RC-5 mini review

tonym

tonym

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Mar 18, 2008
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I posted this in the Rat Cutlery forum, but I thought you guys may like to see it also.

I recieved my RC-5 on Monday, so this is just an initial review as I will have to use it alot more to truley test its capabilities.

So how about some pics.

With some Family members for size reference


The handle is well done. It reminds me a lil of the Rat-5 I had, allthough thankfully it is not as handle heavy. For a heavy rather large knife the RC-5 is not unwieldy and it feels pretty comfortable in my medium size hands.


The green coating is very well done. The grind is nice and even. It has a rather thick saber grind which I am not usually a fan of, but it cuts pretty well despite that. I understand the thick saber grind will take lots of abuse, but I will still probably thin it out a lil.











I like the sheath, it is very well made. It also can hold my Izula as a lil combo package!


More to come
 
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I didn't have alot of time to play today; but I had a White cedar hearth board and drill, as well as a kick ass sharpened bowdrill socket so what the hell.

First I cut out a divit. Piece of cake...


Then I burned in the hole


Next the notch.


Gotta make that funnel, to help the coal form.


It took some time for me to get use to my new socket, but in the end it did the job.


Not so pretty anymore eh..




More to come
 
I recently recieved another knife, so for the hell of it I brought that out as well.


First I made a quick fuzzy with the RC-5. It did ok, but again I think a thinning the edge will help out alot.


Then with the same piece of maple, I used the SAR-5. If you think the RC-5 has a thick edge, try the SAR-5...




I like the edge geometry alot better on the RC-5, and the tip is alot pointier also.


I went and put the SAR away, and proceeded to do just a couple more basic things.






Thr RC-5 easily handled the tasks. This is no Bushcraft knife; so don't pick it up and expect it to whittle wood or cut like a smaller scandi, but overall I like this knife alot. If this was the only tool I had in a survival situation I am pretty sure I would break down before this knife would. Great Job Rat Cutlery, you made another fine knife. When I get to use this knife more, I may come back with some more thoughts. Till then, cheers fellas.

If you have any questions or want to see this knife handle a particular task let me know...
 
Great review. I have one coming, now you made me want it even more, thanks a lot. I can't wait :thumbup:
 
great review Tony... nice pics too man...:thumbup: i really like the nice wide blade on those RC-5's.. the sheath looks very cool as well..:)
 
Excellent review, GS. I've heard that a bow drill divot in micarta is unaffected by use. Your tests indicate otherwise. And I'm assuming you only did one coal?

I've always been very skeptical about those claims. Since you're on site, what's your take?

GP
 
Congrats TonyM

Few questions .......

1 - You mention the RAT-5 as being more blade heavy. I thought with the saber grind (more steel left) the RC-5 would be more blade heavy. Can anybody confirm if I am way off by actual comparison of blades.

2 - I had the RC-5 on order from KSF and when I read about the saber grind and saw images, I changed the order to a D2 RAT-5. Your observations kind of confirms my take that saber grind is not the best for actual knife use but great for strenght. How do you intend to thin the edge out?

Thanx in advance.

Aubrey
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Excellent review, GS. I've heard that a bow drill divot in micarta is unaffected by use. Your tests indicate otherwise. And I'm assuming you only did one coal?

I've always been very skeptical about those claims. Since you're on site, what's your take?

GP
Click to expand...

Hey GP, Yes I only did one coal, but it took 3 attempts as the heavy knife was rather akward to use at first for me:o

The micarta definately got hot and definatel stained, bot the hole didn't get any bigger. Like you said I only did one coal, so I don't know if it would wear the micarta more over time. I will most likely not find out as I have better sockets that are more comfy and easier to use. Simce this a survival knife the RC guys may have only intended it to be used in a survival situation. I will take that question to the Jeff though, it is a good one.
 
Aubrey said:
Congrats TonyM

Few questions .......

1 - You mention the RAT-5 as being more blade heavy. I thought with the saber grind (more steel left) the RC-5 would be more blade heavy. Can anybody confirm if I am way off by actual comparison of blades.

Aubrey
Click to expand...

I think I may have confused you a bit, I suck at writing; sory... The RC-5 is less handle heavy then the RAT-5. The balance point is at the first bolt on the handle. I don't think the RC-5 is too blade heavy at all. I like alil bit of weight forward as it helps in chopping.

Aubrey said:
2 - I had the RC-5 on order from KSF and when I read about the saber grind and saw images, I changed the order to a D2 RAT-5. Your observations kind of confirms my take that saber grind is not the best for actual knife use but great for strenght. How do you intend to thin the edge out?

Thanx in advance.

Aubrey
Click to expand...

I have been using mostly very thin convex edges or scandi's as of late, so this felt different at first. It does not cut as well as thoughs, but I will knock the shoulders back a lil and steepen the angle making it alot more to my liking.

I sold my RAT-5 awhile ago as the handle was too big for the amount of blade it had , imo.
 
Great post Brother...
I am with you though ,I may thin out the edge on my RC5 as well but overall a Great Knife for the .250" fan...I love the sheath as well.The bow drill divot will make me practice more for sure ! Great Job Tony
 
Man another great RC5 review. I really like the look of that knife, and it's very cool that the divot in the handle works. Pretty sure an RC5 is in my future.
 
I just recieved word from CRKS that my RC5 has shipped...Yaaay!

I plan to convex the edges on mine right off the bat.

I appreciate the info on the SAR 5 as well. It is a pattern I have been looking at as well.
 
Nice write up ... not sure how I feel about using that knife socket though

what am I talkin about I can't ... umm ( haven't :D ) made a friction fire yet.
 
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