Rat -1 -- hard to open!

F

flash900

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Jan 17, 2010
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The reviews and videos of the RAT-1 sure are impressive, so I finally gave in and ordered one.

I can see this making a fine toolbox knife. But it's massive -- far too big and heavy for me to ever EDC.

I can live with what appears to be a painted blade.

For me, the killer is that this is the hardest-opening blade I've ever owned. Hopefully, using the thumb stub opener will get easier with use. But, as of now, it often takes two hands to open.

Anyone have any experience with a hard opening knife like this who can suggest a remedy?
 
One of mine came like that. I lubed it and loosened the pivot - it was still hard to open. Re=tightened the pivot, after some break-in time it flies out with the thumb and a flick of the wrist! :)
 
Flash, a drop of lube and an hour opening and closing it while watching TV should cure that.

I agree with you about "too big for EDC", but it ain't too big for some days carry. Try it on those days you are likely to do some serious knifework, and it'll grow on you.
 
Mine took about 50 wrist-flick-assisted openings, and now it's fairly smooth. Didn't even adjust the pivot.
 
I have purchased 3 of them, and all of them have been tough to open. I just loosened the pivot screw and it was fine. Once you adjust it they look up very solid and fast.
 
cziv said:
after some break-in time it flies out with the thumb and a flick of the wrist! :)
Click to expand...

Has yours improved since then? Mine has never been that stiff - no flick of the wrist required at all! I push with my thumb and the blade snaps open as good as an AO knife. My Endura 4 needs a wrist flick to help it open, but my RAT-1 definitely does not. Mine is the satin finish plain edge version.

Does anyone else have their RAT-1 without clip, I removed the clip and find it much more comfortable in the hand.

I agree about the weight, it is a bit heavy but feels really solid. My Endura 4 feels lighter but I really don't notice the difference when either is in my jacket pocket.
 
Yeah, it's beefy but so are most of my folders. I have no problems carrying knives over 8 ounces so... :cool:
 
How much oil is everyone using that it becomes a food prep concern? If oil is coming out the pivot onto the blade, in the lock, or if you can see it then YOUR USING TOO MUCH!!!

1 or 2 very small drops of oil is ALL that is ever needed to lube the moving parts of a folder, its when you use too much that more problems arise than most know about.

Knives from the factory are rarely in proper adjustment and things like a overly tight pivot are normal. Adjust and enjoy.
 
Well.......more than an hour of opening and closing has left me with a sore thumb.

As for the RAT, I doubt this thing will ever fly open. Very disappointing. Seems destined to live in a tool box.

I'll take a Tenacious or Endura over this RAT any day.
 
The RAT-1 is more stiff than most folders, but I don't find it difficult to open. Have you tried loosening the pivot and experiment?

It's a fine knife, and it's a shame if it is deemed to be more appropriate to live in a tool box.
 
Loosen that pivot all the way - lube - work it with 2 hands - slowly snug pivot up. Man up ... lol ....I know you'll get it right! :) :thumbup:
 
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