RAT 1 and KaBar Warthog II feedback wanted

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fatcat55

Joined
Jan 1, 2010
Messages
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I did a search and didn't find exactly what I was looking for so thought I'd ask.

I have had good luck purchasing some of the well respected lower priced folders and fixed blades discussed on this forum.

Now I am considering both the RAT 1 an Warthog II folders and wanted to hear why you like them or why you don't.

I have learned a ton on this forum in the past 6 months and have gotten excellent advice on previous purchases so hope it continues.

Thanks in advance for all the feedback.
 
This is odd...
I see both knives recommended often but nobody has any comments-good or bad?
 
I own both of them:
Rat 1: better steel, fit, finish and ergonomics.
Warthog II: tacticool.
 
I've heard good things about the RAT1, but I have no experience with it.

I had a KaBar Warthog folder and I actually threw it away. It was that bad. Ergos were terrible. It developed blade play just from me carrying it. The liner lock is paper thin.

If you want a KaBar folder, you might look into the Dozier. I have heard very good things about them. But once again, I have no experience with them.

YMMV
 
RAT-1 - I love mine. Satin finish, plain edge blade. For the price it is hard to find a better one-handed opening, locking folder than the RAT-1.
 
Thanks for the comments on the knives.

Interesting info on both. Seems the Warthog may not be as good as its rep(realizing it is only a $13-14 import)

I agree on the Dozier folder. I have one. Heck of a knife for $20.

I appreciate the input. Keep it coming.
 
I considered the warthog until I got the chance to hold one. It is a poor design if you ask me. I do have the Rat 1 and love it. Defidently go with the rat
 
fatcat55 said:
I did a search and didn't find exactly what I was looking for so thought I'd ask.

I have had good luck purchasing some of the well respected lower priced folders and fixed blades discussed on this forum.

Now I am considering both the RAT 1 an Warthog II folders and wanted to hear why you like them or why you don't.

I have learned a ton on this forum in the past 6 months and have gotten excellent advice on previous purchases so hope it continues.

Thanks in advance for all the feedback.
Click to expand...

check this list:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8452068#post8452068

Between the 2, the Rat-1 is WAAAAY better
 
The Rat-1 is an awesome folder for not a lot of money. It would be worth buying at twice the price, it is that good. I use one at work and love it. The AUS-8 steel takes a keen edge and is easily maintained, and also sufficiently tough not to fracture in hard use.

If you get one, they come with tip-down clip placement and 4-way mounting holes. The clip in tip-up mode makes the knife much more comfortable in hand while using it.
 
Bill1170 said:
The clip in tip-up mode makes the knife much more comfortable in hand while using it.
Click to expand...

Or if you use a sheath or just pocket it and don't need the clip at all then it feels even better in the hand.

+1 on the AUS-8, mine is scary sharp and being a 'full flat grind' this sucker is a great slicer. Stainless + FFG = good food prep knife.

You gotta be crazy to not buy a RAT-1 folder - they are just too good for the price to not be a 'must have' folder!
 
Both are AWESOME users.
The Warthog II was my first EDC and stayed that way for 2 years. It saw alot of field use in the swamps and sandy tropics of Florida, where most folder actions (I killed a SOG Flash II and Trident in a week) wouldn't hold up. Easy to clean, easy to use, very ergonomic, and fit and finish from the factory are great! 4116 is a capable slicing steel and easy to maintain. No gripes. The Warthog blade design is pretty practical, even if it does look 'tacticool'-beefy blade, big belly, good working tip.

The RAT1, what can I say... out of the box this thing is a gem. Best fit and finish I've seen on a folder. I had issues with the ergonomics-the handle doesn't fit my hand very well, but that's a personal thing. The lock is so solid, you can't really compare it to another linerlock. The AUS8 steel is AWESOME, I love AUS8-super easy to maintain, good edge retention and very strong compared to most other stainless steels of the same hardness. You can't go wrong with either one.

Also check out the Kabar K2/Dozier line, they're made of AUS8 as well...
 
knivereviewsandowl160.jpg
In hand shot of the RAT1 for you. The only issue I have with this blade are the ergonomics-as you can see there's at least half an inch between the ricasso and useable grip, and in my opinion it's just wasted space. It doesn't make a very comfortable choil, but can be used as such. You'll find many features (4 different mounts for the pocket clip-tip up, tip down, left and right side) great maker's marks etc that you only find on much more expensive blades.
 
Excellent! First hand experiences. That's what I was looking for.

Seems the RAT 1 is genuinely well respected while the KaBar gets mixed reviews.

Now to figure out if I have a practical need for either-or both. Then again, what has need ever had to do with knife purchases...


Thanks again to everyone for your input.
 
I can't help but go off topic slightly and mention the Spyderco Tenacious, which delivers a large 3 3/8" blade, G-10 scales, a good liner lock, very sharp, light weight and great "in hand" ergonomics. At about the same price (maybe 8 or 9 bucks more than the RAT-1) it's really the best of these 3 by far, and well worth the extra few bucks IMHO. :)
 
I don't have a Warthog, but I can vouch for the RAT 1. The build quality is superb. It'd be a great value at $40-50, let alone the $25-30 it typically sells for.
 
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