The myth of the RC-5

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Dec 14, 2009
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Seems to be one of those things that's just going to be a love it or hate it kind of deal but I've read a lot of comments (not all on this forum) that seem to me to be a little misleading about the RC-5. After carrying it for a bit now and getting to use it for a bunch of different stuff I'd like to comment on what it can and can't do.

Myth 1: It can't slice.
I just sliced a tangerine into less than 1/16" slices after I'd just batoned a bunch of oak to start a fire. I'm pretty sure it'll make your sandwich just fine.

Myth 2: It's to heavy.
Yes it is a big knife. If you don't like big knives you're not going to like this one but it's not a brick of lead. It's much lighter than my hatchet and I carry that into the woods often enough. If you cut the handles off your toothbrush don't buy this knife to hike with.

Myth 3: It's to short to baton wood, you're better off with the RC-6.
What? By this line of thinking you'll end up with a sword before two long. It splits wood just fine.

Myth 4: It wouldn't be good as a fighting knife.
I don't know how you guys do it but I direct the pointy end at the other guy. I don't usually put to much thought into the fighting characteristics of a knife because I REALLY don't want to get into a knife fight but I've seen a couple different people post this. I mean really, it's very sharp and it's very pointy and people have been killing each other with much less efficient tools for a loooong time.

Myth 5: It's a sharpened pry bar.
I've been guilty of calling it this before. It's really thick and really tough so I'd be willing to bet that it'll pry really well if it has too but It's a knife not a pry tool so don't cry if the tip breaks off when you try and pull nails with it.

I've often seen it called a specialty tool and though it's not for everyone it's not all that different from any other large knife. If you're looking for a stout blade then you're in luck. If you like smaller blades then it's probably not for you. I think a blade like this is best paired with something smaller for more delicate work but it also stands on it's own very well. There are so many great options out today, get the knife that you want and that fits your needs just don't be fooled into thinking that this isn't a very capable knife.

tangerine.jpg
 
Myth 1: It can't slice.
I just sliced a tangerine into less than 1/16" slices after I'd just batoned a bunch of oak to start a fire. I'm pretty sure it'll make your sandwich just fine.

I've seen mention of this myth before, I have also seen pics of food prep done with a BK9. I am not too sure of the relevance of easy of slicing anyway, it isn't like most of us would only ever have one blade on us at any time. For thinly slicing a tomato I don't actually HAVE to use my main knife, I could always whip out an Opinel to slice food. Many RC-5 owner would also have an Izula - I don't think they would have problems with the smaller finer stuff.

For potential RC-5 owners - do you want a thick strong knife? If yes then you should consider buying an RC-5.
 
I'm not sure that slicing is a huge issue and the 5 certainly wouldn't be my first choice for such a job. I'm just trying to point out what it can and cannot do. Yes a kitchen knife is better for food prep but my chainsaw is also better at cutting down trees. I like the 5 because it can do many things and but it does trade off for that.
 
Good post jonnyghost, I can't wait to get my Rat Pack kit with the RC5. I dismissed the knife when it first came out due to its 1/4" thickness, but hopefully I'll take a liking to it.

Question to anyone who owns a short 6" Spec Ops sheath; does the RC5 fit in that sheath?
 
Don't get me wrong, I don't think that the knife is for everyone but no knife is. I think it is often misunderstood though. Good luck with your new purchase, I hope you enjoy it.
 
It's just like any thick blade, sure it can slice but there are plenty of other blades out there that'll do it way better.

And it seems like all these "myths" are just personal preferences, which depends on what the user/customer is interested in. Usually the RC-5 gets shot down because there are better options out there and not many people will need to use the knife for prying/wedging which is all it really has going for it when you compare it to say the RC-4 or RC-6.
 
I personally don't like the RC-5 at all, it's too heavy and it's not flat ground.
 
Myth 3: It's to short to baton wood, you're better off with the RC-6.
What? By this line of thinking you'll end up with a sword before two long. It splits wood just fine.

nice list - I really like this myth, since I was batonning wood with my RC3 last night. (not well, mind you, but it worked)
the secret to batonning is to make sure your blade is longer than the wood is wide. (plus, skinny stuff usually splits easier)
 
The RC 5 is not to heavy for what it was meant for. It was designed by SERE instructors, for SERE instructors. If that is how THEY wanted it, it is not too heavy for its purpose.

I like the RC 5, one of my favorite blades. Nice little write up :thumbup:
 
The beer in my hand doesn't feel heavy?? I don't have a RC5 but thats the closes thing I know of thats 16oz. Wait now it's only 2oz :)
 
good to see an honest take. Guess it really does come down to personal preference in the end
 
Good post!

Maybe we should all try more posting of what we can do with a knife versus what we (think) we can't do, eh?
 
+1

The RC5 is not without limitations but no knife is.
One of the biggest knife myths in existence applies to all knives and that is the myth of the "perfect" knife. There are no perfects in anything!
Perfect Gun, Perfect Knife, Perfect Wif... OK I better shutup now!
 
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