I have always been interested with these on-line but have no real experience with them. How do they compare to say a RAT RC3? Or just RAT quality in general. The one that I am looking at is the TOPS Overlander compared to the RC3.

TOPS Overlander

RAT RC3

The gripe i have with TOPS knives is their thickness. The TOPS blade is half agian thicker than the RAT. If you are going to be doing a lot of prying then the TOPS might be better but you probably should reavaluate what tools you need. That thickness is a liability elsewise compromising cutting ability and adding weight. Id go for the RAT anyday.

I dont think they are bad blades but as mentioned alittle thick and alittle costly for 1095 steel. I have some Rat blades also like them alot. My best do it all field -combat style blade would be my Swamp Rat Hunter I love it

quote:

My best do it all field -combat style blade would be my Swamp Rat Hunter I love it

I hear that, I have a Swamp Rat Vex and Scrap Yard Scrapper 5 that i carry. I cant decide which I like better.

Ram229 You might want to check into the Busse buy/sell page on bladeforums for a Scrapper 5. They are exellent knives and even at resale price a little less than the TOPS you were asking about.

The few that I've held felt great in my hand, but there are way too many better priced options out there... Rat Cutlery particularly stands out.

They're a great knife, but just a bit overpriced.

I prefer the thicker blades. I dont see where they would be a problem other than carry weight. If you need to slice something it will do it and if you need to chop it will do it too. RAT knives are a good value. I prefer TOPs.

I chose the RAT 3 over the 4 precisely because it was thinner. The thinner and lighter blade will handle the chores I want to do better. I am very happy with the RAT!