[tricky48]

http://ontarioknife.com/rat-1a-sp-opener-detail.html

Assisted opening and 4 realz G10 handles?


Hmmmmmmm....

Personally I hate assisted opening, but the addition of G10 is good...

The original Rat 1 and 2 set the bar for low priced hard use folders, IMHO.



Why fix what ain't broke?
Or.....
New features that I wanted from the beginning!

Thoughts?

 

[chops]

I have to agree with RedTail on this. I don't find the nylon vs. g10 to be an issue. As far as the assisted opening goes, the RAT 1 is butter smooth anyway, so it becomes moot. JMO.

 

[rdg]

I love my Rat 1, this change won't tempt me. If they want to improve it, I'd like to see a higher grade blade steel. Otherwise, I don't see what it lacks.
Bob

 

[tricky48]

I agree RT, the assist has its place, but the reliability concern is my number 1 concern. Specifically the more moving parts the better the chance for failure. Granted the RAT 1 might actually get a benefit from that because the initial nudge from the closed position has a decent amount of resistance; once it gets going, however, it is one of the fastest manual openers I own.

@Chops and RT - And I agree it didn't need the "upgrade" to G10, I just like it better. I like more heft in my handles, which I know can be an anathema around here... and I like the feel of G10.

I'm perfectly happy with the RAT1 the way it is, though.

@rdg - True better steel would be great, but it would definitely take it out of the sub 40$ price range. As long as they kept the cheaper AUS 8 though, I'd be fine with that... might bring in a bigger market share. Doubt I'd buy it, but who knows? Also, I like how easy Aus8 is to deal with. It gets sharp quick. Doesn't hold it forever, but for normal tasks it is more than adequate IMO.

 

[MIL-DOT]

If anyone's interested in a knife of a very similar size, cost, quality, and build-type as the RAT1, but with better blade steel, then consider the Buck Vantage Avid.
The large is about the same size as the RAT1, also has steel liners,solid clip and frame lock, but uses Sandik 13C26 steel, which (as I undestand) is noticably better than AUS8 or 420HC, (while being easier to sharpen and considerably cheaper than their top-line Vantages using S30V) and can be found well under $40,delivered.
Personally, I think the Sandvik version perfectly walks the line between economy and quality.
I have both large and small RATs and Vantages, and love them all, but I like the fact that the Buck is made in USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Also,ever since cutting the living shinola out of my right thumb last year, I'e been EDC-ing one of my Bucks, largely because they have a flipper opening (as well as a small opening hole on the blade).
http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Vantage-TM-Avid-Knife/dp/B003XHX96E