Why so little talk about the RatTail???.

jeepin

jeepin

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Jul 20, 2003
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I havent seen much talk about the rattail knife. Anyone that has one, or handled one, please give your opinions. Will it work pretty good for prying if needed?, how sharp was it when you got it?, if you have any more info about it, or have pics of one in your hand, that would be great. Thanks. :cool:
 
There is a razor sharp one hanging around my neck right now. With the Progunner sheath it stays with me any where I don't have to pass through a metal detector.
 
I got the Rat tail the moment it came out...Always wanted a W Hayes knife, finally got one (even though it wasn't a custom). It is one of the best small knives I own. When I say small though it's all relative. The handle is thin but long enough for a very good grip and has a fantastic wrap that holds your hand. It has a nice distal taper, is needle pointy and handles well.

Is it sharp? I didn't think so at first but it was wholly because of my different expectations. I thought it would make my arm hairs fly off but was disappointed. Mr. Hayes posted a reply and explained that he had sharpened it so that it would be a more aggressive ripping type edge that could cut through denim or the like material (I'm paraphrasing here). I was very impressed that Mr. Hayes responded to my comment and he was a complete gentleman (even though it may have sounded like I was questioning the product). So basically I expected razor like performance from something that was never intended to be a razor, namely a knife that is quite thick and beefy for its size. Given its purpose it is plenty sharp. This also answers your question, could you pry with it? Absolutely you could probably use it as a rock climbing piton in an emergency.

Hope this helped.
 
If you are thinking about getting the Rat Tail, my simplest advice is to get it because you won't regret it. I guess with all the new stuff coming out and its much larger brothers, it doesn't get talked about that much but I think it should.

It is short enough in OAL to carry in a front pocket comfortably or as a necker but does not push the boundaries of "how little handle can we put on this thing"- there is plenty of handle there. The handle wrap is very well done and gives you a confidence inspiring grip on the knife.

Yes you could pry with it. I haven't tested it Cliff Stamp style, but based on the use that I've given it I doubt that I could break it without a vise and a pipe or something similar.

Mine came decently sharp but I was disappointed that it didn't shave like my Skeleton Key did when I got it. However when actually cutting things, the edge acts sharp, so I agree with the "aggressive edge" assessment.

The blade is wide enough to make up for the thick spine and it cuts through things like cardboard quite readily.

I think the guard is a good size to keep your fingers from sliding onto the blade without betraying the sleek and concealable nature of the knife. The notches on the spine give your thumb effortless traction when cutting.

Useful blade size at 3.75"

Overall, it is a very slim design which packs a lot of function and toughness into the blade without getting bulky. IMO one of the best knives out there for an EDC fixed blade. I've carried mine more than any other knife I've had.

If you can't tell, I like the Rat Tail a lot. :D

Ryan
DrClckWrk
 
I bought a Rat Tail at Blade/Atlanta and if I remember correctly it'll do the armhair removal thing. Hav'ta double check it when I get off duty.

Larry S.
 
I've got one that's NICS (New In Cardboard Sheath) and the other is Oku-wrapped w/ IWB loop. They both have more of the working edge than a hair poppin' one. I've been trying to design a clip to add on the Oku sheath for pocket carry.

I find that I carry the RT more than it's sister, the SK from Busse. :eek: Shhhhh....don't tell Jerry. He might withhold future shipments.
 
I purchased two as soon as they were offered. I took one of mine and cut the wrap off of the handle. I then added black sharkskin, a dragon menuki, and re-wrapped it. The pictures are out here on the SRKW forum somewhere.

The Rat Tail is a great little Japanese style neck knife for the money. You won't be un-happy with a purchase.
 
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