RC-4 for hunting/bushcraft?

not-too-sharp

not-too-sharp

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
243
I'm trying to decide on a hunting/bushcraft knife. I originally had a buck vanguard but ended up needing a fire on a two day trip in Colorado last year.
(20 degrees fahrenheit + unforseeable stream crossing= COLD!!!:eek:)
Needless to say the rat tail tang didn't exactly flourish during the subsequent batoning session I gave the knife. So from this experience I decided I want something a little tougher. Like the RC-4:D.
Has anyone used the knife for batoning,skinning,field dressing,etc.?
It seems like a good compromise of size and weight.
I hike in to hunt. Mostly deer and elk and pack my meat on my back, so weight on my hunting blades has to be minimal. Anyway, I definitely at least want an ESEE so if you don't think the RC-4 is the right pick Let me know which ESEE to go with. Thanks -Andrew
P.S. I don't want anyone else who hunts to think I'm insane lol I always have a buddy come along to help with the meat(when there is any) and for safety. I by no means consider myself good/fit enough to pack out a full grown elk or buck by myself ;)
 
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not-too-sharp said:
I'm trying to decide on a hunting/bushcraft knife. I originally had a buck vanguard but ended up needing a fire on a two day trip in Colorado last year.
(20 degrees fahrenheit + unforseeable stream crossing= COLD!!!:eek:)
Needless to say the rat tail tang didn't exactly flourish during the subsequent batoning session I gave the knife. So from this experience I decided I want something a little tougher. Like the RC-4:D.
Has anyone used the knife for batoning,skinning,field dressing,etc.?
It seems like a good compromise of size and weight.
I hike in to hunt. Mostly deer and elk and pack my meat on my back, so weight on my hunting blades has to be minimal. Anyway, I definitely at least want an ESEE so if you don't think the RC-4 is the right pick Let me know which ESEE to go with. Thanks -Andrew
P.S. I don't want anyone else who hunts to think I'm insane lol I always have a buddy come along to help with the meat(when there is any) and for safety. I by no means consider myself good/fit enough to pack out a full grown elk or buck by myself ;)
Click to expand...


Wanna see batoning and toughness of a RC-4 watch this!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qtJyQgXTio
 
Virtuovoice basically said it blows for skinning and cleaning, which surprised me but then I saw the vid of him field dressing that buck and it does seem longer than what I thought it would be. I've been wanting an RC-3 for like a month anyway... But the RC-4 could be used for more survival tasks. And because of my current financial situation I can't go with my normal solution and just buy both :grumpy: Ok, can someone please decide for me? I'm desperate. (and really want my first ESEE :D)
 
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get the 3, i like mine a lot.
here is a pic for inspiration :D although it wouldnt be a rat pack knife it is the same knife, just different colors and markings
ratpackknife.jpg
 
Just pulled the trigger on the olive drab RC-3 with Orange handle scales :D
$99.93 at new graham with 3rd day shipping (best price I could find)
I can't wait to fondle/beat the tar out of that knife :D
 
not-too-sharp said:
Just pulled the trigger on the olive drab RC-3 with Orange handle scales :D
$99.93 at new graham with 3rd day shipping (best price I could find)
I can't wait to fondle/beat the tar out of that knife :D
Click to expand...

you will not be disappointed! you made a fine choice. i see that my pic must have influenced that decision a little bit. :D
 
Th pic did it all you have no idea :D
Not to mention I've lost an embarrassing number of knives that were all tacticooled out and camouflaged in the woods :grumpy:
I just hope it will deliver in a tight spot if I need it too. (Refer to my buck vanguard story)
 
not-too-sharp said:
Th pic did it all you have no idea :D
Not to mention I've lost an embarrassing number of knives that were all tacticooled out and camouflaged in the woods :grumpy:
I just hope it will deliver in a tight spot if I need it too. (Refer to my buck vanguard story)
Click to expand...

Oh, don't worry about that. It's a very well balanced and tough knife. Your going to love it.
 
not-too-sharp said:
Just pulled the trigger on the olive drab RC-3 with Orange handle scales :D
$99.93 at new graham with 3rd day shipping (best price I could find)
I can't wait to fondle/beat the tar out of that knife :D
Click to expand...

I love the "3". I think it makes a great hunting/skinning knife. Great choice.
 
not-too-sharp said:
Th pic did it all you have no idea :D
Not to mention I've lost an embarrassing number of knives that were all tacticooled out and camouflaged in the woods :grumpy:
I just hope it will deliver in a tight spot if I need it too. (Refer to my buck vanguard story)
Click to expand...

oh i think it had a bearing ;) :D
 
The RC3 will serve yuou just fine. Me I prefer the RC4, It is a bit better for batonning etc. than the RC3.
 
wildmike said:
The RC3 will serve yuou just fine. Me I prefer the RC4, It is a bit better for batonning etc. than the RC3.
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I'm with Mike on this, the 4 is better for camping. BTW I went with the OD green RC-4 with orange handle. Good combo in any knife. ;)
 
SuicideFO said:
I love the "3". I think it makes a great hunting/skinning knife. Great choice.
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I used an ESEE 3 on 4 deer this past year and it worked great. I think this upcoming season I will be using an Izula (with scales) for the field dressing and skinning duties. I just like a small blade for the tasks.

You will be happy with the ESEE 3. Enjoy.
 
Now i have to wait n extra couple days cuz I ordered on a friday :grumpy:
(smacks forehead)
Oh well itll probably just make me more excited lol.
Thanks for all the advice and especially that amazing pic gundude73.
RAT and Newgraham owe you for a sale my friend ;)
 
not-too-sharp said:
Now i have to wait n extra couple days cuz I ordered on a friday :grumpy:
(smacks forehead)
Oh well itll probably just make me more excited lol.
Thanks for all the advice and especially that amazing pic gundude73.
RAT and Newgraham owe you for a sale my friend ;)
Click to expand...

thanks man, yeah you wont be disappointed you made a great choice, glad my pic could help :D
 
My last RAT/ESEE knife is an RC-4S, I think it is a great all around size for hunting and bushcraft. I hit the woods a lot for different reasons, and while I do usually take more than one knife to the woods for one reason or another...since the day I got my RC-4, if I've been in the woods it has been with me.
 
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