RAT1 vs Cryo - cheap hard use military folder

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Jan 29, 2010
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I know this isn't a completely fair comparison but I'm looking for a <$40 hard use knife so I think this is fair. I'm in the military and I'm looking for an EDC is that is cheaper and smaller than my Spyderco Military. Something I can abuse and not feel too bad about. I've kind of narrowed it down to these two but any suggestions would be great. I'm a lefty so a left hand pocket clip is a must

Cryo
Overall Length: 6.5"
Blade Length: 2.75"
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Closed Length: 3.75"
Weight: 4.2 oz.


RAT1
Overall Length: 8.5"
Blade Length: 3.5"
Blade Steel: AUS-8
Closed Length: 5"
Weight: 5.0 oz.
 
If you can wait for the bigger cryo 2, I'd do that. But if not, I'd recommend the rat
 
I have them both, and love both of them. The Cryo is more of a "sunday" knife, though. The Rat is the best budget user i've ever had. for the price, its built like a tank, ffg blade serves a variety of cutting tasks, and of course, the clip is movable to all four corners. Another great choice in the budget is the tenacious line by Spyderco. And there are models in all sizes, so i'm sure one would meet your needs. If you can wait, Kershaw is releasing the Thermite in that price range, and its a Hinderer design frame lock! A lot of good choices out there right now...
 
You could consider the spyderco dragonfly to its a bit smaller but it's VG10....
 
I have both knives. I own one Cryo 1 and three Rat 1's :D and I agree with michaelsmith - the Cryo is a nice knife but for hard use I would choose the Rat. It's got a much longer blade and handle. Not to say the Cryo wouldn't bear up under some use, but it's a smaller knife and does not allow as much of a grip.

These are two great knives with very different characters.
 
Yup, the Cryo is solid but so is the RAT-1 and it's bigger. Another vote for RAT-1.
 
If you like the military and are looking for a cheaper alternative why not go for the resilience?
 
I'd go for a CRKY m16 or M21. Better than either imho, plus multiple sizes and styles.
 
I have had a Cryo and returned it. It was okay for teh price point but I haven't seen a Chinese knife yet that had better QC than knives from Taiwan. At that price point, I'd try the RAT Model 1.
 
You should check out the Spyderco Tenacious plenty of blade and solid.
 
I agree, the Tenacious has a thicker lock and G10. Built like a tank. Can't go wrong with the Rat either.
 
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