- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 59
Here's a little review I did for another member on Knifeforums I thought I'd post it here too. A little disclaimer first....I have not used either of these in "hard" use scenerios yet and I'm not a knive genius, but here's my opinion.....
The Sheath:
No doubt about it...I prefer the RAT sheaths over Fallkniven's, but it's really a matter of personal preference. As you can see...the Fallkniven's sheath is much more streamlined and I think is easier to pack away, is lighter, and takes up less space in a pack. I have heard lots of people complain about the Zytel sheath, but I actually like it a lot. The RAT sheath on the other hand is much better if you are planning on wearing it on your belt, pack, etc just due to the multiple carry options. In addition to the MOLLE attatchments I also purchased the optional Tec Loc which I am pleased with. You can carry horizontal or vertical. The kydex sheath is very well done and is very durable and holds the knife very securely.
Fit and Finish: It's a tie here in my book. I personally like the micarta with liners better on the RAT. I just think it gives it a little more personality. No complaints with the F1...simple and functional...
Handles: Personal preference here once again...I think the RAT wins with the micarta and contour in my book. I do like the finger gaurd better on the RAT(its a little bigger)....BUT...the one drawback of the RAT is the handle LENGTH. I think it's about a 1/2 to 1 inch too small. I have very small hands and my pinkie doesn't even connect with the handle. I'm not sure how much smaller the RC-3 handle is. The F1 handle is longer and fits my entire hand much better. As far as the material...I like them both, but I think I prefer the Micarta. I'm not sure which would be better for you in the cold...I'm guessing the Thermorum(no exposed metal). They are about equal with thickness.
Cutting and sharpness: I did some cutting tests this morning on both knives. I think the Fallkniven has a slight edge on the RAT whith sharpness out of the box. It was slicing paper like butter. The RAT has a great edge and is extremely sharp though too. I don't have a lot of experience sharpening either, but I'm sure you know one's convex and one flat grind. Both were about equal in my book in the carving/fuzz stick department. Both felt comfortable etc...
Firesteel....I used both with the firesteel...the RAT would not strike the firesteel with the coating on the back...only on the blade...the Fallkniven..no problem. As far as the finish coming off...as you can see it didn't even scratch it. That finish seems to be extremely durable and is on there really well. Even after cutting through a few sticks the finish wasn't even scratched.
In the end I think it comes down to personal preference. One's stainless, ones not, etc...they both have their strengths and weaknesses.....I would say the RAT feels more rugged and a little more weighty in the hand. The VG-10 is good steel but combined with the thermorum handle it makes for a "light" knife which could be good or bad I guess. Either way I love them both and would have a hard time saying that one is better than the other. They will both find equal time in my outdoor excursions!
The Sheath:
No doubt about it...I prefer the RAT sheaths over Fallkniven's, but it's really a matter of personal preference. As you can see...the Fallkniven's sheath is much more streamlined and I think is easier to pack away, is lighter, and takes up less space in a pack. I have heard lots of people complain about the Zytel sheath, but I actually like it a lot. The RAT sheath on the other hand is much better if you are planning on wearing it on your belt, pack, etc just due to the multiple carry options. In addition to the MOLLE attatchments I also purchased the optional Tec Loc which I am pleased with. You can carry horizontal or vertical. The kydex sheath is very well done and is very durable and holds the knife very securely.
Fit and Finish: It's a tie here in my book. I personally like the micarta with liners better on the RAT. I just think it gives it a little more personality. No complaints with the F1...simple and functional...
Handles: Personal preference here once again...I think the RAT wins with the micarta and contour in my book. I do like the finger gaurd better on the RAT(its a little bigger)....BUT...the one drawback of the RAT is the handle LENGTH. I think it's about a 1/2 to 1 inch too small. I have very small hands and my pinkie doesn't even connect with the handle. I'm not sure how much smaller the RC-3 handle is. The F1 handle is longer and fits my entire hand much better. As far as the material...I like them both, but I think I prefer the Micarta. I'm not sure which would be better for you in the cold...I'm guessing the Thermorum(no exposed metal). They are about equal with thickness.
Cutting and sharpness: I did some cutting tests this morning on both knives. I think the Fallkniven has a slight edge on the RAT whith sharpness out of the box. It was slicing paper like butter. The RAT has a great edge and is extremely sharp though too. I don't have a lot of experience sharpening either, but I'm sure you know one's convex and one flat grind. Both were about equal in my book in the carving/fuzz stick department. Both felt comfortable etc...
Firesteel....I used both with the firesteel...the RAT would not strike the firesteel with the coating on the back...only on the blade...the Fallkniven..no problem. As far as the finish coming off...as you can see it didn't even scratch it. That finish seems to be extremely durable and is on there really well. Even after cutting through a few sticks the finish wasn't even scratched.
In the end I think it comes down to personal preference. One's stainless, ones not, etc...they both have their strengths and weaknesses.....I would say the RAT feels more rugged and a little more weighty in the hand. The VG-10 is good steel but combined with the thermorum handle it makes for a "light" knife which could be good or bad I guess. Either way I love them both and would have a hard time saying that one is better than the other. They will both find equal time in my outdoor excursions!
