Do you prefer RAT having a limited # of blades?

J

jlamb

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Nov 25, 2009
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Speaking for myself, one of the appeals of RAT cutlery is the fact that they do not have a lot of blades. Right now they have approx 6 blades out, which is nice cause normal folks can afford the whole lineup. I am working on acquiring all their offerings. I think some of the appeal would be lost if they went to a larger scale production lineup like most other companies of quality- spyderco, benchmade, kershaw.

So on to my discussion topic- how do you feel about having limited choice? Do you wish they offered more or is this just right? Does that make it feel more custom? With the owners other ventures, would it even be possible for them to churn out more and more knives? When I use the word limited, I dont use it in the sense that something is missing, I just mean that they do not have out a ton of knives. Its sunday and raining, so I am bored.
 
" limited choice " ? hmmm..... as far as fixed blades go, i cant think of more options that RAT does'nt have covered. RAT is good stuff!!! :thumbup:
 
That's why RAT is going to put more emphasis on non-knife gear from this point onward. They'll still come out with new knives, but not with nearly as much frequency or priority. :)
 
Right now, I think they have covered all the bases from small to pretty big. The Machete size will follow, but on top of that, IMO there is no urgent need for another size of fixed blades. Of course, all permutations would be possible to produce (grind x handle style x handle material x size), but given the no-nonsense attitude of RAT cutlery, that would be just more than enough and rise questions about the purpose of these alterations besides creating demand for collectors.

That said, the folder is in the pipeline as well as two(?) machetes, which will rise the total count to 9 already. This proves that there are still some knife models that are really new and make sense. Let's see what they will come up with in the future.

Dennis
 
Yea, they've stated that after these next few, they feel pretty well covered. I've got to agree. I plan on getting the machetes, then after that I'm more than covered. The company seems to have an interesting take on soft goods, can't wait to see more
 
Like others have said, once the Junglas, Lite Machete and folder come out, I think all the bases are covered. They may not be someone's idea of the optimum knife for whatever, but there isn't anything you won't be able to do with at least one of their designs.

I like the idea of having a limited product line and doing it extremely well.

I also like that they are going after the non-knife gear end of things. While my tastes differ from theirs in the way of backpacks, I'm glad they are doing it, because if nothing else, the other companies will have to adapt, rather than sit on their laurels if they don't want to get behind the market curve.
 
Folks should stick to what they do best. An example of out of control diversity can be found with Pizza delivery places. They are offering Pizza, yes, but also chicken wings, desserts, salads........... Their products, other than the pizza, is usually crap.

In my oh so humble opinion, Randall Adventure offers exactly the right amount of knives. I can see a need, maybe, for a machete, but not for folders.
 
The need for folders is that the market is screaming for good ones that don't cost a mint. For some folks, it's the only kind of knife they can EDC because of laws.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
The need for folders is that the market is screaming for good ones that don't cost a mint. For some folks, it's the only kind of knife they can EDC because of laws.
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what kind of folder could RAT possibly come up with that has'nt been done already ? at any price range ? :confused:
 
RAT needs to keep their model numbers low, but not production numbers. That's my biggest pet peeve about swamprat and scrapyard knives. I hate, HATE, paying 3x retail for a knife because of limited quantities.
 
Mannlicher said:
Folks should stick to what they do best. An example of out of control diversity can be found with Pizza delivery places. They are offering Pizza, yes, but also chicken wings, desserts, salads........... Their products, other than the pizza, is usually crap.

In my oh so humble opinion, Randall Adventure offers exactly the right amount of knives. I can see a need, maybe, for a machete, but not for folders.
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You seriously need to visit buffalo. Pizza is the sideshow
 
I think rats lineup is perfect, they have a blade for everything I would need a blade for. When the junglas and then the izula folder come out they will be complete.
 
I can understand the OP point of view, however I think once the machete and the two(?) folders come out all the bases will be covered. I can't think of anything else that I would want in a knife that RAT doesn't already make, or will be soon. Some companies just try too hard to cater to EVERYONE, I like that RAT has a specific focus group and sticks with it. Just my 2 cents.
 
Mannlicher said:
Folks should stick to what they do best. An example of out of control diversity can be found with Pizza delivery places. They are offering Pizza, yes, but also chicken wings, desserts, salads........... Their products, other than the pizza, is usually crap.

In my oh so humble opinion, Randall Adventure offers exactly the right amount of knives. I can see a need, maybe, for a machete, but not for folders.
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But what if the RAT folder ends up being the best folder EVAR!!

And you want to crush that possibility....:D

What if Bic had just stuck to razors? We wouldn't have the fantastic pens and lighters we do today now would we.
 
I think alot of knife companies focus on making knives. RAT seems to focus on what palce knives really have in real situations. No bulls*^t, no blood grooves to look cool, just tools. By no means perfect, but they shoot the best use middle line well. I like em.

Thier foray into softgoods is interesting. The sheaths I've seen, the rat pack and the junglas survival sheath, look/ are very cool. I obviously haven't held the backpack they have in the pipeline, but the photos don't do it for me. We'll see how that washes out, but thier willingness to do things on a small scale for a very niche market, at exceedingly good quality.... I've definatly staying tuned
 
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shotgunner11 said:
What if Bic had just stuck to razors? We wouldn't have the fantastic pens and lighters we do today now would we.
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Good Point.

One of the things I found attractive about RAT was the value. Value to me is everything combined. Quality, Warranty, Price, etc..... I paid under 50 bucks for my Izula and the RC-3 and RC-4 I have seen for under 100. If RAT can provide a quality product (doesn't matter what) for the same great value as their knives, then I look forward to each and every product release. I'm hoping that the Folder which looks fantastic, is a great value and sends the folding knife world spinning.

Bill
 
Let's not forget the rat fire kit. I consider that thing more reliable than lighters for getting a fire going.
 
yup with the knives coming out in this calendar year, it would seem the knife line-up is near perfect. the gear that goes along with the rat concept is getting there too. the rat pack is a great piece of gear. (one im seriously jonesing for) and it seems they have some other gear based products in the works. doesnt seem like trying to do everything. but it does appear rc is sticking to concepts and products that fit their philisophy and way of living. of course from a business perspective, they do need to not only improve where there is room for improvement, but offer new product. otherwise at some point everyone who dig rc products will have everything offered.
 
I'm looking foward to non-knife products like the backpack more than anything else.
 
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