Recommendation? Is a Rat 1 still worth it today?

[MolokaiRider]

Absolutely. It is one of those great designs that just works.

I carry and use one regularly.

 

[ncnurseryman]

I still carry one and use it hard. It's a great knife and holds up well. I gave my nephew one too.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I still have one, in orange G10....have owned many; gifted many...great knife

 

[Fixall]

I still have one, in orange G10....have owned many; gifted many...great knife

They are great gift knives!

I tend to gift Rat 2's and Kershaw Leek's to non-knife people to break them in, lol. I also keep a couple of Rat 2's and Mora's on hand when I go camping to give to people who didn't bring there own. Super capable knives.

 

[Triton]

In short yes, a great knife for the money, much like an SAK or a Buck 110.

 

[DangerZone98]

Wow, thanks for the input folks. Much appreciated.

 

[rhino]

There is at least one online vendor that has the AUS8 RAT 1 listed for $22.95, which makes it an even better deal.

 

[Chronovore]

Looking at the current market, I'd say that the D2 versions are not worth it but the AUS-8 versions might be. The issue with the D2 versions, besides the trade-off in corrosion resistance versus the reality of what you gain in edge retention, is that they push up into a price tier where they are competing with better knives. OTOH, the AUS-8 versions punch above their grade on steel performance and can be found for around $25.

If you had $40-something burning a hole in your pocket, I'd ask if there was a Civivi you haven't tried in 9Cr18Mov. Beyond that, have you tried the Harnds Talisman? Like the Rat, there is a less expensive version in AUS-8 and a newer upgraded version. Unlike the Rat, the upgrade to 14C28N is totally worth it on the Talisman.

 

[upnorth]

I like everything about the Rats. The big ones have great hand feel. I started off with a 1 and ended up with 6-7 of them? One is in D2 but I'm fine with the AUS8. I ended up grabbing a couple of RAT2's out of curiosity. I was pleasantly surprised by them. I'll grab another 2 with orange scales and black blade in a future order.

 

[gazz98]

I own 3 Rat 1s in D2 and 1 in AUS8 and still continue to carry them. Rat 2s are a little small for me but if you need a smaller knife, go for it.

I still recommend the Rat 1 and 2s. The AUS8 isn't bad but I'd recommend the D2 if you can afford it. Yes,, definitely more competition in the $40+ range with Bestech, CIVIVI, etc but I love the ergos on the Rat 1.

 

[MolokaiRider]

I wish there were more options for replacement scales on the Rat 1/2 that were a tad more affordable.

Some 3D sculpted micarta would be amazing. Especially for 20 bucks or so.

 

[115Italian]

Ive beat my rat 1 to death and it still functions great. It amazes me every time I flick it open how smooth and solid it still is. Even as dirty as it is. Although my is slightly modified.

 

[sopwithcamelus]

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?

I've been carrying some version of the RAT-1 in either AUS8 or D2 since about 2010. You can find the D2 version for slightly more than the AUS8 version of you search a bit. Although there is nothing wrong with their AUS8. As far as worrying about corrosion with the D2 version, I live in humid Florida, and with minimal care, rust isn't an issue. There is quite a bit of competition against it now, but I really like the shape of the blade, and find the crisp spine useful for a variety of things. It a sturdy, simple tool that does everything I need it to do. It's also no hardship to replace if it gets damaged or lost. Yes, I'm a fan, lol.

 

[sopwithcamelus]

In short yes, a great knife for the money, much like an SAK or a Buck 110.

They are definitely reaching the status of those others, which I also love.

 

[sopwithcamelus]

Absolutely. It is one of those great designs that just works.

I carry and use one regularly.

I think the fact that we're still talking about them after all these years says something about them. Especially since most of the comments are favorable.

 

[Cscotttsss]

For sure, still the best deals out there IMO. (Rat 1 and Rat 2)

 

[sopwithcamelus]

There is at least one online vendor that has the AUS8 RAT 1 listed for $22.95, which makes it an even better deal.

That is an awesome value. There's a major online retailer selling Utilitacs for about that price, I picked up a couple and they are nice knives.

 

[whp]

Oh, in my area, only the aus8 version is available I’m afraid.

I might consider the d2 Rat1 ordered on line.

 

[rhino]

That is an awesome value. There's a major online retailer selling Utilitacs for about that price, I picked up a couple and they are nice knives.

I don't know what that is!

$23 for a RAT 1 is hard to beat, though. One overlooked advantage of AUS8 with a good heat treatment is how ridiculously easy it is to get a really thin, very sharp edge compared to just about any other steel. Edge retention isn't great, nor is corrosion resistance (for a stainless), but you can make it sharp so that it cuts really well.

 

[sopwithcamelus]

I don't know what that is!

$23 for a RAT 1 is hard to beat, though. One overlooked advantage of AUS8 with a good heat treatment is how ridiculously easy it is to get a really thin, very sharp edge compared to just about any other steel. Edge retention isn't great, nor is corrosion resistance (for a stainless), but you can make it sharp so that it cuts really well.

I have no problem with AUS8, 440A, 420 HC,etc., as long as the price is reasonable. In the case of the RAT-1 it certainly is. The Utilitac I and II are Ontario knives designed by Joe Pardue, built in Taiwan, like the RAT folders are. They are beefy little knives that are put together very well. The actions are buttery smooth, and I like the ergonomics. They can be found for ridiculously low prices. Both use AUS8.