Concern in regard to a knife's folding

D

DontBlameTheBlade

Joined
May 18, 2014
Messages
9
Last week I received an Ontario RAT 1 (satin / partially serrated). My purchase was via e-shopping, from a well known and reliable site. Not being a knife expert, I intend to be knowledgeable as can be, bust misconceptions and adopt good perception. That said, I have a concern which is growing more like a preoccupation and I want to break free from it, because it does not allow me to enjoy this asset of mine (the RAT-1). So: I have the sense that when I fold the blade it is as if there is less detent “force" than I would expect. I understand that when it comes to knives with a liner lock, when the blade opens or closes (folds) one can by any means not expect that the mechanics of the knife shall operate / respond the way the would with more elaborate construction, mechanics etc. I also understand that most probably, when I shall be carrying the RAT 1 in my pocket, there shall not be a force so "mighty" to make my RAT 1 unfold abruptly / on its own (not even the faintest I guess). Then (you will ask), "why on earth do yo bother us dear forum member”? Well, here comes the fixation as a result of an unusual "test"... I tried this: I held the knife folded, with the top of the blade facing downwards and I applied a very strong force by jerking my hand downwards (exactly as ones does with a conventional mercury thermometer). I realised that the blade partially unfolded (at some 90 degrees in regard to the knife's main body)... Sure.. I would not blame you if you were to say that this “experiment” of mine was exaggerating, purposeless etc etc since no user on earth would decide to unfold a simple liner lock knife (or any knife for that mater) like that; you would also say that what I mentioned earlier (i.e. the knife shall most probably not be subject to such a force when carried in a pocket) is true. Last thing that annoys me is that when I unlock the blade and apply the folding move, I have the feeling that when the blade reaches the point of being almost folded, there is not the "reasonable" sense of expected “tightness” for the complete folding (meaning: the distinctive “click” sound and vibration is there but not as "majestic" and satisfying as one would expect, implying the paramount and solid folding). Anyway, maybe I am asking too much or maybe I am way off base as you say stateside. Still, I felt that I ought to write these lines, in order to at least get it out. Thank you for the time spent to read my post
Kind regards.
 
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Weak detent.
The strength of the aforementioned detent is often inconsistent among inexpensive production knives. My Spyderco Tenacious has an adequately strong detent, but I've seen others with unacceptably weak detents. Luck of the draw.
 
I have the Rat model 2 and it has a very strong detent. So much so that sometimes I struggle to open it by pushing on the thumb stud.

Bad luck that you got a weak one. Just use the knife hard, enjoy its cutting abilities and try not to worry too much about it. If you're worried about it opening in your pocket maybe carry it tip down with the spine of the blade up against your pocket seam.

Buying knives online is always a gamble. How is your lock up and is your blade well centered? My Rat 2 has very late lock up - it's pretty much touching the liner on the other side.
 
You could try tightening it up a bit so it gets to the point of a friction folder? It would be harder to open and close but a bit safer. You could also take it apart and bend the lock 2/3 mm more and put it back together.

Lastly I would suggest returning it and buying one at a knife/hunting/outdoor shop where you can test the action before buying.
 
I've owned a RAT 1 for probably about 8 months now; never had a problem with it. Mine is very smooth, lock up is tight, liner lock goes about halfway, detent is great (not too much, but not too little), and the centering (surprisingly) is nearly perfect. I am deeply impressed wit the fit and finish of mine. You might want to check the lock up on yours and adjust the pivot screw accordingly. If the detent problem really bothers you that much you might want to shoot Ontario an email, and see what they can do. It's a great knife; don't let this problem turn you away from it. I love mine, and because of how smooth it is when oiled correctly, it is so much fun to flick out.
 
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