ESEE Avispa or Ontaio Rat 1 ??

Tough call,,, I've only had a Rat,, and absolutely loved it,, decent steel, good ergos...
But I've also wanted to get an ESEE folder, love that company.

My vote goes to the Rat,,
 
I know its kind of a dumb question given the prices.... just thinking which one first..
 
The Avispa is nice and thin overall. The blade is thin too making it an excellent slicer, mine came extremely sharp. The frame lock is a plus as well. the only downside for me is that it isn't very pointy.
 
The Rat is more ambi friendly if you ever consider left hand carry. Also I find many budget frame locks to be a little less easy to actuate at the thumb stud, if your fingers inadvertently press down on the lock bar as you open it. Thats why IMO, many of them have flippers. Personally I go Rat. It's butter
 
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I like the feel of the Ontario Rat 1 in the hand a bit better. It's a linerlock, but it's solid. Best $30 you can spend on a folder. Either way, you can't loose with the Avispa or the Rat 1, but given the choice I prefer the Rat 1.
 
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Also maybe I'm biased because I think the rat 1 resembles the incredible ratmandu
 
Mouse champion?? I'm not familiar with that model,, is it a Spyderco?
:D
 
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I have both, both are good knives. The RAT with its liner lock is definitely thicker than the frame-lock Avispa, the thicker handle makes it easier on the hands for long usage periods. The RAT's lock is also much easier to disengage. The Avispa's lock can be notoriously difficult to use, especially if you change the position of the clip to tip-up carry so it pushes down on the lock. I'm sure it will loosen up in time, though. Still, I found that I usually reach for the RAT 1 or the smaller variant of the Avispa, the Zancudo.
 
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