the chopping !
 
My friend has the rat-3. I used it a little bit when we went camping. IMO, I think that it's a perfect size knife for just about everything. Soon, I will get one for my collection to compliment my rat 7. Although, RAT Co. is mentioning a RC-4. It think that would help with size issues for some who prefer a tad bigger blade.
 
I own the RAT 3 big brother the RAT 7, and if the 3" version is half as useful as the 7"...it'll more than pay for itself.
 
I have come to rely on a smaller knife than I used to as my prefered woods tool. I prefer a 4-5" blade in general, but I think you could rely on the RAT3 in an emergency. The only thing you can't do is chop, and while that may make things go faster, it's not the be all end all in a survival situation. Much more important is having the knife with you and with such a small package, that shouldn't be a problem.
 
If you mean as a one-knife thing, I'd prefer something bigger. I chose the RAT-7, but in the one-knife scenario, I'd go with at least the RAT-5.

I happen to like a RAT-3, RAT-7 combination. Most of the bases covered, plus the RAT-7 sheath has a nice pouch that I keep my sharpening gear in. Others carry firestarting gear, etc in it.
 
Defense out in the boonies? I'm with Ilbruche!

I don't reach for a 3" or 4" knife. I reach for my .41 Magnum with my handloaded 265 grains Beartooth bullets. Or, my Ruger B.H. .45 Colt with my handloads using 300 grains Beartooth bullets.

Either of those will do for four legged critters... or two. :thumbup:

L.W.
 
I have come to rely on a smaller knife than I used to as my prefered woods tool. I prefer a 4-5" blade in general, but I think you could rely on the RAT3 in an emergency.

I've been going this rout myself the past little while.For a while I was carrying enough steel to build myself a battleship in the woods.But now I carry a Fallkniven S1 and a hawk.Though I have a RAT-5 coming for Christmas and I'm looking at a RAT-3/4 for a birthday gift to myself.
 
I have owned several RAT 3s and not once have I had a sheat loosen. I edc carried the same one for two years and it never got loose. they are excellent knives that could easily be relied on in an emergency. I think I might order and rc 3 and 4 next month for the hell of it.
 
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