Ontario Rat1 D2 vs Benchmade Bugout

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y53p

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May 11, 2022
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To the people who own both: is the 100$ difference worth the bugout ($160ish) over the Rat1 ($50)? The only reasons I see for spending more and getting the bugout is the s30v and axis lock, but do these things make it worth it over the Rat1 (in D2) for the price?
 
I candidly feel like they do different things. I own both*. The Bugout's blade is a bit thicker, and S30v is definitely going to hold an edge as well or better than the D2 of the Rat. However, the Rat is a bit larger, iirc, and the handle fills the hand better than the ultra-light, smaller Bugout.

Candidly, the Axis lock does make for a bit quicker in-and-out deployment of the knife, but the linerlock on the Rat's not bad at all. Both are very smooth knives, and many of us started out with a Rat (and have owned Bugouts and love them), so I don't know that either way will really be bad for a general EDC use knife. I would say the Bugout probably gets the nod due to how light and slim it is, but it might come down to preference there.




* Full disclosure, I haven't carried either of them in years.
 
2 different knives entirely.

Rat 1 for harder work, it's a large heavy folder.

Bugout for amazingly lightweight take everywhere folder, but I would only push a little bit.
 
All the things that Quiet Quiet said. But if the intended use is a tool, then I would go with the RAT because it is cheaper which is a great deal of importance with a work knife. I have one in 8cr etc., and it has been a faithful warrior in the tool bags. I don't baby it one bit, and never give it a thought to use it for just about anything. The FRN scales are smooth and shiny, the blade is pretty scratched up, but after three years of nearly exclusive carry, it still locks up tight. I clean it with charcoal lighter fluid when I get too much crap on it, put a dot of 3in1 on the pivot and it is back to snuff. Good and bad on the blade steel; I can use the knife cutting wood wedges, trimming wood molding, opening adhesive tubes, and it is noticeably dull at the end of the day. A few swipes on the 1200 grit rod and it is ready to go again. Bought it due to a recommendation from several here when it came out.

I do not have a Bugout. Geometry of the two blades are similar, but not night and day. The Bugout feels a little lighter weight than I would like and the blade is a little too short for my working knife preference, but I would certainly enjoy the better steel. A lot! Once Cold Steel upped their game in their bigger working style knives to S35, I don't carry the RAT much anymore. But when I am doing "dirty work", I always reach for it as I don't want to use my Cold Steel knives for anything but cutting. Except the SR1. It gets punished on occasion. So as pointed out above, I think you might want to consider what you are going to use it for after purchase. I like the design and utility of the RAT1 enough I am on the fence about buying one in D2 as I am sure it would be (and as reported here) a great performer. I like knives I can use as a tool and not be concerned with their welfare.

As an EDC, I would be the Bugout would be great for just about anyone. I have never heard of one failing.
 
The Rat has full liners, and seems to punch WAY beyond it's weight class.
The Bugout has real good (super?) Steel, and the Axis lock is a fidget-master...
You really need both!
 
I have rat 1 in d2 and a friend of mine has a bugout.

I personally don't like the bugout. Kinda noisy, rattled alot and seemed over priced for what it is.
 
Wouldn’t the rat 2 be a better comparison? But sticking to the OP… They’re just completely different knives to me. The bugout is a light weight, deep carry everyday knife. The rat is the opposite for me.
 
If you're only comparing the materials used: either one will work fine.
But if you get into ergonomics: you make a valid point!
 
Have a Bugout and two Rat 2 in D2 and AUS8. All three are good. Much prefer full flat ground blades. The S30v may hold and edge longer but the AUS8 and D2 sharpen up a bit quicker. For the price point it's hard to beat the Rats.. As far as edge retention goes it all depends on what you are cutting and your sharpening technique. All personal choice and bling appeal.
 
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I have always said that my Bugout is a RAT2. I am not going to speak of knives like the Douk, Opinel or Mercator for the lightness, cause I know people are referring to the modern steel and locking when they talk about these knives here. Otherwise I'd say, why get a Bugout when I can sell you an M390 Opi, if all you want is lightweight cutting? But, that is unrealistic, folks want ergos, a modern lock, etc. I think we all know we can cut all day with a $12 Opi.

Why would I get a Bugout? I don't hate it, but it seems so pointless, FOR ME. What would I use it for? If I want a fine-looking knife that is lightweight and cuts with authority with a super-steel, I will use my comp lock Sage 5 with CPM-M4. Gave it to my non-knife girlfriend and it's a workhorse, made so well, so smooth, just so good, had to get one for myself. Or a carbon fiber Chapparal, that XHP is good-good. If I don't want high-end handle materials, K390 wharncliffe Dragonfly. Cutting king. So many beaters that I have, so many nice lightweight knives I have. Also... I don't like springs, less the better.

I would have to rec someone the RAT, or a LW Spyderco. I could not in good conscious rec this, when I know what is out there, no matter what your goals are. I am totally interested in hearing a differing opinion, as to why the Bugout is needed when these other knives exist.
 
I own neither, so grain of salt.

When you purchase Benchmade, you are also buying their guarantee, which has excellent reputation.

If you want something similar to the Bugout at lower price point, you can get the Buck 112 slim pro, not axis lock so no 1 hand closing, but the back lock is strong and acts as the liner for heavy use.
 
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