The RAT 1 Arrived....First Impressions

Winch

Winch

Joined
Jan 29, 2018
Messages
186
This is the "base" model I guess. AUS 8, satin finish, black scales. Delivered for <$30. I've read a lot of reviews and watched a lot of YouTubes on this knife. I am new to modern folders, and also to sharpening. So the intent of this knife is twofold:
1. Every day beater knife, travel knife, "use it and don't worry about it" knife.
2. A knife that will allow me to improve my sharpening skills (that's why not a D2 steel version).
  • Delivered in a sealed box and bubble wrap, looks legit and all.
  • Made in Taiwan (I knew this).
  • 1 year warranty.
  • Locks up tight in all directions.
  • I could tell that the factory had oiled the pivot. Nice touch.
  • Thumb studs are nicely rounded off and don't protrude beyond the scales.
  • I like the feel of the scales, plastic or nylon, not sure. Prolly get slippery.
  • The blade is FFG and shaves hair out of the box.
  • 4 way mount for pocket clip. Big plus for me.
  • Action is nice....tight but flickable out of the box.
  • Lanyard hole (I like lanyards).
  • The blade is not perfectly centered but it's not far off/not scraping anything.
  • Has a nice weight/heft in the hand.
  • Nice grip with the thumb jimping and index finger choil area.
In summary, this knife appears to be a darn good value. I have 2 Blurs and the RAT 1 may have better quality (not assisted though). I'm very pleased with the quality and the price. I'd recommend that you check it out.

Winch
 
I just got one myself. There is a whole lot of quality there for not a lot of cost, now I know what people were talking about when they said it's one of the best budget folders around.
 
Great budget folder. It is every bit as good as many knives which sell for a lot more. The AUS8 is just fine, and of course very easy to maintain. Super steel shtuper steel, the RAT-1 is a contemporary classic.
 
I thought about getting one for my stepdad but since its one handed opening it cant be carried here legally (and i don't gift things that could get the recipient in trouble :D, went with a Manly D2 Peak). Would be neat if they made a nail nick version.
 


I enjoy the Rat 1 as well. Excellent blade shape and good ergos. Only nitpick is I tend to tweak the pocket clips often. I have an aftermarket clip in the mail, hopefully it will remedy this.
https://imgur.com/OcAIBG9
 
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MolokaiRider said:


I enjoy the Rat 1 as well. Excellent blade shape and good ergos. Only nitpick is I tend to tweak the pocket clips often. I have an aftermarket clip in the mail, hopefully it will remedy this.
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I see a tan D2 in my immediate future!! I like the green one that you have too!
 
I love my Rat 1 in D2. I have it set up for dedicated left pocket carry for when I’m pocket carrying my S&W 642 in the right pocket. Definitely a great knife and especially for the price.
 
mec003 said:
It's a fantastic value! I like their Aus8 just fine. I like that it sharpens similar to my kitchen knives. I can touch it up with a ceramic sharpener.
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That’s good to know cuz I just got the Lansky Turnbox with the ceramic rods.
 
Great budget knife I've been collecting for many years never bought a RAT until recently. My girl wanted a knife with a pink handle I showed her several on BLHQ. She asked for the RAT 1 in AUS8. I figured I'd grab one of the new RAT 2s in D2 since they just came out. When they arrived I couldn't of been happier with the knives I had no idea what a great knife I was missing out on. I've since tried other budget knives out of curiosity. I picked up a We 617 and Steel Will Modus on the exchange. The WE is a really nice knife great action the detent is a little soft but still fires realiably and the Modus has become my work beater descent action for a $40 knife on PB washers.All 3 have become part of my EDC line up that was mostly in the $150. range. Good luck with the sharpening.15233221551538861352615697118815.jpg
 
Ontario offers a great package at a great price.
Side note- my new Rat 1 doesn’t say Rat anywhere on it. Just model 1. It the Rat name officially layed to rest?
 
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b00n said:
I thought about getting one for my stepdad but since its one handed opening it cant be carried here legally (and i don't gift things that could get the recipient in trouble :D, went with a Manly D2 Peak). Would be neat if they made a nail nick version.
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can't you just tighten the screw(s), then maybe it won't be flickable, thus legal?
 
Since deep carry clips are available, my only real gripe with the RAT folders is that the lockbar cutout is rather shallow, making the lock difficult to disengage while wearing thick work or winter gloves. Still an awesome knife for the money, though.
 
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