"upscale" or "upgraded" Rat 1? Will we ever see more scale and steel options?

[Mingecutter]

Anyone have an ETA on when the new 1200-piece run of cf d2 Rat 1s will be received by Knifeworks? I've been checking that page on the regular, as their site says they were expecting them to arrive in September of 2016.

Thanks!

 

[jmh33]

Anyone have an ETA on when the new 1200-piece run of cf d2 Rat 1s will be received by Knifeworks? I've been checking that page on the regular, as their site says they were expecting them to arrive in September of 2016.

Thanks!

Up for pre-order on KW!! Got mine on pre-order as I missed the last run!!! John :thumbup:

 

[John_0917]

CF D2 from the new run arriving today...never had uncoated D2 so the big question: to Tuf cloth or not?

 

[GUNNER63755]

I would go with $45-$50 version with micarta. Just saying. The current blade steel works fine for me.

We do have G10 handles on the assisted openers, and we occasionally kick around the idea of putting G10 on others as well. We can't really comment on whether anything like that is actually planned right now, but if you don't mind, we'll take this opportunity to learn more about your thoughts on the idea.

People love the RAT1 because it's inexpensive but not cheap. A knife you can take with you anywhere because you're not afraid of losing it, since replacements are readily available and inexpensive. Any of the design suggestions you're bringing up would raise the price, so where would you guys draw the line? We wouldn't raise the price on something like this more than we had to, but it's always a concern when upgrading a popular design and we'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[John_0917]

I would go with $45-$50 version with micarta. Just saying. The current blade steel works fine for me.

I feel like in the D2 version the steel finally matched the overall strength of the knife. AUS8 isn't a bad steel by any means, but it's never going to match wear resistance or toughness of D2.

Of course there are plenty of common and exotic steels that surpass D2 in all areas (XHP, M4, 3V etc) but that's an entirely different price range and frankly I don't think many people will choose to buy a Rat 1 over say a ZT or Spyderco if we are talking $150.

I think the FRN D2 Rat 1 is now possibly the single best dollar for dollar value knife on the market.

 

[Zidfeldts]

I feel like in the D2 version the steel finally matched the overall strength of the knife. AUS8 isn't a bad steel by any means, but it's never going to match wear resistance or toughness of D2.

Of course there are plenty of common and exotic steels that surpass D2 in all areas (XHP, M4, 3V etc) but that's an entirely different price range and frankly I don't think many people will choose to buy a Rat 1 over say a ZT or Spyderco if we are talking $150.

I think the FRN D2 Rat 1 is now possibly the single best dollar for dollar value knife on the market.

These steels don't surpass D2 by as much as you think. D2 will cut very well.

 

[unklfranco]

I agree D2 does cut very well. The geometry can narrow the performance gap significantly. D2 has always been a cardboard box killer in my experiences. OKC makes it very easy to try out.

 

[traumkommode]

We do have G10 handles on the assisted openers, and we occasionally kick around the idea of putting G10 on others as well. We can't really comment on whether anything like that is actually planned right now, but if you don't mind, we'll take this opportunity to learn more about your thoughts on the idea.

People love the RAT1 because it's inexpensive but not cheap. A knife you can take with you anywhere because you're not afraid of losing it, since replacements are readily available and inexpensive. Any of the design suggestions you're bringing up would raise the price, so where would you guys draw the line? We wouldn't raise the price on something like this more than we had to, but it's always a concern when upgrading a popular design and we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Not for nothing, OKC, but I think the Rat 2 is a perfect design. While I appreciate that the basic Rat 2 costs ~$30, I would gladly pay more for one with micarta, CF, or G10 and a high-end steel.

 

[John_0917]

So how about a D2 Utilitac??