Are there any budget fixed blades similar to a Rat-3?
If you don’t need micarta scales and the coated blade, I would highly recommend the kershaw bear-hunter or the smaller antelope-hunter. It has the same form factor, can be found for under 25 $ in the US (even less for the smaller antelope hunter) and is a quality user-knife from a known manufacturer. My brother just got one and although I thought the handle looks a bit awkward on pictures it is in fact awesome. It comes with a leather sheath, wich is nothing special but functional and sturdy.
The differences to the Rat-3 are:
-rubberized handle instead of micarta scales
-not fulltang
-leather sheath instead of kydex
-uncoated stainless blade instead of coated carbon steel
About how much are you willing to spend? Many of the “Neck Knives” have steel handels that you can wrap in paracord and are fairly inexpensive because of the lack of scales . I have two RAT 3’s great knives.
Great knife. Made a kydex sheath for it, but the leather that came with it isn’t bad either.
Can be had for $27.
If you’re hooked on Micarta, they also have a few like this, but not as budget. $49.
The wood handle versions are nice, too.
Another good one is the Becker Necker ~ $39
I remembered that they offered add on micarta handles for them, but I almost choked to find out they cost more than the knife.
WTH???
Thanks everyone!
Sharpthangs. I ended up ordering the Condor Bushlore with wood handles through Amazon for $32 including shipping.
I looked at the other knives mentioned as well. No Micarta wasn’t an issue for me but no full tang was.
I don’t have that one. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
I have the Rodan, the Nessmuk, the Survival Craft, the Barong Machete, the Scout hatchet, and a couple of the neck knives.
The edges are usually not hair poppin from the factory, but sharpen up quickly.
The 1075 and their heat treatment seems to be a pretty good balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
The leather sheaths are nice for what you are paying.
Best of luck with it.
I also like the leather sheath. The nylon sheath for the Rat-3 seems to be way too long and doesn’t really hold things in place.
I know leather isn’t as good if it gets wet but I just want something to shield the blade and I’ll carry it in a backpack so water isn’t an issue.
The handle might be a little smooth but I’ll either live with that or do something about it. I like the looks of it and the price. This isn’t something that I really “need”. I will make use of it however!