Anyone see the Queen RAT?

[cpirtle]

Was just checking out some of Queen's new offerings and came across the Randall Adventure & Training Queen Cattle King.

Looks like a winner, D2 blades & Ram Horn scales. Limited to 500. At 4.25" closed it's just the size I like.

I should have one in my hands tomorrow. Here's a picture I borrowed from Knifeworks...

 

[freezergeezer]

Oooohhhh, NICE! It looks like the main blade is more or less in line with the handle, which I prefer to the odd-feeling 'bent' look so many American knives have.

 

[knifeaholic]

What company does Queen make that knife for?

 

[cpirtle]

What company does Queen make that knife for?

It's Queen branded, I think it's just Randall "designed" or endorsed.

I'll try to get better pic's tomorrow once I have mine.

 

[airyq]

I am eying this one as well.

Pics and a quick review on it would be great.

 

[sunnyd]

That punch blade looks very familiar.. Looks like the one on my Queen Harness Jack that are very own BFC member waynorth commissioned not too long ago. I wonder if maybe he knows the story behind this one..?

.. 'Paging Mr. waynorth.'

 

[cpirtle]

Okay, here's the rub.

Mine just came (#38).

It's very typical Queen quality with the exception of a couple of minor seams in the back spring. Action is very nice and smooth with tight lockup in all directions. The Ram Horn IMO is gorgeous, the outer 80% is exterior horn and the sub horn is translucent like amber.

The punch is an interesting design and may be like Waynorth's, although I've never seen one of his in person. The tip of the punch is ground almost like a tanto. Could be a flaw in the grind or that way by design. The grind of the scoring edge is steep and they actually bent the edge back to the opposing side as opposed to another hollow grind like I've seen on other punches. You may have to buy the knife to see what I'm talking about because it's hard to describe and will be nearly impossible to photograph.

Finally, the word "Queen" is no where to be found except on the model number stuck to the box on the UPC (QN9738). This is an Ontario/Rat branded knife.

I'll try and get some photo's later but overall I'd say we have a winner.

 

[waynorth]

The punch on the RAT is different than yours, sunnyd. It's very like the one that's coming out on my next edition Harness jack, the equal ender.
The punch on the RAT was developed by the knife designer at Queen, and works extremely well. Indeed it has a forged-over edge, that puts the cutting edge at the correct attack angle. The "tanto" leading edge creates an easily-sharpened piercing point. Half the battle of cutting a good hole is to pierce the leather cleanly, without piercing your hand, so the holing edge can do its work. It's a wonderful feat of engineering, this punch!! Hats off to Queen's designer!!

 

[sunnyd]

Great info guys,, thanks to both cpirtle and waynorth!.:thumbup: Looking foward to seeing pics of yous cpirtle!

 

[rev_jch]

It is pretty, I saw a pic of it a while back on the rat forums.

 

[airyq]

Thanks cpirtle.

I suppose since I am a bit curious about the punch, I will have to buy one to see for myself, as you have advised.

 

[cpirtle]

Thanks for the info on the punch Waynorth.

Here's some teaser shots. Managed to get a decent on of the back side of the punch as well as the tanto point (which is not as obvious in the photo).

The photo does not even come close to the depth of the scales, but will give you an idea of how cool they are. Almost look too good to be natural.

 

[waynorth]

Yup, that's the punch. The designer's name is Bill Howard. He hand made the Case Classic original prototypes, not the so-called ones that pop up from time to time at outrageous prices. Let us not speak ill of the dead.
I need to own a sheep horn handled knife-your's looks so cool!

 

[sunnyd]

.. I need to own a sheep horn handled knife-your's looks so cool!

Me too!. Where are you guys purchasing these cool knives, pray tell??

 

[cpirtle]

I think Knifeworks has them in stock, that's where I first saw the knife. I got mine through my local guy who orders from Blue Ridge Knives, so I know they are in stock at the distributors.

I don't see any on eBay yet either so they must be just getting into the retailer channel.

Only 500 are being made so you may have to act fast.