Cheap folder as good as RAT?

T

trugracie

Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
257
It's like asking for Mercedes luxury at a Ford price, but I need a good, solid folder that is tough, but yet holds a very good edge at less than $50.
I mainly use it to cut cardboard boxes, thick webbing, plastic straps/zip ties, and may graze stainless every now and then when cutting package off commercial appliances.

I know, I know!
A knife is just for cutting, but that is the reason for a beater knife. Just imagine that I want it to be like a general utility knife, but at the same time, be sharp enough to cut through cardboard like nothing.
Any Ideas?
Keep in mind it has to be a folder, and one hand opener.
 
You can find various Spyderco folders for under $50. I recently picked-up a Spyderco Delica (in pink) for my wife and it is a decent, inexpensive folder that can be found (in colors other than pink) for under $50.
 
The Tenacious from Spyderco is a good folder that is inexpensive.
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Cant go wrong with a delica or endura. Just stay away from serrations, they are no good for slicing. A kershaw zing or skyline would fit your requirements also.
 
none of my folders are under 50...but i hear the rat 1 is a tough ass knife....after all it was designed by RAT
 
"any folders as good as RAT?"

It is a trick question -the answer is the RAT 1 folder made by Ontario. Currently being sold as low as 25 (30 shipped). A very impressive knife.
 
And Ontario has sold a shitload of them!
 
Yeah, after I bought two at near $50 each as I recall, the price dropped. The model 1 is a lot of knife for the money. It's much cheaper than the Al Mar SERE and Blade-Tech shown.

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My dad just bought a RAT 1 & he loves it. Just under $30 w/ shipping on ebay. It's a really nice folder, imo.
 
Some folks hate them because they have no liners, but the Cold Steel Voyagers have held up well for me and weigh very little. But nowadays, you can get the RAT cheaper.
folders001-3.jpg

The Kershaw Junkyard Dog II, second from bottom is another rugged folder I really like.

folders002-3.jpg
 
Well I am very fond of the RAT Folder, the Kewshaw Mini Cyclone (if you want an open assist) and the KaBar Warthog and Dozier. I have used all of them for the same chores I use my Izula and RC-3 for, none of them has given me any trouble at all. All can be purchased for under $50 of FleaBay and other places.

There are a lot of other knives out there that will stand up to the same usage as well, but these are the only four I know of for sure that will hold up under heavy use. I think someone from this forum ended up with my RAT folder, and afterwards I missed enough I picked up another. :)
 
Walmart carries some kershaws, I'm pretty sure all of them are under $50 and Kershaw has one of the best warranties and customer services in the business, I have never dealt with, nor do I hope to, RAT's CS, but I'm sure it's right there with them.
 
I don't know of any currently manufactured folder that gives more bang for the buck than the Rat-1...in its class.

I own 4 and have 2 more on the way....

...but am anxiously awaiting RAT's folder.

Chris
 
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