Carrying a 'Camping' Folder...

Which would you keep in your camping bag?

  • Total voters
    13
sonarsessions

sonarsessions

Joined
Nov 1, 2016
Messages
113
I was looking for something to keep in my camping setup and wanted to get a nice sturdy folder that is relatively inexpensive and easy to sharpen, but bulky and would stand up to some work.

I have a small fixed blade (Rat 3) and two large fixed blades (BK7 and BK9) but wanted to add a folder to the mix. My search ended up with two results, Joe Pardue's Utilitac II and the Rat 1.

My experience with the Rat series folders is limited to the Rat 2. That being said, I like the fact that the Utilitac II has a larger handle. However, the Rat 1 has a longer blade. Both are sold in AUS8, which is the steel I figured would do the best use for me (although I know the Rat series can be purchased in D2). That being said, what would you use, and why?
 
Hands down the rat is an affordable multitasking user...one of the best folders I own.....better for outdoor and general usage than my 3 Emerson

Outdoors it's either my spyderco millie or my d2 rat 1
 
I have both the RAT 1 and 2. Definitely prefer the RAT 1, it's not only bigger, but everything's thicker, lock-bar is definitely stiffer as well which does mean it's harder to disengage than the RAT 2. The RAT 2 is definitely not a heavy-duty folder, whereas the RAT 1 definitely is. No experience with the Utilitac II, but I don't like recurves for field-sharpening on flat stones, so I voted the RAT 1.

AUS-8 steel on my RAT 1 also held its edge better than the same steel on my RAT 2, which is odd as I put the same 40-degrees inclusive, 1,000-grit semi-toothy edge on both.
 
Well I for one just purchased a rat1 and find it to be very beefy. In fact it's a monster it's bigger than my F1. It's not as thick but definitely has a feel of confidence. I have not used it enough to attest to the edge holding capabilities but if your proficient at sharpening with flat stones you should be fine
 
Another rat lover here. I carry them more than my other more expensive folders. I would think they'd be perfect for a camping rig. I've taken the rat1 on my last few backpacking trips.
I will say that having recently gotten a buck with a bos treated sv30 blade, the Aus8 certainly gives up the edge quicker.... but about the same as any solid 1095 or other hard use blade. That said, the rats take a crazy sharp edge very easily.
 
All my all my rat folders are in d2. It goes a long way before sharpening, and a simple keychain dmt in extra fine(green) will bring it back to sharp quickly.
 
Not familiar with the Utilitac II, but if it has a recurve edge, I would pass.
I just bought my first Rat 1. (AUS 8 blade steel)
I am impressed.
I believe I will carry the RAT 1 instead of my Buck 110, at least for a few months.
 
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