RAT1 folder

CL01

CL01

Joined
Apr 19, 2007
Messages
3,396
I searched this Forum & only found 1 thread on this knife. Other than it being made in Taiwan, is there any other reasons this knife doesn't seem to be liked? I ask because I've had my 2nd one for awhile now & I'm amazed at the F&F for a made in Taiwan knife with the material used & how comfortable it is.

I had a First Production, satin finish, CE model before & the current one is a coated PE First Production model. I've been told that the First Prod. models were better than the later reg. prod. models. I don't know as I've never owned a reg. model, although I've handled reg. ones & they didn't seem as nice as mine. Wondering if maybe someone that knows would chime in as to why it might be better than the reg. ones (If it is) & as to whether a folder would/is being planned in the future?

I will say this. This is not a bad knife. It's 5" closed, the FRN scales feels like G-10, it has nice SS liners, open build, & a solid 3.5+" drop point AUS 8 blade. Very comfortable & a 4-way clip for versatility in carrying.
 
I've never owned one but from what I understand, the earlier batch of overseas folders were decent. Not as good as the US made version, but a good functional folder.

This is where things get blurry, I guess Ontario switched their manufacturer for a second round of production after their falling out with the RAT fellows and the quality has been very hit or miss, mostly miss, ever since.

Couple that with the fact that Ontario pooped where they eat and irritated alot of us knife enthusists with their antics regarding Mr. Randall and Mr. Perrin, and you have a recipe for poor sales and a poor reputation for the once beloved RAT folder.
 
The folder itself has always had a good reputation. Now that Rat Cutlery is up and running, they have mentioned doing the folder themselves, possibly as a framelock, perhaps with a steel upgrade. We wait. :D
 
Well, I knew the 1st prod. models were pretty good & I knew that RAT didn't want to do anymore of the current line of folders because of it being made outside of the U.S., but I was just curious of what owners of a RAT1 thought of theirs.
 
I have a rat 1 folder and it is a nice knife ( I hate to say that since it is an Ontario knife) but I prefer good old made in the USA knives and every time I think about carrying it I see made in Taiwan on it, so put it back in the box and keep carrying my RC 3 fixed blade and the new Ritter RSK folder for edc.
 
I have one, use it as a work knife, so it gets used daily. It has held up well, remains tight, and the AUS8 gets sharp quick. The fact that you can buy them for half what I paid sometimes makes me ill:grumpy: Here's a pic when it was new.
 
Great folder,I own one I picked up in a trade but the only thing that bothers me is it is an import...but RC will produce a US made folder sometime in the near future and I will be all over that....cant wait....
 
I have one and like it a lot. Much more comfortable to carry for me than some of my other knives of a similar size.

I reversed the clip on mine. Kind of a side effect of that is when it's inside my pocket and I pulled it out sort of up and backwards the thumb post grabs the inside of my pocket. (tip carried up, back of blade facing forward in my pocket when closed)

I gotten to the point where the knife comes out of my pocket open and locked. I don't even have to give it a flip most of the time.

I like having it ready to use, sort of a open assist.

I hate that RAT was drug over the coals by Ontario, but for the cost of the knife, I think its a great EDC.
 
I've never owned one but from what I understand, the earlier batch of overseas folders were decent. Not as good as the US made version, but a good functional folder.
Click to expand...

To my knowledge they were always made in Taiwan. I have looked the knives over and there is no difference between the First Run and this run. These are good knives for the money. I have sold hundreds of then this year alone and have not had any complaints.

Please keep in mind I am staying out of the politics between Jeff, Mike, and Ontario. This is only my opinion on the knife.

Tom
Chestnut Ridge Knife shop
 
I have the knife and it is a great design and every bit worth the money you pay for it. I have the satin finished PE. I have had no problems with the lock up or the f and f. I am eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new RC folder.
 
I bought the satin, partially serrated version for everyone on my sail race team and they love it. We use the hell out of them and they have held up well.

The AUS-8 steel doesn't hold an edge as well as other stainless, but a couple of minutes on the Lansky solves that.

I'm VERY interested in when a US made version with a steel upgrade will be available.
 
I have two of them. One is a "first production" run and the other is a later produced model. Both are of equal quality. They fit perfectly in my hands and they have great lockup.

I can't wait for the new that will be made in the US.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top