Any Bored Rat-1 Folder Fans Out there?

M

Murphyslaw

Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
428
With the Izulla Folder not expected for a bit, I figured some of you would like to try out a RAT designed folder, but rehardened to approximately 62RC. If you're interested, follow the Passaround link below:


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717928

And I know that the RAT-1 is made by Ontario and not ESEE...but I find this intriguing, as (1) the RAT-1's blade profile is virtually the same as the Izula (albeit longer) and (2) I hope that the Izula Folder's blade specs close to 60-61RC.

Just a "heads-up".

Chris
 
I carry my RAT-1 everyday for work. Works like a charm for what I use it for, cutting up bait, opening childproof containers, cutting branches and the like.

It seems to hold an edge fairly well and takes a razor edge.
 
what would be the benefits of a rehardened blade? how would i notice which blade works best? :)
 
60-61hrc? isn't that just a wee bit hard considering its being made by a survival company, I'd think they'd want the ability the "sharpen it on any smooth rock" ability
 
jack lowe said:
what would be the benefits of a rehardened blade? how would i notice which blade works best? :)
Click to expand...

Theoretically, longer edge-holding ability and increased durability with very acute edge grinds. But...that's what the pass-around is meant to shed some light on
 
shotgunner11 said:
I carry my RAT-1 everyday for work. Works like a charm for what I use it for, cutting up bait, opening childproof containers, cutting branches and the like.

It seems to hold an edge fairly well and takes a razor edge.
Click to expand...

I currently have 4 (not counting the 2 used for the passaround), one of which is in my regular EDC lineup...notwithstanding I have many, many folders costing more, some much more, than the RAT-1.

That said, I await the Izula Folder with baited breath...

Chris
 
EricV said:
60-61hrc? isn't that just a wee bit hard considering its being made by a survival company, I'd think they'd want the ability the "sharpen it on any smooth rock" ability
Click to expand...


Maybe, but the Izula Folder is planned to be made in D2. Hardening to less than 60RC, IMO, is a waste of D2's potential.

Also, D2 is not my first choice for a dedicated bush/survival blade. But neither are folders.

Chris
 
I love my RAT-1, but I don't meet your 6 month rule, so can't play in the passaround.
 
i like the looks, but the out sourced blade, AUS-8, and ontario keep me from getting one
i like my izula fixed blade plenty for small applications, even bigger ones.
 
Just a Heads-Up...

After the Passaround is completed we will be giving away the rehardened RAT-1 folder to one of the participants.

There are only 5 slots left.

Chris
 
Expatriated said:
I didn't realize you could reharden knives. I thought that weakened the metal structure. How is it done?
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Expat, any knife steel can be re-tempered.

If you leave it in the campfire, you will ruin the current temper, sure, BUT all tempering and heat treating really are is a properly controlled heating and cooling to get the steel to behave like you want. The heating and cooling do align the steel molecules in the order we'd want them to for toughness, hardness, edge retention, impact resistance, etc.

Nothing to prevent you from doing this over and over again, as long as it's done by someone who knows what they are doing and will appropriately control the process to get the desired results.
 
I didn't know that AUS8 could be hardened to 60+ rockwell, guess you learn something everyday and if it can be that hard why dosen't it come from the factory that way?
 
I have a RAT 1 that I use for work but still looking forward to the ESEE folder...I can't wait!
 
The RAT-1, while not made my ESEE is definitely a well made knife - I think it is well made because it was well designed, actually the design is fantastic. I have both a RAT-1 and an Izula, both are great. I bet the Izula folder will also be a great knife.

I think that ESEE should be proud to have been the designer of the RAT-1, even though it was on behalf of another manufacturer!
 
gundude73 said:
i like the looks, but the out sourced blade, AUS-8, and ontario keep me from getting one
i like my izula fixed blade plenty for small applications, even bigger ones.
Click to expand...

AMEN GUNDUDE! Ain't nothing like American Steel. It's so good, we have a football team named after it!
 
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