What is the big deal???

Well I own a lot of knives, a lot of different brands. There aren't many I don't like or I wouldn't keep them. Some expensive, some cheap.

You know what I like about RAT besides the knives. I like the ability to communicate with the owners/principals at RAT. I have sent Jeff messages in forums and got a direct response back. I have never called RAT (didn't need to) I have no doubt though if I left a message I would get a response back.

I like that, they make a good product, remember you can't polish a turd. But the abilty to take a no BS attitude on warranty, products, communication. You can't put a dollar amount on that.
 
seanuhthin said:
I just want to know what separates RAT fixed blades from other brands. I love the looks, but I am wondering now because someone told me that it is a carbon steel or something that needs to be cleaned a lot? Go easy on me I really know nothing about them. BTW strongly considering the RC-4. I like it a lot. :confused:
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Carbon steel has alot going for it. Stainless steel contains Chromium, 12% or more by mass, which gives it its corrosion resistant properties. Unfortunately this also causes most stainless steels to be more brittle, likely to chip and fracture. 1095 does not have this drawback and you can abuse it much more without the steel failing. Depending on where you live (and the humidity and water in your environment) you may have to maintain your carbon blade more frequently. A 4 dollar silicone rag whipedown once every week or so is all I give my 1095 blades and they don't rust.
 
The RC-4 is a great choice. If I had any input on improvements, I would like the handle to be a touch longer, and not rounded quite so much. My hands are slightly large, and the ass end kind of disappears, if that makes sense. Maybe someone else feels the same way and could state it better? I'm looking at the 6, but I think I've convinced myself I need a HEST first. Tremendous knives overall!
 
seanuhthin said:
I live in florida :/. I guess my rat will see a lot of cleaning.
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I live in Hawaii and a quick wipe down and some oil on my RC-5 and izula after heavy use near the ocean keeps corrosion down to a minimum. The more I use this knife the less I worry about it, this blade can handle.
 
My subjective reasoning is pretty simple. I think the knives are reasonably priced, look great, get nothing but good reviews, feel like they are really well built and have an absolutely fantastic warranty.

Wait, maybe this was objective reasoning.
 
From what I read the RC-4 is a great all-around knife, however is on the smaller side for survival. Don't get me wrong, it still would be great. My first will most likely be the RC-4, no reason, I just think it is a convenient size. Not too small, not too large, in my opinion a knife doesn't need to have a 14 inch blade to kill a bear, especially if you know what you are doing and you make some well placed... well... Stabs? Slashes? Any ways, unless you have a particular need for a larger size, say an Rc-5 and up, this should be great. Just my piece of mind! :thumbup: I don't own the knife but that doesn't mean i can't lay out the facts?
Just My mini review!!!!
 
R.A.T. said:
Our knives are really no better than any other company's.
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I'm going to have to raise the bullshit flag here.

OK, a qualified bullshit flag.

As far as companies that use 1095, RAT Cutlery is better. No other 1095 blade I've had holds an edge as well, or is as flexible as RCs.

As for rust, I live near the Atlantic, and have had knives that you could put down and watch them rust. RATs don't. Not that they won't if neglected.
If you USE the knife, it won't rust.
If you're worried about it, pick up a silicone cloth from Wal*Mart or a gun/fishing shop, and carry it, or a piece of it to wipe the blade after use.
 
Maybe I should have re-phrased that to say "there are many knives just as good as RC"
 
there is something basic and utilitarian and visually attractive to Rat knives to me...its the way knives should be designed and made at a price that appeals to the working folks..
 
They are great working tools. As for 1095, it is bar none my favorite steel for cutlery. Tough, meaning that it rolls or dents rather than chips when encountering stones or harder than metal objects. Sure, the edge can get rust, but if you use your knife and cut things with it, the cutting action keeps that edge clear. The coating on the blade prevents rust from occurring. If you are concerned about it, soak small piece of cloth with mineral place it in a baggy and put that in your pack. At night, wipe your blade dry and give it a small oil coat. Personally, I don't think this is at all necessary but that oil certainly doesn't hurt things. Mineral oil is food safe so you don't have to worry about using your knife on food.
 
1095 is known to be a great steel for hard use. All Rat Cutlery knives are taylor made for survival situations. I know we all keep talking about their warranty a lot, but its a pretty big deal. Its almost unheard of to have a company stand behind their knives and warranty with the integrity that Rat Cutlery does. If you purchase a RAT, you'll notice how well made the knife is. It is extremely high quality. The price is actually a really good deal when you consider all the above factors. Just look at Busse and their line. You can buy 3 or 4 RAT knives to 1 of theirs. They are parallel in quality.
 
The RC knives have good basic design. A full tang design with user detachable slab handles. Good proportions with reasonable ricasso, choil, and thumb jimping. Even a bit of exposed tang at the end for hammering whatever needs it, and a lanyard hole in a decent spot. Full flat grind on most models with reasonable steel thickness for general use. Fat and anorexic versions also available for the kinky users. ;)
 
To be honest, we're really not looking for more customers or dealers.

I really am struggling with this statement.. I do not own a Rat. I have been considering it for sometime now.. I read such terrific things about these knives and the brand loyalty appears to be the one of the strongest of any on BF. It appears RAT can survive/flourish with the RAT pack, and is not interested in anymore customers.

As a business owner who gets up everyday to gain new customers, I am confused.
 
Jeff and Mike have incredible heart. They answer questions, listen to their customers, and back-up their solid product!
 
harleyguy02 said:
To be honest, we're really not looking for more customers or dealers.

I really am struggling with this statement.. As a business owner who gets up everyday to gain new customers, I am confused.
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RAT -- Randall Adventure Training -- their main business is survival/wilderness training. They also design knives. I think the idea was to make the knife system (meaning including a sheath) that they wanted, but no one made.
 
seanuhthin said:
My first will most likely be the RC-4, no reason, I just think it is a convenient size. Not too small, not too large, in my opinion a knife doesn't need to have a 14 inch blade to kill a bear, especially if you know what you are doing and you make some well placed... well... Stabs? Slashes?
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Hmm....okay...hypothetically my first choice in a survival situation wouldn't be going mano-a-oso with Yogi.

But...if I was compelled to do so, I'd probably use that awesome RC-4 to start a fire, harden some spears, and then carve out some spear points. Then, using cordage either carried or made, I'd set up some tension traps and hope I'd get lucky.

Personally I'd E&E the heck out of there, and find a less...aggressively populated area.

Back on topic, this is the big deal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qtJyQgXTio

A knife that can stand up to that. :P
 
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