RAT Knives by RAT Cutlery - Fixed Blade Knives Done Right

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Ranked #784 in Sports, #23,849 overall

RAT Knives

The designers of Rat Knives, Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall, who are also the owners of RAT Cutlery, weren't happy with the knives they were purchasing and taking on Jungle tours in South America so they set out to build their own knives that could stand up to almost any challenge.

Although their current knife catalog is relatively small compared to the larger knife companies, they more than make up for it in quality, function, and customer service on their knives.

This page is about the different RAT knives available and the benefits of owning one of the best knives made in America today.

And just so you know, R.A.T. stands for Randall's Adventure and Training.

Visit my blog I have under construction for more info on RAT and other fixed blade knives, as well as more survival gear at www.72hoursurvival.com.

R.A.T. RC-3 

The RAT RC-3 is definitely a favorite among RAT knife owners. It's small enough to not be obtrusive but it still gets the job done. One tip I've read is that for a blade that has a cutting edge of only 3 3/8 inches, it's probably best to get it with a plain edge instead of a combo edge which has the serrations.

There are basically three types of handles, the linen micarta (Gray and black knife), the G-10 (Orange and O.D. knife), and the canvas micarta (Desert tan knife).

Here's a couple of facts about the different handles. The definition of G-10 is basically layers of fiberglass baked and hardened and formed into a handle. If you plan on doing a lot of activities around water you should consider the canvas micarta handle, it seems to have more grip when it gets wet.

RC-3, Linen Micarta Handle, Black Blade, Plain

RC-3, Linen Micarta Handle, Black Blade, ComboEdge

RC-3, Orange G-10 Handle, OD Green Blade, Combo, Mod. Pommel

RC-3, OD Green Handle, Desert Tan Blade, Mod. Pommel

RC-3 MIL 

A quick note on the RC-3 MIL, this knife was only available to law enforcement until recently. It is different from the RC-3 in that it has the canvas micarta handle with a black blade, it has a sharpened pommel for glass breakage and a serial number engraved on the blade. It also comes with a plain or combo edge.

R.A.T. RC-4 

Orange

The RAT RC-4 comes in the exact same colors as the RC-3 and in the same configurations. The main differences between these two knives are that this blade is 4.06" and it's a full 1/16" thicker than the RC-3. R.A.T Cutlery refers to this knife as their "wilderness" model.

I personally believe the size of this knife makes it a much better choice for backpacking or survival. It seems to be the perfect size for most chores around the camp. The main reason for this is the thicker blade, I wouldn't be afraid to really use this knife in a camping or survival situation.

RC-4, Orange G-10 Handle, OD Green Blade, Plain, Mod. Pommel

RC-4, OD Green Handle, Desert Tan Blade, Combo
This is a great price on this knife! Get it before it's gone!

R.A.T. RC-5 Survival, Escape, Evasion Knife 

Because of a rare trait among some people today, that trait being honesty, the RC-5 knife no longer carries the SERE name on it. After assuming that SERE was in the public domain and marketing their RC-5 with the SERE acronym, RAT Cutlery did some digging and discovered that the SERE mark was actually owned by someone. As it turns out it was a friend of theirs in the knife industry.

RAT has been having legal issues with a company they did business with previously over the use of RAT for their knives, so they were extremely sensitive to the issues of intellectual property.

Although this knife was designed by SERE instructors it will not carry the SERE mark. The logo has been changed, on the RAT Cutlery site the RC-5 blade logo is shown with a skull that has two knives crossed behind it and the letters ES EE. This stands for Escuela de Supervivencia - Evasion Escape.

This knife has a couple of nice features, it has a bow drill divot on the handle for using a bow drill for starting a fire, and it has a point on the end of the pommel that can be used for breaking glass.

R.A.T. RC-6 

The RAT RC-6 is a great mid-sized knife. With an overall length of 11 3/4" this knife is large and nicely balanced. It is has a drop point style blade, and comes with a plain or partially serrated edge.

The RC-6 can be used for battoning, light wood chopping, and whatever other chores you can think of to throw at it. If you like large knives (I know I do) then this could be the knife for you.

RC-6S RC-6, Micarta Handle, ComboEdge, w/o MOLLE back

R.A.T. IZULA 



RAT named their lightest knife to date after the bullet ant. In peru this ant is called Isula. The reason it's called a bullet ant is because they say if you get stung by one it's like getting shot with a bullet.

This knife comes in 3 colors Black, Desert Tan, and Pink.

RAT calls their small lightweight knife IZULA because: "The Bullet Ant is known to be independent, tough, light on its feet, and a real aggressive survivor - the IZULA knife is built the same way. This knife is designed to be the perfect lightweight survival kit or concealed carry knife."

*From the RAT Cutlery website.

R.A.T. DPx H.E.S.T. 

The HEST knife deserves a mention here although it won't be available until March of this year. It was designed by author and filmmaker Robert Young Pelton.

Features:
Ergonomic design, Saw Point, Wire Cutter, Dual Vertical and Dual Horizontal Lashing Points, Pry Bar/Scraper/Hook, Bottle Opener, and a Secret Capsule designed to hold survival items.

Rat Knives on Ebay 

Ok, I don't normally like to send people to Ebay to get stuff, but these knives are getting REALLY hard to find. So, I'm picking the best "Buy It Now" prices I can find on some of the really hard knives to get.

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eBay

My Blog At www.72hoursurvival.com 

This blog has information on many different types of survival equipment. Everything from Guns and Ammo to Knives and Packs can be found here.

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