Which RAT do I need?

The RAT knife for me

  • RC-3

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • RC-4

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • RC-6

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Actually, the RC-5 trumps 'em all

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
JediKnight86

JediKnight86

Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
1,702
I want to get a RAT for backpacking. I don't have much experience outdoors, but I know knives. I'm having trouble deciding which RAT to get. I like the RC-3 for it's profile and narrow blade, really good slicer. So, the RC-4 being larger and having a thicker blade, advantage or disadvantage? They do advertise the RC-4 as being the "backpacking" knife. And the RC-6 is just badass, a large do-everything knife:D

I just want to carry one and get the most out of one. Help me decide. Thanks.
 
Need? None. Any of them will be fine in the outdoors, there really isn't a bad choice. Personal prefrence on knive size is likely the most important factor with intended tasks a close second.
 
I define "backpacking" to be multi-day hiking, away from any help. Because of that, I would not want less than the RC-4. It's true, you might never need any knife at all. However, I want something with me that can cut up some branches and split some small wood if I end up in the mountains for a cold, unplanned night when a fire is needed. (Yes, I have spent a cold, unplanned extra night in the mountains)

ETA: My recommendation is especially since it sounds like you really want just ONE knife to have with you, rather than an assortment.
 
I'd go RC-6, great blade length, choil allows you to choke up on the blade for finer cutting tasks, still thick enough for batonning through firewood. Not too thick to clean a fish with either, I see it as my go-to knife outside. YMMV, I always carry at least one great folder (or smaller fixed blade like the Izula) with me to complement whichever larger fixed blade I have with me. I've found the RC-6 and an Izula to be a fairly ideal pairing for nearly any task.
 
No best choices, Its all personal preferences. I voted RC-4 but Id feel very good about having any of them.
 
ridgeline said:
I'd go RC-6, great blade length, choil allows you to choke up on the blade for finer cutting tasks, still thick enough for batonning through firewood. Not too thick to clean a fish with either, I see it as my go-to knife outside. YMMV, I always carry at least one great folder (or smaller fixed blade like the Izula) with me to complement whichever larger fixed blade I have with me. I've found the RC-6 and an Izula to be a fairly ideal pairing for nearly any task.
Click to expand...

My choice as well. My 6 happens to be my go-to batoning machine. :D
 
Well... I think it is a trick question... and I am not admitting which one I voted for in case Mrs Coffee see this thread! :)

Seriously I was VERY happy with the RC-3 when I did the PSK survival thread contest a few months back. I felt I would have been fine with it being my only blade. IT did everything I asked it to from carving fuzzy stick while I was bored, to trimming off branches to batoning. No issues at all. I am use to a larger blade, Like my TAK-1, but the RC-3 handled all the same jobs quite nicely.

Of course your own preference towards blade, scales, weight, etc will be the most important factor in your purchase.
 
If you don't already have one, you need an Izula. If you're tending more towards bigger chunks of metal, take the HEST. Both make great backup blades (I sometimes even think I don't need more than an Izula).
If you only need your camp knife for preparing food and making tinder and kindling, take the RC-3, as the best slicer it is good for preparing food.
If you use it more for your firewood take the 6. (Or you go cheap and have the Izula / HEST and a chete)
 
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It really depends on what you do while backpacking.

Do you camp out?
Do you make a lot of fires?

Are you just backpacking along prepared hiking trails?

If you are doing a lot of serious knife work, IMO the RC6 is the way to go. If you are just hiking prepared trails, the RC3 is fine. That's if you only want one knife.
 
I also do a lot of backpacking and have been looking for that "one" knife. as i prefer to go as light as possible i chose to stay away from the rc6 or 5, so i have an rc4 on the way. i could go lighter and smaller, but the 4 seems to be the right compromise between size and weight. also, since the knife will be used for backpacking i got the orange g-10 handles for better visibility if i drop it. i also may add an izula for when i want to go ultra lightweight or day hikes. good luck
 
If you are only packing a blade,but no hatchet or axe,I'd go with the 6.It will handle most anything you can throw at it.I prefer bigger blades and it fits my large paws real well.I always have a SAK and Izula in my pockets anyway,for small cutting chores.
 
I have the RC4, RC5, and the RC6. The RC4 will fill the bill without any problems at all. Plus be easy to carry on ya.

However The RC5, RC6 will also do so, but with a bit more weight.
 
The RC-5 and a normal sized folder.
Then you can use the RC-5 for heavy tasks and the folder for food prep etcetera...
 
RC3 is all you need backpacking. Hell the Izula would work too, but RC3 has a better handle, so Id go with it.

The RC4 wouldnt be a bad choice, its a great blade. The RC6 and RC5 are nice knives, but Ive never been on a backpacking trip where Ive needed a 6in blade(not counting machetes), let alone one thats 1/4in thick.
 
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