That intro. is enough for me. I appreciate the honesty in your reviews. Had a similar situation when I bought my Emerson Mini-Commander many years ago. Got so bad, I told the sales guy to just bring out all the ones he had in stock. All together, eight Mini-Commanders. I went through about 4 of them, not counting the display model, before finding one where the liner-lock engaged properly. It was ridiculous, and should never happen. I'll be avoiding the Avispa.
You can modify the pocket clip if you prefer it in other position, there is a video on it, file the pocket clip holes just a bit, and put blue locktite on it.
This is made in the same factory as the Rat 1. I got one of the first ones, and it has been a good knife, with a good lockup. I love the Rat 1, and this one is right up there. Neither are perfect, but they both feel great in hand and deploy quickly, which is amazing for $30.00 knives . As far as I know BRK is a knife distributor, that has started branding knives.
I'm really digging the new format, but with one suggestion: Maybe put the tests before the comparison? Especially with a knife that doesn't knock your socks off, by the time the comparison was done, I really wasn't that interested in how it performed. I've been watching your channel for quite some time and when you say "meh" about something, I trust that. Test first might let folks make up their own mind before you weigh in. Not that it changes the end result, just that it would keep me watching til the end. I stopped watching the last video on the Kershaw because I'd already heard & seen what I needed...same with this one, but I figured I'd finish it anyway. *Love* the comparative part, though. I think too many people do reviews in a vacuum when there are other options. Thanks again for all the time and effort!
I think the dead spots are not due to the blade's edge, but to the chalk/talc(um) filler (additive) in the paper (in the process of adding, there can be uneven places, where the micro-structure of the paper is somewhat denser than the rest of the surface; it's actually quite common when using micro additives). I could be wrong, but that makes sense to me, since you said you didn't find any spots by finger touching the blade. Or you could use a microscope, old fashioned way, on the blade's edge and verify if your suspicion is correct. Other than that, you did a great job on the vid.
A true Michael walker liner lock is actually a very strong mechanism and when done correctly as stated by walker himself during testing the liner lock actually fails by having the liner move all the way over and wedge between the blade tang and opposing side not allowing the knife to fold. A correct linerlock will not fold under hard use but lock itself open.
I have this knife, and the Zancudo. I prefer the Zancudo as it fits my hand better and opens like a switchblade if done correctly. It's an ok knife anyway.
Good overview. Though I don't own the Avispa, I do own a Zancudo and it's probably the folder i carry and esteem the most. Yes, I find closing it a little difficult, and I do so with my index fingernail rather than my thumb, but it's got such a, much appreciated thin blade, that it's worth it. Though I like my Rat 2, I would have liked it more had it done away with the steel liners, which would have made it lighter and slimmer.
Good review LBS. IM not the knife guy, I see what I like and for multiple uses and stick with it until something else catches my eyes. Right now, and for around 2 years, my edc is the Cold steel Spartan. LOVE that knife, and she is tough as NAILS man! Thumbs up bro!~~John
Because its regular AUS 8 they didn't heat treat it well or at all or cryo it. I bought this knife as well expecting a lot more. I still love it though
The Ontario Rat 1 is ten times the knife either of those Spyderco's are. Especially when talking about ergonomics and quality for long use as a backup hard use outdoors knife! I've owned many Spydies and found them to be nothing more than over-priced ugly foreign made junk! Oh, and did I mention they're ugly? Yeah, they're ugly too. >.>
Neither if these knives are made by Spyderco. Not sure what Spyderco knives you've owned but the lack of the trademark Spyder-hole should give that away.
Not to be rude, but did you actually watch the _entire_ video? If not, fast forward to 8:56 where you'll see him compare the avispa to other similar sized knives *including Spyderco*
***** yeah I missed that part of the video but the paramilitary 2 is made in the US, use S30V and is one of the most popular edc knives around. Hardly overpriced junk. The Rat 1 is made in Taiwan and uses AUS 8 steel. not horrible but not on the same level either.
I can agree with _some_ of what you said there, but I also have to disagree with you. The paramilitary 2 is definitely *not* one of the most popular EDC's around, and this is mainly due to it's $130+ pricetag; which brings me to my next point - value. Spyderco's are some of the worst "value" knives on the planet, meaning performance:price ratio. You get a *LOT* more value in the rat 1 folder than any spyderco - tenacious included! And when I say that, I'm factoring in everything from: price, blade steel, durability, comfort, left/right carry options, presence of liners, aesthetics, etc. With the Ontario Rat 1, for only $25 you get a well built, very durable, aus8 steel blade folder that will perform any task you ask of it *admirably*. Like a Mora, the Rat 1 simply has excellent value, and you can't say that about _any_ Spyderco. Furthermore, Spyderco has some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced! Conversely, Ontario has had some of the best customer service I've ever experienced and have never been anything but a complete pleasure to work with! The paramilitary's popularity is only due to the hardcore spyderco fanboys, not due to the general knife carrying public. Simple fact is, most of the knife carrying public does _not_ spend over $100 on their EDC folding knives, period. I just so happen to sharpen knives for a profession and work in law enforcement, so I think it's fair to say that between the two, I get to see what most people are carrying these days. And at the end of the day, Spyderco's are just uncomfortable for any long term or hard use, and are just plain ol' *ugly!*
***** I disagree with nearly 70% of what you said. I am not a Spyderco fanboy. Let me put that on record. I own 1 spyderco. The Rat 1 is a great knife. Performance/price is great. Let me correct you on something. The PM2 is twice as popular as the Rat 1 will ever be. I would bet that there are 20 times the reviews of the PM2 on the net than the Rat 1. Let me remind you that the "general knife carrying public" mainly consists of uninformed budget consumers who lack any knowledge on a proper piece of steel, that is a knife. And we are discussing quality here, not popularity. Ontario has outstanding QC and their knives are astonishing for what you pay. But an Ontario Rat 1 will never be a PM2. For various reasons. Primarily though because of the steel. S30V out-performs Aus 8 by milestones in terms of edge retention. One can argue that a "super steel" is unnecessary in a practical EDC world, but you pay for what you get. I would much rather be stranded in the woods with a PM2 than an Ontario Rat 1. Let me put it that way. Steel steel steel.
Great vid. Loved the comparative options especially the Rat I. Keep up the great work!
instablaster
The Ganzo G727M is a competitive option, and it has the axis lock too. Got mine for $22+
That intro. is enough for me. I appreciate the honesty in your reviews. Had a similar situation when I bought my Emerson Mini-Commander many years ago. Got so bad, I told the sales guy to just bring out all the ones he had in stock. All together, eight Mini-Commanders. I went through about 4 of them, not counting the display model, before finding one where the liner-lock engaged properly.
It was ridiculous, and should never happen. I'll be avoiding the Avispa.
You can modify the pocket clip if you prefer it in other position, there is a video on it, file the pocket clip holes just a bit, and put blue locktite on it.
This is made in the same factory as the Rat 1. I got one of the first ones, and it has been a good knife, with a good lockup. I love the Rat 1, and this one is right up there. Neither are perfect, but they both feel great in hand and deploy quickly, which is amazing for $30.00 knives . As far as I know BRK is a knife distributor, that has started branding knives.
I'm really digging the new format, but with one suggestion: Maybe put the tests before the comparison? Especially with a knife that doesn't knock your socks off, by the time the comparison was done, I really wasn't that interested in how it performed. I've been watching your channel for quite some time and when you say "meh" about something, I trust that. Test first might let folks make up their own mind before you weigh in. Not that it changes the end result, just that it would keep me watching til the end. I stopped watching the last video on the Kershaw because I'd already heard & seen what I needed...same with this one, but I figured I'd finish it anyway. *Love* the comparative part, though. I think too many people do reviews in a vacuum when there are other options. Thanks again for all the time and effort!
Great point. Agreed. I'll try to put the tests at the beginning with the next set of knife reviews.
I've been watching your videos forever and you never disappoint!
I think the dead spots are not due to the blade's edge, but to the chalk/talc(um) filler (additive) in the paper (in the process of adding, there can be uneven places, where the micro-structure of the paper is somewhat denser than the rest of the surface; it's actually quite common when using micro additives). I could be wrong, but that makes sense to me, since you said you didn't find any spots by finger touching the blade. Or you could use a microscope, old fashioned way, on the blade's edge and verify if your suspicion is correct. Other than that, you did a great job on the vid.
Very nice! I really like mine! Definitely the RAT1 is a better knife.
A true Michael walker liner lock is actually a very strong mechanism and when done correctly as stated by walker himself during testing the liner lock actually fails by having the liner move all the way over and wedge between the blade tang and opposing side not allowing the knife to fold. A correct linerlock will not fold under hard use but lock itself open.
I just received mine and I prefer the RAT MODEL 1 don't like the lock up and it is hit and miss. I makes a great glove box knife. Limited use only!
I have this knife, and the Zancudo. I prefer the Zancudo as it fits my hand better and opens like a switchblade if done correctly.
It's an ok knife anyway.
Good overview. Though I don't own the Avispa, I do own a Zancudo and it's probably the folder i carry and esteem the most. Yes, I find closing it a little difficult, and I do so with my index fingernail rather than my thumb, but it's got such a, much appreciated thin blade, that it's worth it. Though I like my Rat 2, I would have liked it more had it done away with the steel liners, which would have made it lighter and slimmer.
I gotta say, it's no Rat 1 but my lock up is tight as and my tip up carry doesn't effect the frame lock. Sounds like inconsistent production.
Thanks for the review I'll go with something a little thicker
Good review LBS.
IM not the knife guy, I see what I like and for multiple uses and stick with it until something else catches my eyes. Right now, and for around 2 years, my edc is the Cold steel Spartan. LOVE that knife, and she is tough as NAILS man!
Thumbs up bro!~~John
Because its regular AUS 8 they didn't heat treat it well or at all or cryo it. I bought this knife as well expecting a lot more. I still love it though
So if I remove one scale from my RAT 1 I can call it a frame lock? Apparently that all this knife is. : )
Avispa in Spanish is synonymous to a wasp in English. I'm more prone to get a RAT-1 but I'm still studying... Great vid
Yea the lock up on mine blew ass. I use it as a beater knife I wish it had a lock stabilizer.
Maybe Ganzo will clone this one too and make some improvements by using their Axis lock!
On the close up the cutting edge appeared to have grind lines showing. Probably not polished enough to run cleanly through paper.
Im Mexican and yes friend avispa and wasp are the same, nice vid!!
I love my Avispa though I am disappointed that it doesn't have a flipper
The Ontario Rat 1 is ten times the knife either of those Spyderco's are. Especially when talking about ergonomics and quality for long use as a backup hard use outdoors knife! I've owned many Spydies and found them to be nothing more than over-priced ugly foreign made junk! Oh, and did I mention they're ugly? Yeah, they're ugly too. >.>
Neither if these knives are made by Spyderco. Not sure what Spyderco knives you've owned but the lack of the trademark Spyder-hole should give that away.
Not to be rude, but did you actually watch the _entire_ video? If not, fast forward to 8:56 where you'll see him compare the avispa to other similar sized knives *including Spyderco*
***** yeah I missed that part of the video but the paramilitary 2 is made in the US, use S30V and is one of the most popular edc knives around. Hardly overpriced junk. The Rat 1 is made in Taiwan and uses AUS 8 steel. not horrible but not on the same level either.
I can agree with _some_ of what you said there, but I also have to disagree with you. The paramilitary 2 is definitely *not* one of the most popular EDC's around, and this is mainly due to it's $130+ pricetag; which brings me to my next point - value. Spyderco's are some of the worst "value" knives on the planet, meaning performance:price ratio. You get a *LOT* more value in the rat 1 folder than any spyderco - tenacious included! And when I say that, I'm factoring in everything from: price, blade steel, durability, comfort, left/right carry options, presence of liners, aesthetics, etc.
With the Ontario Rat 1, for only $25 you get a well built, very durable, aus8 steel blade folder that will perform any task you ask of it *admirably*. Like a Mora, the Rat 1 simply has excellent value, and you can't say that about _any_ Spyderco. Furthermore, Spyderco has some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced! Conversely, Ontario has had some of the best customer service I've ever experienced and have never been anything but a complete pleasure to work with!
The paramilitary's popularity is only due to the hardcore spyderco fanboys, not due to the general knife carrying public. Simple fact is, most of the knife carrying public does _not_ spend over $100 on their EDC folding knives, period. I just so happen to sharpen knives for a profession and work in law enforcement, so I think it's fair to say that between the two, I get to see what most people are carrying these days. And at the end of the day, Spyderco's are just uncomfortable for any long term or hard use, and are just plain ol' *ugly!*
***** I disagree with nearly 70% of what you said. I am not a Spyderco fanboy. Let me put that on record. I own 1 spyderco. The Rat 1 is a great knife. Performance/price is great. Let me correct you on something. The PM2 is twice as popular as the Rat 1 will ever be. I would bet that there are 20 times the reviews of the PM2 on the net than the Rat 1. Let me remind you that the "general knife carrying public" mainly consists of uninformed budget consumers who lack any knowledge on a proper piece of steel, that is a knife. And we are discussing quality here, not popularity.
Ontario has outstanding QC and their knives are astonishing for what you pay. But an Ontario Rat 1 will never be a PM2. For various reasons. Primarily though because of the steel. S30V out-performs Aus 8 by milestones in terms of edge retention. One can argue that a "super steel" is unnecessary in a practical EDC world, but you pay for what you get. I would much rather be stranded in the woods with a PM2 than an Ontario Rat 1. Let me put it that way. Steel steel steel.
I want to like this knife, but I think it's a pass for me.
"some paper cutting, some cardboard slicing" all that with a mean knife with a skull logo on it's blade... ;)
Nice review, I enjoy my rat 1 better than the Esee. Nicer blade and smoother action.
Does anyone know if this runs on phosphor bronze washers, or like the RAT , both pb and nylon? Thanks!
Nice review, Thanks.
Does anyone hace an idea for an folding knife under 7cm and with no locks and no assisted opening that you need to open with 2 hands only?
Just look at Great Eastern Cutlery knives on the site KnivesShipFree. So many that match your description. (a year late but I hope this helps)
They're made to be beater knives . Mine is perfect.
Avispa means wasp. I would guess that maybe the logo is a wasp.
Avispa = wasp, Zancudo = mosquito. I like the Rat a little better, mostly for the thicker handles.
Framelocks are overrated. ESEE should just do a collab with Cold Steel and use the Tri-Ad lock. Fit, finish & lockup would be perfect.
Avispa is spanish for wasp so the logo is most likely a wasp
But for the price I geuss what the heck
it means "wasp"
It looks just like the rat 1
Literaly translates to Wasp
avispa>vespa>wasp of course
Avispa means wasp in Spanish.
it means bee!!!!
Wasp.
W A S P
Bad ass wasp!!...😟😫
Avispa stands for wasp
so this is a Mexican knife made in Taiwan (tie-juan), for an American knife company? Sounds like it has Obama written all over it.
Yes, WASP.
Avispa = Wasp
Taiwan aus8 ...yawn. Kind of dragging the rat name down