RC5 or RC6?

M

mlu359

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Camping/survival/digging/hacking/chopping/battoning/cutting/ general hard usage.

Dont suggest any other knives please. The RC5 is thicker than the RC6. It looks more suited for camping/survival.

What do you think?

And why doesnt the RC5 say RC5 on the blade like the rest of the RAT knives?
 
I'd say the RC-6. The 5 was designed for SERE Instructor applications, which are a lot different from the needs of the average woods-bumming civilian. :)
 
I've been trying to figure out the same thing... RC-5 or RC-6... for an absolute survival, shtf, eotwawki knife... as in, trapped in an airplane, car, building and need to cut/chop/stab your way out, then chop wood and build a fire before you freeze to death.. I'm thinking RC-5 just due to the added thickness...
 
For camping use, I would go with the RC-6. It is more of a multi-purpose knife in my opinion. I also prefer the flat grind on the RC-6 to the sabre grind of the RC-5. You can get either one in the RAT Pack Kit!!!!! If you go with the stand-alone knife, you can also get the molle back and accessory pouch for either one.
 
RC-6 is the best for general woods use in my opinion.

The RC-5 is a great blade for it's intended purpose but I don't care for it as a everyday woods blade.
 
If you're even asking yourself that question, the anwser is rc6.

I like my rc5, but it has more limitations that do not incumber the rc6. The only advantage the rc5 has over the rc6 that I can see, is prying strength. Consider that the rc6 is no slouch in prying, and that prying isn't something I'm apt to often do...

As far as battoning and chopping, in the real world, I barely notice a diffrence between the two.
 
RC5 is .250 inches the RC6 is .188 (just like the RC4). Both are great blades, the RC6 IMO is the better camp knife.
 
I'll give you my logic on why I chose the RC5.

I have zero experience with the RC6 so I cannot compare the performance.

bow pivot drill indention. I am no sere instructor but im doing my damnest to become a self taught survivor with help of many books and online reading. So it will come in handy as I am learning these methods.

pommel. possibility of having to smash out windows in cars or house on deployment. I guess i could do this with my rifle however pommel seems more logical

thickness. not gonna lie...thickness is a little over kill for my needs, but its the only avaible size for this length with these features. However the added weight from the thickness really helps out with chopping and hammering and i can count this thing wont break

length/size. RC4 just a dime to little and the RC6 was just too long and machete like for my carry. it was just the right length for doing small things like cleaning game while still being able to take the hardcore abuse of batoning. Like any comprimise it neither dominates one thing or another, but it can still do any task with ease.

sheath. at the time of buying my rc5 the eagle sheath was still being paired with it. Solid velco belt shark bite clamp, double button handle straps(I removed one of them) and the elastic leg strap made for a secure knife to my side. So I didnt have to worry about it getting caught on anything and being pulled out of the "pop in" style sheaths. It also reassured me of not losing my knife on any possible future airborn jumps.Also it was already molle and would mount to any military gear I use
 
cotmurp1 said:
For camping use, I would go with the RC-6. It is more of a multi-purpose knife in my opinion. I also prefer the flat grind on the RC-6 to the sabre grind of the RC-5. You can get either one in the RAT Pack Kit!!!!! If you go with the stand-alone knife, you can also get the molle back and accessory pouch for either one.
Click to expand...

My thoughts also.
 
shotgunner11 said:
RC-6 is the best for general woods use in my opinion.

The RC-5 is a great blade for it's intended purpose but I don't care for it as a everyday woods blade.
Click to expand...

Blasphemy! Fat is where its at!! :D :D :D

RC-5 is a beast!

But I am biased, I love my thick knives. :p
 
RC5 looks like a real sexy knife. I have never owned a good fixed blade knife before let alone a RAT knife. Do you guys think i will be happy with an RC5?
 
RC6,I have a Becker Companion(BK2),which is similar to a RC5.I like my RC6 alot more!You won't break it,if that's what your worried about.The RC6 cuts better and batons like a champ.
 
I got the RC6, and smack it around like a drunk biker chick with no problems. IMO it's the best all-'rounder RAT makes. If you were doing heavy prying (I mean like metal, car doors, etc) then the RC5 would be better, but the RC6 can handle anything that wood is going to throw at it, and the extra inch IS nice, if you're going to baton with it.

However, with that being said. . .

mlu359 said:
RC5 looks like a real sexy knife. I have never owned a good fixed blade knife before let alone a RAT knife. Do you guys think i will be happy with an RC5?
Click to expand...

Get the RC5. My experience is, that if something is calling to you like that, you're going to buy it sooner or later, even if you initially buy the other one.
It won't slice as well as the RC6, the extra inch is nice to have for batoning, but you can get away without it for most camp tasks. So, the RC5 will work for camp use, and if you think it's that sexy, you might as well get it.
 
Get both? You've got to go with what you like. As for usefulness, I'd recommend the six. But it's your knife, not any of ours. Whatever you pick, just be aware of it's benefits and limitations. You can't really go wrong
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I got the RC6, and smack it around like a drunk biker chick with no problems. IMO it's the best all-'rounder RAT makes. If you were doing heavy prying (I mean like metal, car doors, etc) then the RC5 would be better, but the RC6 can handle anything that wood is going to throw at it, and the extra inch IS nice, if you're going to baton with it.

However, with that being said. . .



Get the RC5. My experience is, that if something is calling to you like that, you're going to buy it sooner or later, even if you initially buy the other one.
It won't slice as well as the RC6, the extra inch is nice to have for batoning, but you can get away without it for most camp tasks. So, the RC5 will work for camp use, and if you think it's that sexy, you might as well get it.
Click to expand...

+1:thumbup: I recommend the 6 (ala the drunk biker chick metaphor above) but knife buying is VERY subjective to individual tastes. Get what you want. RAT knives are always impressive to use, no matter the flavor. If you don't like it, you can usually sell it here or some other forum for at least 90% of what you paid, so there isn't much to loose.
 
I like the RC-6 for its lightness and extra blade length. But that brutish RC-5 just inspires confidence. Get the one that you prefer. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
 
I faced this question a few months ago and decided on the RC5 mostly because of the Eagle Industries sheath which it does not come with anymore. I am completely happy with the knife and the sheath. I think I would have been just as happy with the RC6. Both are damned solid knives and I don't think typical rough use would phase either of them.
 
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