Well I gave away two 3.5" folders to my nephews, and thought I would get a rat 1 in D2 steel to fill the void. I have a rat 2 in D2 steel and really like it but I have not seen a rat 1 in person. I would love to hear your thoughts on the rat 1 and if there are better options in the $40 price range.
Thinking about a rat 1
- Thread starter joneb
- Start date
- Status
I literally just bought a RAT 1 and got it in the mail last week. I'm not great with describing knives, but I'll give it a go. A striking feature is how the handle feels. It's sort of rounded in all the right places so nothing digs into your hand, but the notch on the front "grabs" your index finger and keeps it from sliding up. Scales have some grip but not too aggressive. It just feels "right" in the hand." Action is very smooth, though getting it to "pop" open with the thumb in one quick motion requires practice. Pocket clip allows tip up or down for both left- and right-handed. That's a first for me at least.
I kept reading glowing accounts so picked one up recently. Mine is AUS-8 but I have no complaint about edge holding. As noted above, the mechanics of the blade design, handle and carry options are excellent in this knife. Couple that with an attractive price, and it's a great product. Only downside would be size, as it takes up a lot of pocket space, and absence of a flipper.
Thanks, the rat 2 with D2 steel is one of my favorite pocket knives.
This guy did a comparison of D2 and AUS-8 for what its worth,
PS, I fast forward through all the cutting.
I had one with the AUS-8 blade, didn't use it very much and decided to sell it. Guess the knife didn't like the idea of going to a new home and as soon as I wasn't looking... Oooow!
Took a slice right out of my thumb, and really deep. Probably should've got stitches but I decided not to go. I thought my son was going to pass out from all the blood leaking out of my thumb.
Oh well, live and learn, pay attention to where that sharp blade is!
Took a slice right out of my thumb, and really deep. Probably should've got stitches but I decided not to go. I thought my son was going to pass out from all the blood leaking out of my thumb.
Oh well, live and learn, pay attention to where that sharp blade is!
Battle of the you tube experts! You may want to go to minute 33 to get the findings. Both steels have good reputations and I am happy with both in my knives.
The blade forum folks prefer D2, but note that sharpening is best accomplished by diamonds. Some say the source of the D2 is also significant. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/d2-vs-aus-8-in-a-rat.1576717/
The blade forum folks prefer D2, but note that sharpening is best accomplished by diamonds. Some say the source of the D2 is also significant. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/d2-vs-aus-8-in-a-rat.1576717/
Last edited:
I ordered and received the Rat 1 and though the handle seems long for the blade length it feels good in my hand.
At 5 oz the knife is a bit heavy, I think the liners could be lighter it seems like they could have dropped almost an once there.
AJumbo
Member
I have a RAT-1/AUS8A in my EDC rotation. I don't find it to be oversized or too heavy. The ergos are fine for my fairly large hand. If I'd known D2 was available when I bought mine, I might have gone in that direction, but I'm very happy with the AUS8A. The pocket clip is plenty sturdy.
The only minor criticism I can offer is that the scales get slick when wet and doesn't offer the best traction even when dry. The shape of the handle mitigates it, though.
The only minor criticism I can offer is that the scales get slick when wet and doesn't offer the best traction even when dry. The shape of the handle mitigates it, though.
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
I have a couple of the AUS-8 Rat 1 knives.
Nice heft. Decent ergos. Good edge.
My problem is that they're too stiff for me to open with a thumb.
Anyone know how to gently loosen that pivot without screwing up things like alignment?
Nice heft. Decent ergos. Good edge.
My problem is that they're too stiff for me to open with a thumb.
Anyone know how to gently loosen that pivot without screwing up things like alignment?
If you have a Torx T-9 you can back off the pivot screw, I do this in about five degree turns an check for blade slop.
I had to disassemble my Rat 2 for cleaning and it went well.
An excellent knife for the money, the D2 takes a fine edge and holds it really well. At around $40 you won't hesitate to use it hard. The spine on mine came very sharp, which I like for a couple reasons as a back up bushcraft tool, but as a carver that sharp spine would be hard on the thumb.
It's an easy remedy, not so much the other way around.
- Status
Similar threads
