The joys of canoe-camping... + an introduction

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Furync

Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
161
Since I never really formally introduced myself, here goes. I've been and outdoorsman all my young life. 30 years old now... My dad took me out the first times when I was just knee high to a duck. We'd go out with the dogs a LOT. My dad was a breeder/trainer for many international field trial champion beagles (real hunting beagles, not those sissy beagles at the dog show).
I work in an office pushing a pencil all day so I'll do anything to get out of there. I do a lot of research on survival and stuff but don't practice near as much as I should. Nowadays I do a lot of canoe-camping and once fall comes around... I'm out hunting. Been hunting successfully for over 15 years. Just bought a Jeep too... I will pick it up tomorrow at the dealer... will post pics.

Now this is where it gets interesting... I do not own a RAT! :barf: (YET)... I'm looking for suggestions from all you experts. I'm already leaning towards the Izula since I usually carry the small tomahawk with me and it does most of the heavy work.

Anyways, back to topic.... I was up in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve a couple week-ends ago, doing the usual canoe-camping bit. Obviously took a lot more pics but these sum it up well.

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(Trail hawk and a beater Mora) I was smoking a cigar and having a beer when I took this pic... what a life.

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Here's a nice desktop background, was hot and sunny almost the whole week-end. Great weather for skinny dippin with the wife... :D
The closest camp site was over 2 km's away from ours. Heck we almost had this huge lake to ourselves.
This was early morning sunday.

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Hope you enjoy it.

Cheers,
 
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You wouldn't happen to be in NC would you? I wouldn't mind another jeeper/canoe camper here! I would post pics but I'm up on dialup.
 
Welcome. I'm going to suggest an RC-3 for you over the Izula as I did in another thread like this one. The RC-3 is a great little belt knife with thinner stock for cutting and a comfy handle for cutting. Its plenty tough, but also super sharp, a perfect compliment to your hawk. The Izula is better suited for EDC carry or as a back-up blade. Its a pretty comfy and handy blade in its own right, but I don't think nearly is versatile as an RC-3. What makes the Izula shine is its mode of carry. It is also thicker than the RC-3 due to the need to maintain a thick enough slab on the skeletal handle for holding on to.
 
Joezilla said:
You wouldn't happen to be in NC would you? I wouldn't mind another jeeper/canoe camper here! I would post pics but I'm up on dialup.
Click to expand...

Nopers, not even close actually. Unfortunately, I live is the socialist country called Québec :barf:. The only thing keeping me sane is the abundance of wild areas. Just keep me out of Montreal and I'll be fine :D
 
Welcome to the RAT forums, Furync! We be pretty close ta neighbors! I live in NH, but work and camp/hike in Vermont most of the time. Thanks for posting the pictures! I am a +1 for the RC-3, then an Izula (then all the rest of the RC family). The RC-3/Izula is my current combo, and I tend towards the RC-3 for comfort.

Cheers!
MrC
 
Great photo's. I will also support RC-3 as a first blade and then the Izula. Found the RC-3 just a better all rounder without being large. Izula works great but around camp, just a tad bit small for general use. It can do it but RC-3 wins hands down.

Cheers from Africa

Aubrey
 
Izula is a nice choice but I am very partial to the rc 4. I cant say anthing about the rc3 because i dont have one...yet
 
Welcome to the Rat forum bro. I'd go with an RC-4, but that's just me. It's easily my favorite factory knife.
 
I envy you, now where are those skinny dippin pics (not of you, of the wify)...
 
I loved Pap-Labelle. I've been there a few times (unfortunately the last time was over 15 years ago) - I particularly remember some high diving rocks in the middle of the lake.

I'd consider the RC-3 Military models (or RC 4) - my first RATs were the old RAT-3s, prior to the availability of the RC-3. I was bummed because I found the ones I had were too short on the handles, but the RC-3s looked perfect.
 
Welcome...

I too do a lot of back packing. I started with an Izula. I wanted a smaller fixed blade that could be worn on my shoulder strap without looking like Rambo.

then I went to an RC4 to get a little more heft for bushcraft and a proper "handled" knife. And thats my field kit. Along with a folder.

I was drawn to RAT due to their fan base. Any company with this many followers must be doing something right. Then there is the owners... People who listen to their customers and most importantly LIVE THE LIFE and use their knives. VERY important to me. Jeff Randall is the man. And if he puts his name on a knife, its going to work as it should. Then there is the warranty. I will likely never need it as Im not a rabid "beater" on my knives, but nice to know its there and nice to know they trust their tools. Then there is the fact that they are made in America. And I like that. ALOT.

So there you go... Izula for a nice EDC fixed blade that will work well with quick trail chores, and an RC4 for harder use.


NICE Shots!
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Oh, I dig a good Mora as well! :)
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