Ontario RAT II in D2 or Spyderco Delica 4

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Warsaw

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May 15, 2017
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Posts in this thread claim an Ontario RAT II in D2 steel will be offered around year end. Have held back purchasing a RAT II because of the AUS 8 steel. Now am wondering whether to purchase a Spyderco Delica 4 now and just forget about the RAT II in D2, thinking that configuration still won't be as good an EDC carry as the Delica 4 even with the upgraded steel. What's your take?
 
my vote is for the delica 4, vg-10 is a great balanced steel, and the delica 4 is great because it offers it at such a good price point.

but fwiw i have a bias against thumb studs.
 
this is debatable. the delica 4 is a great edc and slicer. vg10 wont last nearly as long in edge retention tho. but is far easier and faster to sharpen.

the Rat 2 will def be able to handle heavier tasks. the delica is much smaller, lighter and more edc friendly overall.
 
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Delica for edc, its hold an edge for a good while, its easy to sharpen, great ergos, and rides nicely in the pocket.

Can't really go wrong with either imo.
 
Zancudo is available in D2 steel right now. Designed by the same guys who designed the Rat 2. It's a frame lock rather than a liner lock, thinner than the Rat 2, with a stonewashed blade less likely to show scratches and fingerprints. Likewise the Zancudo's pocket clip is stainless steel without paint that will chip.
 
I try not to give these kinds of answers, but I say you must hold them both first. The delica is a great knife for the money, and nice looking too, but it just does not fit my hand like it does for many others. It sucks to have a knife (or gun, or vehicle, or woman) that doesn't feel right.
 
bryan123 said:
Zancudo is available in D2 steel right now. Designed by the same guys who designed the Rat 2. It's a frame lock rather than a liner lock, thinner than the Rat 2, with a stonewashed blade less likely to show scratches and fingerprints. Likewise the Zancudo's pocket clip is stainless steel without paint that will chip.
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Makes sense. You could get the Zancudo in D2 and carbon fiber for less than the price of a Delica.

Delica is a hell of a carry though.

I agree with getting them both in hand. They're different enough that you should definitely test drive them.
 
I'd go go the Rat, myself but, they are both great knives.

Visually, the Rat is more "Sheeple" friendly.
 
I would get the Delica, but from a purely superficial standpoint. Just don't like the looks of the rat models. The offset blade to handle thing bugs me. As a tool things like that shouldn't make a difference, but that's why knives come in so many shapes and sizes. Aesthetics sells.
 
rat II favors medium hands or smaller IME. I have large gloves and it just fits. I prefer the blade design of the rat 2 but the ergos of the delica. Rat II is more fun to play with (open/close), if that's something that matters.
 
The Delica is a great knife. I would get the zdp 189 version . I ve never held the Rat 2. It has been indicated that the Delica is a bit smaller and easier
to carry. The specs on the Rat 2 are 2.7 oz weight and a 4 inch handle. The blade is a bit longer than the Delica. The D2 steel is better than the vg10 for wear resistance. The Rat 2 is much cheaper than the Delica.
I have a Rat 1 with D2 steel and g10 handles, limited edition. Very nice knife. I may have to try the Rat 2 with D2. Four inches is the smallest handle I ll buy on a folder.
 
JupiterPaladin said:
The Delica has been more acceptable to the Muggles in my experience. The RAT looks more stabby, plus the Delicas come in some bright colors which I think helps subdue concerns.
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My experience has been just the opposite because of the humpback blade offered on the Delica. As for knife color, you can't get any more sheeple friendly than a pink RAT 1 or 2.

Muggles, LOL. That was great. :)
 
The Delica with Boomer52 Lil Para scales is kick-ass, but I would suggest a ZDP Delica. Between the standard Delica or D2 RAT II I would suggest the RAT, should be able to be had for around $30, but the Delica will run around $65 new. VG-10 has overall kind of disappointed me as a steel, surprisingly poor edge retention for the cost models with it command.
 
Warsaw said:
Posts in this thread claim an Ontario RAT II in D2 steel will be offered around year end. Have held back purchasing a RAT II because of the AUS 8 steel. Now am wondering whether to purchase a Spyderco Delica 4 now and just forget about the RAT II in D2, thinking that configuration still won't be as good an EDC carry as the Delica 4 even with the upgraded steel. What's your take?
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I have and offer I think you'll like for trying a rat II. PM me or email me through my profile and I'll get it sent to you or email me through my profile.
 
dkb45 said:
The Delica with Boomer52 Lil Para scales is kick-ass, but I would suggest a ZDP Delica. Between the standard Delica or D2 RAT II I would suggest the RAT, should be able to be had for around $30, but the Delica will run around $65 new. VG-10 has overall kind of disappointed me as a steel, surprisingly poor edge retention for the cost models with it command.
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bikerector said:
I have and offer I think you'll like for trying a rat II. PM me or email me through my profile and I'll get it sent to you or email me through my profile.
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He's talking about the rat 2 in d2 steel which is not out until the end of the year. The aus 8 rats are not worth it. Too soft a steel IMHO.
 
Delica all the way. It's a classic from way back and the design has been optimized for every day carry. It's light and the pointy tip is more useful than the Rat. D2 steel by Ontario is good, but VG10 by Spyderco is better.
 
Mo2 said:
He's talking about the rat 2 in d2 steel which is not out until the end of the year. The aus 8 rats are not worth it. Too soft a steel IMHO.
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About buying one, yes. However they will feel the same in hand so getting one for the cost of shipping seemed like a good way for him to experience a rat II before buying a D2 version when it becomes available.

Agree to disagree on rats being worth it because of the steel choice. I've not had problems with it staying sharp in EDC use and it's very easy to keep sharp with a strop. Most of my cutting tape, shrink wrap, and some cardboard so not real hard use. I've found the blade design to be pretty great for wood carving as well.
 
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