3 Most Underrrated Knives?

I think that RAT knives from Ontario are greatly underappreciated, largely I suspect because they are not well known. When I look at the prices asked for comparable knives, I appreciate the value of the RAT series. They come in D2 and 1095 with Micarta grips. The above pertains to the fixed blades. However, they also offer a rugged folder called the RAT1. This one is a liner lock with an AUS8 blade and FRN scales. I don't own the RAT1 yet, but soon will. It goes for about $55-$65 on the net. If the RAT1 is anything like the fixed blades, it will be a real bargain.
 
1) I 2nd the Camillus Heat.
2) I'll also add the Kershaw ET. I rarely hold a knife that feels as strong lock-wise as the ET. It may be a little before it's time.
3) CS Recon Scout. I've seen some bad experiences with it, but it's a strong knife with good steel and can hang with some of the greats in it's class.
 
Great Topic and one I've been pondering while looking over my collection. These may be more expensive than the topic implies, but still underrated IMO...

1. Spyderco Impala - almost the perfect hunting folder w/VG-10 steel and G-10 handles

2. Seki-Cut Bob Lum Encounter - D2 steel and G-10 handle. A big, very smooth folder and great steel at a good price.

3. Bradley Alias I and II - made by Benchmade to mimic the styling of the Sebenzas. It's controversial but gets a big thumbs up in value.
 
The good ole Camillus/Ontario USAF Pilot Survival Knives. With all the hype surrounding the elite steels, very little is paid attention to these knives any longer. A great value for about $30.

Same can be said for the Kabar's military fighting knives.

I think Kershaw in general is underrated. They make great knives at great prices.
 
crkt m1 lightfoot (i've sawed through chain link fence posting with this one)

cs pendleton hunter - havent put it through much rough yet.. but its kept an amazing edge .. its cs's VG1 steel

crkt edgie - best bang for the buck.. $20 gets you constantly self sharpened beauty
 
For the money: KaBar Dozier (any one of the 3 styles of blades) < $25
Victorinox Recruit, Spartan, etc < $25
KaBar Wart Hog < 50.00
All three knives for less than $ 100.00. Hard to beat.
 
K-Bar Doziers. Good price, takes a decent edge and makes a good EDC beater.

CRKT Crawford Kasper. I bought one a couple of years ago and still a favorite. Nice ergos.

Timberline Wortac, the smaller one. Good retention in the hand and the synthetic rosewood grips add a not so tactical touch to a recurve.
 
Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. Much stronger, more durable, heavier duty and better built than it has a right to be...and built in Japan. For the price this is an outrageous bargain.
 
razorsdescent said:
Nemesis arch ally. Anoth great necker. Its a real beauty and its fit and finish is custom level. Really a great blade for the money.
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I was just going to post about this very knife! Yes, I agree 100% with razordescent on this sweet little knife. I took the Tek-lok off mine, and it is the perfect pocket carry fixed blade for me!
 
Browning Ice Storm
CRKT M18
Gerber Harsey Air Ranger

I have at least 2 of each and haven't paid more than $25 for any of them.
 
I'll second the Alias 1. The kershaw Echo fixed AUS8 blade leather sheath and the BEST handle shape and ergos going all for $30-35. I've got two and still trying to kill the first which is 12yrs old and been there and back. If you look carefully the new ZT line has the basic handle shape!!!!!!!!!
 
>Boker Subcom. An amazing knife for just over $30!
>Benchmade DPT (Drop point tactical) red class
>Moras. They have a following, but I find mine to be the absolute BEST (and I have many fixed blades) knife for hiking!
 
I second the CRKT Lightfoot M1. As soon as saw this thread the M1 came to mind. Also the Camilus Heat is also under rated. I would say the Rat model 1 but I am seeing more and more posts about them I think the RAT series is gaining popularity. Also the K- bar warthog folder is a pretty cool and functional little knife.
 
I agree with an earlier post that the CS Voyagers are often underrated.

My Helle knives continue to amaze me in terms of sharpness and overall practicality.

Svord knives from New Zealand are also quiet achievers.

There are others but the question said 3.
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
With all of the great expensive knifes out there, some not so expensive knives are getting overlooked. My votes are for:

1. Kershaw Storm II (see pics)
2. Kershaw Steven Seagal
3. Spyderco Native FRN
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I've had pocket knives all of my life of one brand or another. None of them up until the last couple of years costing over $30. I guess my first "good" one was a Buck 110 that I bought around 1975 and recently gave to my nephew. It is still in great shape. When I finally did decide to spend a little money for a nice folder I bought a Spyderco Native and still have it. Great knife, S30V steel, great deal under $50 a few years ago! Not sure what they sell for now. My daily carry knife: Benchmade Osborne 942.
 
Knives I think are underrated:

1) Benchmade Gravitator
2) Benchmade 940 Osbourne
3) Ka-Bar Cutlass ("machete")

Runners up:
Case Russlock
Buck 301 Stockman
slipjoints in general
 
I can't think of 3 right off the top of my head, but the first one I think of is the Bladetech Pro Hunter Lite. It's such a good knife for $50, and the fit and finish is so good I can't help wondering how much better the USA liner lock models are to justify their price. Maybe that's why they moved production from Seki Japan to Taiwan?
 
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