RC 3 or RC 4 - w or w/o serrations?

H

HoosierQ

Joined
Feb 9, 2010
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Ok here's the deal. After a couple years, we're getting a bonus this year in April...with luck. No, I don't work for a bank and it won't be a lot.

I got a budget of about $500. Might get a gun or I might get two ESEE knives.

I am pretty much sold on a plain edge RC6.

I am trying to decide between the RC 3 or the RC 4 (or maybe a HEST). I'll get that decision made OK. Kinda liking the OD orange color.

Here is the point. Serration on the 3 or 4 or not? I am kinda tired of serrations but it seems like they'd be a good feature on a small, do-it-all like the 3 or 4. But I want it to be easy to sharpen and I have plenty of serrated folders...they're all serrated. So any way, any preferences out there guys and gals?

Also, the HEST is kind of cool. I am a little worried about that hollow handle and the two screw set up.

I am greatly looking forward to owning one of these great knives - two actually!!!
 
I would go without serrations, but thats just me. They arent overly useful to me and in the way when doing work at that end of the blade. Just my two cents.
 
personally, I would get an RC-4 and an Izula... without serrations. but If you are set on the rc-6, I would go with the smaller rc-3 to "cover more territory" IMO the RC-4 and RC-6 would overlap too much in function
 
Be sure to add a HEST to your collection. The handle and screws is nothing to worry about, they stay solid as can be. The knife is just too unique not to have one. I like mine WAY better than my RC3.
 
7wt said:
Be sure to add a HEST to your collection. The handle and screws is nothing to worry about, they stay solid as can be. The knife is just too unique not to have one. I like mine WAY better than my RC3.
Click to expand...

That was helpful. I was trying to decide between the HEST and the RC3. Why do you like it so much better?
 
I like the shorter blade, it just handles and balances better. It just feel like it is a part of my hand. I like the thicker handle, the bottle opener and the prybar. They all have uses beyond their design. For example the prybar gives a perfect thumb rest for a reverse stabbing motion. I know there are folks here that don't dig the knife but there are others like me that wonder where it has been all their lives.

I originally wanted the HEST but bought the RC3 first. I was afraid that the HEST would look too mall ninja in the eyes of the popo if I ever got pulled over. I am glad I did it this way because now I have both. Had I got the HEST first I would have stopped with it, I like it that much. Don't get me wrong, nothing is wrong with the RC3. It's a fantastic knife and totally worth having. Just look how many people have three or four of them. All this is totally worthless advice, you will end up owning both anyway.
 
a PE is fine, that is what i prefer,
if you have a CE i think that you can not use either the PE or the SE to their fullest utility, if you want serrations get a fully serrated knife.
 
I vote plain edge.
combo edge, especially on a 3-4" blade doesn't leave enough of either to be useful.
with a ESEE 6, the 3 or the HEST either one would be a good size for a smaller knife.
both have 3" cutting edges, the ESEE3 has a choil for choking up, the HEST has a smaller choil designed to be used as a last ditch wire breaker.
the esee3 has a 1/8" thick blade,the HEST is 3/16' thick, just like the ESEE4 & 6.
 
I have an Izula, RC-3, and RC-6, and feel that I have my bases very well covered.

I carry the RC-3 on my belt or in my get home bag. The Izula is strapped to the shoulder strap of my bugout bag, and the RC-6 is strapped to the side of the bugout bag. I'm working on getting the MOLLE sheath and suvival kit pouch for the RC-6.

I used to like serrations, until I learned to sharpen my knives. I haven't bought any combo edge knives in a long time and have been happier for it...
 
Plain Edge, because on a shorter knife you won't have as many uses for serrations (big limbs, etc).
 
I keep going back and forth on serrations too. I want a 4....had a 3, sold it, got a hest instead and love how it feels in hand. The hollow handle is no biggie- get one, you won't be disappointed.
 
Another vote for PE. Ive had combo edge knives before and I usually find a way to get rid of them. Keep your knife sharp and it will do whatever you need done.
 
Plain edge all the way!! Easier to maintain and far more useful in the bush. I think serrations are great in a cheap utility knife or a rescue knife. I have serrrations on the folder I use when I am running with the medic unit. The serrations work really well on stuff like seatbelts and the like. For all other tasks I keep my IZULA in my cargo pocket because the serrations "get in my way." I have the RC-6, 4, and Izula all in plain edge.
 
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