EDC Knife Reccomendations / Ontario Rat 1

You'll probably like the Rat 1, but it might be a bit big for EDC. Hence, the Rat 2. It is a smaller, compact version of the Rat 1.

I have a Rat 2 and love it around the office. I don't have a Rat 1, but I had a BRK Avispa (which is essentially the same thing) and it was too large to EDC.

The Rats get well deserved praise, but IMO there is a better option. The Steel Will Cutjack series is, in my opinion, better. They cost a little more, but it isn't much maybe $5-10 more.
 
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tired said:
Is there any reason why? I rather not make a big purchase.
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Hand size can be a factor. My first was a RAT 2. I was just as well impressed as most, but the handle was just a bit too small for my large (XL) hand. I just couldn’t get comfortable with it. Even without cutting anything, my hand felt cramped just gripping it.
But otherwise, I liked the knife so well that I ordered a RAT 1, which just happened to arrive one hour ago, and I have been playing with it ever since. Much better. All that’s left to do now is switch the clip to tip up carry, live with it a while, and report back later. It’s yard and garden season, so the RAT will get a workout. Then we’ll see.
 
The Rat 2 handle is a little small, but for opening boxes it is fine. I generally don't care a 4'' handle knife when I know I'm going to be doing some cutting.
 
tired said:
Is there any reason why? I rather not make a big purchase.
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The cost is not bad. Both knives should come in at about sixty dollars, tops. Buy one and use it for six months and then buy the other one if you like the overall ergos of the design.

The RAT1 is a decent size knife but may be a little large in the pocket. That is where the RAT2 comes into play. I have use of my daughter's RAT1 and can tell you it is a fine knife for the money but, it's a little longer that I would like for an EDC knife. It's overall size is bigger than the large Griptilian from Benchmade. Longer blade, longer handle.

There are many knives on the market that cost twice as much but can't touch the RAT series. The RAT1 and RAT2 are among the best budget knives you can find. It is an amazing knife for the price.
 
sabre cat said:
The cost is not bad. Both knives should come in at about sixty dollars, tops. Buy one and use it for six months and then buy the other one if you like the overall ergos of the design.

The RAT1 is a decent size knife but may be a little large in the pocket. That is where the RAT2 comes into play. I have use of my daughter's RAT1 and can tell you it is a fine knife for the money but, it's a little longer that I would like for an EDC knife. It's overall size is bigger than the large Griptilian from Benchmade. Longer blade, longer handle.

There are many knives on the market that cost twice as much but can't touch the RAT series. The RAT1 and RAT2 are among the best budget knives you can find. It is an amazing knife for the price.
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Personally I would rather have a bigger knife. It might not make sense, but it is safer like that (for me at least, I get butter fingers every once in a while).
 
Hey, I checked around and I didn't see the D2 version for 27, though that would be a great deal so if you see it defiantly get it. Usually the Aus8 version is 27 and the D2 is around 40-50ish. Still a great deal.
 
RAT 1 is a great inexpensive folder. AUS 8 or D2. RAT 2 is good also but definitely small. If I could have one, I'd get the RAT 1.
 
tired said:
Personally I would rather have a bigger knife. It might not make sense, but it is safer like that (for me at least, I get butter fingers every once in a while).
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I understand. On the Griptilian, I prefer the larger model. Yet, I drop it more than my smaller knives.

You may find that, over time, smaller, lighter knives become your friend. It is not uncommon as you get older and your needs, likes/dislikes change.
 
tired said:
Hey everyone. New to the forums here. I'm interested in buying an EDC knife since I'm getting a job soon and need to have one for various reasons. I'm looking for a knife that is inexpensive (under $40), durable, sharp, and easy to use/safe for someone who hasn't carried a knife before.

I'm seriously considering the Rat 1 in D2 steel. Saw it on amazon for around $27 which sounds like a steal since I've heard a lot of good things about it and it's in D2. I was wondering if anyone carries/had carried this beautiful knife, and how they felt about it?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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I would recommend the Rat 2, over time I think you'll find it's more comfortable to carry than the RAT 1.

A little advise from someone who has been sharpening for over 50 years.

I would defiantly get the AUS-8 over D2 as a first knife.

D2 is one of my favorite steels but thinking back I would not have wanted to learn how to sharpen on D2.

Perfect your skills on AUS-8, then when sharpening becomes second nature get yourself a D2 version for Christmas.
 
I'm going to be the party pooper here. You might find out what those at your job tend to carry and use. There might be policies you are unaware of, situations which might damage your knife, lose it, slips out of your hand, etc.

We don't really know what duties you will need your knife for, so recommending a good knife might be different than recommending a good knife for your needs. IMO, get an inexpensive box cutter (around $5, plain, no frills, extra blades), and see how it fits your needs. Then you can decide on spending more on a knife after you get a feel for what you need, what's allowed, and what works in your job environment.

I still carry a box cutter in my tool box/bag today that I go to first if I'm going to do a lot of cutting on the job. Plus, if anything happens to it you won't be out much, and because it's cheap, you can still purchase your Rat folder or whatever knife you decide on.
 
Cow51 said:
You'll probably like the Rat 1, but it might be a bit big for EDC. Hence, the Rat 2. It is a smaller, compact version of the Rat 1.

I have a Rat 2 and love it around the office. I don't have a Rat 1, but I had a BRK Avispa (which is essentially the same thing) and it was too large to EDC.

The Rats get well deserved praise, but IMO there is a better option. The Steel Will Cutjack series is, in my opinion, better. They cost a little more, but it isn't much maybe $5-10 more.
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Can't wait to try out a Cutjack and Cutjack mini, hurry up and mass release these things Steel Will!
 
I haven't owned a Rat1 or 2 but have handled and sharpened them. They appear great! I saw a dudes Rat1(aus-8) after 6 months in Iraq and it held up. My personal suggestion would be Cold Steel "Finn Wolf" around 40$.
 
Cscotttsss said:
Can't wait to try out a Cutjack and Cutjack mini, hurry up and mass release these things Steel Will!
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They released a batch not that long ago, I preordered mine from KC and got it about a month ago. It is very nice.
 
Scott321 said:
I'm going to be the party pooper here. You might find out what those at your job tend to carry and use. There might be policies you are unaware of, situations which might damage your knife, lose it, slips out of your hand, etc.

We don't really know what duties you will need your knife for, so recommending a good knife might be different than recommending a good knife for your needs. IMO, get an inexpensive box cutter (around $5, plain, no frills, extra blades), and see how it fits your needs. Then you can decide on spending more on a knife after you get a feel for what you need, what's allowed, and what works in your job environment.

I still carry a box cutter in my tool box/bag today that I go to first if I'm going to do a lot of cutting on the job. Plus, if anything happens to it you won't be out much, and because it's cheap, you can still purchase your Rat folder or whatever knife you decide on.
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I appreciate the advice. While I hope to use this on the job, it will also come in use in my day to day life. I'm always scrambling for a knife at my house and usually end up using a kitchen blade, which is unfortunate. I think that every man should carry or own a nice knife they can use everyday. My interests are changing in life at the moment, I'm starting to get out more and such, plus knives are much more versatile than a boxcutter in my opinion.
 
You would be amazed just how much you can get done with a utility knife/box cutter.

Personally, I think knife noobs should start with a few basic knives. First, a basic SAK. Second, some sort of budget fixed blade. Third would be a modern budget folder of their choice. Number four would be the utility knife mentioned above. The last one would be a decent multi-tool. Use those five for a while and then start building a collection.
 
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Jesus, guys... The guy want's a damn knife for work, he isn't 7 years old, and he doesn't need to learn some silly philosophy.


OP, the RAT series is the best bang for the buck you're going to find. Buy it, use it, be happy. The end.

Pro-tip; if you ask for advice around here, expect to be more confused afterwards. :)
 
Mo2 said:
the rat1 you were looking at was aus8. you want the D2 version. the D2 version starts around $40 if you check out the forum vendors. the difference in edge retention is noticeable.
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The Rat 1 in D2 can easily be found for $37, the orange handle version for $34. $40 is more like the most expensive I have seen them.
 
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