Opened up my new tan RC-3 this morning when I got into work. Like every other RAT owner on here the fit and finish is SUPERB and the ergos are fantastic. I decided on the plain edge RC-3 for my first RAT Cut purchase because I need a heavy use work knife that I can also EDC. Traditionally I had always used folders but they just cant do everything I want them to, so I figured Id give up a little of the finesse slicability of say a Spydie Military at work in exchange for something that can handle what ever I throw at it..
Ultimately I will probably get the RC-4 serrated for work and EDC the Izula (HINT HINT) and the RC-3 will be relegated to hikes but for now the RC-3 will pull double duty between the RC-4 and Izula.
Ok so first impressions of the RC-3 after day one of putting it through its paces. I purposely tried to do a bit of everything with it today. I am in the Landscape and Building Maintenance field so my knives see it all. As soon as it came out of the package I sliced up some paper and was impressed with the factory sharpness and figured Id give it a few passes on the Sharp Maker later. I did some perennial pruning with it and like I said above the ergos of the knife are incredible so various grips are perfect. I also did some root ball separating on some perennials and that would be a task a folder would shy away from but the RC-3 handled easily. Followed that with a bit of light digging, also something a folder would hate. After that it was into the garage to see what it would cut, heavy hose was doable, and like I said eventually there will be a serrated RC-4 around and I think those serrations may make the initial cutting starts on the hose a bit easier. Heavy webbed belting after the hose was no match for the RC-3. Out to the pool to open up some skimmer/irrigation lids and breakdown some cardboard .no worries there. Whittled a few branches and was going to make a willow whistle but got sidetracked on the whistle with some actual work I had attached the belt clip to the sheath and getting in and out of the truck or on and off the tractor throughout the day was never a, wait I have to pull this off my belt first deal its a very comfy ride one the belt for sure. Towards the end of the day I did some more heavy cutting on some different rubbers and found the blades sweet spot or I guess sweet angle and it handled it EXCEEDINGLY well. Finished off the day with a little battoning (just cause I could). The finish did take on a few wear marks today but these knives I think enjoy being used and the wear is part of it! All in all Im VERY pleased with how the knife before. Not the best at all yasks but at least it can do it all. My military would have snapped for sure and have been a chore to clean even with its open back. The carry options are great. I am definitely looking forward to beating this knife to death a long with the RC-4. I will probably treat that sweet pink Izula with a bit more TLC though! Thanks RAT Cutlery for a great product that fits tons of chores in my work place.
Ultimately I will probably get the RC-4 serrated for work and EDC the Izula (HINT HINT) and the RC-3 will be relegated to hikes but for now the RC-3 will pull double duty between the RC-4 and Izula.
Ok so first impressions of the RC-3 after day one of putting it through its paces. I purposely tried to do a bit of everything with it today. I am in the Landscape and Building Maintenance field so my knives see it all. As soon as it came out of the package I sliced up some paper and was impressed with the factory sharpness and figured Id give it a few passes on the Sharp Maker later. I did some perennial pruning with it and like I said above the ergos of the knife are incredible so various grips are perfect. I also did some root ball separating on some perennials and that would be a task a folder would shy away from but the RC-3 handled easily. Followed that with a bit of light digging, also something a folder would hate. After that it was into the garage to see what it would cut, heavy hose was doable, and like I said eventually there will be a serrated RC-4 around and I think those serrations may make the initial cutting starts on the hose a bit easier. Heavy webbed belting after the hose was no match for the RC-3. Out to the pool to open up some skimmer/irrigation lids and breakdown some cardboard .no worries there. Whittled a few branches and was going to make a willow whistle but got sidetracked on the whistle with some actual work I had attached the belt clip to the sheath and getting in and out of the truck or on and off the tractor throughout the day was never a, wait I have to pull this off my belt first deal its a very comfy ride one the belt for sure. Towards the end of the day I did some more heavy cutting on some different rubbers and found the blades sweet spot or I guess sweet angle and it handled it EXCEEDINGLY well. Finished off the day with a little battoning (just cause I could). The finish did take on a few wear marks today but these knives I think enjoy being used and the wear is part of it! All in all Im VERY pleased with how the knife before. Not the best at all yasks but at least it can do it all. My military would have snapped for sure and have been a chore to clean even with its open back. The carry options are great. I am definitely looking forward to beating this knife to death a long with the RC-4. I will probably treat that sweet pink Izula with a bit more TLC though! Thanks RAT Cutlery for a great product that fits tons of chores in my work place.
