Nick! Thanks for the review! It is indeed a love letter to R2, a fantastic minimalistic basic pocket knife. With all the bells n whistles yes the TiR2M390 can get pricey, but with the all the other options we have like Jade & White G10, OD & Denim Micarta, or even stock FRN, there’s definitely a R2 for everyone. Thanks again Nick, make your way up this way already! Ps… Tray-verse???
Hey, I visited, never lived. Also, given that 'Milan' is 'My-lan' and 'Saline' is 'Sa-line-uh', I've given up on assuming reasonability in Michigan placenames.
Thank you!! Thank you for making me aware of this company. The decked out Rat 2 holds no attraction for me, but the thought of being able to get rid of friction tape on several of my folders is wonderful news.
I’ve been to the shop where this was made and the people running it are great people doing incredible things. If you are looking to customize any of your personal knives then they are a great option.
Sits down to watch a simple knife review over lunch - by the end - “when I eat this sandwich, does the sandwich become human, or do I become a sandwich...”
Unless you disclose the sandwich details- bread, meat, veggies, type of mustard, brand of Mayo- your questioned cannot be answered. If you don't eat meat or cheese, I have bad news for you. Your are already a sandwich. From a Galaxy far away.
I live near Way of Knife’s storefront, and I have bought a few knives from them. They are solid guys and do a wide variety of custom work. Definitely worth checking them out.
I went straight to the custom builder site. They have some really good options for a variety of prices. Two things I was hoping to find were not available, sadly: the Rat1 with an m390 blade, and a request to lose the teflon (maybe doubling the bronze) washers. I will say that the price for a modestly blinged Rat 2 in m390 is really reasonable. If m390 isn't viable for the Rat 1 I'd love to see some other, maybe tougher (like a sleipnir? 3v? s45? or better, Elmax!!) steel option. Having an uber Rat 1 option, too, would be great.
Brilliant topic. Reminds me of an old "only fools and horses" episode. The local council streetsweeper won an award for using the same brush. Of course it went through 5 heads and 3 handles.
I think part of the appeal of the Rat is how cheap and cheerful it is- this version kind of loses me, but I can see where some people would be interested. For roughly $35 the standard Rat is a fantastic tool and stands head and shoulders above a lot of knives at the price. I have the AUS-8 version and have actually been impressed with the edge retention. Can't compare to the D2 version, but the AUS-8 is a very usable steel with Ontario's heat treat.
This is one of the Rats I could get behind! I’m no knife snob, but I’ve never liked the way the rat looked but knowing it’s premium kinda changes it for me. Weird….
I have a Rat 1 in D2, and while it’s as good as everyone says, it’s just soooo ugly looking to me. I carry a CS Recon 1 in s35vn which is uncomfortable in my pocket, but damn is it more pleasing to the eye.
@@knifeguy9134 I’ve been thinking about getting a mini grip for that smooth flip and fidget factor. As good as this Recon is, the action ain’t very fidget friendly and it’s a monster to flip out of the pocket in most public places.
EatMySalt I live in a smaller town and most people don’t bat a eye around here with knives and guns lol maybe if you were acting crazy or something. I have a mini grip in 154cm but it’s the wife’s knife it’s purple it’s a great knife you won’t regret getting any benchmade. The only one I’ve ever had fail was a phaoton the otf and it had a broken spring when I got it. It wouldn’t retract but I cut the spring and reshaped it and it was like new. Hogue also makes a good axis lock knife.
I love my copper (rat1) scales. The thing I like best is the clip is only tip up right-handed carry and they offer a left-handed set. I wonder how many people use tip down when given a choice, 9 less holes makes the knife look 100% better, but even 6 less would make it look less generic, for lack of a better word.
Hey Jay. Either or. We have scales, blades, and clips on the site available for purchase, or you can build your new rat using those same options and mods
Since this is a saucing up of a well known knife, any chance we can get a review of the sauced up CRKT Tuna? I get the feeling it probably isn't good, but I can't argue with micarta, s35v and that blade shape.
For someone who has a RAT2 D2 with carbon fiber scales, I need to be convinced. I like my R2D2 but found rust on the liner under the scales after a week or two of use. I live in the desert. M390 would be a significant upgrade but I need to know whether the liner is stainless or not? Stainless liner would be the only improvement I wanted for my R2D2. I just want stainless liners on my work knife. It’s the only reason I switched to preferring a Civivi Elementum over the Rat 2. If it had stainless liners I would like the R2D2. Ok. I’m going to yell it, STAINLESS LINER PLEASE!
If they fix the two major issues that you listed, I believe that I would bring myself to buy one of them in a heartbeat.😁 but with the nylon washers and the clip issue that is a huge hold up.
I think it's a beautiful knife...and a beautiful clip, but I don't think they quite go together. I really agree with the idea of celebrating the Rat folder through a high end version. Don't know that I will try to get one, but I'm glad it's out there.
I have a RAT 1 infestation, I’d love to see if EDC gearhouse can upgrade my beloved Special edition RAT 1 in carbon fiber. I actually have a hard time sharpening it with my current worksharp system
Seems like the age of infinite possibilities in the knife world more so now than ever. Either custom aftermarket parts or now manufacturers working with more types of steel. Nice outside the sprint world!
Hmm thinking my daughter would love to get me one of these customs for Christmas....she is only 21 months old, but I know she wants to get me one. I will let her mom know! Haha
there are some disparate verdicts on Ontario's AUS-8 among youtube steel testers. several have reported remarkable edge-holding in cardboard-cutting - about equivalent to production XHP/LC200N/S35VN. others have demonstrated lacklustre performance in rope-cutting; about 5160/440C equivalency. perhaps one could theorize that the AUS-8 in the RAT has impressive wear resistance, but relatively poor edge stability. its value could range from "meh" to exceptional, depending on what your everyday tasks generally entail.
They sell the blade separately and its 50 bucks. So if you get a 35 dollar rat 2 in aus 8 then replace the blade you have a m390 knife for 80 bucks....
Where’d you get micarta scales for the R2? I’ve been looking to mod mine to up the quality a bit but the Flytanium scales seem too heavy for an edc for me
I come for the reviews, stay for the references Nick makes. I don't think any other knife reviewer I have watched has referenced The Ship of Theseus or any thought experiment/philosophical question.
While this is a great deal on a reblade(most places charge $250-$500 or more for a reblade depending on steel, size, heat treat and finish) but I'm a lil disappointed by the heat treat. Vacuum furnace to 59-61hrc(any cryo cycles?) doesn't really blow me away but I guess that's why the price is what it is. Considering some places charge you this much or more just for a piece of m390 with a custom heat treat getting an upgrade for you knife at $50 is a good deal.
Hello, from Germany. Nick's favorite Budget Knive. 👍 Predictable but good.🤔 Shouldn't Batman wear an all black version of it? 😅 🤫Don't tell anyone, but Nick is the real Batman. 🦇 But who could Robin be? Have a nice day.😉
Being an enormous fan of the RATs, this is definitely something to consider for me, even if no full PB washers (had they gone there, i wouldn't be considering it; they'd already have my money). But such a long name: WoK/EDCGH RAT 2? R2TiM390? Nick, you're the one who always says a knife needs a catchy name and that what amounts to alphabet soup with some numbers mixed in just isn't very compelling. Therefore, I propose "RAT 2 Ship of Theseus Edition" with the all-important tagline: "The Sky is YOUR Oyster" (would love to see them putting that on the blade...).
You hate on AUS8 steel but it's a good enough steel if you carry a pocket sharpener... I owned 6 kershaw knives I used at work...retail $25 bought for $15....great throw away knives. You don't cry if one disappears...easy to lend to coworkers who "forget" to return it 😉
That is a beautiful knife, and if someone gave it to me, I’d be excited. But all the upgrades defeat what makes the RAT so good, by itself. I could never pay $200 for a RAT. I’d rather just buy a bunch of various color, OEM RATs. But to each their own.
I like the clip using two holes with the other hole sticking out, looks like a homemade part, maybe part of a cheap knife's ...identity. But for something you're selling, it can't move back and forth, c'mon man. That's deadly.
I'd argue that 154CM isn't a huge boost over decent D2. If anything, LC200N feels like a great all arounder, but the problem is that the liners remain rustable.
Bearings?! I like your thinking, but man... That's a lot of change. Milling isn't our thing right now, sadly. We'll definitely be looking into new washers.
I actually prefer PB washers. Look at some Spydercos, Hoags and Benchmades. Very smooth and drop shut actions. Especially the Spydercos with pivot bushings.
l was thinking lips stick on a pig at first but, l own a Rat 1 in D2 and its not a bad knife. l just hate the factory scales. Looked at after market scales. Did not make sense spending more money on the scales, than what l paid for the knife.
Nick! Thanks for the review! It is indeed a love letter to R2, a fantastic minimalistic basic pocket knife. With all the bells n whistles yes the TiR2M390 can get pricey, but with the all the other options we have like Jade & White G10, OD & Denim Micarta, or even stock FRN, there’s definitely a R2 for everyone. Thanks again Nick, make your way up this way already!
Ps… Tray-verse???
Hey, I visited, never lived. Also, given that 'Milan' is 'My-lan' and 'Saline' is 'Sa-line-uh', I've given up on assuming reasonability in Michigan placenames.
thank you for making these things EDCGH❤️
Thank you!! Thank you for making me aware of this company. The decked out Rat 2 holds no attraction for me, but the thought of being able to get rid of friction tape on several of my folders is wonderful news.
@@NickShabazz 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 our dogs name is Salina 🤣🤣
You guys should consider a frame lock option to shed the liners for a bit less weight.
Hello sir, I just picked up an Aus-8 Rat II from Cabela's and it came hair shaving razor sharp. Thanks for the rec!
I’ve been to the shop where this was made and the people running it are great people doing incredible things. If you are looking to customize any of your personal knives then they are a great option.
Thanks for the kind words man!
Sits down to watch a simple knife review over lunch - by the end - “when I eat this sandwich, does the sandwich become human, or do I become a sandwich...”
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
Unless you disclose the sandwich details- bread, meat, veggies, type of mustard, brand of Mayo- your questioned cannot be answered. If you don't eat meat or cheese, I have bad news for you. Your are already a sandwich. From a Galaxy far away.
If you're a coeliac you become sick...
A third thing happens, the sandwich becomes poop.
@@nandayane In view of your answer, becoming the sandwich is an exceedingly bad proposition.
I live near Way of Knife’s storefront, and I have bought a few knives from them. They are solid guys and do a wide variety of custom work. Definitely worth checking them out.
Full pb washers are a must at that price.
I went straight to the custom builder site. They have some really good options for a variety of prices. Two things I was hoping to find were not available, sadly: the Rat1 with an m390 blade, and a request to lose the teflon (maybe doubling the bronze) washers. I will say that the price for a modestly blinged Rat 2 in m390 is really reasonable. If m390 isn't viable for the Rat 1 I'd love to see some other, maybe tougher (like a sleipnir? 3v? s45? or better, Elmax!!) steel option. Having an uber Rat 1 option, too, would be great.
I love way of knife, as a Michigander and a knife lover it's a great business.
Brilliant take! I watched and listen about this knife but ended up learning something about me. Great job, Nick!
I just got some Rat II scales from them.I was planning to get a full Rat II from them in the near future.
Brilliant topic. Reminds me of an old "only fools and horses" episode. The local council streetsweeper won an award for using the same brush. Of course it went through 5 heads and 3 handles.
From the moment I clicked on the video I was waiting for Theseus to come up and the wait was 100% worth it.
I think part of the appeal of the Rat is how cheap and cheerful it is- this version kind of loses me, but I can see where some people would be interested. For roughly $35 the standard Rat is a fantastic tool and stands head and shoulders above a lot of knives at the price. I have the AUS-8 version and have actually been impressed with the edge retention. Can't compare to the D2 version, but the AUS-8 is a very usable steel with Ontario's heat treat.
I got my rat 2 d2 for $41 and I got my dad the rat 1 in d2 for the same price
This is one of the Rats I could get behind! I’m no knife snob, but I’ve never liked the way the rat looked but knowing it’s premium kinda changes it for me. Weird….
I have a Rat 1 in D2, and while it’s as good as everyone says, it’s just soooo ugly looking to me. I carry a CS Recon 1 in s35vn which is uncomfortable in my pocket, but damn is it more pleasing to the eye.
EatMySalt I’m a spyderco,benchmade guy myself I have some CS stuff like push daggers etc. but I like the recon knives very cool.
@@knifeguy9134 I’ve been thinking about getting a mini grip for that smooth flip and fidget factor. As good as this Recon is, the action ain’t very fidget friendly and it’s a monster to flip out of the pocket in most public places.
EatMySalt I live in a smaller town and most people don’t bat a eye around here with knives and guns lol maybe if you were acting crazy or something. I have a mini grip in 154cm but it’s the wife’s knife it’s purple it’s a great knife you won’t regret getting any benchmade. The only one I’ve ever had fail was a phaoton the otf and it had a broken spring when I got it. It wouldn’t retract but I cut the spring and reshaped it and it was like new. Hogue also makes a good axis lock knife.
M390 is premium steel commonly used on Microtect knives..?
I love my copper (rat1) scales. The thing I like best is the clip is only tip up right-handed carry and they offer a left-handed set. I wonder how many people use tip down when given a choice, 9 less holes makes the knife look 100% better, but even 6 less would make it look less generic, for lack of a better word.
Agreed
Loving that model Rat 2 scales and clip
Where can I get those scales.
Maybe I missed it, but do you send in your Rat or do they make a whole new one? If the former the only things left are the liners and screws?
Hey Jay. Either or. We have scales, blades, and clips on the site available for purchase, or you can build your new rat using those same options and mods
Since this is a saucing up of a well known knife, any chance we can get a review of the sauced up CRKT Tuna? I get the feeling it probably isn't good, but I can't argue with micarta, s35v and that blade shape.
Thank you Nick! I needed a flashback to High School! I'll keep saving for a Protech!
Love that it retains the three oiling holes
This is a dumb thing to say, but you can buy the m390 blade separately?
K ordered a Rat 1 a few weeks ago with stone and acid-washed D2 and denim Midwest scales. M390 is only an option on the Rat 2.
Have you had a look at the new damned designs on their site? Wanted to see your thoughts on them.
Damn. Blinged out RAT II could easily be a one-and-only knife.
It was only on screen for a second or two but I love the watch. Anyone know what it is?
Serge Watch Co Model 1, by Serge Panchenko
hell YEAH
I hope okc starts making these with titanium and the choice between m390 and 20cv steel!
I have severe RAT 2 and would love to upgrade one of them but hopefully that pocket clip was a mishap 🤔🤔
For someone who has a RAT2 D2 with carbon fiber scales, I need to be convinced. I like my R2D2 but found rust on the liner under the scales after a week or two of use. I live in the desert. M390 would be a significant upgrade but I need to know whether the liner is stainless or not? Stainless liner would be the only improvement I wanted for my R2D2. I just want stainless liners on my work knife. It’s the only reason I switched to preferring a Civivi Elementum over the Rat 2. If it had stainless liners I would like the R2D2. Ok. I’m going to yell it, STAINLESS LINER PLEASE!
This was a beautiful treatise upon philosophy disguised as a budget knife review, Batman.
Thank you.
If they fix the two major issues that you listed, I believe that I would bring myself to buy one of them in a heartbeat.😁 but with the nylon washers and the clip issue that is a huge hold up.
I think it's a beautiful knife...and a beautiful clip, but I don't think they quite go together. I really agree with the idea of celebrating the Rat folder through a high end version. Don't know that I will try to get one, but I'm glad it's out there.
The riced out/suped up Civic of the knife world. Interesting. That loose clip was an odd miss though.
I have a RAT 1 infestation, I’d love to see if EDC gearhouse can upgrade my beloved Special edition RAT 1 in carbon fiber. I actually have a hard time sharpening it with my current worksharp system
Very soon the Worksharp is getting an aftermarket add on for more stones! Probably help a ton.
Couldn't help but notice the Serge Watch! Nice color combination there
Seems like the age of infinite possibilities in the knife world more so now than ever. Either custom aftermarket parts or now manufacturers working with more types of steel. Nice outside the sprint world!
Hmm thinking my daughter would love to get me one of these customs for Christmas....she is only 21 months old, but I know she wants to get me one. I will let her mom know! Haha
You daughter is almost 2 you don’t have to count the months
Yeah, I heard her say she wants to get you one too.
Only with Nick Shabazz will you get a knife review and a philosophy lecture in one video.
What a coincidence, I was thinking of getting one.
Why?
@@baddoopey because they are 😎
@@BrandonGavin_EDC, it’s like buying a fully tuned Suzuki Alto.
Nick Shabazz saying "that's a little bit snobbish" LOL!!
This is so ironic. I JUST gave my dad the okc rat1 today and sharpened it for him lol. Nice job Nick
I suddenly find myself wanting a Rat 2...
there are some disparate verdicts on Ontario's AUS-8 among youtube steel testers. several have reported remarkable edge-holding in cardboard-cutting - about equivalent to production XHP/LC200N/S35VN. others have demonstrated lacklustre performance in rope-cutting; about 5160/440C equivalency.
perhaps one could theorize that the AUS-8 in the RAT has impressive wear resistance, but relatively poor edge stability. its value could range from "meh" to exceptional, depending on what your everyday tasks generally entail.
Yes! I see it now! The sky truly IS my oyster...
Anyone know where to get replacement pb washers? So i may finally do away with the teflon bits!👿
They sell the blade separately and its 50 bucks. So if you get a 35 dollar rat 2 in aus 8 then replace the blade you have a m390 knife for 80 bucks....
Just installed micarta scales on my R1 & R2 & it made a world of difference.
Where’d you get micarta scales for the R2? I’ve been looking to mod mine to up the quality a bit but the Flytanium scales seem too heavy for an edc for me
@@nickfrease9326 www.wayofknife.com
What??? the sky is YOUR oyster!!! LOL. NIce one Nick. Thanks.
I have a much beloved Rat 1 in D2 that has grown some nice micarta scales and a ti deep carry pocket clip. And it went from $40 to $120 lol.
I come for the reviews, stay for the references Nick makes. I don't think any other knife reviewer I have watched has referenced The Ship of Theseus or any thought experiment/philosophical question.
While this is a great deal on a reblade(most places charge $250-$500 or more for a reblade depending on steel, size, heat treat and finish) but I'm a lil disappointed by the heat treat. Vacuum furnace to 59-61hrc(any cryo cycles?) doesn't really blow me away but I guess that's why the price is what it is. Considering some places charge you this much or more just for a piece of m390 with a custom heat treat getting an upgrade for you knife at $50 is a good deal.
An M390 blade on a knife that will almost exclusively be bought by people that have never even found the limits of AUS8/D2.
Hahah, well put.
If the sky is my oyster, then I want a Rat 1 as my oyster knife...
I think this works as a great starter knife and then after that a good secondary knife when you don't want to use your $100+ one
I purchased a Rat 2 and it wasn't sharp. I sharpened it as best I can. I actually like the knife. It opens easy. It is light.
I put a Hemi in my ‘76 Vega…and they laughed!
I got a very intense philosophy 101 course at my uni flashback from this review...
You can be counted on for realistic reviews. Good job as always.
I love the Rat 2. This going to be a give away knife???
Hello, from Germany.
Nick's favorite Budget Knive. 👍
Predictable but good.🤔
Shouldn't Batman wear an all black version of it? 😅
🤫Don't tell anyone, but Nick is the real Batman. 🦇
But who could Robin be?
Have a nice day.😉
Being an enormous fan of the RATs, this is definitely something to consider for me, even if no full PB washers (had they gone there, i wouldn't be considering it; they'd already have my money). But such a long name: WoK/EDCGH RAT 2? R2TiM390? Nick, you're the one who always says a knife needs a catchy name and that what amounts to alphabet soup with some numbers mixed in just isn't very compelling. Therefore, I propose "RAT 2 Ship of Theseus Edition" with the all-important tagline: "The Sky is YOUR Oyster" (would love to see them putting that on the blade...).
If Civivi did this to the Elementum I would definitely buy one 👍
I would be shocked if there were any plausible variant of the Elementum that Civivi didn't currently have in the works 🤣
Yeah closest are two one offs with timascus scales one with their damascus and the other with s35
Interesting 🤔 The washers and clip really kill an otherwise great upgrade
The washers are stock washers. We'll look into upgrades potentially.
Very nice, but it's nothing compared to the beast that is the Z-hunter!
M390 on a Z-hunter.
With green anodized titanium skull 💀 scales.
Oooooohhhh yeaaaahhhh…..
@@bert2530 "z390 surgical steel"
You guys see the upgraded frame lock Penguin? Now that is how you do it.
I have not where can I find it?
Just like the real R2D2, is it really the same one🤔
You hate on AUS8 steel but it's a good enough steel if you carry a pocket sharpener... I owned 6 kershaw knives I used at work...retail $25 bought for $15....great throw away knives. You don't cry if one disappears...easy to lend to coworkers who "forget" to return it 😉
Remember: the sky is your oyster!
Really cool version!
Rat Two....Thousand!
That is a beautiful knife, and if someone gave it to me, I’d be excited. But all the upgrades defeat what makes the RAT so good, by itself. I could never pay $200 for a RAT. I’d rather just buy a bunch of various color, OEM RATs. But to each their own.
Rumor says human body replace most cells with 7~10 years. We do still consider ourselves the same person after decades.
I like the clip using two holes with the other hole sticking out, looks like a homemade part, maybe part of a cheap knife's ...identity. But for something you're selling, it can't move back and forth, c'mon man. That's deadly.
Well damn. Never thought Greek Philosophy would be intersecting with a budget (stock) knife getting an upgrade 🤣
Sometimes my videos take on odd forms. The review genre is moldable like Plato in my hands :D
@@NickShabazz Plato, sic..love it! Lol
Swamp witch! Haha spit my drink out haha
It is not Trey verse city
I'd personally prefer a middle ground rat 2. Maybe 154cm and micarta.
I'd argue that 154CM isn't a huge boost over decent D2. If anything, LC200N feels like a great all arounder, but the problem is that the liners remain rustable.
@@NickShabazz Very true. LC200N would likely push the price over $100, though. 154cm (hopefully) would not.
@@matthuck378 We do have Denim and OD Green Micarta scales, too! They take the rat to a new level on their own!
All those changes and no bearings? That’s a fail
To be fair, I think good solid PB washers are just as acceptable a choice as bearings!
Bearings?! I like your thinking, but man... That's a lot of change. Milling isn't our thing right now, sadly. We'll definitely be looking into new washers.
I actually prefer PB washers. Look at some Spydercos, Hoags and Benchmades. Very smooth and drop shut actions. Especially the Spydercos with pivot bushings.
Far prefer washers to bearings, personally…
Well depends on environment you use your knife in, washers have benefits over bearings.
l was thinking lips stick on a pig at first but, l own a Rat 1 in D2 and its not a bad knife. l just hate the factory scales.
Looked at after market scales. Did not make sense spending more money on the scales, than what l paid for the knife.
If you don't know about the rat 2 by now then you have some other kind of issue lol
It's definitely way too expensive to have plastic bushings
Iconic !
It’s like a Gucci Glock
I'd pay more just to keep the original rat.
Oh yeah I will have one of these I luv the Rat👋😁
I don't think I've ever heard traverse city pronounced that way...
Yahtzee, right there. And I think Nick is from MICHIGAN!
Sub $100 id be really interested, but did you say over $200?
Definitely possible to build one of our rats for under 100. Years oh can add the m390 to a new stock frn rat for about 100. Or a D2 rat with ti scales
The sky IS my oyster!
I'll stick with the original 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'd take d2 over m390 any day
Why
Nick always sounds like he's not quite sure haha
Trigger's broom.
Schrödinger's Rat
Hahaha
I have a rat 2, amazing knife i love it, so much so that i made micarta scales for it now its a premium knife lol
I sold my delica I couldn’t stand it.
A rat is a rat and will always be a rat.
Unless it mutates into Master Splinter.
The ship of Theseus rofl
I'm new to this channel and want to buy a crappy used car from him, for way to much money, and then tip him for the terrible sales transaction😁.
Great effort BUT pointless unless you love the rat, never going to look good imo
Just when I think I’m done buying knives… I mean I’m really going to quit this time… just need one more 🤥