Should I get a second Ontario Rat 1?

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
923
The Ontario rat 1 I have is the first "serious" knife I ever bought, before that it was smith and wesson and tac force. Anyways, I love my rat 1. Great beater knife, decent ergos, easy to maintain. Somewhere down the line I broke the tip off because I thought batonning was a good idea. I took the blade to a grinding wheel and needless to say my lack of experience ruined the knife. I was looking to get the d2 version or if anyone can suggest something with similar specs and price, then I'd be open to suggestion. My collection is mainly Spyderco at the moment, consisting of: Delica 4 ffg, pm2, manix 2 g10, native 5 g10, techno and the southard. So I'd prefer if you didn't suggest Spyderco.

I'm thinking of one of those budget brands like kershaw or crkt. But I'd be perfectly happy with a second rat. My budget is $50 but preferably less, leaning closer to the $30 mark

Thank you!
 
I've got both the Aus 8 and D2 versions. I can't recommend the D2 version enough. Takes a killer edge and keeps it. And for the money it's one heck of a value ( and the original Aus 8 still is for what it costs).
 
With your price range i would go with an other rat or in my opinion a crkt M16 they are good knives more on the tactical looking side but they are good knives i can get mine hair popping sharp. If your looking for a more EDC looking and acting knife the crkt endorser the only two things i can say bad about that knifes is the tip is fragile and its tip down right hand only. (i actually broke a small part of the tip off mine, but i got it fix you can't even tell now)
 
It's hard to be a Rat1 folder for the price. I would also suggest looking at the Ontario Utilitac folder. Same price, bought one for friend and he really likes it.
 
The RAT Model 1 is always a good option whether in AUS8 or D2. I've seen some people complain about the fit and finish on their D2 RATs, so I'm not sure if they're trying to push too many out too fast. I got one of the D2/CF RATs and the fit and finish was just OK, but not quite as good as a couple of older ones I have.

Some other options to consider would be a Kershaw Link or Skyline. Both are made in USA and offer exceptional value. The Link is assisted, so make sure that's OK with you.

Among the imports you might want to look at a RealSteel H5, H6 or H6-S1. The H6 models have very similar egros to a RAT, but are a little better made in every way.

ESEE offers the Avispa which competes directly with the RAT Model 1 but has a framelock.

If you're really looking to save on a beater, consider an Enlan EL-01. They can be had for right around $20.

If I were you, I'd try something different and keep your RAT around as a beater. You'll never know if you like something better until you try it.
 
Last edited:
$50 (ish) I'd say spring for a vantage pro, in s30v.

$50 hard, I'd say go for a real steel in Sandvik...

Since recently acquiring mine inexpensive, I have zero complaints on any level.
 
Last edited:
I would buy another rat1 in Aus8. Great knife, great price. Takes quite a bit to kill one.
I find the rat2 a little easier to edc, but really like both.
 
In my humble opinion, once you find a knife you love stick with it. It is always to tempting try to find something newer and better. But, from what I read you really like or "love" the Rat 1 and from my experience you can buy a lot of similar knives but none will match up to the first serious knife you got. Why seek something new when you like it and know it works for you? My 2 cents from my experience that could of saved me a lot of money haha.


-Gideons
 
I honestly don't understand the question.

Why *wouldn't* you replace a knife you love, if you have the means to do so?
 
Frailer said:
I honestly don't understand the question.

Why *wouldn't* you replace a knife you love, if you have the means to do so?
Click to expand...
just seeing if people think it's worth getting the same knife. The knife isn't ruined. It's just not in great condition
 
I think you should get whatever you want to get. You're not going to find many folks who say the D2 Rat is a bad choice, but there's plenty of other good choices as well.
 
Take TLE up on their kind offer and get yourself a nice back-up RAT-1.

Carbon Fiber D2 would be a classy upgrade but, truth be told, they're all good and they're all excellent value.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top