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Ontario RAT II in D2 or Spyderco Delica 4

I don't think anyone can really answer the question for you. They are both quality knives but besides the similar size they are pretty different.

I'd recommend getting the byrd meadowlark and the aus 8 rat 2, spend a couple months carrying them to see which you prefer, then you can make an informed decision and upgrade 1 of them.

Plus that way you end up with a nice beater knife for your car, or something to gift to a friend.
 
Definitely delica. Because it's so well balanced and polished up knife u can't go wrong with it, never. And I;m a fan of cg10 steel for everyday tasks. Easy to sharpen, takes keen edge, holds it's edge quite well.
 
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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Thanks for the offer and for all of the replies. Glad to be here, BTW.

I've actually handled both and found it a toss-up although the edge (no pun intended) goes to the Delica 4 for the VG-10 steel and grip. They're comparably sized and in general, am looking for a complement to my RAT I in D2. The RAT I is a great outdoor/defensive instrument but like many others, find it too large for EDC.

Have watched many videos extolling the the virtues of both but have found YouTube's Nick Shabazz's most influential. They guy seems quite informed on the subject. He calls the Delica 4 the ultimate EDC but still thinks the RAT II, even in AUS 8, is a gem.

Not sure at this point whether the Delica 4 at around twice the price of the RAT II AUS 8, is worth it. I imagine when the latter is issued in D2, the price will rise at least $5.
 
Per knifecenter, the Rat's AUS8 is 58Rc, the same as Ontario's Arrow in D2.
 
They are both such good knives at their price point. Either one you choose I imagine you will be very happy with. Of course that's not the answer you are looking for so here goes:

Remember the waved Delica. To me that is one of the best folding knives because it is so light, thin and versatile. It has the Delica platform which is an amazing edc knife. It has the wave which gives the knife a self defense capability. It is also great for one hand drawing a knife while you are on a ladder or something. It has the sabre grind which you may or may not like. I like it because it gives it a much thicker tip than the FFG tip which is so thin as to be fragile.

Also Delica comes in many different steels.
 
brownshoe said:
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.
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I gotta.disagree with you there, the only things that VG-10 has the edge on D2 on is razor edges due to much finer size, and corrosion resistance. D2 holds an edge far longer, is tougher, and pretty significantly less prone to chipping at thin grinds.

I'm not a super big fan of VG-10 since I've seen how it performs compared to a cheaper steel like 440C or even 154cm.
 
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The rat 2 may be the world's best bargain knife. The ergos ain't so hot there though..
Much as I don't like back lock spydercos, I would say it is the better knife with better ergos. The d2 steel is amusing, but doesn't really change this comparison. I was gonna say a step up for the rat, but I am not even sure of that. Might be fun to have though.
 
Can someone please point me in the direction of a rat 2 in d2 only see rat 1s in d2
 
Personally I would prefer the RAT 2 because it has a better cutting edge/Overall length ratio.
Having said that I own a Delica and enjoy using it :D
 
I have the big rat and small rat in aus8, have to give a shout out for them. absolute fantastic value in low cost folder imo, as many of you know. Holds edge well enough, very sharp right from the box and easy to re-sharpen. I have other D2 knives that are good, such as mini-griptilian, but for the money it is hard to beat the rat. I'd rather use my $27 rat than my $100 mini-griptilian in D2.
 
This is a really hard question for me. I have some funds i have stashed aside for a orange/black blade rat2 if they make it (or if i can Frankenstein one), but have been really tempted to finally do my red frn delica switch-a-roo. Its a completely even decision/competition imo, with the Delica being $55-60 and rat2 d2 i assume will be about $35-$40
 
Get the Delica now and the Rat II if and when it comes out. I think I paid around $35 for my Rat 1 in D2 so the II will probably be a bit less so you won't have much more invest in both knives as opposed to just the Delica.
 
dman62 said:
Get the Delica now and the Rat II if and when it comes out.
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I'm digging the Zome Green version of the Delica 4 but noticed some vendors add a "P" to the manufacturer number: C11ZFGR vs C11ZFPGR. Contacted Spyderco about whether they're the same knives. Their response: The "P" is for PlainEdge and some of our models are offered in different edge types. P=PlainEdge, PS=ComboEdge, S=SpyderEdge (serrated). For the Delica 4 Zome Green, with or without the "P" is referencing the same knife.

I've also noticed that pricing of both knives differ according only to handle color. For instance, both are cheapest in black. The RAT II with a green handle (8860 OD Green) looks the best but costs more. Something about the black accents.

It's ultimately goofy to care about handle color but it still matters.
 
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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 often carry my RAT1 and will get one of the RAT2's pretty quickly.
 
I have the Rat 1, 2, Avispa, and the Zancudo. My personal preference is the Rat 1 for the larger and Zancudo for the smaller...

I don't own a Delica, but do have a PM2 and a HAP40 Stretch that are both superb but in a higher price range. Personally, I think the under 3" knives are really for light duty, where personal preference or task specific requirements takes over purchasing decisions.

My most carried 3" and under blades are the Buck 112 and LM Crater. For reference, I wear large size gloves.
 
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