RAT RC-6 opinions

[RTDoug]

After Watching my nephew batoning thru some mean red oak with his busse, I have decided that maybe a heavier duty blade around isn't such a bad idea.

I know, I know, " sharpened prybar..." etc, but could come in handy...

So, is the RC-6 large enough to do some chopping, heavier splitting etc?

I thought maybe 7" would be better, but would rather buy RAT than Ontario's version due to their litigation earlier in the year.

There is the Ranger RD option and the Ontario, for larger stuff.

Regards

 

[HICKMAN]

I would use an RC-5 for that kind of thing, the RC-6 would be better for camping/hunting kind of knife. The RC-5 is thick and heavy and built more for that.

 

[HICKMAN]

YouTube - RC-5 wood split

 

[tyler34]

After Watching my nephew batoning thru some mean red oak with his busse, I have decided that maybe a heavier duty blade around isn't such a bad idea.

I know, I know, " sharpened prybar..." etc, but could come in handy...

So, is the RC-6 large enough to do some chopping, heavier splitting etc?

I thought maybe 7" would be better, but would rather buy RAT than Ontario's version due to their litigation earlier in the year.

There is the Ranger RD option and the Ontario, for larger stuff.

Regards

so you want a big 1/4" blade around ten inches just not busse prices?

 

[RTDoug]

Well, I don't think I need a 10" blade, but see the advantage of a heavier one.

Is the RC-6 thinner than the 5 ?

That doesn't seem to make sense.

I could just get a Ranger OKC if I decide on a 7".

Regards

Oh yeah, the Busse's would be one expensive blade to buy and decide I didn't use it enough!

 

[danielocean03]

Well, I don't think I need a 10" blade, but see the advantage of a heavier one.

Is the RC-6 thinner than the 5 ?

That doesn't seem to make sense.

I could just get a Ranger OKC if I decide on a 7".

Regards

Oh yeah, the Busse's would be one expensive blade to buy and decide I didn't use it enough!

I just ordered an RC-6 this morning, after debating heavily between the RC-5 SERE and the RC-6. I decided I'd eventually have both anyway, but the RC-6 had the new Bladetech Kydex sheath, whereas the older cordura nylon type was more commonly equipped on the RC-5s. The RC-5 now has the Kydex sheath, but most of the online retailers with good prices don't have them yet. HICKMAN informed me of this, made perfect sense and helped me in my decision-making process.

The RC-5 is .25" thick, the RC-6 is .188" thick.

Here's the sites for the respective knives:

RC-5: RAT Cutlery Co.

RC-6: RAT Cutlery Co.

Hope that helps. I'll post some pics and a review of the RC-6 once it arrives. I'm already planning on ordering at least an Izula to go with my 6.

 

[danielocean03]

That being said, I really don't have anything against the Cordura nylon sheathing whatsoever, I'm sure it's just fine, but I like Kydex holsters,etc. Either way, I'm still going to end up ordering a RC-5, if I don't get a Kydex with it, I'll just have Raven make me one for it at the 1500 that will be even better than the bladetech one they've commissioned for their knives.

 

[HICKMAN]

I think we're both in the same boat, it's not which knife to get, it's just the order in which we get them all

 

[HICKMAN]

Heh, I signed up for the "Rat Pack" knife as well.

 

[danielocean03]

Heh, I signed up for the "Rat Pack" knife as well.

The second I have enough posts in that forum, I'll be on there too. I've seen you over on bladeforums as well.

 

[danielocean03]

I think we're both in the same boat, it's not which knife to get, it's just the order in which we get them all

I know what you mean, it really doesn't matter anymore, I'm sure once I get my hands on the RC-6, the remainder of their lineup is sure to follow.

 

[rc5699]

To the OP

Have you ever gave Fallkniven a look? I currently EDC a Fallkniven A1, The blade retention is incredible. I go on camping trips and use only it to prepare my fire wood and it handles everything I've ever been able to throw at it and when I'm done it's only in need of a touch up. Which with it being a convex edge is supper easy to do. Plus no silly choil.

The A2 has an 8 inch blade, Might be worth taking a look at. Either way both make a great knife. Just wanted to give you an option you may not have been aware of.

The good stuff don't happen till 4 mins in. I do alot of batoning with mine and all I can say is it's kicks butt. You can baton a few logs and it will still cut hair off your arm. I went with the satin finish though


YouTube - Fallkniven A1: Compact Efficiency

 

[danielocean03]

That Fallkniven A1 is a huge EDC knife, my RC-6 won't be for EDC, I'd go with an RC-3, or even an Izula first.

Looks like a nice knife though, I'd be interested to see one in person.

Fallkniven A1 Army Survival Knive, Laminated VG10 Satin Blade KnivesShipFree.com

 

[paddling_man]

Rat Cutlery is fine, durable, well made stuff. You can baton with any length hard-use blade but I find it unpleasant and frustrating if the blade length is less than 7". 10" works but can be overkill.

Justin and Ranger Knives: You'll never meet a nicer, more humble guy - I like him a lot. He can do great work at affordable prices. I owned an RD-9 from the first generation when he was making them out back in GA before the mid-tech with Ontario. The blade grip never felt right to me and I sold it.

The Busse/Scrap Yard/Swamp Rat triad can be frustrating to those used to immediate gratification. Admittedly, the ordering process can be difficult to learn. Patience has its rewards - sort of like Randall - and I've taken that route.

Another to consider is Dave Wesner of Kelsey Creek. An ex-machinist who makes hard-use knives of outstanding materials. You'll work directly with the maker.
Kelsey Creek Knife Works Home

Enjoy!

 

[rc5699]

That Fallkniven A1 is a huge EDC knife, my RC-6 won't be for EDC, I'd go with an RC-3, or even an Izula first.

Looks like a nice knife though, I'd be interested to see one in person.

Fallkniven A1 Army Survival Knive, Laminated VG10 Satin Blade KnivesShipFree.com

It's actually not bad. For how big it is it's light, But I dunno I've also carried my Desert Eagle before when in the mood. lol

 

[kevinj110]

I have had nothing but great success with my RC5 if you are anywhere franklin and would like to handle it and use it just PM me and we can setup something.

 

[danielocean03]

Rat Cutlery is fine, durable, well made stuff. You can baton with any length hard-use blade but I find it unpleasant and frustrating if the blade length is less than 7". 10" works but can be overkill.

Justin and Ranger Knives: You'll never meet a nicer, more humble guy - I like him a lot. He can do great work at affordable prices. I owned an RD-9 from the first generation when he was making them out back in GA before the mid-tech with Ontario. The blade grip never felt right to me and I sold it.

The Busse/Scrap Yard/Swamp Rat triad can be frustrating to those used to immediate gratification. Admittedly, the ordering process can be difficult to learn. Patience has its rewards - sort of like Randall - and I've taken that route.

Another to consider is Dave Wesner of Kelsey Creek. An ex-machinist who makes hard-use knives of outstanding materials. You'll work directly with the maker.
Kelsey Creek Knife Works Home

Enjoy!

Stupid question, what exactly is batonning?

 

[rc5699]

Stupid question, what exactly is batonning?

The act of spliting logs by driving something through them. In this case a knife. The knife is driven through the log with what is referred to as a Baton. The baton is used to beat the blade of the knife through the log. So the size of what log you can baton is limited by the blade length of your knife.

Also once the blade enters the log - The shape of your blade takes over and acts like a wedge forcing the two halves further apart until the log finally splits. The actually edge of the knife receives a surprising small amount of use during the process.

See the videos above for a demonstration.


Hope that helps.

 

[paddling_man]

Stupid question, what exactly is batonning?

Itty-bitty knife... little wood.

Bigger knife... bigger wood. The "baton" is lying on the right. Note the beating from whacking on the spine.

 

[paddling_man]

I'll bring this big Wesner chopper with me too. Absolute monster when it comes to dead-on chopping and batoning. 10"-11" (I forgot) of A2 blade steel.