D2 v 1095

Q

queserrah

Joined
Jan 16, 2009
Messages
14
Hello RAT enthusiasts.

I am curious about the preference of 1095 over D2

I have had a difficult time finding information for the layperson on this subject. I am not a chemist or smith... i just want the superior blade.
 
Well, RAT only makes knives in 1095, so your probably asking about Ontario knives.

D2 holds an edge forever and is more stain resistant. Its also harder to sharpen. There are rumors that its too brittle for hard task too.

1095 is easy to sharpen, holds a good edge, but rust rather quickly. Its also considered tougher, mainly because its more flexible, I believe. The only real down side is how fast it rust.

Hope this helps.
 
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Thanks for the info and link. After reading, I'm def leaning toward the 1095. now it's a question of RAT3 or RAT4.

I had a TAK1 (which was stolen from me recently) and it felt a little large to be my main squeeze-all purpose-tromp through the woods-get er done knife. but it was an excellent tool.

Maybe i'll get both RAT 3 and 4. Use your money now while it's still worth something right?

again, thanks a lot.
 
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D2 is terrible to sharpen, but its does hold a pretty good edge. I got rid of my D2 knives also so I think 1095 is the way to go.
 
The RAT 3 is available in D2 and 1095.... I'm unclear on the difference between the RC3 and the RAT 3.... they seem to be practically the same knife. Am I missing something here. I understand the difference to be the RAT3 is made by Ontario/RAT and the RC3 is made by just RAT.

is the over all quality the same? is the added cost for the RC3 just for the molle sheath?....

I'm tempted to get the RAT3 to save $20, but I'm afraid I'm missing something here?
 
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with the extra 20 you will spend on a RAT Cutlery blade you will get a far superior warranty. i think you will be much more pleased
 
sorry folks. I'm biting my tongue.

I just need to read up a little.... but as everyone knows the web can be a bit difficult to navigate and sift through for woodland non-techie people who just want the best out of a blade.

I need to do my research thats for sure. But I do think that people coming together and discussing things is a much better way to increase knowledge, than trudging through the world wide web.

FYI, I just read the entire thread on the Ontario and RAT potential legal issues... and I think that my mind is made up. I'll put some extra greenbacks in to the small home grown company before a mega-company any day of the week. And from what folks posted, it does sound like the warranty is better from RAT.

What I'm looking into now, is whether RAT simply designed the TAK1 for Ontario, or if they manufactured it too... b/c I was VERY pleased with my TAK1 when I had it, and hope the craftsmenship in the RC3,4 is of the same quality.

anyhow. you're right Kershaw 2110 I am behind on my research... INFACT I feel like I've just begun with my research and subsequent knife obsession... OH NO I can see all my pay checks turning into fine tuned blades and other assorted weaponry :)
 
The RC blades have a better heat treat of the blades, a far more durable coating and the fit and finish is better than the latest Ontario production. Also the sheaths are about the best you can get and the most versatile. You get a lot more from RAT for a little extra money.
 
queserrah said:
sorry folks. I'm biting my tongue.

I just need to read up a little.... but as everyone knows the web can be a bit difficult to navigate and sift through for woodland non-techie people who just want the best out of a blade.

I need to do my research thats for sure. But I do think that people coming together and discussing things is a much better way to increase knowledge, than trudging through the world wide web.

FYI, I just read the entire thread on the Ontario and RAT potential legal issues... and I think that my mind is made up. I'll put some extra greenbacks in to the small home grown company before a mega-company any day of the week. And from what folks posted, it does sound like the warranty is better from RAT.

What I'm looking into now, is whether RAT simply designed the TAK1 for Ontario, or if they manufactured it too... b/c I was VERY pleased with my TAK1 when I had it, and hope the craftsmenship in the RC3,4 is of the same quality.

anyhow. you're right Kershaw 2110 I am behind on my research... INFACT I feel like I've just begun with my research and subsequent knife obsession... OH NO I can see all my pay checks turning into fine tuned blades and other assorted weaponry :)
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i dident realize how my coment sounded untill after i had already posted it.. i tried to edit it out before any one saw it but you must have read it right after it got posted:).. any how i dident mean to sound harsh and i know thats how it came out. i was in the exact same position as you a couple days ago and was thinking about saving a little extra money but with a little quick reading on bladeforums i found out that the RAT Cutlery vs Ontario rat is not the same product
 
my vote goes to 1095 with proper heat treat. It should last a lifetime & is a great overall steel. Rockwell should be around 54 to no higher than 58 IMO
 
I'd get the 1095. From my experience it is much easier to sharpen, and to me, that is a big plus for a blade I may need to depend my life on.

Get the RAT RC series over the RAT3 or RAT 4, though. Warranty = Best in the buis. (IMO)
 
I've got a D2 Rat7 and I like it. I hope RC gets around to offering their designs in D2 in the future in some fashion. Mine's the collectors edition, and I'd love to see another collectors series for the new stuff. I wouldn't go nuts over D2 vs 1095, you'd probably end up buying neither if you really got worked up over it.

+1 The Rat Cutlery 1095 knives will have better fit and finish.
 
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Kershaw 2110 said:
i dident realize how my coment sounded untill after i had already posted it.. i tried to edit it out before any one saw it but you must have read it right after it got posted:).. any how i dident mean to sound harsh and i know thats how it came out. i was in the exact same position as you a couple days ago and was thinking about saving a little extra money but with a little quick reading on bladeforums i found out that the RAT Cutlery vs Ontario rat is not the same product
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no worries man.
 
Even beyond the ethical and warranty issues (and Ontario has assured me they will stand behind their RAT knives (both before and after the split)) the RC knives are a significant step up on fit, finish, sharpness, etc. The handle is a bit longer (it matters).

Plus, with RC you get this cool forum with US and with Jeff. What else could a person want?
 
bigbob68 said:
my vote goes to 1095 with proper heat treat. It should last a lifetime & is a great overall steel. Rockwell should be around 54 to no higher than 58 IMO
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1095 at 65 is tougher than at 58. Torsional toughness is a good indicator of chipping resistance. For a lot of simple carbon steels often harder is also tougher.

graph1095.jpg
 
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