Ontario RAT 1 VS Spyderco Tenacious

S

Shawn7656

Joined
Feb 15, 2012
Messages
370
I have a feeling most of you will say I should go with the Spyderco Tenacious, but I figure the Ontario RAT 1 is in the same category (the "budget" knife from a usually not-so-cheap brand), so I'd add it to the "possible" list.

I was hoping to test out a Spyderco anyways, but I think the RAT looks pretty spiffy, and I'm still a little weary on trying out a thumb-hole lol.

My use of the knife will be as an EDC to work alongside another knife (either the BM Grip or the CRKT Apache III) depending on what I'm feeling that day. I will use it for light tasks mostly, though it needs to be able to hold itself well against heavier tasks as I carry knives to help be prepared for anything.

If anyone would like to recommend another knife in a similar price-range I'm game, though it'll have to fit the bill: Pocket clip, sheeple friendly, plain edge, >3.25" blade length


As a side note: If anyone would be willing to sell me either of these knives if they've got one laying around, I'd be interested. I'm okay if it's a user, but I don't want anything in bad condition. I don't want a knife with chips, deep scratches, huge dents, or non-working locks/clips etc. If I can find it cheaper new, however, I prolly won't bite ;). I will only be buying one of them though, as I don't have too much extra cash - but the bug is biting and it won't let go! :D
 
I've had both, and I'm a big Spyderco fan, but I prefer the Rat-1 out of these two. The Rat-1 is a $30 tank, locks up like a vault, and rides very well in the pocket for a knife of its size. The Tenacious is a bit wider in the pocket and leaves less room. I prefer to carry my more expensive Spydies, so that probably sways my choice here, too. Either way, two excellent choices at your price point...
 
I personally would go with the tenacious, but I think its more down to personal opinion - what appeals to you? There is also the kershaw skyline and leek, which are both good knives.
 
rat 1 hands down in my book... besides having frn scales the construction and ergos are far superior imo.

ive tried and tried to share the same love for the tenacious as everyone else does but every time i buy one i end up selling it shortly after :(...
 
i haven't owned the rat 1 but do own the tenacious and its alright IMO. for the money its a great knife but if i could do it over again id get the rat 1 over the tenacious, it just takes up too much of my pocket but they are both great for the price point
 
Since no one has posted it yet:

Get Both!


In all seriousness, you can't go wrong with either. I've only handled a RAT1 (haven't had any serious pocket-time with one), but they were easily as impressive as the Tenacious. I personally prefer smaller blades so the Persistance was a better knife for my use than the Tenacious (I wish there was a smaller RAT).

I sort of have a problem with how Ontario and RAT/ESEE's relationship ended, so I'm not overly-hyped about giving my money to Ontario, but a lot of that is ancient history.

Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the Spyder-hole other than once you try it, you won't want anything else :)
 
i own a couple of both knives. i slightly prefer the rat1. both are good choices. for me i prefer the the ergos on the rat1, and the size and styling.
 
Choice will depend on preferences, they are both great knives for the money and pretty much equals. If you prefer size and strength, the RAT 1 has the edge, if cutting ability and ergos are your priority the Tenacious is your knife. Even then the difference is nothing major.
I have found the Tenacious is easier to sharpen, plus I prefer the G10 over the plastic of the RAT 1. But as I said, that's personal.
 
I have had my rat1 for almost a year now edcing it almost everyday and I have to say its one awesome knife, there are days that I will actually take my rat1 over my spyderco endura 4. When I bought my rat1 I also bought a spyderco resilience(bigger version of the tenacious) with it too, the quality of the resilience beat the rat 1 hands down(even though my resilience rusted out on me on a camping trip) the rat1's lock up, better steel offering, and wicked fast deployment made it the successor. I've used my rat1 hunting, mudding, diving in the springs, camping, hiking and everything in between the only downside I found to the rat1 is that the jimping kinda blows, and the serrations grab too much. But I will still recommend the rat1 very much :thumbup: plus because you you didnt spend much on it your not scared to thrash on it. Also try looking at the bryd cara cara 2 g10 and the phat bob folder by kabar :)
 
After reading many reviews and comparing the specs I think I'm going to go with the Tenacious because of the blade shape and handle material. I think that the small length will also be better for my needs.

Thanks for the opinions guys


@Alann: I found that thread about 5 minutes after posting this one through a Google search. It didn't come up for me through the BF search for some reason.
 
Shawn7656 said:
@Alann: I found that thread about 5 minutes after posting this one through a Google search. It didn't come up for me through the BF search for some reason.
Click to expand...

Odd. Search engines can be quirky. I remembered it because it was recent and I posted in it.

I think you picked the best value between two good choices.
 
Recent Spyderco convert, but I have to admit I'm not totally sold on the Tenacious.

Not quite sure why, but I'm not.
 
It could be the lower-end steel used in the blade Scott. I was thinking of just waiting a little while and getting a Delica instead, but I figured I don't really want to drop 50 bucks on a knife if I hate it. I can live with $35 and I can give it to a friend or something if I don't like it :)
 
Get a Skyline instead.....

Only a few dollars more, far superior steel, better handles, lighter weight and by far much better quality.
Not to mention, its made in the good ole US of A!

-orangish ducktape
 
Shawn7656 said:
It could be the lower-end steel used in the blade Scott. I was thinking of just waiting a little while and getting a Delica instead, but I figured I don't really want to drop 50 bucks on a knife if I hate it. I can live with $35 and I can give it to a friend or something if I don't like it :)
Click to expand...

You know, I'm not really that concerned with the steel.

I think it's more an ergonomic thing.

The detent in the Tenacious is brutal...
 
Shawn7656 said:
. I was thinking of just waiting a little while and getting a Delica instead, but I figured I don't really want to drop 50 bucks on a knife if I hate it. I can live with $35 and I can give it to a friend or something if I don't like it :)
Click to expand...

Sounds logical to me.
I think you will like it, but if not, it makes a great backup or gift plus you've gained some knowledge with minimal investment.

Maybe its the order I got them in. I got the Tenacious first and had sort of a "Wow....thats a heck of nice knife for the money" reaction. I got the RAT-1 much later, picked one with grey nylon handles for something different. It seemed to justify all the positive comments. Good solid knife, just no wow factor.

Scott Dolan said:
I think it's more an ergonomic thing.

The detent in the Tenacious is brutal...
Click to expand...

Yep, the ergonomics are quite different. I prefer the ergos of the Tenacious, but certainly can see why the RAT-1 would appeal to others more.
Probably helps to be a Spyderco junkie too. :D

Wouldn't call it brutal.
It does have a nice strong detent....I like that in a knife. ;)
 
orangish ducktape said:
Get a Skyline instead.....

Only a few dollars more, far superior steel, better handles, lighter weight and by far much better quality.
Not to mention, its made in the good ole US of A!

-orangish ducktape
Click to expand...
Eh, I'm not really a huge fan of the shape of the Skyline, I think the choil looks a bit big, and I'm not a huge flipper kinda guy
 
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