Need a new beater for work. Anything better than rat-2?

S

smitty1505

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
243
I need a new beater knife for work. For years I've carried Striders, Hinderers, and Sebenza's without issue. However after loosing a Chris Reeve Mnandi and recently a Prometheus Beta-QR flashlight I've decided to start carrying less expensive gear especially at work landscaping.

I'd like to keep the budget under $50 and under 3.5", preferably closer to 3". At first I wanted another 940-1. I had one years ago and regret selling to this day but thats around $190. Then I wanted a mini grip but that too is more than I really want to spend. So was pretty much ready to pull the trigger on a delica 4 but not a huge fan of the lock back. I want something that is easy to close one handed, thats really important. Moved on to a tenacious but that seems kinda fat when closed but other than that seems pretty awesome. Then I saw a the rat-2. Seems perfect to me but wanted to see if there was anything else to consider before I purchase. Thanks!
 
I'd go for a mini grip anyways, its not a crk if it gets lost and has a lifetime warranty as a beater.

That said, Buck vantage or any other offering from buck? Don't know how well it's built but I do like their 420hc.
 
Last edited:
Can't speak for the rat 2 but the rat one is a kick ass beater for the $ mine has been through hell. I only carry it when I know I'm gonna be hard in a knife.
 
All I can tell you about a rat2 is it's more compact than most for its size folded, the blade flies open like an auto, mine is well made and locks up solid, and the aus8 blade is very easy to get screaming sharp. Not the best steel out there, but might serve your purposes.

Personally, I prefer a dragonfly, and feel the same about lockbacks as you. Unlike most lockbacks, the DF is very easy to close one handed while keeping a secure grip, which is mandatory for me. I not only prefer, but need a 3" blade or less for some of my work tasks. The DF is probably the most useable knife for its size I've ever handled, due to its design and ergos.
You should try one out if you haven't already.
 
Cold Steel Finn Wolf or ProLite. Sure the TriadLock is basically a lockback but once broken-in it is wonderfully smooth and more so than most if not all conventional lockbacks, for really easy one handed close (placing index behind the guard/choil, depressing lockbar with thumb joint, the blade will smoothly slide down and your index will catch the blade choil and close it one handed). Not to mention how bombproof the lock is, and will take any abuse you can throw at it ,especially good as a beater knife. Very lightweight as well and Aus8a for Finn Wolf, 4116 Krupp for ProLite

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
 
I have a Rat II and it is awesome! Great steel, razor sharp out of the box; easy opening and locks up tight, but easy to close also. Hard to beat at Rat II for an all around IMHO.

Rich
 
It's going to be hard to beat a RAT-2 in that price range. The only thing that comes close, IMO, is the small Cold Steel Voyager and while I like that knife as well, it is not as slender in the pocket at the RAT-2 and, besides, it's a Triad lock which, though some may argue, is sorta kinda like a lockback.
 
Cold steel voyager with 3 inch blade. Place your index finger in the guard of the handle and depress the lock with your thumb and the blade just falls. Roatae the knife towards you and close. All with one hand. Easier that it sounds. Great inexpensive knife, aus steel model still available for less
 
SALTY said:
It's going to be hard to beat a RAT-2 in that price range. The only thing that comes close, IMO, is the small Cold Steel Voyager and while I like that knife as well, it is not as slender in the pocket at the RAT-2 and, besides, it's a Triad lock which, though some may argue, is sorta kinda like a lockback.
Click to expand...
I have the med voyager too its great to thrash around. However the handle might be too cramped and its pretty thick. Not to mention its discontinued. CS do have some pretty awesome budget folders like the Finn wolf and ProLites though

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
 
The RAT Model 2 has a very thin liner lock compared to the RAT Model 1. Although it's a decent knife in its own right, I would never consider it a beater, particularly in your work at landscaping.

Take a look at the RealSteel H6-S1. They can be found for right around $35. A little bigger than a RAT Model 2, a little smaller than a Model 1. Better steel and real G10 as opposed the the slick plastic on the base model RATs, or peel ply CF like Spyderco uses. It has steel on steel frame lock vs the RAT's liner lock with a functional over-travel protection that doubles as a surprisingly unobtrusive lock safety. Great ergos and a standard, deep-carry pocket clip. Removable thumb studs to aid in sharpening and less than 4 ounces!

With some of the new competition that's arisen in the sub-$50 knife category, the RATs are no longer the obvious best choice. The RAT LEs offered by Knife Works are a step in the right direction, but RATs are badly in need of an update to keep up with some of the new offerings.
 
Rat 2 gets my vote. Well under budget. Love mine. Had it for about a year now. Carried virtually everyday all occasions. I bought a second just in case I lose this one.
 
I don't know how you feel about fixed blades, but you mentioned you're in landscaping. If you use the knife frequently during your workday, maybe a small fixed blade, like an Izula 2 would work for you. No need to clean dirt out of the pivot & no need to open it, because it's always ready.
 
Deer said:
I'd go for a mini grip anyways, its not a crk if it gets lost and has a lifetime warranty as a beater.

That said, Buck vantage or any other offering from buck? Don't know how well it's built but I do like their 420hc.
Click to expand...

Although I wouldn't say it's been beat to hell, my Buck Vantage Select (large) gets a lot of hard use and has held up well. Lockup is still solid, blade flips smoothly, and the only real sign of use is scratches on the blade. You get a lot for the money.
 
I'd suggest a Real Steel H5 Gerfalcon. It's my EDC and a great little knife, bigger than the Rat-2, not as big as the Rat-1. Framelock, flipper, perfect for one-handed operation.

In your position I'd also be considering a small fixed blade, like the Izula II, Becker BK-14 or the like.
 
I wish there was a Rat 1.5. The Rat 2 is a wee, spindly knife for small hands (my wife's favorite knife), and the Rat 1 is a chunk. Just a tooch too large for most to want to carry it.

The Rat 2 is barely big enough to be functional to me, but I have Sasquatch hands.

Kershaw Clash is in the same size range and has great ergos. Better IMO than the Rat 2. Blade steel leaves much to be desired though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top