Rat Trap Opinions, Improvements, Reviews?...

BillyJoeBob

BillyJoeBob

Joined
Sep 30, 2002
Messages
1,794
Hey all! I just did a quick search and found a couple of personal reviews of the Rat Trap. Perhaps we could compile them here so that the powers that be may be able to tweak some improvements into an excellent blade. We should, however, keep in mind that it was designed to be a low-profile, lightweight EDC.

I'll start:
My biggest suggestion would be a detente for the blade in the closed position. I've had it sneak out a couple of times, although without any major damage or blood stains. It is concerning though. I always feel much safer when I close a folder with a slight click of some sort which indicates that it isn't slipping out.

I've also had a couple experiences of the lock not clicking in when I've unfolded it. Perhaps it was a bit of lint. I know when it happened I didn't hear a click and opened it softly. I tried yesterday to repeat it, but couldn't. Perhaps it was just a function of breaking it in. On the plus side, it is a great indication of how tight their tolerances are. A nice toit blade!

(Tip up option? I like it better, but I also don't want to start a whinging war. :) )

Cheers,
BJB :D
 
BillyJoeBob said:
My biggest suggestion would be a detente for the blade in the closed position. I've had it sneak out a couple of times, although without any major damage or blood stains. It is concerning though.
Click to expand...
OUCH, that's not so good, considering that this makes it a switchblade in ..... California?!? (and VERY illegal) RW Clark posted something about this a couple months ago. I'll see if I can find it.
Here we go:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379472&highlight=switchblade
 
BillyJoeBob said:
My biggest suggestion would be a detente for the blade in the closed position.
Click to expand...

-----

Mine has a detent.
The blade clicks into the closed position just fine.

My lock bar also snaps into place with sufficient authority. I have no issues with that either.

If yours is defective, you should contact Eric to see about a warranty issue.

-----

I don't personally have a "standard" preference for tip up or tip down. It really depends on the knife for me.
However, I would possibly agree that this knife might be better as a tip up (????).

At the very least, it wouldn't have been too hard to add another set of 3 screw holes at the other end on both sides to allow for all options.

My only two (nit-picky) issues are:

- I think the texture of the G10 is too sticky. So, the knife clip has too much friction to smoothly release from pocket. (* This is VERY common with other knife makers as well...)

- I would prefer the blade movement be a little smoother. It is not bad by any means or relative average comparisons. I just prefer silky smooth like my Al Mar SERE 2000 - or like "oiled ball bearings"... :thumbup:

Other than those two little details, I think it is a great knife!!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

.
 
DWRW said:
- I think the texture of the G10 is too sticky. So, the knife clip has too much friction to smoothly release from pocket. (* This is VERY common with other knife makers as well...)
Click to expand...
I believe this is onle of those situation when a company is better off going with too much than too little. Try lightly running with 400 grit sandpaper. You can always make it smoother, but it's a HECK of a lot more work making it rougher!
(unless you use grip tape :barf: )
 
I ordered one from the SR website a few weeks ago along with a RW.

I'm looking forward to receiving it. Unlike the larger fixed blades, the folder has daily carry potential. :)

I'm a lefty so the reversible clip is a definite plus.
 
In my opinion, he only problem with the Rat Trap is that mine hasn't arrived yet.
 
i think it would be great if it had metal liners and got rid of the linear lock :thumbup:
 
dniice87 said:
i think it would be great if it had metal liners and got rid of the linear lock :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Why and why?
The G10's as tough and stiff as old boots... do you think it flexes too much, or might break? I think that's unlikely. ISTR Strider make knives with one side G10 one side Ti...

Losing a lock turns it into a slip joint; now, in the UK I can see why that might be popular, but a tad of a problem with no back leaf. If you prefer a different lock, why?
 
Actually, it does have metal liners. They're imbedded in the G10. :thumbup:

:D
 
soa said:
Losing a lock turns it into a slip joint; now, in the UK I can see why that might be popular, but a tad of a problem with no back leaf. If you prefer a different lock, why?
Click to expand...

I meant to say get rid of the linear lock and replace it with a different lock, such as a lock back. I dislike linear locks because i feel they are flimsy and i cannot trust them because i have had one fail before on me (it was a low end knife but i still dont trust them). That is really the only reason why i havent bought the rat trap.
 
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