RAT versus TOPS?

RAT knives are much better designed than TOPS, that's the major difference, IMHO. RATs are designed with a very focused concentration on function. TOPS designs, by comparison, are more or less dashed-off, with a heavy focus on what "looks cool". The basic materials are comparable, but RAT has better fit & finish, quality control, and customer service, from what I've seen. Both companies make good knives.
 
There was a recent thread asking the same question... it shouldnt be too far down the page list.
 
Yes, other thread covered it, but I'd echo the statements already given on that thread and this one----from a quality of build/materials standpoint, I'd say they're about even. From a standpoint of genuine functionality, some of the TOPS designs are good, whereas all of the RAT designs are. From a price standpoint, RAT walks all over them.
 
moonwilson said:
RAT knives are much better designed than TOPS, that's the major difference, IMHO. RATs are designed with a very focused concentration on function. TOPS designs, by comparison, are more or less dashed-off, with a heavy focus on what "looks cool". The basic materials are comparable, but RAT has better fit & finish, quality control, and customer service, from what I've seen. Both companies make good knives.
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I agree with everything but this. (bolded part)

I bought a Wolf Pup, and if nothing else, you can say it has excellent fit and finish.
 
I believe they're both produced by Rowen which would mean fit, finish and quality control would be nearly identical.

TOPS are more "tacticool" and RC's are more "practical."
 
darthsoaker said:
I agree with everything but this. (bolded part)

I bought a Wolf Pup, and if nothing else, you can say it has excellent fit and finish.
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Exhaustive proof by a single example is a logical fallacy. Just sayin'...
 
kreole said:
Exhaustive proof by a single example is a logical fallacy. Just sayin'...
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I have a 7.5" Anaconda that is better than any RAT knife I've seen, held or owned...just sayin'...

It comes down to preference and Apples to Apples RAT's aren't the deal everyone makes them out to be. Look at similar type knives with blade lengths that are the same from both and you'll find that TOPS are somewhere around 15-20 bucks more with more interesting designs.

Not all of them (the TOPS Designs) are better, some are really out there, but the ones that hit (from TOPS) hit it out of the park.


Aww hell there is no right answer really, just get what you like, fills the need, fits the budget and most of all hold the edge, good luck OP.
 
kkj87a said:
overpriced crap
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"Overpriced crap" --is that comment based on any personal experience with TOPS knives?


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I do think that a lot of their designs are over the top.

But the dozen or so TOPS knives I've owned have all been very, very well made.
Folders as well as fixed blades.
 
i like my tops but rats are better designed imo both are great fit and finnish but the grinds on tops are way to thick
 
Both make some excellent knives, in fact I have owned a few from both makers. All have worked well.

In my examples, I have noticed better fit and finish on the TOPS knives. They should, they cost more.

It really boils down to what design you are looking for. Although I am not interested in about 90% of TOPS designs, they do offer a few knife designs that almost nobody else does. RAT, on the other hand, offers basically the same design in different lengths.

Both make very good knives. Pick the knife you like best, regardless of manufacturer.
 
"SPECIAL OPS TRUST TOPS CAUSE THEY'RE HARD TO THE CORE"

Good to see that. I hate when knives have a mushy center.



However, being that I am not in special ops...or pretend to be, I think I will stick to my RATs.
 
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