Rat Trap - tip up vs. tip down

[Pygmalion]

I am looking for a Rat Trap, and I have noticed that there is a tip up, and a tip down model. I see that one is preferred and the other not so much (I can't remember which is which).
What does tip up/ tip down refer to, and what are the advantages, benefits, shortcomings, etc.?

 

[Gravelface]

Any tip up Rat Trap is a custom job, and it refers to the tip of the blade being carried in the "up" or "down" position. Some people prefer one over the other, and as far as advantages, I couldn't really tell you of any "TRUE" advantage. As both can be pulled and opened lightning quick as long as you practice with what you have.

 

[VoxHog]

I prefer tip up, easier to open with a minimum of fuss.

 

[eisenhower]

i like tip down so you dont have to spend the extra second working up the handle to get your thump to the whole

 

[mike biz]

Like Gravel said, the RT was only released as a tip down model, though it does allow for ambidexterous clip placement. I much prefer tip up in my folders as I feel it allows for easier deployment of the blade. That said there are a bunch of folks here the can do that mod for you if you want it. STR (Steve Rice) is fantastic. I've had him do work for me before and it is top notch. I think he has a subforum in the makers forum.

 

[mhawg]

i like tip down so you dont have to spend the extra second working up the handle to get your thump to the whole

You must keep your thumb in a different place than I do!! My thumb is in the right place before the knife gets out of my pocket with tip up carry. :thumbup: