Upgrade to Rat 2 3" knife?

TripleB67

TripleB67

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Jan 28, 2016
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My son has been carrying his Rat 2 3" D2 knife for a long time. He never asks for anything, so I'd like to surprise him with a knife upgrade.

I would like something at the 3" blade length or slightly under, with a button lock or axis/crossbar lock (he liked the button lock on an Elementum 2 I tried, and liked that knife overall, but likes thumb studs), definitely a better steel, he goes for a plain black handle, deep carry clip, and thumb studs (he likes those better than a flipper or a hole).

What knives would you recommend?

Thank you!

TripleB67
 
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A BM Mini Grip has two blade shapes to choose from and either one is 2.91" long in S30V and they do a decent heat treat on it. And they are the original Axis lock so they seem to do a good job with it from the ones I have.

Or maybe the Kershaw Mini Iridium with the 3" D2 blade and their crossbar lock. Mine has a teeny tiny bit of up and down wiggly but I have to really look to see it.

What I DON'T recommend is a SOG Terminus since it does have a flipper on the back and their take on a cross bar but the thumb studs have to be pushed just right or you will just about break your thumb trying to swing the blade open. It demands an out and around thumb motion to easily open. Which works just find and if you're okay with that then it's a great knife but I see it as a major design flaw.

I like using Knife Center's website as they have one of the better search and drill down selections. You can select folding knives, two to three inches, lock type, and more. I'm sure more of them offer similar but that's my fav.
 
Just occurred to me if you're looking for a budget beater for price while still getting something decent you might web browser up where you can find a CCFFCC FF22. Less than $30 for supposedly VG10 blade, black micarta scales with liners, crossbar lock, deep carry pocket clip, thumb studs on a 3" blade. Even if it's not real VG10 and it's 7cr or 8cr it's still a steal of a deal for a budget beater that seems well put together. I bought mine as a decent knife I won't mind giving away as needed at work. Desk drawer fodder.
 
Budget? Price range will greatly help to make suggestions.

Co-worker just got a CIVIVI Qubit that checks all your boxes. About $80. Handled it for a min or two and I like 14C28N.

Do you think your son would like and use a multi-tool? He might appreciate and use the other tools in addition to the blade(s). Gerber, Leatherman, SOG, or Victorinox has some awesome tools to consider.
 
gazz98 said:
Budget? Price range will greatly help to make suggestions.

Co-worker just got a CIVIVI Qubit that checks all your boxes. About $80. Handled it for a min or two and I like 14C28N.

Do you think your son would like and use a multi-tool? He might appreciate and use the other tools in addition to the blade(s). Gerber, Leatherman, SOG, or Victorinox has some awesome tools to consider.
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Price range is under $200. If I asked him, he would say under $80...he's that kind of young man. He's 19. Don't think he wants a multi-tool.

Thanks for all the advice so far!

TripleB67
 
Would the upgraded RAT2 with s35vn and G10 be too similar?
Hogue Mini Ritter
Almost any Benchmade "mini".
The 945 would probably be best, but it's above budget.
So I'd look at a Mini Grip, Mini Presidio, Mini Barrage (assisted, but can easily be de-assisted), and of course the Mini Bugout
 
If eligible to buy from that military / first responder website that starts with G and ends with X, they have $340 carbon fiber S90V Benchmade Mini Osborne 2.92” blade on clearance sale at 45% off for $187. Kind of a smoking hot deal.
 
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