CRKT Shenanigan PPS or the Ontario Rat 1 folder?

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Musicfien

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Mar 18, 2012
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Simply put, which would you preffer and why?

Here is the Amazon listing for the CRKT Shenanigan.
http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Rive...id=1357858299&sr=8-1&keywords=shenanigan+crkt

Hers is the Amazon listing for the Ontario Rat 1 fodler
http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-8848-Folding-Knife-Black/dp/B0013ASG3E

I am very torn, looking for a new EDC to replace my Kershaw Shallot which was either lost or stolen. I do miss that knife oh so much. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
I've looked at both of these, among others, and liking both brands equally (based on other products) would go with the CRKT based on ergonomics. To be fair, my only personal experience with an Ontario folder is a Utilitac II (along with numerous fixed blades) and I don't doubt the RAT's workmanship at that price point, but I own a few CRKT knives and am on my way to becoming a fan.

Any reason not to consider a Kershaw Blur or Clash? They seem closer to the Shenanigan for the sake of comparison.
 
I would have to disagree with the above and go Rat 1. The ergos are great, the handle shape really allows a comfortable grip, the lock up is very tight and it is very heavy duty!

One question for you though Inazone, I'm looking at my first CRKT knife, an since you own a few, which should I start out with, it would just be used for EDC and rarely small camping tasks. Thanks. :D
 
I have owned both knives. I still own two Rat-1's but sold my Shenanigan if that tells you anything. The Rat-1 is simply one of the best values out there. I think it fits the hand well, has a 4-way pocket clip, good gimping, is narrow in the pocket compared to the Shenanigan, and the fit and finish on both of mine have been great.

I did not like the tip down only pocket clip on the Shen. and mine had sharp edges on the gimping on top of the handle. It would eat up my finger after flipping it a few times. (I had the aluminum version though).
 
Ontario RAT 1 would be my pick. It feels a bit plastic with the scales being somewhat shallow texture and the liners are a bit thick and the liner feels flimsy compared to the rest of the knife, but this is nit picking. the RAT 1 is a SOLID blade, and would only consider a cold steel triad lock to be superior for blades under $50 (that come to mind). I have owned mine enough to wear the black paint of on some of the blade, but love the fact it has been used outdoors and in town more than other knives I own twice its cost, so that should say something. I have sold many CRKT knives (but not this one) and feel the fit and finish is there, but the materials are sometimes lacking. just an overall observation as my drifter, premonition, and others I still enjoy.

BUY THE RAT 1 for a slimmer utility blade that is not hard on the pocket (because pocket clip is awesome) and it is also under $30

p.s. check for other colors on ebay if you have the time.
 
I have some CRKT's and I like the brand better than most people here, but I would pick the Rat 1 based solely on its reputation here.
 
I have the Rat 1 and think it is great value for the money. It feels nice in the hand and is comfortable in the pocket.
 
Vanguard.223 said:
One question for you though Inazone, I'm looking at my first CRKT knife, an since you own a few, which should I start out with, it would just be used for EDC and rarely small camping tasks. Thanks. :D
Click to expand...

That depends on a few factors. My first CRKT was actually an M60 fixed blade, which I bought on a combat knife buying binge, but of course that isn't a typical EDC for most people! My folders include a Drifter, Ripple, Ignitor T and at least one more that I'm forgetting. Although some people dislike serrations, I think that the Veff serrations on the Ignitor (and other CRKT models) are actually acceptable on an EDC knife, as they aren't as prone to getting "hung up" while cutting. The LAWKS safety system, while unnecessary for most purposes, isn't bad to have if you are going to use the knife for camping, although most folders perform just fine with a run-of-the-mill lock.

That said, I'm not 100% in love with CRKT knives, as virtually every one has something about it that I don't care for. Although I've barely scratched the surface in terms of checking out every CRKT model, I don't think they match the quality of similarly priced Kershaws, especially since some Kershaw USA-made knives cost only a few dollars more than a CRKT with lesser specs. CRKT seems more focused on aesthetics (not that Kershaw isn't) and some of their features and designs come across as gimmicks. Don't get me wrong, I love my Ripple, but I'll take a Kershaw RJI any day of the week for EDC.
 
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