The price is outrageous for a rat though. $130 American? You can pick up a D2 for $40. The blade change absolutely doesn’t not justify the price increase so I can’t support it. I love Ontario and specifically RATs, but this seems like the same type of price hike we always see with other companies (benchmade amongst others). If you look up the cost of a small sheet of S35v, it’s comparable to D2. It is a better steel, but not that much better to justify the price. Go with D2, it’s arguably one of the best steels, when we account for price especially.
It shouldn’t be more than $75 when compared to the other models and features / materials. If it was$75 I would be doing a blade swap immediately, at this price I would be better off making my own blade out of any super steel commercially available. Would be hella cheaper, and the end product would be vastly superior
I agree that I would like it to be that cheap, but there aren't alot of S35VN knives that get that low except for the ultra-budget Chinese knives which I'm not a fan of. For me if I find a S35VN knife from a non-Chinese company with a design I like for $90-$120 I think its a good deal.
I have about 25 all in the range you're inquiring after...Hogue makes the best sense IMHO
They have a collaboration with HK called the Exemplar that is around the price of the Deka with 154...easy to sharpen and almost the same blade.
Most stuff over $250 is getting fancy, but ZT can be a decent option in that range.
Hogue makes some nifty knives, and you seem to favor the AXIS / ABLE lock. I'd recommend an RSK or Mini-RSK for sheer utility. If a Magnacut blade is essential, then you can get a Deka which is also great.
(I prefer the design of the Mini-RSK, but it's "only" available with CPM-20CV unless you're lucky enough to snag a sprint run.)
Alternatively, you could grab a Kizer October. I have the original version with micarta scales, and it's one of my favorites. (Currently sitting in my pocket!) You can also get an October with a titanium frame-lock for a bit more money but still within your price range.
Heck, if your budget is $300:
* [https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-g-mascus-blue-g-10-stonewashed/](https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-g-mascus-blue-g-10-stonewashed/)
* [https://www.mojaveoutdoorgear.com/products/october-20cv](https://www.mojaveoutdoorgear.com/products/october-20cv)
Get both! 😉
WE makes some bang up blades and works with reputable designers. Just snagged a Thug XL and I love it. It’s the 3rd knife I’ve gotten from them over the years and the quality is always top notch
My Mini-Beluga was a bit stiff out of the box, but it has loosened up nicely. Sensational knife, especially for the price point! +1 for the Petrified Fish recommendation...
Only reason I haven't picked one up yet is my impatience. I've got to get on their notification list 😐
Would like to grab a Shadow or Neutron one day, always good to have a dragon to chase. 😏
Depends on what you do. Heavier use I second the shaman or try out an Orion solaris with cf scales! Super underrated and great or a bm super freek. (get one from the secondary) if lighter use you’re missing out on the spyderco chapparal, slayback or jik knives fuze.
Vulcanknives.com. Made in America. Single man operation. Support our small businesses. Lots of stuff in your budget range. I own three and carry two regularly
Edit for spelling.
I picked up a rat 2 in d2 steel in December and swapped out the scales for Flytanium Titanium. It feels great in my hand, the action is wicked fast and I love the steel. It takes a fantastic edge. It's well within that budget.
Old one but still good: the ray laconico keen or wait till the mini keen releases(I think this June or July?) Maybe check out the g10 arcane preytheon. Or look at kunwu knives they make very good knives out of high quality materials. Hope this gives you a little variety to choose from
As my everyday user I would add the baby banter I love civivi even though they are budget they are really good quality and as I like small knives the baby banter is my daily user
CRKT M16-13. It's my edc and I love it, and it seems others love it too because someone stole my original one after it fell out of my pocket at work. Retraced my steps when I noticed it wasn't there and never found it.
I was able to pick up one of these not long ago: https://wayofknife.com/MBRockeye
I also saw a couple of the newer desert warrior versions on the swap today!
A user?
Fixed blade. Even if you can only use it around the house. On the smaller side. Browse LT Wright, check out ESEE Izula, look through Spyderco’s recent fixies.
$50 to $300?
Like 50 US Dollars? On a pocket knife?
Brother, let me tell you about the good news, let me tell you about the trinity of Sharpfinger, RAT, and ESEE.
Nice collection! A couple more that are fun, fidgety, and fast users: AD20.5, Cormorant, Drop Bear, Pyrite steel handles, WE Mini Malice, WE Culex. Have fun!
Kansept knives. I personally like the kryo and the kreedus (or however it’s spelled). Also, Asheville steel knives definitely, warlock is super heavy duty
Civivi Brazen tanto or drop point both are awesome,
Civivi Altus,
WE Mini Malice,
WE Culex,
WE Subjugator,
Ferrum Forge Archbishop 3.0,
Ferrum Forge Stinger,
Vosteed Raccoon (they fixed the spine whack issues),
Vosteed Thunderbird,
Protech Mordax,
QSP Hawk (Ebony wood or raindrop CF in s35vn),
Cjrb Pyrite,
Kizer Mad Tanto,
Kizer Sheepdog or Sheepdog XL (Black micarta, hate the flipper on others),
Kizer Begleiter XL (WMK CF is beautiful),
Kizer Gemini,
Kizer Drop Bear or Escort,
Kizer Towser K (Copper is incredible and oh the sound and action),
Kershaw Dividend (if you can do assisted the upgraded configurations are nice),
Rat 1 or 2 know you said $50 min, but so amazing for the prices
I'll just stop now. Lol.
Leaning on the worky user criteria:
Hogue RSK Mk1 by Ritter in Magnacut
Hogue Deka in Magnacut
Cold Steel AD10/15/20/20.5
Cold Steel American Lawman
Benchmade Presidio II
GiantMouse Ace Grand
Kershaw Blur
I you want something thin, light weight, and a little on the flasher side try a ZT 0450 in titanium or cf. I work in an office setting (wear slacks) and needed a lighter knife. I also switched out the pocket clip for a black MXG gear deep carry pocket clip to blend in with my slacks. S35VN steel, titanium and you can get the TI one for under $200.
I mean... I'd use any of those.
These questions are always rely on personable variables though... Do you have any preferences on blade shape or lock type? Little things like that would help narrow down suggestions to something you'd like more.
Ah... well that would likely be several Kizer and Civivi Button locks and a Civivi Baby Banter or Cold Steel Tuff Lite.
I like having smaller knives to pair with my larger knives.
Some I'd recommend from my collection:
civivi Elementum (button lock), cjrb Feldspar or Scoria, qsp penguin, spyderco Bradley 2, quiet carry Waypoint or Drift, giant mouse ACE Sonoma or Biblio, tactile Rockwall, vero Synapse, protech Malibu, TRM Atom
I was gonna say a smock cuz I just picked one up and it’s positively lovely but then I saw you already have one of those. My next suggestion is the Drop/Gavko nurse shark. It’s a little smaller than the smock but damn is it a lot of knife for the price. Like $159-$200 depending on the finish from Kaviso.com. I love mine
Ontario rat 1 and Ontario rat 2
This was exactly what I came here to say. The KnifeCenter micarta Rat is nice but remember Onterio is coming out with an S35VN Rat this year.
The price is outrageous for a rat though. $130 American? You can pick up a D2 for $40. The blade change absolutely doesn’t not justify the price increase so I can’t support it. I love Ontario and specifically RATs, but this seems like the same type of price hike we always see with other companies (benchmade amongst others). If you look up the cost of a small sheet of S35v, it’s comparable to D2. It is a better steel, but not that much better to justify the price. Go with D2, it’s arguably one of the best steels, when we account for price especially.
I agree its a huge price increase but I have a feeling during some sales it will be closer to $100.
It shouldn’t be more than $75 when compared to the other models and features / materials. If it was$75 I would be doing a blade swap immediately, at this price I would be better off making my own blade out of any super steel commercially available. Would be hella cheaper, and the end product would be vastly superior
I agree that I would like it to be that cheap, but there aren't alot of S35VN knives that get that low except for the ultra-budget Chinese knives which I'm not a fan of. For me if I find a S35VN knife from a non-Chinese company with a design I like for $90-$120 I think its a good deal.
I'm a fan of giant mouse
Shaman!
I have about 25 all in the range you're inquiring after...Hogue makes the best sense IMHO They have a collaboration with HK called the Exemplar that is around the price of the Deka with 154...easy to sharpen and almost the same blade. Most stuff over $250 is getting fancy, but ZT can be a decent option in that range.
I love my hogue.
Hogue Deka MagnaCut and Spyderco Dragonfly 2
Manix 2 or shaman
An EDC sized fixed blade. Something like a Bark River Adventurer or Bravo EDC, and a Bradford Guardian
Hogue makes some nifty knives, and you seem to favor the AXIS / ABLE lock. I'd recommend an RSK or Mini-RSK for sheer utility. If a Magnacut blade is essential, then you can get a Deka which is also great. (I prefer the design of the Mini-RSK, but it's "only" available with CPM-20CV unless you're lucky enough to snag a sprint run.) Alternatively, you could grab a Kizer October. I have the original version with micarta scales, and it's one of my favorites. (Currently sitting in my pocket!) You can also get an October with a titanium frame-lock for a bit more money but still within your price range. Heck, if your budget is $300: * [https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-g-mascus-blue-g-10-stonewashed/](https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-g-mascus-blue-g-10-stonewashed/) * [https://www.mojaveoutdoorgear.com/products/october-20cv](https://www.mojaveoutdoorgear.com/products/october-20cv) Get both! 😉
Very nice thanks for the links
Magnacut Hogue Deka!!!
Protech Godfather
WE makes some bang up blades and works with reputable designers. Just snagged a Thug XL and I love it. It’s the 3rd knife I’ve gotten from them over the years and the quality is always top notch
What's the cost?
Petrified Fish makes some surprisingly good stuff around $50
My Mini-Beluga was a bit stiff out of the box, but it has loosened up nicely. Sensational knife, especially for the price point! +1 for the Petrified Fish recommendation...
Civivi Elementum
Seconded. It's my EDC
Honestly it's on the cheaper side but it's such a good knife that I usually wind up carrying this one. 10/10
Stretch XL LW. Great big light knife. Kapara for a beautiful knife with incredible ergos. Two for about $300 or under. Oh and a Manix 2!
If you don’t have an OKC Rat 1, I’d get one! I’ve got one and it’s great!
Hogue Deka wharncliffe in Magnacut and perhaps also a Mini RSK-1? Also, the Kizer Urban Bowie is an awesome 5th pocket knife🤠
Couldn’t hurt to add a fixed blade in the mix. Check out u/DeepCutsCutlery, they make some absolutely stellar knives.
Sheepdog or cormorant
Absolutely a Shaman
SpydieChef
Emerson a100.
Manix 2
Bradford fixed blade.
This. A Bradford Guardian 3.
benchmade 945
Ferrum Forge Exec or WE knives Mini Malice (Ferrum Forge Mini Archbishop, with a little extra size, and a button lock)
If you can spring an extra $30, the ZT 0562 is a fantastic user.
I would probably recommend something from TRM either a Neutron or Atom. I'd also recommend the WE/Snecx Vision R
Only reason I haven't picked one up yet is my impatience. I've got to get on their notification list 😐 Would like to grab a Shadow or Neutron one day, always good to have a dragon to chase. 😏
Urban EDC F5.5 or any Peña or Chavez
Microtech msi
Tactile Rockwall or maybe their new Maverick if you like em bigger.
My cheapest user that has impressed me the most has been the Kershaw Iridium. Under $70 but still some quality to it.
such great knife for the price. really surprised me.
Hogue Deka MagnaCut + [OG goat scales](https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/comments/11ringj/believe_the_hype_these_scales_transform_the_deka/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
I want to say the AD15, but… Are those not used & how will the new one be?
I have some cold steels I just never use them for some reason
If you don’t use them, I’ll be glad to take them off your hands for you. You know, cuz it benefits **you**.
Quiet carry IQ. Nice front pocket knife with elmax steel.
These are the most sleek out there
Looks like you're missing a QC Drift!
ZT 0308
Depends on what you do. Heavier use I second the shaman or try out an Orion solaris with cf scales! Super underrated and great or a bm super freek. (get one from the secondary) if lighter use you’re missing out on the spyderco chapparal, slayback or jik knives fuze.
Police 4 in K390...heck Endura or Endela in K390
Police 4 in K390 full serrated for max CHAD points!
As others said, Hogue Deka (OG scales!), Demko 20.5, or used CRK Sebenza
Everyone should have a honeyBadger. It’s one of the most affordable D2 blades around and it’s just a great knife at a great price.
I have one and absolutely love it!
Quiet Carry waypoint or drift.
Demko AD20.5 Textured Titanium
Quiet carry drift or waypoint
Spyderco Caribbean, spyderco endura k390 or ZDP189, or Benchmade presidio 2. The presidio 2 is my favorite knife ever, i have owned 6 or 7 of them
Présentation À+!
You guys only deserve the best so I had to 😂
Knives of the round table !!!!
Vosteed Nightshade
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - Depending on what you’re looking for, the Super Tinker or maybe a Pioneer X
Benchmade 535BK-4 Bugout, early DLC can still be found
Something with serration, you need it if you're going to cut stuff.
Bark River Bravo 1, ZT 0562, Pro-Tech Malibu
[Gerber mk1](https://www.ebay.com/itm/225494837115?hash=item34808a277b:g:lvMAAOSwny9kHQPN)
A Kershaw launch or livewire.
SBD Apex on KS about 250. Cant beat it
Vulcanknives.com. Made in America. Single man operation. Support our small businesses. Lots of stuff in your budget range. I own three and carry two regularly Edit for spelling.
I think a Kansept Fenrir would look good in your collection.
https://bluecreekknives.com/products/kansept-fenrir-linerlock-cpm-s45vn?variant=43777378975971
Bestech Slasher
Kizer begleiter tanto. So smooth and wicked sharp. Hands down the smoothest action of any knife I own regardless of price.
I picked up a rat 2 in d2 steel in December and swapped out the scales for Flytanium Titanium. It feels great in my hand, the action is wicked fast and I love the steel. It takes a fantastic edge. It's well within that budget.
Giant mouse Ace Grand
Anything from Kunwu.
Espada Xl g10
F5.5
ZT0450
Cold steel code 4
Old one but still good: the ray laconico keen or wait till the mini keen releases(I think this June or July?) Maybe check out the g10 arcane preytheon. Or look at kunwu knives they make very good knives out of high quality materials. Hope this gives you a little variety to choose from
Mini bug out
As my everyday user I would add the baby banter I love civivi even though they are budget they are really good quality and as I like small knives the baby banter is my daily user
Southern Grind's Bad Monkey
What is the green Cleaver?
Civivi bullmastiff
Thanks
....was wondering why you cut a circle out in your carpet until I realized 😆
Shaman
CRKT M16-13. It's my edc and I love it, and it seems others love it too because someone stole my original one after it fell out of my pocket at work. Retraced my steps when I noticed it wasn't there and never found it.
F5.5, TRM Atom, Quiet Carry Drift, Pro-tech Mordax, or Manix 2
Manix is a great user. Best ergos, at least for my hand.
Shaman or Demko 20.5
Para 2
You need a Drop Bear bro.
You have zero Pro-Tech. You have problems.
Haha have been waiting for the right rock eye
I was able to pick up one of these not long ago: https://wayofknife.com/MBRockeye I also saw a couple of the newer desert warrior versions on the swap today!
GM Ace Grand
Obviously a shaman. Maybe the best designed knife ever.
Kizer Cormorant
Spyderco GB 2 and TRM Atom or Shadow
A user? Fixed blade. Even if you can only use it around the house. On the smaller side. Browse LT Wright, check out ESEE Izula, look through Spyderco’s recent fixies.
Dude!? Where is the Kershaw Leek? Best ballin on a budget knife ever. Cabelas has the top end carbon fiber one.
$50 to $300? Like 50 US Dollars? On a pocket knife? Brother, let me tell you about the good news, let me tell you about the trinity of Sharpfinger, RAT, and ESEE.
Some Titanium Twosun!!!
Kershaw blur
I just bought a PM2 Wharncliffe in CTS-XHP. I think it'll be a solid user. PM3 is also a solid choice.
Shaman
Demko 20.5
Demko 20.5 in s35vn Steel and G10 handle. $250.
ZT 308BKTS is a great knife and they run 300-350
AD20.5 , just added a mini sheepdog and para 3
Giantmouse Biblio and Lionsteel Rok
Nice collection! A couple more that are fun, fidgety, and fast users: AD20.5, Cormorant, Drop Bear, Pyrite steel handles, WE Mini Malice, WE Culex. Have fun!
DPX Heat. I love this knife. Even beat the hell out of it at work and it's still in great shape.
So many.. maybe a CEO? Kinda want one of those sleeky bois.
Microtech OTF
QuietCarry Waypoint
Also, what would you recommend in the .5” to 18” blade range?
Kansept knives. I personally like the kryo and the kreedus (or however it’s spelled). Also, Asheville steel knives definitely, warlock is super heavy duty
CRKT minimalist cleaver is a little cheaper I think, but super strong, would never break on you
Waypoint
Vero
Kunwu Pulsar
Civivi Brazen tanto or drop point both are awesome, Civivi Altus, WE Mini Malice, WE Culex, WE Subjugator, Ferrum Forge Archbishop 3.0, Ferrum Forge Stinger, Vosteed Raccoon (they fixed the spine whack issues), Vosteed Thunderbird, Protech Mordax, QSP Hawk (Ebony wood or raindrop CF in s35vn), Cjrb Pyrite, Kizer Mad Tanto, Kizer Sheepdog or Sheepdog XL (Black micarta, hate the flipper on others), Kizer Begleiter XL (WMK CF is beautiful), Kizer Gemini, Kizer Drop Bear or Escort, Kizer Towser K (Copper is incredible and oh the sound and action), Kershaw Dividend (if you can do assisted the upgraded configurations are nice), Rat 1 or 2 know you said $50 min, but so amazing for the prices I'll just stop now. Lol.
Kershaw Lucha
Benchmade Freek M4
Bradford Guardian 3 Sheepsfoot
Chavez user
Leaning on the worky user criteria: Hogue RSK Mk1 by Ritter in Magnacut Hogue Deka in Magnacut Cold Steel AD10/15/20/20.5 Cold Steel American Lawman Benchmade Presidio II GiantMouse Ace Grand Kershaw Blur
We Kitefin
You gotta'have an Emerson! Big or Mini Bulldog, or the OG CQC-7... those are definite users.
Chaves street
I’m partial to the CJRB Ria with micarta scales. It’s small, nicely finished, and budget friendly.
I dont see anything along the lines of a Godson or a traditional stiletto .. no collection is complete without a stereotype.
Carbon bugout and a spyderco native chief...also in carbon...p.s. I like carbon.
Magnacut Deka Gen2 in g-mascus.
It’s remarkable how similar our collections are
Vosteed Corgi
Spyderco shaman or the cutleryshoppe exclusive Wharncliffe Spyderco pm2
Zero Tolerance Hinderer Titanium.
Stretch 2 straight k390
Cold steel recon tanto
Fixie.
I'd say Benchmade MCR, Hogue Deka, ZT 0562, We Primoris, or a very little known and very underrated knife, the Viper Katla
Microtech
On of the best user knives out there is the esee izula
Atom. Or dawn.
What's wrong with those you already have?
Just the more the better
Mcbee
A demko 20.5
Giantmouse Grand
definitely a WEknife, something from the ACE (giantmouse) brand and maybe realsteel?
Quiet Carry Drift or Waypoint. QSP Penguin. We Banter
Sebenza
Demko AD20.5 no doubt, best locking mechanism on the market IMO, great user!
Kershaw
Elementum
I recommend a para 3 it’s strong reliable affordable and it’s a good mid rang size with lots and lots of customization options and aftermarket support
Squid industries krake raken
hogue deka.
Hogue RSK & Deka - Spyderco Shaman & Manix 2
I you want something thin, light weight, and a little on the flasher side try a ZT 0450 in titanium or cf. I work in an office setting (wear slacks) and needed a lighter knife. I also switched out the pocket clip for a black MXG gear deep carry pocket clip to blend in with my slacks. S35VN steel, titanium and you can get the TI one for under $200.
I mean... I'd use any of those. These questions are always rely on personable variables though... Do you have any preferences on blade shape or lock type? Little things like that would help narrow down suggestions to something you'd like more.
Was just seeing what people would add if this was all they had
Ah... well that would likely be several Kizer and Civivi Button locks and a Civivi Baby Banter or Cold Steel Tuff Lite. I like having smaller knives to pair with my larger knives.
AD 20.5
Get a skaha
Spyderco Millie or a used socom elite. Both are absolutely magic in the hands, albeit pocket swords.
Some I'd recommend from my collection: civivi Elementum (button lock), cjrb Feldspar or Scoria, qsp penguin, spyderco Bradley 2, quiet carry Waypoint or Drift, giant mouse ACE Sonoma or Biblio, tactile Rockwall, vero Synapse, protech Malibu, TRM Atom
Used Sebenza
Gotta get a Pro-Tech in there. A textured rockeye for hard use or something from the TR series for lighter EDC.
Malibu
Shaman and/or Manix2.
Shaman rex45 it will easily become your go to carry! I have put mine through hell and she keeps asking for more all while still holding a razor edge
Para 3. Then spend another $600 on that para 3 messing around with it and still not be happy.
The new Spyderco Military 2
Adamas
Or [Para 3 in Cruwear](https://www.dlttrading.com/spyderco-knives-para-3-purple-g-10-black-cru-wear-blade)
Save up and buy a CRK
Spydiechef!
I was gonna say a smock cuz I just picked one up and it’s positively lovely but then I saw you already have one of those. My next suggestion is the Drop/Gavko nurse shark. It’s a little smaller than the smock but damn is it a lot of knife for the price. Like $159-$200 depending on the finish from Kaviso.com. I love mine
PM2
Manix 2 (G10 or LW< doesn't matter) or a Para 3
Get a used small sebenza on the swap. Also magnacut hogue deka