RAT RC-3 Standard Black

Since 1997, Randall's Adventure & Training (RAT™) has designed no-nonsense, affordable field knives specifically targeted to military, law enforcement, and the special operations community. Many RAT™ knives now serve in the combat zones of Iraq, Afghanistan and other remote locales. In the USA the products of RAT Cutlery™ are also setting the standard for many local, state and federal law enforcement officers when it comes to high performance, compact sheath knives with multiple carry options.

The RAT knife we have for review is the RC-3 Standard Black (Mod.RC-3P-MB), a versatile fixed blade utility knife with a 3 7/8” overall blade length and a 3 3/8” inch razor sharp plain cutting edge. The drop point blade has a one inch grooved section where the spine meets the grip, for more blade control when doing intricate work. The blade is made from 1/8” stock high carbon heat-treated 1095 steel, which is a top choice for professional cutlery designed for hard use and easy to keep sharp. Lots of expedition knives – and even some of the best kitchen knives - are made from high carbon steel, but as it is not ‘stainless’ it will rust and stain if not properly cared for.  The blade is black textured powder coated so it is protected to some degree, but the cutting edge and around the laser engraving will be particularly exposed. The thing is, if the knife is being used regularly (daily), and kept sharp, clean and lightly lubricated– using a dry film rust inhibitor – it will remain in perfect working condition. When I worked as a rigger I used an old carbon steel paring knife daily for cutting ropes and countless other tasks – including gutting and cleaning fish at weekends. I kept it clean but truthfully I never felt the need to lubricate it, yet the very fact that it was always in use seemed to keep it in good nick, although it certainly wasn’t the prettiest of tools…

The knife is of full tang construction with a triangular glass-breaking pommel end pierced with a lanyard hole. The grip scales are made of Grey Linen Micarta secured with two hex bolts. The design of the grip incorporates a half guard, the top edge shaped to fit a choil at the base of the blade for a choked grip if required.

A part serrated edge version of the RC-3 is also available – Mod. RC-3S-MB; the MB stands for MOLLE back. This means that the knife is supplied with an extremely versatile carry system, and probably one of the knives biggest selling points, certainly with military and law enforcement agencies. For most of us a simple belt sheath will do, but the MOLLE system allows a virtually limitless system for carrying the knife on belt, harness, clothing or pack.

The knife is supplied with a rigid scabbard (a MOLLE back – a compatible black nylon sheath holder - is an optional extra at £35), bolt on clip attachment, two MOLLE locks for MOLLE compatible gear, paracord and cord lock… and of course an instruction sheet for putting it all together.  The knife locks into the scabbard with a friction fit restriction at the throat, so even when hung handle down the knife will stay in place. This should be enough for most users, but for even more security – say for parachuting - buy the optional MOLLE back which has a Velcro retention strap over the handle and an elasticated pommel cover; using one or both of these features should give you ‘fail safe’ carriage!

The scabbard has a drainage port at the base and eight ferruled holes around the edge to give an almost limitless configuration for attachment with the bolt on clip, vertical or horizontal MOLLE locks and the paracord.

Although the RC-3 was primarily designed as a military/law enforcement tool, it has obvious qualities that make it suitable for hunting and general outdoor use, especially if you need the multiple carrying options.

PRICE:
£115.95 (model on test)

£118.95 (RC-3S Part Serrated Edge version)