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First post... And I have to add a EDC post.

J

jusclaires

Joined
Feb 12, 2014
Messages
37
I have done a little research on a good EDC knife. And I have a pretty good idea of the aspects I want. I'm left handed but I carry my knife and use it with my right hand (weird I know). I prefer a tip up carry. And if possible a AO system of some sort. I have a Gerber with the fast system. Not sure of the model. And a Kershaw Clash that I really like for the money. Just a little to thick for my liking. And a few other knifes that just haven't fit the bill for EDC.

With all that being said. I have done some searching. And found I love the Benchmade mini barrage for EDC. But I just don't want to drop $100 quite yet on a knife I'll be carrying and most likely lose a time or two. Maybe in time that'll be in my pocket.

With some searching on here I've come across many posts saying the OKC Rat 1 and 2 would be a great value. And I can't argue. And I was strongly considering ordering the 2; when I came across a post about them coming out with an AO system. I see they have it on the Rat 1 but not 2 yet. Anybody know if that's in the works or not?
 
For a cheap AO EDC knife I really like the Kershaw Cryo.

Never really liked the aesthetics of the RAT myself, not to mention I think the OKC Utilitac II is more knife for the money. Though that is also a manual.
 
ditto on the cryo ive been carrying one for about 3 months now and its been way better than i would have expected. Opens super fast but won't engage without you wanting it to and its a great size with a nice pocket clip. Ive heard some people say theirs came with poor f&f but mine is perfectly centered and very nicely put together and for $30 bucks its hard to get a better slim AO. Of course I could say all of this about my RAT1 too except mine isnt AO, still deploys very quickly.
Brian
 
Thanks guys that cryo is one I had my eye on before I read about the rat on here. Might go that route and wait to see if the rat II comes out with AO eventually. Which I would believe they have to.
 
Cryo and Cryo II are nice knives, so is the blur. Look at a Spyderco delica/endura as well. Although not ao, they are great knives. You could also try a zt 0350 blem, or benchmade grip/mini-grip.
 
Kershaw is pretty much the name of the game when it comes to good quality budget price assisted openers. I'm not well acquainted with their Chinese knives, but I've got a few of their US made folders with considerable use under their belts and I'm very happy with them. A Blur blem can be had from kershawguy.com for 35 to 40 dollars, that's a great deal.
 
I just received my first Rat 1 and have to say I like it alot. Coyote scales w/black serrated blade. It fits perfectly in the hand, looks great, smooth action, not too heavy (some complain about the weight), the price was right, and for me is the perfect EDC size (I don't like tiny folders). It is extremely sharp out of the box, lockup is tight, blade is centered, easy to open right or left handed. I already swapped the clip to tip down right side carry.

The only complaint I have is the black finish. It's very shiny and thinly applied. No worries though since they look better scuffed up and I plan to order another with differnt handle color and plain satin blade. Can't beat them for around $30.
 
Dude, assisted opening is great, but you should look at the spyderco tenacious too. Just watch some videos on YouTube of people flicking them open. Super fast. They are sexy knives too I love mine
 
What do you like about the Barrage? The lock, the blade, the handle, the aesthetics? I'm sure there are cheaper options that offer whatever it is about it that you like. Or just keep an eye on the exchange forum here, and other sites too (can I say that?). You may be able to get one at a price that won't make you feel so guilty about it.

But in my experience, if you hang around here for a little while, $100 for a knife will seem...much less absurd.
 
With the barrage it just seemed to be the right size for me to carry without it being overboard. I tend to like something around a 3 inch blade. The rat 1 being 3.5 wouldn't be overkill. But the rat 2 is in that ballpark of size I'm looking for to carry for when I'm in light shorts and stuff in the summer. During the times I'd be wearing jeans bigger isn't bad. But I was at a local cabelas looking at the spydercos and benchmades, and man they were razor sharp. The barrage just seemed to fit into more of the categories of what I wanted. Other than the scales on it. Wasn't a big fan of the feel of those. Really liked the g10 on the spydercos.

I actually talked with OKC and it sounds like an assited rat 2 isn't far away. Might have to grab one of the non assisted and see what I think. And if it's not for me. The barrage it is.

Sorry for the long rambling message there
 
Welcome to the forums, man.

Esee's Zancudo might work out well for you. Good price range and right in the blade length you're after.

Check out some of kershaw's offerings on kershawguy.com
Kershaw "blems" are factory knives that have very minor (if any) visual defects (scuffs on the G10, etc). You can get some really good blades there.

Zero Tolerance 0350 is a great AO at about the right blade length for you, 3.25" Beefy blade, too.

Spyderco's Manix2 is a great option for around 3"

Benchmade's Mini-Griptilian is a touch under 3", and the large Griptilian comes in at 3.45"

Good luck!
 
Broke down and ordered a rat 2. But I feel like this is a new addiction. I'm going to have to slow down with these obsessions. With archery.guns and knives their starting to beat up the checkbook.
 
I really think you'll be a happy with the rat-2 even without it being A/O, the rats have always been very easy/fast to open. How smooth they are combined with the good detent make it just fly open. You won't at a be dissapointed or miss A/O.
 
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