Rat 2 alternatives?

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BladeZz

Joined
Aug 16, 2023
Messages
40
I've got a basic Rat 2 in AUS 8 that I absolutely love. Its super smooth, great ergos and fits my hand just right for a small knife. I would like to pick up another folder that is equally as good or better under $50. Must be the same size or slightly bigger with the same or better smooth action. Any suggestions?
 
i can't pick one, but I think civivi is worth a look over, they have many. The elementum gets a lot of love, I really liked the imperium.
 
Zancudo is very similar spec'd to the RAT-2. Even made by the same manufacturer, I believe.

RAT1_Avispa_RAT2_Zancudo_open_2715x1800.jpg


Kabar Dozier Folding Hunter is another great option. Could probably get two for under $50.

DozierFH_RAT2_Zancudo_3747x2307.jpg


Kershaw Cryo or CQC-5K are also both great options. (2nd and 4th from the right)

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The CQC-5K or Dozier would be my top picks.

CQC5K_20150225_2_3390x1761.jpg


Kabar_DozierFH_3784x1792.jpg
 
I ended up ordering a ganzo fh922 in d2 after seeing the great reviews. I know they get a bad name but supposedly they make quality knives for cheap. We will see. I have a pm2 and Manix 2 that are my primary edc just want to mess around with some budget knives to see how they stack up.
 
BladeZz said:
I ended up ordering a ganzo fh922 in d2 after seeing the great reviews. I know they get a bad name but supposedly they make quality knives for cheap. We will see. I have a pm2 and Manix 2 that are my primary edc just want to mess around with some budget knives to see how they stack up.
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For the price, they generally do a good job. Many people here take serious issue with their aping or mashing up of designs, such as the model that looks vaguely like a Rat with an Axis Lock (made before BM's patent expired). Even the original designs in D2 tend to twist a few members' panties here, and those folks are generally not interested in civil discussion. So it's probably best to avoid discussing that company here.

For better budget stuff, I'd recommend Petrified Fish, Sencut, or the new Laconic line from Kizer.
 
Chronovore said:
For the price, they generally do a good job. Many people here take serious issue with their aping or mashing up of designs, such as the model that looks vaguely like a Rat with an Axis Lock (made before BM's patent expired). Even the original designs in D2 tend to twist a few members' panties here, and those folks are generally not interested in civil discussion. So it's probably best to avoid discussing that company here.

For better budget stuff, I'd recommend Petrified Fish, Sencut, or the new Laconic line from Kizer.
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If by aping and mashing up, you mean ripping off other knife makers and generally being a scummy blight in the marketplace yes, many people here see no reason to be polite about them or those that support them.
 
BladeZz said:
I've got a basic Rat 2 in AUS 8 that I absolutely love. Its super smooth, great ergos and fits my hand just right for a small knife. I would like to pick up another folder that is equally as good or better under $50. Must be the same size or slightly bigger with the same or better smooth action. Any suggestions?
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I have an R2D2; I don't really think you can do better for under $50. Only thing I don't like about it is the blade shape; too much belly for my taste. Open it up to $75 and you've got some other good options.

I did just pick up a Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 for just over $50 that I think is a better knife, but the action isn't as flippy. Lock is good, ergos are good, blade is their AUS-10A, which is excellent.

I got a Steel Will Modus in D2 years ago for about $50 that I think is a nicer knife, but only because I prefer the blade shape (reverse tanto) and action. (flipper)
 
The CJRB mini Feldspar is the same size and is a really nice knife. Has bearing pivot and D2 blade.

My wife has one and a Rat II. I actually prefer the Feldspar. It’s the better one of the two.
 
Triton said:
If by aping and mashing up, you mean ripping off other knife makers and generally being a scummy blight in the marketplace yes, many people here see no reason to be polite about them or those that support them.
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^ See what I mean?
 
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