So considering a RC3 or an RC4... HELP!

J

jeff_c

Joined
Jun 9, 2009
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Well, the enthusiasm and passion of the Rat Pack is definitely a draw for me!

Im considering a long ranger purchase here (not for a few months, so plenty of time for consideration and research).

Im grabbing an Izula in a few days to use as a small field knife worn on my belt or shoulder strap. And I have a large blade field knife that I like quite a bit. Its a Knives of Alaska Bush Camp knife (6 inch drop point blade).

So I am searching for a nice "mid size" field knife for "in between" use. (folder is also carried in my pocket or kit). I like having these 3 sizes with me in the field for various bushcraft use.

So, RC3 or RC4? Im leaning toward the RC 3 since I would have the larger blade of the KoA knife. (another option would be a non production scandi style knife).

I know some of you have both LOL... I may try to see if there is a retailer around me too. So, thoughts for field use (bush craft... not tactical LOL).
 
The RC-3 is a great little knife for the outdoors when paired up with a larger chopper. It is the best slicer of the entire line. I'm not sure why people think it is so delicate just because it is 1/8" thick. I have 5" and 6" blades in that thickness that I treat very roughly and hold up well.

The only drawback is that the RC-3 doesn't pair up with the Izula all that well so it is unlikely you will be carrying both at the same time unless you don't mind the redundancy. If you buy the RC-4, there is a good chance over time you will just skip the KoA knife. The RC-4 is thick enough to be considered a true survival knife. Take it along with a folding saw and you can tackle most camp chores with ease.

If it were me, the Izula and the RC-4 would be my first choice. Or I'd get the RC-3 and RC-6 as a second choice. In the end, it is pretty much impossible to avoid redundancy in your knife collection though.
 
Excellent points. I have always just liked having 3 sizes in the field. Good point on the Izula and the RC3. Maybe the RC 4, athough a little bigger than I was thinking, may just be the field knife solution.

But leave the KOA at home? But shes my baby... shes... LEAVE HER AT HOME? What the... LOL :)

yea, maybe.
 
KGD nailed it .....
THe KOA is a good blade but it is D2 and I would not attempt to baton with the KOA knife... The RC4 I have baton with w/o issues... I couple the Rc4 on belt and Izula around neck and a small folding saw or lil' hatchet and your good to go IMO
 
kgd said:
If it were me, the Izula and the RC-4 would be my first choice.
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I like the way you think. My first RC RAT's: Izula and RC-4. I'll end up with an RC-3 eventually, but for general use, the combination of the Izzy and RC-4 seems hard to beat. :thumbup:

 
I have them all, but the RC-4 gets carried and used the most. It seems to be nearly perfect for all applications other than chopping of course.
 
Either one would serve you well. However, I'm with TTD on the D2 issue: perhaps you should put thinking about replacing the KoA in the mix. Just my opinion, hope it helps.

Good luck on your decision and thanks for considering an RC knife, they're awesome! Oh, and you get the community on BFC for free.

Thanks,

D-R
 
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I mentioned in another thread that I recently went camping with my RC-3 and Izula. I had a Kukri on hand for heavy-duty chopping, but mainly used the RC-3 for general purposes - splitting up firewood, etc. Great combination there.
 
Hickory67 said:
I mentioned in another thread that I recently went camping with my RC-3 and Izula. I had a Kukri on hand for heavy-duty chopping, but mainly used the RC-3 for general purposes - splitting up firewood, etc. Great combination there.
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Actually that combo may be perfect!
 
Hickory67 said:
I mentioned in another thread that I recently went camping with my RC-3 and Izula. I had a Kukri on hand for heavy-duty chopping, but mainly used the RC-3 for general purposes - splitting up firewood, etc. Great combination there.
Click to expand...

That is pretty much my exact combination, what kind of Kukri, mine is just a Cold Steel $18 dollar special, but it is a beast!
 
I think Izula and RC-4 is a good pair.

If you had to take one RAT knife then an RC-3 is perfect.

So looks like you just need to get both!

-RB
 
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