Which One?

Which One?

  • Ontario Rat 1with Plane Edge

    Votes: 19 73.1%

  • Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 with Plane Edge

    Votes: 7 26.9%
  • Total voters
    26
afishhunter

afishhunter

Basic Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2014
Messages
15,083
Which of these two would you get?
Ontario Rat 1 with plain edge.
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 with plain edge.

After researching, I have narrowed it down to one of these two for my first modern folder.

Anticipted use is carrying while on my bicycle, camping, (feather sticks, tent stakes, cutting cordage, food prep, etc) fishing (cut bait, line, etc)

SELF DEFENSE IS NOT ON THE AGENDA!
I have more effective things than a knife for that.

My budget does not allow the obvious solution of "Get Both!"
 
I say get the Rat. I have both the 1 & 2 and they really impressed me. But then I've never been a Spyderco fan for purely esthetic reasons. Your mileage may differ.
 
I love Spyderco, but have heard mixed reviews on their Byrd line.

One thing you never hear is a complaint about the Rat 1.
 
I've gifted a number of Cara Caras. It's much more knife than its price tag would suggest.

I carry an Endura almost daily and the only area in which it's better than the cara cara is edge retention. If my budget didn't afford me the Endura I'd be plenty happy with the Byrd.

Get the lightweight model though. The g10 doesn't bring anything but extra weight to the table.
 
Own both, not even close, Cara Cara 2. I like the Rat, but the Cara is in a different league, probably the best bang for buck folder under $50. Fit & finish is as good as any budget Spyderco. As said above, get the LW version.
 
Lapedog said:
I love Spyderco, but have heard mixed reviews on their Byrd line.

One thing you never hear is a complaint about the Rat 1.
Click to expand...
I'm biased here, obviously, but I'd complain about it plenty.

It's as effective a tool as any other well made knife and it is well made, but it's way too heavy. 5oz due to the unnecessary steel liners. Obviously they need the lock side liner, but they could ditch the other one. I also prefer the back lock to a liner lock.

Now, if the OP can afford to upgrade to the D2 version it's a different story. The edge retention trumps weight in my book.
 
My take is that the Cara Cara has a much stronger lock. It has a more useable blade design and has an opening hole. Additionally, you can have your choice of handle materials: Titanium, steel, G10, or FRN. Finally, if cost is a factor, it is hard to beat for 20 bucks.

Having said that, the Ontario Rat 1 is available in a steel choice and if I were going to get one of these knives I would opt for the D2. It is more difficult to sharpen than AUS8 but it also holds the edge a lot longer.
 
I voted Ontario Rat 1. I owned a Cara Cara, I gifted it but still have the Rat 1.

I would highly suggest you save up a few more $ and get the D2 blade steel version of the Rat 1. The upgrade in steel is well worth an extra $8-10.
 
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