Recommendation? Is a Rat 1 still worth it today?

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DangerZone98

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Dec 7, 2019
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Honestly, I’ve no real need of another beater knife. But I’ve seen great reviews of the Rat 1. What do you good folks think? Is it still worth picking one up today?
 
Our you talking about the AUS8 or the D2 version? $30 vs $50 can change the recommended knives by quite a bit.

Either way, the Rat 1 in both steels is still a very good value and among the best knives in their price classes (in my opinion). There is a lot more competition at both prices these days though.
 
Fixall said:
Our you talking about the AUS8 or the D2 version? $30 vs $50 can change the recommended knives by quite a bit.

Either way, the Rat 1 in both steels is still a very good value and among the best knives in their price classes (in my opinion). There is a lot more competition at both prices these days though.
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Oh, in my area, only the aus8 version is available I’m afraid.
 
DangerZone98 said:
Oh, in my area, only the aus8 version is available I’m afraid.
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I think there are a few really great options in the price and size range (I assume you are looking for a 3.5"+ knife since you said the Rat 1, and not the Rat 2).

If they are available in your area, here are a few options I would check out:

Ruike P801 - It features 14C28N, which is among the best budget steel available imo.
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 (or the Cara Cara 2 Rescue if you want a serrated knife) - I'd go this route if I wanted a backlock in the price range and as an added bonus you get Spyderco's heat treat consistency and customer service.
Buck 110 Slim Select - another backlock alternative from a company with a long history of good heat treatments and customer service. I like how the Cara Cara 2 carries and feels in the hand though.
CJRB Feldspar in D2 - Decent steel from a company that has really been making some great knives lately. Some of the best fit and finish I've seen in the price range. They have a few more knives at this size and price, but I'm not too familiar with them.
Civivi - Anything you can find in your price range the piques your interest. They're killing it right now.

Ka-Bar Dozer in D2 - Only listing this as an alternative to the Rat 2, in case you decide you want a 3" blade.

Having listed all those... If it were me, I'd take the Rat 1 over all the other options if I wanted a ~$30, 3.5+ folding knife.
 
Fixall said:
I think there are a few really great options in the price and size range (I assume you are looking for a 3.5"+ knife since you said the Rat 1, and not the Rat 2).

If they are available in your area, here are a few options I would check out:

Ruike P801 - It features 14C28N, which is among the best budget steel available imo.
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 (or the Cara Cara 2 Rescue if you want a serrated knife) - I'd go this route if I wanted a backlock in the price range and as an added bonus you get Spyderco's heat treat consistency and customer service.
Buck 110 Slim Select - another backlock alternative from a company with a long history of good heat treatments and customer service. I like how the Cara Cara 2 carries and feels in the hand though.
CJRB Feldspar in D2 - Decent steel from a company that has really been making some great knives lately. Some of the best fit and finish I've seen in the price range. They have a few more knives at this size and price, but I'm not too familiar with them.
Civivi - Anything you can find in your price range the piques your interest. They're killing it right now.

Ka-Bar Dozer in D2 - Only listing this as an alternative to the Rat 2, in case you decide you want a 3" blade.

Having listed all those... If it were me, I'd take the Rat 1 over all the other options if I wanted a ~$30, 3.5+ folding knife.
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Thanks man. Really appreciated.
 
I agree with Fixall. For the money it's tough to beat. I have the AUS8 version, but very happy with it, it's not soft and doesn't dull quickly. Get one, you'll be surprised at how nice it feels in the hand, really nice to use. Ontario got it right.
 
IMG-0095.jpg

Not my photo, but it shows it is still valued by many.
 
I would say yes they are worth it. The value you get is amazing. I have had 3 AUS-8 versions and gifted one each to my son and father. I have had mine the longest. Solid knife & holds up well. For the price just do it.
 
Yes! I love the action on these for a cheap knife! The D2 is soft but sharpens easier and is less prone to chipping (you can actually strop the edge back with Bark River black compound). There’s nothing wrong with Aus-8 it can be a razor! I like a medium diamond finish on both for a little bit of a toothy work knife edge.
 
It's a great knife and has alot of different colored handles to choose from.
I really don't carry mine much.
Yet as everyone has said it's a great knife.
 
Even though I gave my D2 RAT 1 to my cousin on his 18th birthday, I'd still say it's worth getting, I didn't give it away because it's a bad knife, I gave it to him to introduce him to well made folding knives. It's a great knife now and will always be a great knife, no matter what future knives make older ones obsolete, it's still a good cutting tool, and nothing will change that.
 
I bought one as a gift for a buddy last year and he absolutely loves it. Given, he is coming from Walmart Gerbers. But even I was impressed with the build quality for the price. The sodbuster style blade is really nice and useful.

My friend raved about it so much that another guy at work ended up buying one.

Solid knife. Worst case scenario, it can be the car knife or leave it in one of your packs.
 
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