Which RAT 3 to buy?

[jahwarrior72]

i'm looking to buy a RAT 3; i've been shopping around for prices, and found a pretty good deal one them, but i noticed they come in different steels: D2 and 1095. the 1095 is a bit, but not much, cheaper. what's the difference between the two steels, and which is better? i'm planning on using the knife for general utility/EDC.

 

[nate1714]

also note....the models of them some look difrent others have diffrent thickness ect....

 

[CL01]

FWIW, I've been told & have read, that D2's great for cutting & 1095's great for chopping. In other words, D2's "said" to be better for a smaller knife like the RAT3, where you'll cut with it more. 1095's "said" to be better for a larger knife where you'll possibly chop with it more.

D2 will tend to hold its edge better, but isn't as easy to sharpen (I believe because of its greater hardness, it'll be more prone for edge damage, such as from chopping). 1095 might not hold its edge as well, but it's easier to sharpen & probably easier to get a real sharp edge on it (Not that you can't with D2, but it's harder to do). I believe 1095 is less brittle, due to it being a softer metal, which is probably better for a larger (For chopping) knife.

Personally, I went with the D2 for my RAT3.

 

[trailside22]

Get the new RAT Cutlery RC-3 it is an improved RAT 3. It is only in 1095 but has several upgrades including a great sheath and differintial heat treat.

 

[madfast]

the regular RAT 3 is awesome for a small fixed. the new RC 3 is "better" but it has a longer handle with the skull crusher like on the RAT 5 which some people don't like. if size is important to you, maybe the smaller RAT 3 would suffice. if you have big hands, the RC 3 is more up your alley. either way, great knives for the price and they stand behind their product 100%.

 

[xxguitarist]

when/if i get around to a RAT 3 it'll be D2, the RAT 7 however will be 1095.

 

[StretchNM]

I have a RAT-3 in D2.....I wish I'd have gotten the 1095. The D2 is hard for me to get razor sharp...very hard steel.

 

[XMP]

I have a RAT3 in 1095 and have never wished for it to be D2 instead. Its a great and handy field knife and I 've even sharpened it on a stray stone. Doubt that would work with D2. IMO unless you have exceptionally large hands the RC3 isn't worth the extra money.

 

[MRpink]

I have a 1095 RAT-3 and love it. I like the green micarta handles better then the black handles of the D2, but that's just me, and it's cheaper =]

 

[ahgar]

I'd probably go with the 1095 but if i found a D2 i wouldn't let that scare me off. both are exc steels.