05-15-2014, 09:14 PM
I finally got my Rat 1 after lots of research (also special thanks to many of you here). I knew the knife was going to be kinda big for an EDC folder, but it's not too big for EDC. Actually, I was surprised at how it was only slightly larger than my Buck Bantam with 3 1/8" blade. The Rat 1 weighs a little more than 2x my Buck Bantam, but I still think it is a pretty light knife for its size.
The blade came very sharp, but not extremely sharp, from the factory. I was still able to shave hair off of my arm with it. I'm glad I chose the model with serrations. I know most knife people don't like them, but I prefer serrations when I am cutting rope or hay twine. The serrations are extremely sharp will do just fine. What I also liked about the blade is it came with a considerable amount of lube/oil on it for preventing rust. I wiped off the excess lube so that dust and other debris didn't stick to it, but I left enough on to continue preventing rust.
The handle was not extremely grippy, but the design/shape of it still provides for a great, full-sized grip. I can't open it one handed easily because there is too much retention, but honestly it doesn't bother too me. I just have to keep practicing opening it.
My major complaint (which really isn't too bad) is I wish it came in a 3.25" blade. The Rat 1's blade is just a little bit too big to be perfect for me, but I want a little more blade than the Rat 2's 3" inch blade, especially considering I want room for serrations. The Rat 2 also doesn't have any serrated models.
Overall, for only spending $30 (which includes shipping), I have an excellent knife that I am looking forward to abusing it on a daily basis.
![[Image: RAT%201%20SS%20LG.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.chestnutridgeknifeshop.com%2Fcatalog%2Fimages%2FRAT%25201%2520SS%2520LG.jpg)
The blade came very sharp, but not extremely sharp, from the factory. I was still able to shave hair off of my arm with it. I'm glad I chose the model with serrations. I know most knife people don't like them, but I prefer serrations when I am cutting rope or hay twine. The serrations are extremely sharp will do just fine. What I also liked about the blade is it came with a considerable amount of lube/oil on it for preventing rust. I wiped off the excess lube so that dust and other debris didn't stick to it, but I left enough on to continue preventing rust.
The handle was not extremely grippy, but the design/shape of it still provides for a great, full-sized grip. I can't open it one handed easily because there is too much retention, but honestly it doesn't bother too me. I just have to keep practicing opening it.
My major complaint (which really isn't too bad) is I wish it came in a 3.25" blade. The Rat 1's blade is just a little bit too big to be perfect for me, but I want a little more blade than the Rat 2's 3" inch blade, especially considering I want room for serrations. The Rat 2 also doesn't have any serrated models.
Overall, for only spending $30 (which includes shipping), I have an excellent knife that I am looking forward to abusing it on a daily basis.
![[Image: pa_zps59e4c512.png?t=1379682235]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=i1272.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy399%2Fphiladelphia_patriot%2Fpa_zps59e4c512.png%3Ft%3D1379682235)
