RC4 Destruction

S

Sam30V

Joined
Sep 8, 2007
Messages
196
I know that the destruction test of the RC4 on KnifeTests.com has been out for months now, but I finally took the time to watch it last night. I figured that the RC4 would do fairly well. However, I was amazed at how well it did. It survived tests that a few larger (and more expensive) knives couldn't make it through. What impressed me the most was the edge retention, even after a batoning session. The knife was still sharp enough to easily cut through the webbing. Also, no chipping after the concrete block test! :eek: No tip breakage either!!
That's just plain awesome out of a knife that is around $100. Has anyone else watched the vidoes?
 
I watched it. No way In hell do I hope that I'm going to need to carve through a concrete block, but it's always nice to know you can.

Wonder if Noss gets away with a free replacement...
 
That knife was actually donated to Noss by another person. We did replace that knife.
 
Does Rowen have a R&D dept. that tests RC knives, similar to what NOS does (to test the limits on the knives) ? Were you surprised by any of the results of that test? BTW, That was a generous replacement, and a waste of a good RC4!!
 
It wasn't a waste. If some folks see how much damage the little buggers can take, it only adds to RAT's reputation.
 
Rowen does destructive testing on every batch of RC knives. We (RAT) also test to destruction our new designs.
 
I understand that there are many points of view regarding what they do. I feel that they are not researchers or scientist and they do not conduct experiments in a controlled environment. Here is a question, every time they baton wood, do they use the same type of wood, with the same amount of knots? Is the metal they baton thru the same for each knife, same density & thickness? Do they apply the same amount of force on the C-clamps when performing standing stress tests on the knives and are there any pressure points that could cause the blades to fracture prematurely? I have watched them before, not to monitor what they deem is a good performer or otherwise, but only out of curiosity. I feel they provide a sinister and bizarre form of entertainment that could be compared to an accident scene, a fire or the demolition of a building. You could test a knife without breaking purposefully. There are videos of people cutting large pieces of wood with the Izula, but not breaking the knife. RC website has video of the RC3 bending (I think 40 degrees but not 100% sure) in the vise.
 
Well, this type of entertainment is just what some do. Some even do it without videoing themselves doing it.

But, along those lines, we could also get into the general bullshittery of the tactical knife industry, in general; the survival industry, in general; the "high-speed" training industry, in general; and a whole lot of other things - such as buying cool toys just because it's a cool tool. I'm guilty of it, as is every person here. So, whether the Noss video projects have any scientific merit is basically not worth discussing since the whole industry, in general, has a ton of BS attached to it. It's just what any individual wishes to watch, do, claim, practice, etc. that makes anything any one person does of value to them.
 
It's nice to know that Rat knives can take that kind of abuse.I love using mine,but not to the point of destruction.
 
Many knives can take more abuse than most people think. I've seen some really cheap knives take a serious beating and just keep on going. Our knives are tough but so are dozens of other company's knives. I'm just saying that we're really not that special in the big picture. Although Shon does a have a pretty wicked 1095 heat treat process ;)

The idea of knife use it to know how to use them properly. Once you get the experience then it's easy to do chores that the knife may not have been designed for without abusing the knife too much.
 
R.A.T. said:
...Shon does a have a pretty wicked 1095 heat treat process ;).
Click to expand...

I'll say. I beat the crap outta my 6 this weekend and still haven't sharpened it. Is there some adamantium mixed in there too?
 
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R.A.T. said:
The idea of knife use it to know how to use them properly. Once you get the experience then it's easy to do chores that the knife may not have been designed for without abusing the knife too much.
Click to expand...

That right there is the crux of the whole story.
 
I did not buy my 7 RATS because of what Noss does to them. They are excellent cutting tools made of a well heat treated 1095 steel. They are not prybars, jackhandles, screwdrivers or whatever else one may think up. I like the fact that long after I'm gone, my RATS will be doing a great job in the hands of my descendants.

RAT PACK 67
 
I realize that Noss' tests are not scientific and as others have mentioned the outcome of his tests don't fully sway my decisions concerning what knives I will or will not buy. I bought my Rats before watching the vidoes. However, one thing is for certain, he is doing more to the knives than I probably ever will. It's just really nice to have an idea of what they are capable of. I use my knives a lot going camping, hiking and even at work. Rat Cutlery knives have proven themselves to me over and over again, and at their price, you just can't go wrong.
 
What others are trying to say though is since his tests are not set up to specific standards and no benchmarks or standards are used, the RC-4 might not perform that well the next time. In other words, he may step on the next one differently and it not break in two as quick (or quicker), or the concrete may be different in the next concrete block and the blade chip, or a heavier knot may be in the next piece of wood and blow the edge or break the knife. I take his tests for what they are worth for that one incident.
 
I was also amazed at how well the RC-4 held up, especially after viewing a few other of his tests. It didn't affect my purchase in any way though, it's just entertainment. But I must say it's nice to know that if I'd ever need to use my knife for anything other than normal use it'll hold up.
 
A little tear formed as I was watching this, but holy crap was I impressed. I would never imagine putting my RC-4 through anything near as severe. Gives me some confidence that it will handle ANYTHING I will throw at it.
 
R.A.T. said:
What others are trying to say though is since his tests are not set up to specific standards and no benchmarks or standards are used, the RC-4 might not perform that well the next time. In other words, he may step on the next one differently and it not break in two as quick (or quicker), or the concrete may be different in the next concrete block and the blade chip, or a heavier knot may be in the next piece of wood and blow the edge or break the knife. I take his tests for what they are worth for that one incident.
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I actually thought it might perform better. I know that these threads lose something in translation and I just wanted to clarify that I thought the RC4 performed damn well considering, but some knifes are shown to be better and Noss makes statements regarding that. He shouldnt because his tests are not identical across the board. I will stand up for the RC4 any day of the week, and just yeaterday I did on knife forum, someone compared the RC4 to the Falkniven A2 and the BRKT Bravo2. I went on the BRKT forum and stood up for the RC4 ! I felt like a Red Sox fan at Yankee stadium!
 
I was totally impressed by the performance of the knife. I'm not planning any extended concrete cutting, but it was cool to see anyway.
 
I can see where these vids are entertaining but not practical in my opinion ither way....i watch them.
 
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