RC4 or RC3

Cpl Punishment

Cpl Punishment

Joined
Jan 28, 2006
Messages
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OK, since I can't buy the one I want (OD and Orange) 'til June, let do some more mental mastur. . .:eek:. . .brainstorming. :D

Let's say you already have a large knife of some sort, like say, a 20" kukri that you can't imagine going into the woods without.

Would you go for an RC4 or not bother with the extra inch and go with the RC3, assuming you were going to use the MOLLE back, so we don't have to worry about the sheathing options?
 
My personal opinion is that if you are pairing your RC-X with another knife, axe or chopper, it makes a lot of sense to get an RC-3 which is best optimized for slicing. That 0.125" thickness and the fact that it comes with a steeper bevel edge angle (30o total edge compared to 40oC total edge for RC-4) will allow it to easily outperform the RC-4 in cutting tasks. In the RC-3 you will also have a more optimized EDC knife that is lighter and you get the molle-back included with the knife whereas this is an extra cost option for the RC-4. Paired with other RC- offerings, the RC-3 and RC-6 should make an excellent combination.

On its own, or as a survival knife with a possible fear of the condition where you're other equipment gets lost, I think the RC-4 is a better overall performer. More robust, nicer blade length for batoning (although the RC-6 has it beat here), it truly is a survival blade on its own.

Admittedly, I completely abondoned this logic and bought an RC-4 and now have an RC-6 on pre-order. I won't likely ever carry these two knives together, unless my wife takes the RC-4 and I take the RC-6 on a given vacation. They were purchased in mind to take on different types of trips where I envision using a smaller or larger knife. I anticipate that the RC-4 will see alot more duty than the RC-6 over the long term.

I'd like to get a tiny knife to go with the RC-4 and/or RC-6. Had I gotten the RC-6 first I would have probably then opted for the RC-3 right away. I'm thinking something like the tiger knapp (thanks RAT for endorsing them) with custom kydex neck sheath will do the trick.
 
I would say to make it easy any RC could be used as a stand alone blade so feel good about any of your selection. You could also use a RAT Cutlery combo by getting the RC-4 and neck knife since they are much further apart in size than the RC-3 neck knife combo. All you have to do is add a chopper for that trio.

Chopper/RC-4/RC Necker!
 
I had the same issue and after careful thought on my needs I went with the RC3. It really does "fit the bill" perfectly, perfect size and profile for all my needs. Oh yeah did I mention that I love this knife. The quality and workmanship are second only to the price... I will buy another when the SERE comes out:) Thanks RAT for the fine product.

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I would also go with the RC-3. I never realized how useful that knife would be before I actually owned mine.

You will more than likely get the RC-4 and another RC-3, just to have it. I know, that is what I plan to do!
 
Well I did as well,picked up both Rc3 & Rc4 but I think he was only picking up one at this time and coupling it with a already owned larger blade,so I would suggest the RC3....
 
texastonydobbs said:
I think he was only picking up one at this time and coupling it with a already owned larger blade,so I would suggest the RC3....
Click to expand...


I know I was just tryin' to help even though I can't decide ;) They would both be awesome with or without a bigger blade. I prefer the kydex sheath system of the RC4 but the knives I like equally. Sorry thats all I got :)
 
I agree:thumbup: ...just wait until the colored RC's are released; I will have several of each as will several RAT lovers..:D:
 
More and more I like either big or small fixed blades. I don't see the point of mid-sized, unless you really are looking to go 'one-blade' light. But if that is the case, then a bigger knife can still do more.

And for really fine slicing and dicing, nothing beats a SAK. :thumbup:
 
Personally, I still like the RC-3 over the RC-4 but that's just my personal opinion. I just like the ultra-compact nature of a knife that has this much power....and I'm not even a "tactical" type of guy.

The RC-3 is now setting the standard for a lot of federal law enforcement and some special teams due to it's multi-attachment features and unbeatable warranty / customer service.

We just received a small single sourced government contract on the RC-3. The operators wanted a small fixed blade that had various attachment options on a MOLLE platform since they have just started to switch over to the CIRAS system (Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System).
 
I really have gotten to like my RC-3 however I would like it to be a little thicker like the RC-4, but still prefer the size of the RC-3
 
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