Rat 1 or ?

D

Deal4

Joined
Dec 17, 2011
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I have a friend who is quite new to the knife world. He has a couple small folders from SOG, but is now looking for a larger knife to use for larger jobs plus periodic EDC.
Since he isn't a knife nut like a lot of us here, he doesn't want to spend much over $40 with a max of $50.
I have the Rat1 which he likes size wise and fits the price criteria, but for some reason the Rat1 isn't doing it for him.
What knives would you suggest that you have had good experience with?
Would love to hear why you like the knife you recommend, how long you have carried it, the price you paid, and even a picture if you have one.
Thanks in advance!:thumbup:
 
How about a Spyderco Tenacious? Good sturdy build, strong lock-up,
G10, full flat grind,8CR13MOV steel. I've had one for a couple years,
Can't remember what I paid, but it's in budget!
 
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I second the Tenacious, or one of its siblings depending on what he likes. The Resilience is a killer knife (4.25" blade) and quite a bargain at under $42 shipped on a large vendor's site.
 
powernoodle said:
I second the Tenacious, or one of its siblings depending on what he likes. The Resilience is a killer knife (4.25" blade) and quite a bargain at under $42 shipped on a large vendor's site.
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Hadn't seen that larger model, cool. I forgot to mention, the clip is 4 way adjustable, and allows tip-up carry,
the pivot features a bronze bushing for smoothness, just like the more expensive Spydies. I'm gonna hafta
carry mine today!
 
filedog said:
Hadn't seen that larger model, cool.
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Its a glorious slab of gleaming steel.

IMG_1615.jpg
 
Cold Steel Large Voyager is very good. Mine was $38 shipped and I have carried it for roughly a year. Have used it to take down a small tree and a whole lot more.

It's a trade off - stonewashed blade, Tri-Ad lock, and great ergos instead of the G-10 for some others in the price range. No doubt it is more more durable and capable for big jobs...even compared to most $100+ folders.
 
If the RAT-1 doesn't do it for him, I'd 2nd or 3rd the spydercos that have been previously tossed out there.
 
I'd check out the manix 2 as well, they can be found pretty cheap , and they have an frn version that is even cheaper, if the manix doesn't do it for him check out the delica or endura from spyderco, all great knives!
 
I've seen the Cold Steel voyager's at some fantastic prices. It's a rock solid knife that will hold up to some pretty rough use.
 
Cold Steel Large Voyager or Spyderco Resilience. Both under $50 shipped and very good quality and value.

Forgot to add, Benchmade HK Ascender. Also under $50 if you can find one.
 
If he could go up to $100 the options become more plentiful.

But if it has to be around $50 or under you may want to check out:
Kershaw Junkyard Dog II
Kershaw Blur
Kershaw Shallot* This was one of my favorites when I had mine.
Kershaw Storm II
Kershaw Volt II
Kershaw One Ton
Kershaw Compound
Kershaw Tremor - This is my favorite China made Kershaw.
Cold Steel Recon 1
Cold Steel Large Voyager
Cold Steel American Lawman
Ka-Bar Gila
Ka-Bar Agama
 
Thanks one and all! I still haven't been able to sell him on Spyderco even though they are my favorite line. I remember someone he met a while back had a Cold Steel that impressed him so I will mention that.
Will have to check out the Kershaws listed. I have a number of Kershaws and they are very sold knives.
Thanks! You have given me some good places to start checking out for him. Now just have to get him to join BladeForums!
 
I was checking out the Voyager series that you recommended pbcg. Not bad. I was checking out some other Cold Steel knives as I don't have any and saw the American Lawman. Do you have any experience with this knife? Anyone?
I saw a review maybe a year ago and I think I remember the reviewer liked it fairly well.
I think the American Lawman would be more to the liking of my friend.
 
Deal4 said:
I was checking out the Voyager series that you recommended pbcg. Not bad. I was checking out some other Cold Steel knives as I don't have any and saw the American Lawman. Do you have any experience with this knife? Anyone?
I saw a review maybe a year ago and I think I remember the reviewer liked it fairly well.
I think the American Lawman would be more to the liking of my friend.
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Sorry, never had or used an American Lawman. OrdnanceBubbaUSMC gave you a great link to check out.

On cold Steel in general, for the price point I think they offer great value and a good place to start. Don't see how you or your friend would be disappointed with any of them.

I own the:

XL Voyager
Spartan
Recon 1
Hold Out 1,2&3
And an older original XL Vaquero

The Hold Out series being my favorite.

I would say all of them are great knives and worth what I paid for them. Keep in mind that when you spend $50 or less you are only going to get so much. Keep your expectations realistic and you won't be disappointed. Cold Steel makes a good product for the price and I've never been disappointed.

Good luck!
 
pbcg said:
Sorry, never had or used an American Lawman. OrdnanceBubbaUSMC gave you a great link to check out.

On cold Steel in general, for the price point I think they offer great value and a good place to start. Don't see how you or your friend would be disappointed with any of them.

I own the:

XL Voyager
Spartan
Recon 1
Hold Out 1,2&3
And an older original XL Vaquero

The Hold Out series being my favorite.

I would say all of them are great knives and worth what I paid for them. Keep in mind that when you spend $50 or less you are only going to get so much. Keep your expectations realistic and you won't be disappointed. Cold Steel makes a good product for the price and I've never been disappointed.

Good luck!
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I'll second the above. Cold Steel make a good product that won't disappoint. Nine times out of ten, a large Voyager is my 'go to' knife around the house.
 
Thanks guys! I like the look of the Recon 1, but haven't had time for my buddy to see it yet. Man, Cold Steel sure does make some monster knives! Some might be a little hard to conceal though.
Thanks one and all!:)
 
Deal4 said:
Thanks guys! I like the look of the Recon 1, but haven't had time for my buddy to see it yet. Man, Cold Steel sure does make some monster knives! Some might be a little hard to conceal though.
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You might be surprised. I find a Cold Steel XL Voyager to be about as easy to conceal as a Kel Tec 380 pistol (model P3AT.)

I imagine concealing the G10 Espada XL would be about like concealing a 3" barrel revolver, only lighter.
 
Deal4 said:
Thanks guys! I like the look of the Recon 1, but haven't had time for my buddy to see it yet. Man, Cold Steel sure does make some monster knives! Some might be a little hard to conceal though.
Thanks one and all!:)
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If concealment is an issue as stated even the XL Voyagers ride pretty well in the pocket but you really can't beat the Hold Out series. Extra light and disappear in the pocket. Only down side is you are going to have to exceed your $50 budget if you get the HOII or HOI.

The Recon 1 is a great knife but I preferred the older Ultra-lock version. The finger grooves on the new Tri-Ad version don't fit my hand as well (I have big hands) so that's something to consider but you still can't go wrong. You'll have to look around but new the Recon 1 can be had in the high $50 - low $60 range.

Best of luck in your search!
 
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