Rat Cutlery RC-3
By Joe Bingman
The RC3 is the second smallest fixed blade offered by RAT Cutlery, but don't let it's smaller size fool you, this is one heck of a knife!
I purchased it at a knife show last year, and I haven't gone a day without it since. Even when I can't carry it on my belt it's either in my bag or sitting in the Jeep. It came razor sharp and ready for work. Cardboard, plastic, zip ties, and just about anything else I could think of to throw at it posed no problems for the RC3, it powered through it all. The knife feels perfect in the hand, and there are no rough spots on the handle that would irritate you during a long use. And since it is smaller in size than most of the fixed blades I own I can carry it in public without attracting negative attention. It disappears under a shirt, and with the use of a MercHarness it makes a perfect concealed carry knife.
The 3 7/8" blade (with a 3 3/8" cutting edge) is big enough for most tasks, while still being small enough for delicate work. I didn't get a chance to go hunting this past season, but I would say that the blade will work well as a skinner and field dressing knife.
Around the house the RC3 excels as well, and in the kitchen it is a wonderful knife. I have made dinner on several occasions using just the RC3, and I didn't once wish I had another knife with me.
At work the RC3 does a great job of taking care of packing tape, cardboard dividers, and breaking down cardboard boxes that are no longer needed. Plus, if I happen to have need for a knife during lunch the RC3 is up to the task.
I recently took it with me on a weekend camping trip to see how it performs with more strenuous work. Fire making, food prep, fishing, opening packages, and several other tasks were handled without a problem.
The sheath on the RC3 is just as well made as the knife. Retention is perfect, and according the RAT staff each sheath is drop tested at a height of around four feet, so there is very little chance of losing the knife if it is properly secured. Along the sides of the sheath are eight holes for attaching either a MOLLE or Tec-Loc, or securing to a belt or gear with paracord. At the bottom of the sheath is a small drainage hole. This is important since the knife is made of 1095 steel and thus is more susceptible to rust.
While the RC3 might be too small for some tasks, I would venture to say that it would be perfect as an EDC, and would handle 99% of anything you threw at it. And since it comes with the backing of one of the best cutlery companies out there you can be confident that your getting one heck of a knife at an economical price.