RC-4 or BRKT aurora

R

razorsdescent

Joined
Jan 16, 2005
Messages
2,938
I am trying to decide on a good bushcraft/survival knife system. both have great sheaths with room for a firesteel and both are from reputable manufacturers. darn near the same price point as well.

i personally am leaning towards the RAT simply because i don't own a brkt and i have 2 of the ontario rats with a RAT izula on the way. also i believe the BRKTs have a convex edge which requires alot more to sharpen and certainly more than a diamond hone which i throw in my BOB.

any weigh in from the people here who know far more than me?:confused:
 
couple of points to consider, no matter how nice the RAT knives are, they are nowhere near the fit and finish of a BRKT, which are superb. BRKT's are extremely sharp, and I think you are mistaken about the convex edge maintainance, it is very easy. You can use a diamond rod, but a simple strip of 8oz leather will do the trick, throw it on a flat rock or your leg or anything and strop the edge.

I like the Aurora better,I want one, I'd go with it
 
I believe they are equally suited for the job, and that it's the user that makes the difference, but they are quite different knifes tho.
The Aurora is much more bushcraft orientated with its thin edge and pointy point, but will stand up easily to batoning thick log.
The RC-4 is more 'military utility' in my taste. It has a thicker edge, and invites more to do stuff like opening cans, and pry open crates and stuff..
If you talk Bushcraft/Survival, and these were the only options, I'd go Aurora..
 
another vote for aurora, remember the Barkie is almost twice as much. In my opinion it's worth it.
 
Two completely different styles of knife. Apples and oranges.

I have an RC-4 and I also have a Fox river. My RAT is my favorite user fixed blade. I've found it to be good at everything I've needed it to do. I'll soon be adding an RC-6 because I'm so happy with the 4.

The Fox river is still sitting unused in my dresser. Partly because BRK&T refuses to send me a sheath for it, and partly because it just never really grew on me. Beautiful knife, I just like my RAT's better.

As far as the convex edge, they're easy to keep up with, just different, don't let it worry you.

As far as the fit and finish, I have to say of the examples I've seen, I think RATs are a bit better. But their not hand finished like the Barkies.

In the end, it comes down to personal taste.
 
I own both and they are completly different knives. They are both super tough, so you can't go wrong either way. They both have great warranties and their build quality is top notch on both. The Aurora is a great bushcrafter with a narrow pointy blade. The RAT is more of a utility blade. Both knive are made with carbon steel, the RAT is coated but both can rust if not properly cared for. You can't go wrong with whatever your choice is. You may want to look at the Bark River Bravo1 as it is very similar to the Rat in blade shape.
 
Raining said:
What do you mean? Did it not come with a sheath? :confused:

Sorry for the hijack...I vote for Aurora!
Click to expand...


I'm a lefty, purchaced with a righty sheath, sent it in for exchange in AUG. and I'm still waiting for my new sheath.

They say they haven't made a run of lefty sheaths yet......in 6 months.....none. I just can't help but doubt that.
 
If you want a dedicated bushcrafter, the Aurora is the better choice.
If you want a genereal use knife that can be used for bushcraft, the RC4 is better.

In no way is the RC4 inferior in fit and finish than the Aurora.

You'll probably end up getting both, so just figure what you want the knife for the most and get that one first.
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
couple of points to consider, no matter how nice the RAT knives are, they are nowhere near the fit and finish of a BRKT, which are superb. BRKT's are extremely sharp, and I think you are mistaken about the convex edge maintainance, it is very easy. You can use a diamond rod, but a simple strip of 8oz leather will do the trick, throw it on a flat rock or your leg or anything and strop the edge.

I like the Aurora better,I want one, I'd go with it
Click to expand...


aurora :thumbup:,,,convex is pretty easy too get used too, :thumbup:,barkies are just awesome :D
 
In a choice between the RC-4 and the Aurora, I'd pick the Bravo-1! :rolleyes:

Doc

Edited to read: I own neither the Aurora or the RC-4, but I do own 2 Bravo-1's, which are amazing, and an RC-3. If I had to choose between your 2 options, I would pick the RC-4.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
If you want a dedicated bushcrafter, the Aurora is the better choice.
If you want a general use knife that can be used for bushcraft, the RC4 is better.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. They are both great knives but are not made for the same purpose. I have an RC4 as well as a few barkies. The RAT Cutlery knives have a great fit and finish but because they use coated blades they come across as more utilitarian. The barkies have satin blades and fancy handles so they look a bit nicer.

My opinion would be the RC4 for the following reasons. It came super sharp and the handle is extremely comfortable. The sheath that comes with it is very versitile and the Molle back makes it even more so. The knife is constantly used. My barkies came rather dull (Mikro Canadian and Canadian Sportsman) while this is not a problem it is an annoyance.

I will be buying more RAT Cutlery knives for sure and will more then likely pick up a BRKT sometime as well.
 
I think the fit and finish of the RC4 is great, inferior to no comercial blade I've ever seen.

As fro the 1095 It is the best performing steel I've found to date out of hundreds of knives and decades of experience in hard use conditions. Rust will never be a problem if you maintain the blade which takes a couple minutes per day in the field at best.

BRKT's are great but nowhere in the same price category as the RC4.

In terms of value I'd keep the RC4.
 
I forgot. I prefer a convex edge or a scandi edge as well. So I put in the 30 minutes or so and convexed the edge of my RC4. Scary sharp now.
 
You don't want to buy the bark river, because you would then, have to buy some more,haha. That is what happened to me. I think they are fine knives.
 
hmm i think i might get both :D i think the RAT is more appealing to me at this point in time with a nice leather sheath :) but at the end of the day the aurura is very nice looking and ill probably end up with one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top