RC-6's Are HERE!

Since you are a beyond obvious troll, RG598, I'll compare my old Ontario RAT-7 to my RC-6 just once, from stem to stern.

  • The point on the RC-6 is straight and true. The RAT-7? Not so much
  • The edge was even ground on the RC-6 and not on my RAT-7.
  • There is a tough thermalpolymer crinkle coat on the RC-6 as opposed to a garden variety phosphate job on the RAT-7
  • The markings on the blade of the RC-6 are accurate, unlike the slightly askew "RAT-7" stamped into mine.
  • The RC's micarta slabs feel nicer, are not as blocky, and are perfectly shaped and mated to the tang. The RAT-7 had to be dremeled to be even or not feel blocky.
  • The RC has lined handle slabs so that water doesn't get behind them. The RAT doesn't.
  • The RC is demonstrated to have an impressive heat treat. No one has ever called an Ontario heat treat anything better than hit & miss.
  • The sheathing system of any RC beats that of any RAT, aand kicks double ass if an RC MOLLE backer is in the mix.
  • RC is run by guys who care about knife performance, the users of their products, and making innovations. Ontario is apparently run by low-class, suited jag-offs who think suing is competing.
  • RC stands behind their products unconditionally. Ontario backstabs.

I'll spend my dough with the honorable men behind RAT Cutlery, thank you very much. Ontario RATs are great for two groups of folks: 1) Those who can't afford the extra freight for a superior RAT designed RC knife. 2) People who could afford either Ontario RATs or RCs but who have only a sensibility for price and a huge blind spot to value.
 
I'll agree with you on the sheath of the RAT 7. I don't like it.
As far as water getting behind the handle slabs, take tehm off and you will see that the blade is coated the full way-don't worry about the corrosion. If you are going to be in such an extereme environment where even the coated 1095 blade will rust, you need to switch to a different material.
As far as your other remarks, I have not had the same experience.

And it is true, I don't have money to throw around. If I am going to spend more I want a proportionate increase in quality. As much as I love the RC knives, and as I have stated, they do have improvements, I don't think that the increase in cost is justified.

I am happy to see that there are people like you out there, who have the spare cash. Congratulations!
 
Knifeworks today shows Ontario's RAT 7 in 1095 steel for $97.95.

Two weeks ago they sold my RC-6P to me for $119.95.

Is that $20 your entire argument FOR the RAT 7?
 
I did get mine for much less, but you are about right. On a $100 knife, $20 is a 20% difference. If I am paying 20% more, I want a 20% increase in quality. That's all.
 
Traditional wisdom says to buy the "best you can afford". Having any knife is better than none.

But when I spend a week in the forest backpacking or am on a search & rescue mission, where my life (and others) could depend on my "tool" choices, I'll spend a little more to get the better tool.

Good boots, rain-wear, knives, climbing gear, tents, sleeping bags, backpack and flashlights should be the best you can afford :)
 
If your life depends on your knife, or it is a requirement for your job, you should spend the extra money.

I must be honest and say however, that during a week in the woods, I've never had any knife fail on me, even after heavy use.
 
hwpaintballer said:
I've been thinking about getting a new pair of boots any recommendation?
Click to expand...

Pick any of the top-name brands, then wear the socks you hike in and go somewhere like REI to try them on AND walk around for 30 minutes in the store with them on.

Vasque Sundowners have been my favorite for the last 10 years. But now I read they are being made in China and don't have the same quality. So do your internet research, talk to other hiker/climbers and buy from knowledgeable sales-person's.
 
rg598 said:
And it is true, I don't have money to throw around. If I am going to spend more I want a proportionate increase in quality. As much as I love the RC knives, and as I have stated, they do have improvements, I don't think that the increase in cost is justified.
Click to expand...

rg598 said:
I did get mine for much less, but you are about right. On a $100 knife, $20 is a 20% difference. If I am paying 20% more, I want a 20% increase in quality. That's all.
Click to expand...

Dang, this thread too?

I haven't had problems with the Ontario designs like the others have. My RAT-7's only problems are that the tip was so dull it didn't want to stab through typing paper, and the finish started wearing off the first time it tasted wood.

Yeah, the sheath bites, buy a Spec-Ops and replace it.

You reach a point on the bang vs buck graph where small increases in quality and performance (bang) require increasing amounts of money (buck). Ontario seems to ride right on the border of where the small increases start to really cost. If you get a good example, they are good knives for the money and you'll do well with one. If you get one of the "horror story" models then they suck and aren't worth their lower price.

Buying an RC knife gets you:
1.) Consistent quality
2.) Better coating
3.) Better geometry (my RC-3 had no trouble shanking typing paper)
4.) Possibly better hand-to-scale fit (I don't have a problem with the blocky Ontario handles, but I like Glocks, so what do I know?)

Seriously, no one is telling you to buy an RC. But it IS trolling to ask why someone would buy an RC in the RC forum everytime an RC knife is mentioned.

If you like your RATs, good, use them. Post stories and pics int eh General Kniofe or WS&S forums of you kicking ass with your RATs, like everyone else does with their favorite knives.

But dude, you're just asking for less than cordial responses doing this here.

An example would be me going into the Busse forum and introducing myself with "Why do you guys pay $500-$900 for a Battle Mistress when my Himalayan Imports Kumar Karda is the same size, same thickness and chops just as well for just under $100?" I'd get verbally (textually?) kicked in the nuts and throw out the proverbial storefront window.
 
Another boot chime in, Danners, period !!! Still wearing the same pair that I got in 1984, only had them resoled a couple of times. That second pair that I have may never get used if these don't wear out. :D
 
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