RC-3/4 vs BRKT Aurora/Northstar

Cpl Punishment

Cpl Punishment

Joined
Jan 28, 2006
Messages
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Since few, if any, of the guys here only use one brand of knife, I'd like to ask for a comparison.

For anyone who has used both the RC-3/4 and Bark River Aurora or Northstar, how does the RC stack up?

The Aurora/Northstar seem to have the advantage of a less-wide blade with the point dropped to be in line with the centerline of the handle. This would seem to facilitate "knife drilling" better than the higher point of the RC knives.

Is this a real advantage, or just a theoretical one? (I figure someone will know, as there's plenty of pics of RCs being used for shelter building ansd the like).

The RCs seem to have the advantage of the flat grind. The Aurora/Northstar have .170" thick blades (nearly the same as the .187" of the RC-4, and distinctly thicker than the .125" of the RC-3), so even thought he BKRTs have a nice convex grind, it seems the RCs will be the better slicers. Would this be a good assessment?
 
I have 4 different BRK&T knives and one being the Northstar,to me your assesment is good but the Nortstar is a better slicer IMO due to non coated blade. RC's are good at slicing and what not and on almost evey camp chore I would choose the RC over the Northstar, the Northstar feel like a Kitchen knife,therefore cooking duties it is assigned,don't get me wrong it is a tough blade and is a great bushcraft blade but not my 1st choice...I donated my NS to my son,his bush blade and the yellow G10 scales feel so small well all the scales for that fact feel small on the NS to me and I have average hands
 
RAT and BRKT are my two favorite companies. I feel they both make real high quality knives at a decent price.

Comparing the two is a tall order, because the Barkies have the convex grind and the RAT does not. For that reason, I prefer the RAT for wilderness chores, because I feel it is easier to sharpen. I admit I have not been sharpening convex edges very long, I think the RAT can be touched up fast with a ceramic stick.

Either one is awesome, and either one is worth having, so I would seriously consider getting both. If by chance you don't like one (I really doubt it) you can always sell it online.
 
Yeah, I already know I want an RC-4 <cough>OD&Orange<cough>

While waiting for it's release, I was thinking of cooling down my knife withdrawl with a BRKT offering.

Ended up pulling the trigger on an Aurora from Knivesshipfree.
 
Congrats on the Aurora. I have one in Osage Orange and it's a great knife. You'll love it for sure.

I have all three of the knives in question, and I prefer the Aurora. The other two are great knives too, but my Aurora gets the most use. It's super easy to sharpen, I just wipe it on my pants leg, or bring a field strop and two or three swipes and it's back to razor sharpness.
 
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