Help me choose

Which knife?

  • Griptilian

    Votes: 14 35.9%

  • Ontario RAT

    Votes: 6 15.4%

  • Other

    Votes: 19 48.7%
  • Total voters
    39
H

Hjalmar69

Joined
Aug 3, 2019
Messages
172
I'm looking to buy a lockback folding knife for general outdoors use and hunting. I'm down to two alternatives, Benchmade Griptilian or Ontario RAT 1 D2 steel. What do you think?

Regards Erik
 
Afternoon Erik.

Well. You said lock back folder and neither one listed is actually a lock back. The RAT is a liner lock and the Grip is the Axis lock. Did you just mean a locking folder?

If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick the Rat 1 in D2 and save $80.

Now if you are willing to spend $120ish on the Grip, I might suggest a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter for a few dollars less. Similar in size plus the tri-ad lock. If you don't mind metal handle knives (I prefer G10 or micarta myself) there is also the Cold Steel Code 4 or even the Voyager.

If you'd rather stay in the budget area, look at the Ruike P801. A lot of knife for $30 and 14C28N is a very good steel at this price point.
 
gazz98 said:
Afternoon Erik.

Well. You said lock back folder and neither one listed is actually a lock back. The RAT is a liner lock and the Grip is the Axis lock. Did you just mean a locking folder?

If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick the Rat 1 in D2 and save $80.

Now if you are willing to spend $120ish on the Grip, I might suggest a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter for a few dollars less. Similar in size plus the tri-ad lock. If you don't mind metal handle knives (I prefer G10 or micarta myself) there is also the Cold Steel Code 4 or even the Voyager.
Click to expand...
Yes, your right I meant locking folder🙂
 
I vote Griptilian all the way. The composite GTX scales feel much nicer and much more solid than I was expecting. S30V , great blade geometry and the Axis lock all add up to one great knife for the money.
 
I voted other. As others have said, Buck 110 maybe 112. Between the two of them there are enough variants I’d think you’ll find something that appeals to you. They are extremely robust and unless you’re abusing them, will last a lifetime.
 
It would be very hard choice for me, both knives are absolutely favorite models and use extensively both of them... Both great designs, very strong, will take unbelievable amount of beating before give you issues.
However, I think that Rat1 is more suitable for outdoors because of thinner blade behind the cutting edge ( still plenty of thickness ) of both of those. IMO, blade geometry is better suited for processing small game,
and edge to grip angle is more suitable for working when kneeling or bending. It doesn't mean Griptillian won't do all those tasks, I just think the RAt1 will perform better. After all it was designed by Randal specifically for work in the jungle.
They used to have nice videos on the Randall's Adventure site, showing different uses of the Rat but for some reason I couldn't find it... Currently you can see all Rat1 models on the Ontarioknife dot com site.
Here is a quick picture of both ( I don't have other than Tanto blades on my Grips, sorry), seems to me the cutting edge of the Rat is little bit longer than on the regular, non-tanto models Griptilians.

WfJWEP.jpg


There is another very good blade design, IMO much better suitable for outdoors, built by Ontario for Randal - the Avispa.
Unfortunately, it is a frame lock and it does have serious problem if you move the clip for tip up carry, the way I usually do it. The clip presses directly on the lockbar and opening the knife with one hand is impossible, at least in my case.
If it does not bother you to carry tip down and to have frame lock to work with wet, cold, dirty or greasy hand out there, it will probably be better blade geometry for outdoors, even with inferior steel, than the D2 on the newer Rat1 models...
This is what I'm talking about, Top - Rat1, old model, Taiwan Made, Aus8, the Avispa are the two knives in the middle, the one on the bottom is the smaller version, called Zancudo.

7bnx.jpg


Here is the issue with the clip hitting directly over the lock bar when moved for tip up carry.

rls8.jpg


Since I like the knife but it's inconvenient for me to use it tip down or not to be able to open it with one hand, I simply found a clip from Benchmade and installed it for tip up.
It only fits on two holes but it holds very strong, I don't really care about it as long as the knife is functional. This way it worked just fine and I did use this knife quite awhile.

drtd.jpg


As many others suggested also, if you want a lock back/backlock knife, I personally wouldn't look for something else but Cold Steel model. I would offer any of the blade shapes the Voyager model offers, because I have the most experiance with those, but there are plenty other CS models that will be suitable for what you're looking for.
 
From personal experience, when dealing with body fluids and other nasties, you want to stay away from:
- anything with springs in them, such as assisted knives, autos, etc.
- locks from mechanisms that are not too visible/slightly complex such as axis locks, liner locks.

Back locks, framelocks are what I would recommend. Go with a back lock spyderco, buck, maybe an all-Ti ZT.

I voted Other. Sure, you can make any knife work, but cleaning up is NEVER fun after the party.

Good luck!
 
The Rat 1 and the Griptilian are two of my favorite knives - but NOT for general outdoor use and hunting! For those use cases, I agree with those who recommend the CS Ultimate Hunter and the Buck 110 or Buck 112.

If I had to choose between the Rat 1 and the Grip for those purposes, I would go for the Rat 1, because as others have said, you're going to get gunk in the Axis lock using it that way.

Also, I have to say it: a good 4- or 4.5-inch hunting/outdoors fixed blade would be a better choice than just about any folder, for these purposes!
 
RAT's are US made
and much cheaper
and very good

so RAT I for me

Let's rephrase
US manufacturer not scoundreling with chyna !!
 
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Rat 1 knives are great knives! I love mine. But they all used to made in Taiwan. At least some are now made in China.

Where you been, Zulus? Wake up!

Zulus said:
RAT's are US made
and much cheaper
and very good

so RAT I for me
Click to expand...
 
Zulus said:
You must woke already :^D
Click to expand...

I'm awake, yes. But I'm about the furthest from woke that you will ever find. My response to woke is to eat as much red meat as possible, be as politically incorrect as possible and most of all, appreciate a good blade when I see one. Like the aforesaid Spydercos, Benchmades, Cold Steel, Buck, etc. And I love wearing my t-shirt that spells it all out in black-and-white:

Anti_Communist_shirt.jpg
 
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rje58 rje58 I think we all know that a fixed blade will be better suited for outdoors
I did not recommended one is simply because the op was asking for a choice between
two particular folding knives. Otherwise I’m pretty much with you on the subject as well as with some of the other posters.
 
I own a Rat 1 but not a Griptilian. So, I already made the choice of which to choose between them long ago based on cost and functionality.

Of course, there are many other knives that could be purchased in the same size/type category but discussing all the other options would just cloud the discussion.
 
sgt1372 said:
I own a Rat 1 but not a Griptilian. So, I already made the choice
Click to expand...
Me too
Several rats, several cats (as counterweight) and zero griptilans
But I got a Spyderco or two too :^)
Darn Cat for example
 
I would not take a axis lock knife out in the field, I just can't trust the omega springs.

I'd go with a Spyderco with their back lock, maybe in LC200N if you are gonna do gutting with a folder?
 
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