Ontario Rat Model 2 vs. ESEE Zancudo

M

mk.ultra

Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
713
Thinking about getting one of these blades but it's a rough choice. I guess I could just get them both but I'd like to start out with one. For people who have owned both, which do you prefer and why?
 
I'm interested as well; I carry a RAT1 but something smaller might be nice at times. The Zancudo looks promising, but I still haven't gotten use to the single side scale.
 
I own and use both, but the Zancudo gets significantly more pocket time. I have fairly large hands and the slightly fuller handle just makes it that bit more comfortable to use. The one area where I feel the Rat-2 wins out is having a better piercing capability due to the more pointed geometry of the blade. You really can't go wrong with either though.
 
I've owned both. Love love love the Rat 2, returned the Zancudo. The Rat 2 is about the perfect EDC, I just wish it had better steel. The shape, ergonomics, action, and carry are all top notch for a $30 knife.

Thought the Zancudo felt cheap, way too stiff, and hurt my thumb to disengage the lock. I liked the blade shape, but that was about it.
 
I went with the Zancudo in foliage green/stonewashed blade for now, but I'll most likely end up getting the RAT 2 eventually. I had a RAT 1 years ago and I loved it, just never carried it because over 3" is technically illegal in Milwaukee, WI.

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I have both and the Zancudo is almost impossible to open sometimes. It has a strong detent, and any pressure on the lockbar from your fingers means you won't be able to open it. The RAT 2 is good to go.
 
I have had each of them. I had both in black handles and the rat 2 beat that zancudo by far. for some reason the skeeter was impossible to flick out and had a really harsh lockup. I ended up giving that zancudo away. After a little bit, I missed it and got another skeeter and this one flies out when I flick it open. There isn't really anything wrong with it at all. I do prefer the blade shape on the skeeter. I guess they are just hit or miss sometimes.

They are both great though. You cant go wrong with either. I just wish they came in g10 or micarta.
 
Huh. I love my Zancudo for a cheap beater knife. I don't have a problem opening or closing it, but I'm a big guy with x-large hands. If you have smaller hands and little or no callouses on them, I can see where it might be difficult.
 
I love my zancudo. The detent is strong but I love a strong detent! The blade absolutely flies out once the detent is overcome. It often goes along with a bigger knife.
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RAT II for me, but I have to say it's strictly due to it being more southpaw friendly for me. Have no fault with the Zancudo as far as quality.
 
I have had the chance to own both as well now and I'm selling my Rat 2. My Zancudo did ship with an obnoxious detent strength, but I took it apart and bent the lock bar back a little bit and now it's perfect.

I like the blade shape and handle ergos much better on the Zancudo. Also, the Rat 2's liner lock is a bit thin for my liking; I'll take a frame lock when I can get it.

Both good knives but after tweaking I prefer the Zancudo.
 
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