I have a Rat Trap as my EDC knife. It's a nice light, slim liner lock that carries well. It was stiff when new, but once broken in it got plenty slick and fast. Steel is S30V. It was made in the USA by Blade-Tech. The wide blade is nearly 4" long. I love this knife!




Here it is with some other knives for size comparison. The Rat trap is a large folder.

AH HA!!

I was right! Blade Tech!
Blade Tech's Kydex products are indeed made in the USA,but...
Blade Tech knives are made in China.They said they are not set up to manufacture knives as it costs too much and the demand is not equal to the cost.
"I just called and asked."

As for the steel? Did Busse supply the S30V after transverse wave technology was imparted or is it as is from the Crucible Metal Company do you know Vic?

I have no idea. All I know is that it holds a good edge, like any good S30V knife. But Blade-Tech was not an imported knife when these came out. My Blade-Tech Rijbak is USA made, too.

The plot thickens. As all of Blade Tech's knives use AUS-8 I'm thinking that maybe Busse DID supply the S30V to Blade Tech as I don't remember China using any powdered steel during the Rat Trap time period.

I will forever kick myself for not buying one when they came out.

Well things have obviously changed at Blade-Tech. The Rijbak was a heavy duty titanium framelock with a thick S30V blade made in USA. I bought it before I found a Rat Trap. Here are some pics. Please excuse the mess at 3WGS. Steel particles from grinding landed on my table and turned to rust!

I had an opportunity to buy a Rat Trap strait off the table at my very first Knob Creek and I passed due to other needed priorities, I kinda regret passing on it now... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

There's really no shortage of good folders out there though, my best and favorite EDC's right now are still my Lion Steel SR-1 and my Hogue EX-1. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

That's the thing. Seems like everybody wants a folder from their favorite fixed blade manufacturer. If you can't find a folder you like from Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, Lion Steel, or a dozen others, maybe you need to stay with fixed blades. Even an INFI folder wouldn't be as tough as a 1095 fixed blade.

Wow, I really like that Blade Tech. How long ago did they make them.

I am not sure. Maybe three years ago or so. It is a nice knife, lighter than the ZT0301, but darned near as big and rugged. I'm looking real hard at the ZT0350. ZTs just impress the heck out of me. But then, I never owned a Chris Reeve folder.

I had the need back in 08 to buy a large Sebenza. Well...I sold it after
about a month. Lost 25 bucks but it was worth it to me to get back 400 bucks that I felt cheated out of. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
ZT-0300 series,Striders, those are tanks. Lock up like a vault.
Open with a flick.
I had heard the same about Sebenzas for years. That's why I bought one. Not overbuilt. Nothing in its manufacture merits the excessive price they get. I.M.H.O. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Very simple,very nice but NOT worth the stones they get.

Save you money Vic,you already have a 0301. And are 200 bucks ahead of the game! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Peace.

I have not received any more information on the HEST folder I ordered last year. I think my Blade-Tech Rijbak is just as tough, but I really have gotten a kick out of opening the big heavy ZT0301. It is just such a satisfying sound and deploys so easily with that flipper. I think I would really enjoy the more pocket friendly ZT0350. Price on the 350 is not nearly as high as the 0301. My ZT0301 is a second I picked up at Blade 2009. I could just carry the big ZT in a pouch on my belt, but none of my belt pouches are big enough for it! I like it when large heavy folders come with a belt pouch. The old Buck 110s did, but then nobody put pocket clips on knives back when the Bucks came out. I just like the option of belt or pocket carry.

I noticed that that Rijbak has a similar profile to the HEST with that hook on the end. That's one of the things I kind of liked about it. Looking at those ZT's I noticed they dont have the deep carry clips, does anyone have any ideas on how to make or have made a custom clip. I just don't like the top of a knife sticking out of my pocket.