Izula Grande-RAT Wish list

[j williams]

I sure love the Izula. I wish there was a larger Izula with the same design but with a 3 3/4-inch blade and 4-inch handle. I almost forgot the handle must be orange.

Who is on board?

-RB

Im with ya Ruben. That would kick ass.

Id also like to see a RAT/bladetech folder in 1095 or O1, and a RAT chopper/ machete thing.:thumbup:

And those RAT spy capsule firesteels.

 

[bearthedog]

I think Tonydobbs, Troutfisher, J, and a few other nameless humps want it. So maybe RAT can make 5 for us?

-RB

 

[mp510]

the buck is S30v..RC are 1095 that means the RC would need to be coated...to me the Buck hartsook is all most to small

The trick to the Heartsook is getting the right grip on it. I found that it really helps to get the pinky in the little fob. It's a good knife for what it is, but I probably would not be willing to invest more than what the Buck costs (which I almost thought was too much).


That said, I can't wait until the Izula hits the market

 

[taurn]

Im with ya Ruben. That would kick ass.

Id also like to see a RAT/bladetech folder in 1095 or O1, and a RAT chopper/ machete thing.:thumbup:

And those RAT spy capsule firesteels.

1+ for the folder! Now that I've got the RC3&4, I would like something that could fit into my pocket comfortably! Has there ever been a folder in 1095?

 

[shangchi108]

I love this forum. I just do. I try really hard to like other knives and I truly am a die-hard Spyderco fan, and I love SAKs, but when it comes to fix blade knives, I'm really liking all I see and hear about RAT cutlery.

I hope you guys can forgive the fact I don't yet own any RATs but I'm working on it. I truly am.

 

[bearthedog]

I love this forum. I just do. I try really hard to like other knives and I truly am a die-hard Spyderco fan, and I love SAKs, but when it comes to fix blade knives, I'm really liking all I see and hear about RAT cutlery.

I hope you guys can forgive the fact I don't yet own any RATs but I'm working on it. I truly am.

I like this guy!

-RB

 

[R.A.T.]

I think we need to come out with a RAT blow up doll also!

 

[kgd]

I think we need to come out with a RAT blow up doll also!

....with molle attachment options.....

 

[Rockywolf]

I think Boats is on to a great idea. Hmmmm someone has obviously thought about this a great deal, eh, Boats?

Having never held an Izula, I can't say for sure, but Bear has NEVER steered me wrong on knives yet. That said, I'm in.

 

[bearthedog]

I think we need to come out with a RAT blow up doll also!

If it comes in Tactical Pink, I am in. My friend and drum teacher used to say "A hole is a hole as long as you got a little heat in there"

-RB

 

[bearthedog]

I think Boats is one to a great idea. Hmmmm someone has obviously thought about this a great deal, eh, Boats?

Having never held an Izula, I can't say for sure, but Bear has NEVER steered me wrong on knives yet. That said, I'm in.

Rock,
The Izula is gonna change your religious beliefs, it's that good. Some wiseguy did a review on it, hopefully it will be availiable soon!

-RB

 

[Boats]

I think Boats is one to a great idea. Hmmmm someone has obviously thought about this a great deal, eh, Boats?

Let's just say that I have been through a lot of EDC locking folders and subsequently know what I want to see.

I'd estimate that I have been through about 40 different EDC knives over the past twenty years, from an old Buck 110 in 425 steel when in the Navy to things like a REKAT Sifu, liner lock and AXIS locked AFCKs, a non-locking Douk Douk, various Spydercos, a few Microtechs, a few CRKTs,a few Kershaws, a few other Benchmades and have pretty much come full circle.

My EDC rotation is down to two.

Most days, my carry is a Benchmade 610 RUKUS. This thing is a beefy folder that reminds me of my old CUDA Maxx, but way tougher and with a more useable blade profile.

My occasional EDC is my custom shop Buck 110FG in BG-42 with nickel silver bolsters and jigged asian water buffalo horn scales. This is by far my favorite folding knife ever. The fit finish is comparable to "real" custom knives, and the work beats many true customs I have handled. The lock up is rock solid. The properties of the BG-42 steel are phenomenal. The ergonomics are great. The knife feels indestructible even though I know it is not. That, and it has total class backed by a kick ass warranty.

Its only flaws are due to the knife being a design from a different era. It is not as convenient to carry or open as is the more modern Benchmade.

So naturally, I imagine what Jeff, Mike & Shon could do with a folding knife built around a lock back.

It could be the next Buck 110, in that it could be a timeless classic if done right.

Right now, if you want a field tested lock back folder, your choices are essentially the original Buck 110 or its domestic and foreign knock offs, some relatively delicate Spydercos that anchor the locking bar with fiber reinforced nylon, or tougher Spydercos like the Manix, that break the $100.00 barrier.

There is room in the market for a tough, clipped, lock back folder that brings carbon steel to the table.

 

[bearthedog]

Lets not loose focus. Large Izula with the option of orang G-10 scales.

-RB

 

[dblagent]

I would like to see a more bushcraft style blade from the RAT gang.
A2 or 01 Steel uncoated w/RC logo stamped in the Steel or carved on scales
Overall Length: 8.5"- 9"
Blade Length: 4.250"
Cutting Edge: 4" no choil
Blade Thickness: .170" w/thumb serration for firesteel on top of spine
Orange G10 Scales SS hardware
sheath w/RC firesteel

Another big +1 from me on this one also! If you build it we will come.... I do not care about the handles, normal micarta would be fine for me but everything else sounds perfect!

 

[ikiddp9]

I'd rather have an RC-Folder about the size of an RC-4 if one could fold it in half. Run the blade at around 3 3/4ths and the handle a little longer than the RC-4. Lock back, ambi thumbstuds, a coated 1095 blade run into the 60s in hardness, fully flat ground blade in a drop point profile, but with a useably acute point. Phosphor bronze washers. Four position three screw mounted hella stout pocket clip that lets the knife ride deep in the pocket. Adjustable pivot. Black coated 420HC liners and locking bar. Green and/or orange end user changeable micarta scales. Lanyard hole. Fully maintainable by the end user.

In my view, such a knife is the ultimate urban RAT, because clipped folders are way more commonly carried than are neckers.

In fact I'd call it the RC-EDC. I really think that a very hard and extremely sharp 1095 based folder would get away from the "me too" aspect of the folder market. Everyone makes a stainless steel folder, but an enthusiast brand like RC can be different and get away with it by doing a carbon steel folder, so long as the end user can be entrusted with an easy to disassemble and maintain design.

The Model 1 was a good lesson in not how to do a folder worthy of the RAT name. It is/was a liner lock, which isn't butch enough for the brand. It is/was only fully ambidextrous with effort. A knife should come with dual thumbstuds or not bother.

The scales are/were some sort of zytel, which while serviceable, screams cheap.

Of course, the AUS-8 blade and Taiwanese manufacture, while not deal breakers, didn't compel me to purchase one either. IIRC, the original mass marketed Model 1 retailed for about $70.00. In that range a folder is bracketed in price by the excellent Spyderco Endura 4 in its standard VG-10 steel and on the high end by AXIS lock equipped Benchmade Griptilians.

If RC does a folder, it has to pencil out at around a hundred bucks, but it has to be "market exotic" at that price point. Lock backs are proven strong and are inherently easier to mass produce to close tolerances than are more trendy locks like frame locks. They are inherently ambidextrous. The place an RC-Folder can set itself apart in a folder is in the blade.

Run that sucker in 1095 at 61-63 Rockwell and make it a cutter. Leave heavy prying to the rest of the line-up.

Count me in if you make one of this!!!!!!
Also you can make the "Baby RC-EDC" based on the RC-3!!!!!!

 

[Rockywolf]

Right now, if you want a field tested lock back folder, your choices are essentially the original Buck 110

Ok Boats, I sold off my Buck 110 years ago. I liked the size for some things but always thought it had tip fragility.

I currently own a Swamp Rat folder that is big like the Manix you mentioned and not at all sheeple friendly. Have been using a Spyderco Native 3 too, same feelings and comments from people: "OMG, that's your pocket knife??! Wow, it's huge. That's scary. "

Of course the little SAK camper I used to carry seemed SMALL to me. I can just hear them now if I have something bigger...:grumpy:

BTW, the SAK got its' tip chewed up by the paper shredder at work. Note to those wiser than me-turn paper shredder off when digging out paper jam. :foot:

That aside, if RAT comes out with something like this, I will get one!! Oops, thread drift!

 

[SeanGCO]

I love the folder and the Bush craft idea and like dblagnt said "If you build it we will come"

 

[Boats]

Ok Boats, I sold off my Buck 110 years ago. I liked the size for some things but always thought it had tip fragility.

I currently own a Swamp Rat folder that is big like the Manix you mentioned and not at all sheeple friendly. Have been using a Spyderco Native 3 too, same feelings and comments from people: "OMG, that's your pocket knife??! Wow, it's huge. That's scary. "

Of course the little SAK camper I used to carry seemed SMALL to me. I can just hear them now if I have something bigger...:grumpy:

BTW, the SAK got its' tip chewed up by the paper shredder at work. Note to those wiser than me-turn paper shredder off when digging out paper jam. :foot:

That aside, if RAT comes out with something like this, I will get one!! Oops, thread drift!

I can't see how there is thread drift when the second half of the thread title is "RAT wish list."

The "tip fragility" of the Buck 110 is overblown. It is first overcome by not using the knife idiotically. In the event the tip breaks off in the field, you essentially have two choices: 1) keep using the rest of the blade as is since most of it will still be there, 2) Find a smooth rock and start grinding in a new tip. When you get back to civilization, Buck will replace the blade for the cost of shipping and a tale of how you broke the tip. As long as you weren't throwing the knife or trying to use it as a tree step up or something, they won't likely charge you.

A RAT-EDC lock back would rock.

 

[taurn]

I can't see how there is thread drift when the second half of the thread title is "RAT wish list."

The "tip fragility" of the Buck 110 is overblown. It is first overcome by not using the knife idiotically. In the event the tip breaks off in the field, you essentially have two choices: 1) keep using the rest of the blade as is since most of it will still be there, 2) Find a smooth rock and start grinding in a new tip. When you get back to civilization, Buck will replace the blade for the cost of shipping and a tale of how you broke the tip. As long as you weren't throwing the knife or trying to use it as a tree step up or something, they won't likely charge you.

A RAT-EDC lock back would rock.

Yea! With 1095 as the steel, it would take A LOT to break off the tip. Of course if they use the same heat treat..