Rat II AUS 8 Upgrade: Best Option for under $60?

TripleB67

TripleB67

Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Messages
183
My 16 yo son has been carrying a Rat II (AUS 8) for a couple years now. He's pretty much a "content with staying at home" type of young man, but every time he goes out (unless it's to school) he has his Rat II attached to his pocket.

I would like to upgrade him to a bit better EDC (or at least a better blade). Since I know he loves the feel of the Rat II and a thumb stud opening, I was thinking of getting him the Rat II with the D2 blade. Would this be the best option?

What other knives do you feel I should consider for under $60?

Thank you!

TripleB67
 
The AUS-8 and D2 are close it wouldn't really matter if you upgraded him to D2. Maybe try sets of scales? Those will make his knife look cooler or newer.

As far as under 60 goes.

Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter is in D2 it's cheap 20 something.
QSP Penguin or really any QSP
ESEE Churp
CJRB Pyrite is the new hotness lately it's a button lock.
Tons of Civivi and Sencut options for under that so pick your poison.
 
If I’m buying budget knives, or recommending them, I always go with Buck. The 110 or 112 slim selects are great American made folders for well under $60. You could probably buy both those models for around that price. Or, you could pick up one of those and one of their Bucklite Max model fixed blades (also USA made) for around that price. I highly recommend those fixed blades for a great budget option.
 
I do like ruike, I usually carry Spyderco.
Yet they offer a lot of knife under 60$ I think this was 30-40 .

ZoMIPif.jpg
 
Under $60 I'd go Civivi.
Don't get me wrong I love my RATs but Civivi offers a lot of different patterns, sizes, scale materials, locking mechanisms, and a couple steel options.
 
If the Pyrite is a step up from the CJRB Feldspar and Small Feldspar, its a heckuva knife. I love my Small Feldspar. Maybe I need to look at a Pyrite, as well.
 
The Cold Steel Air Lite would be a good tough user for under your price point. It has a blade about as long as the RAT, AUS10 steel, and sports the Triad lock which is pretty dang stout.
 
Skar said:
I do like ruike, I usually carry Spyderco.
Yet they offer a lot of knife under 60$ I think this was 30-40 .

ZoMIPif.jpg
Click to expand...

I really like this design, and my favorite blade profile. But, reviews often criticize the ease of deployment via thumb stud. How easily does it flick open. My other Ruike has a useless thumb stud, but fortunately it has a flipper tab that works well. Thanks.
 
Greggy said:
I really like this design, and my favorite blade profile. But, reviews often criticize the ease of deployment via thumb stud. How easily does it flick open. My other Ruike has a useless thumb stud, but fortunately it has a flipper tab that works well. Thanks.
Click to expand...
The reviews are accurate, the thumb stud is difficult and rough.
Yet the knife feels solid and put together well.
 
RoyalHolic said:
The AUS-8 and D2 are close it wouldn't really matter if you upgraded him to D2. Maybe try sets of scales? Those will make his knife look cooler or newer.

As far as under 60 goes.

Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter is in D2 it's cheap 20 something.
QSP Penguin or really any QSP
ESEE Churp
CJRB Pyrite is the new hotness lately it's a button lock.
Tons of Civivi and Sencut options for under that so pick your poison.
Click to expand...
I have the Rat II, Kabar Dozier and the CJRB Pyrite button lock. Of those three I carry the Dozier the most. Just like the way it looks and feels better in hand, even though it doesn’t open near as smooth as the others.
 
DrillerNC said:
I have the Rat II, Kabar Dozier and the CJRB Pyrite button lock. Of those three I carry the Dozier the most. Just like the way it looks and feels better in hand, even though it doesn’t open near as smooth as the others.
Click to expand...
Not shocking to me, I love my Dozier it's solid never failed me and I've had it for years. Probably still the best value for your money right now.
 
Skar said:
The reviews are accurate, the thumb stud is difficult and rough.
Yet the knife feels solid and put together well.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. I really want to pull the trigger, I love the knife design. Solid build quality otherwise does not surprise me. Mo other Ruike is outstanding in design, except the thumb stud. Pic below:

fIVgaF1.jpg
 
Steely_Gunz said:
The Cold Steel Air Lite would be a good tough user for under your price point. It has a blade about as long as the RAT, AUS10 steel, and sports the Triad lock which is pretty dang stout.
Click to expand...
If one can be found for under 60.00, this would be a very good choice.
 
If you're willing put out a few extra 10s, consider an esee izula, folding knife sized, light weight enough and can be thrown in the pocket
 
Honestly, I prefer their AUS-8. They do a decent heat treatment and the extra corrosion resistance is a plus.

As said above, check out the appropriately priced stuff from Civivi or Sencut (both made by WE). They do an excellent heat treatment on 9Cr18Mov. Also take a look at Kizer's stuff in N690 or 154CM. Especially on sale, you can find different models closer to $50. Those brands arguably represent the best bang for the buck and most reliable QC in that price range. Dropping down a little, Petrified Fish has some cool knives and does one of the better budget heat treatments on Chinese D2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top