Spyderco Endura 4 or Ontario Rat 1

I liked both,, but if you do get the Endura, make sure its the full flat ground.. I had a sabre ground that I really disliked...
 
I've had several of each. And, although I do like the ergos on the Rat 1s, I think the Endura takes this one on steel type and lock performance (given your description). Get yourself an orange handled Endura 4 FFG, so if you drop it in the woods, you can easily find it. Fantastic cutting performance as well. Good luck with your decision.
 
Steve6387 said:
I'd be curious as to how that lock broke. I've been using mine for the last year and a half and have been most impressed with it. I agree, it may not be as strong as a 110 or ZT as far a the lock goes, but I use mine for routine, everyday, knifey things. I have a tough time seeing it randomly break.

I think both are great choices and I do like the Endura.... For me, it's just not worth more than 2x the Rat
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Ridiculous abuse. Batoning, mostly. I don't think any knife should be abused that way, but I've seen other folders like the PM2 and Recon 1 handle it without lock failure.

I guess if you're just cutting apples or whatever, a weak lock is alright, but I won't recommend it either way.
 
Thanks everyone. I did order a spyderco endura and it will be here in two days. Feels like Christmas! I am so stoked and I am sure I will love it. Thanks again for all of the advice.
 
Outstanding choice.

You can learn easily to close the knife one handed like a liner lock.
 
I love Spyderco's FRCP knives. How often do you see a knife with a 3.75" (depending on model) weighing 3.5oz? VG-10 (or ZDP-189 if you are so inclined), grippy frn, choice of grinds (wish the emerson version used a FFG though)
 
K.O.D. said:
I love Spyderco's FRCP knives. How often do you see a knife with a 3.75" (depending on model) weighing 3.5oz? VG-10 (or ZDP-189 if you are so inclined), grippy frn, choice of grinds (wish the emerson version used a FFG though)
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Dude your signature quote has me dying lol. And im glad to hear more positive feedback.
 
it's no contest, the Endura 4. The rat 1 was my first decent pocket knife, but after years of collecting, it lays in a junk drawer. The endura on the other hand, gained in sentimental value. after four years of mostly kitchen use it is now my most smooth operating folder and the steel is awesome with a convex grind on it cuts produce like a light saber
 
There should be another consideration in your purchase decision. if someone asks me "what knife should I buy" my reply is "what are you going to use it FOR?" you said hiking & EDC. ask yourself, if I buy the $60+ knife and lose it, will I be out of a knife for awhile? I'd suggest the Rat1 and a Swiss Army as a backup.. meanwhile keep scrimping and saving to buy the Endura (FFG). :)
 
Rat 1 is a lot chunkier and heavier but still a great knife. If $70 dosnt break the bank I would absolutely get the endura though
 
hiker91 said:
Thanks everyone. I did order a spyderco endura and it will be here in two days. Feels like Christmas! I am so stoked and I am sure I will love it. Thanks again for all of the advice.
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Be sure to post pics when it arrives- we love pics here!

To wit, here are a couple of mine (I carry the FFG during the spring/summer months, and the saber-grind in the fall/winter months - both are excellent):



 
I own both the Spyderco Endura FFG and the Ontario Rat 1.

As already noted, they are very different knives in every respect. I enjoy using both of them. I consider the ergonomics on both knives "different but equal"... hard to describe, but both are equally comfortable in my hand, but have a different feel.

The Rat 1 simply flies open since it is a liner lock design, the Endura deploys VERY smoothly but not as fast since the back lock results in a higher initial resistance, and slightly higher resistance through the travel of the blade. It is easily opened and closed one-handed, but since it is a back lock it is just not as lightning-fast like knives with liner locks are.

The higher opening resistance in my mind is a PLUS, since I have no concerns about it opening accidentally in my pocket (I usually remove the pocket clips from my knives and carry them deep in my pocket). I don't think the Rat 1 would open in my pocket either, but it could in the right circumstances, where the Endura would by much more resistant to accidental opening.

The Rat 1 cuts well; the Endura cuts better.

I am happy I own both, and the Rat 1 is cheap enough that I always recommend it, in addition to more "expensive" knives. You do get more than your money's worth with it.

Best wishes.
 
MaximIsayev said:
I would not call the RAT 1's lock weak, it's definitely adequate for its price point. The RAT 1 and Endura are different knives with different locks and different blade geometries, so they're somewhat hard to compare, both have their positives and negatives. The Endura's back lock is stronger than the RAT's liner lock, but the liner lock is more convenient for one-handed operation. The Endura is faster to deploy with the Spyderhole as opposed to the thumbstud on the RAT 1. I'd say that the Endura's tip is a bit more fragile compared to the RAT's, so it may not be the best option if you intend to use it for hard use tasks requiring side loads on the tip. Still, the Endura's VG10 steel has better edge retention than the RAT's AUS8, so it's up to you, depends on how often you want to sharpen it.

Oh, and check out this hard use video comparing the RAT 1 to the Tenacious. Yes, the RAT's lock fails, but only after much abuse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0dfBH3cW7k
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:thumbup:
 
HEYOOO! So I got my endura and I love it! The blade is hair-popping fantastic. The only complaint I have is the handle is a bit bigger than I anticipated so one-handed opening is going to need some practice. Apart from that the blade is fantastic and I believe it will serve me well. Thanks for all the input people.

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Yes, that grip is a long one, but seems to be a favorite for those folks...EMT's, cops, firemen...who wear gloves.
I will get the Endura, but possibly will choose the Lone Wolf variation...which is "Emerson-waved" and also has a built-in Glock tool.
 
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