tops cochise v rat rc-4

T

thewrathofraf

Joined
Feb 19, 2007
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Hey Guys. I am looking for a nice quality all purpose FB knife about this size. I am mostly looking for options, so kind of ignore price, but I probably wont buy something over 200. I have been considering the tops cochise and, recently, the rat rc-4. They both are about the same size, and have the same length blade at 4.5 inches. both are also made from 1095...

So what do you guys think? Which of these would you choose and why? What other options are there in this size/design class? Thanks!!
 
Personally, I would go with the RAT. The RC-4 is a well thought out design that has evolved over several years with function in mind. To me, it seems like Tops just throws designs at a wall to see what will stick. The steel is the same, but RAT probably has a better heat treat. The RAT has a full flat grind, while the Tops has a saber grind, so the RAT will be a better slicer. And RAT has a better warranty than Tops. The finger grooves on the Tops may inhibit certain grips, while the RAT has no finger grooves.
 
Cool. Thanks for the great response. Would you recommend plain edge or partial serration? I have typically gone with a plain edge, but I have been looking at the partial serration lately, for its variety in functionality.
 
Plain edge beats serrated every time in my book. Easier to sharpen, tougher, more versatile, looks better. :thumbup: You can't go wrong with a RAT.
 
No experience with the Tops, but I really like my RC-5 and RAT's support is "top" notch.
 
I have a tops CAT now that I have had for a while, and I had a steel eagle that I sold...it was simply too big, bulky, and heavy for my needs. The CAT is a great little knife, but its a tanto tip and its smaller than the rat. They have excellent support as well. I have heard many good things about RAT though, and I think their knife will be a great and useful tool for the rest of my life.
 
moonwilson said:
Personally, I would go with the RAT. The RC-4 is a well thought out design that has evolved over several years with function in mind. To me, it seems like Tops just throws designs at a wall to see what will stick. The steel is the same, but RAT probably has a better heat treat. The RAT has a full flat grind, while the Tops has a saber grind, so the RAT will be a better slicer. And RAT has a better warranty than Tops. The finger grooves on the Tops may inhibit certain grips, while the RAT has no finger grooves.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with all of that.

I have had a number of TOPS knives in my time and while they do have
a few nice blades those RAT knives are generally a better choice IMO.
 
The main difference will be the design of the knife and the price. They are very similar in terms of heat treatment of the blade and fit & finish quality, since TOPS and RAT knives are made by the same people.
 
TOPS is good stuff.. but it is the same steel (lower quality heat treat than RAT) as RAT and RATs are a lot less expensive. Plus a better warranty if i'm not mistaken.
 
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