EDC for under $40

Just as a little tip, the 3.5" blade length on the RAT 1 is extremely debatable. If it is illegal to carry a blade over 3.5 inches I would not go with the RAT 1. Also, the choil gets a bit hot if you use it for a while and have sausage fingers. Just my $.02. I still liked my RAT 1, and it is an extremely valuable and durable knife.
 
Put me in as a supporter of the RAT 1 as well. I have used this knife as my big "dirty jobs" knife in my construction work for a few years. It shows some wear and tear no doubt, but it still locks up as well as when new, and rides better in the pocket than some smaller knives. I have the Tenacious as well, and the RAT seems to hold an edge just slightly better (could be my imagination) but the Tenacious is much wider in the pocket when clipped on. So the Tenacious doesn't see any pocket time at all for me at this point.

Robert
 
The Rat 1 looks about right if you want a modern liner lock.

I'm emotionally tied to Buck knives but I can't recommend any of them currently as it seems they're inconsistent with respect to the issue of vertical play. I also think you'll have problems with size. The Ecolite 112 fills my big hand a bit better than an Opinel #8 with the curved bolster, but it's still a 3 1/2 finger knife for me and not a full 4 finger knife like the 110 is. But, the 110 is well over 3.5" in the blade.

If you otherwise like the Opinel #8, you might be pleasantly surprised with the #9. It's a big step up in terms of handle size, more than the numbers suggest. I wear XL gloves and find the #9 to be a full 4 finger handle. The additional girth fills my hand well. I prefer it as my hard use pocket knife, even over the larger #10.

To get the blade legal, I suggest filing the blade down to a drop point. I find this gives a sturdier, more useful blade anyhow. Here's my #9. Blade length is this modified form is a bit under 3.5"

Putting it another way, the Opinel 9 fills my hand comparably to the Buck 110 and the (modified) sub-3.5" blade is more useful for EDC and work uses.


opinel-9 by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
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I don't know if i have big hands but my wrist is 7.3inch and im not fat..go with the rat2 after a view days days you will love it!!
 
+1 for ka bar dozier folding hunter I have it in venom green and use it at work all the time easy to sharpen and holds good edge got my girlfriend the pink mini dozier hunter and she edc's it everyday
 
123samic said:
Hey guys,
As the title says Im looking for a folder to edc. At the moment I'm using an opinel no 8 but I find the handle is uncomfortably small for my huge hands, so I need something that is fairly beefy. unfortunately In my area its illegal to carry a blade over 3.5 inches so I cant go for a bigger opinel.
so if you guys have any suggestions Ill be glad to here them.

Thanks,
Sam
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The Gerber Air Harsey is a very good looking fast opening solid folder that you might want to look at.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy4AqENkWAo
 
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You might also consider an Opinel ebauche; blade is a No. 8 handle is large to allow for customization.

OT
 
ok guys looks like I'm gonna be gettin the RAT. If anyone objects to this purchase, let them speak now or forever hold their peace
 
I have a Rat 1, Dozier hunter and the Cryo. For me, the Rat wins hands down. Ton of knife for the money and it flies open as fast or faster than the Cryo and it isn't assisted. It is larger than the other two and the full flat grind makes it an excellent slicer.
 
Just take a peak at the Kershaw Turbulence... great design (Tim Galyean) G-10 - Liner lock - American Made - Assisted opening - Steel liners - Flipper...

a hundred dollar knife that you can find for close to $40.00 on some sites... I love this knife for under $40.00 aaa.jpg
 
Cold Steel Voyager. It's so butter smooth on the pivot, with such great ergonomics, three differ wicked sharp blade shapes, strongest folding knife lock there is. It's just an outstanding knife. The best one for EDC, the medium size, can be had for around $35. Best AUS8A steel you'llfind anywhere since it gets a vacuum treatment and cryo treatment.

I love mine so much that I went out and bought a different one.
 
For another option, the Buck Vantage line can be had as little as $25 to $50, if you get the S30V variant.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
Cold Steel Voyager. It's so butter smooth on the pivot, with such great ergonomics, three differ wicked sharp blade shapes, strongest folding knife lock there is. It's just an outstanding knife. The best one for EDC, the medium size, can be had for around $35. Best AUS8A steel you'llfind anywhere since it gets a vacuum treatment and cryo treatment.

I love mine so much that I went out and bought a different one.
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Ill second this. You can also find the large for under 40, but it's over your 3.5 limit.
 
The RAT-1 is a great knife. Of the ones you narrowed it down to, it may be the better option, especially if you found the handle on the Opinel 8 too small. Here's the RAT next to a Tenacious, Ka-Bar Dozier, and Opinel No. 8 for comparison.

RAT1_Tenacious_DozierFH_Opinel8_open_800x410.jpg


RAT1_Tenacious_DozierFH_Opinel8_closed_800x420.jpg
 
123samic said:
unfortunately In my area its illegal to carry a blade over 3.5 inches so I cant go for a bigger opinel.Thanks, Sam
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I agree with Pinna, I just got my firs #9, and it's notably more comfortable than an 8. I did the measuring, and I'm pretty SURE it's just unter 3.5", whereas the 8 is just OVER 3".

fetzer85 said:
Ontario RAT 1, no doubt! Has a 3.5" blade and a good size comfortable handle. Well under $40 too.
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As ALLHSS pointed out, the RAT1 is a violator. It's like 3.6" long, and it's style and appearance make it even look longer, LOL.

Spyderco's owner designed the Stretch model to be Colorado (3.5") legal, among other things. I know this is double the price of the RAT, Tenacious, or Dozier's discussed here. But, it's arguably far more than double the quality.

Be careful and good luck in searching/choosing.
 
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