RAT 2 AUS8 vs Buck 112 Slim Select

Thank you JWright214, great information and pictures!! I like the deep carry clips that they have! The RAT doesn't have this as an option. As you know I have a Cabela's 50 dollar gift certificate which is in slim select range (35). They don't carry the 112 slim pro TRX or at least I didn't see it the last time I was there. I'll check again this weekend.

I'm not a steel snob either and I do have a ZT0450 in SV35 and a Three Rivers Nomad in CPM154. I like the 420hc in my Buck 55. I also like the AUS 8 in my RAT 1 but I really want something between 2.5 inches but not to exceed 3 inches. . Right now my only three incher is the 3 inch Gordon liner lock flipper for 10 bucks at Harbor Freight (by the way an amazing knife for the price with G10, 8Cr13mov, bearings, no blade play and perfect centering). I have plenty of knives at 2.5 inches or under for Boston like the Nomad, Dragonfly, Roadie, SAK Cadet, Camillus original 1968 Cub Scout, Buck 380 etc.

Thanks again I appreciate your taking the time to send photos. This is a great forum!

Best,

Bryan
 
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I chose this one over a year ago. It is a really decent knife. I didnt think I was going to be a fan of the pocket clip, but I have had no issues with it.
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I have both Rat models and I like the Rat 1. The 2 is too small in my opinion. I would try the Buck.
 
Triton said:
I have both Rat models and I like the Rat 1. The 2 is too small in my opinion. I would try the Buck.
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I like and own the Rat 1 as well. But I can't carry it very often because of local restrictions. If in your opinion the Rat 2 is too small, then the 112 SS might be too small (for you) as well?

I'm choosing between the Rat 2 and the 112 SS. Thanks for posting.
 
Don W said:
I chose this one over a year ago. It is a really decent knife. I didnt think I was going to be a fan of the pocket clip, but I have had no issues with it.
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I own one that is identical. I have to admit that I kinda made fun of it when first purchased. It was stiff and needed a cleaning and lube. But over time I have grown attached to it, and it is now one of my go to work knives. Gotta commit to the thumb stud and flick it hard, but it opens just fine. And the blade and steel are more than adequate. Good value knife.
 
bryan123 said:
OP here. The decision as made based on the warranty as they are both good knives.

The Buck has a lifetime warranty. The RAT, being an "international" (Taiwan) model, has a warranty of just one year.

So the Buck 112 Slim Select is the winner, at least by me.
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Let us know how you like it 👍
I would have gone with the Buck, as well.
 
I've never held either of those but I'd pick the 112 slim select 10 out of 10 times. IMO, back lock > liner lock and Buck's 420HC > Aus8. In the interest of complete honesty, I've never owned or used an Aus8 blade. I have at least 4 Buck knives in 420HC.
 
bryan123 said:
OP here. The decision as made based on the warranty as they are both good knives.

The Buck has a lifetime warranty. The RAT, being an "international" (Taiwan) model, has a warranty of just one year.

So the Buck 112 Slim Select is the winner, at least by me.
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That's interesting. I got a new take on warranties recently. I buy some reasonably pricey running socks. They also have a lifetime warranty. One pair that I had somewhere in the 3 to 5 year range finally developed a hole after many, many runs. "Ahh hah" I thought to myself, "time to get some free socks.". So I looked up their number and called them. Can I help? asked the nice lady on the phone. I explained the situation and she said " well did you feel like you got your money's worth? " Sheepishly I admitted I had and told her to have a nice day.

Would they have honored their warranty? I have no doubt. I did get my money's worth however and I was not going to take advantage.

So would you actually use the warranty on a 30 dollar knife? Say after 5 years? 10 years? 20?
 
Triton said:
That's interesting. I got a new take on warranties recently. I buy some reasonably pricey running socks. They also have a lifetime warranty. One pair that I had somewhere in the 3 to 5 year range finally developed a hole after many, many runs. "Ahh hah" I thought to myself, "time to get some free socks.". So I looked up their number and called them. Can I help? asked the nice lady on the phone. I explained the situation and she said " well did you feel like you got your money's worth? " Sheepishly I admitted I had and told her to have a nice day.

Would they have honored their warranty? I have no doubt. I did get my money's worth however and I was not going to take advantage.

So would you actually use the warranty on a 30 dollar knife? Say after 5 years? 10 years? 20?
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I would definitely invoke the warranty at the 2 to 5 year point, after the RAT warranty would have expired.
 
As an aside, it always bothered me the way Ontario Knives treated Jeff Randall and RAT Cutlery a few years back when Ontario sued him when they parted company after the five year contract expired. Buck appears to be a higher standing company from an ethical standpoint IMO.
 
Nice choice. I'm sure you will enjoy it. I picked up a 112 Slim Select on the "web specials" page last year, for $23. It's my favorite carry knife. :)
 
I've had my 112 Slim Select for a few days now and I'm going to post an initial impression review on the Buck forum. Hope you all will check it out and thanks.
 
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