Got my first RAT today, RAT7

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Howdy folks-

I found a good deal a while ago on the exchange on a RAT 7 and decided to give one a try. I'm normally not a fan of this blade length, but though I'd give it another try since it's so popular.

Overall I really like this blade so far. I thought the thickness would kill its performance, but the flat grind does a good job taking care of that. It is a great slicer and should be easy to maintain that way.

The handles are very thick, which is hugely to my liking. I detest tiny handles!!! This thing feels great in the hand, and is very comfy and easy to choke up on.

The tip is quite strong, I think due to the slow taper: the point is really only due to the continuation of the bevel. Should work great for drilling but still be strong enough not to worry about bending/breaking.

The sheath is top notch, and the pouch should perfectly hold an Army firesteel, piece of fatwood, ceramic rod and Vic Farmer. That's a mighty good bunch of tools in one package!

I'll post some pics when I actually get to take this thing out and do some work with it, I've got a newly purchased/modded CS Trail Hawk that I'd also like to do some testing on.
 
Congrats, the RAT7 is one of my favorite wilderness knives. I think you'll love its performance.
 
I also like the RAT7 a lot.
(Originally bought the D2 version but exchanged it for the 1095 version.)

It's well made with good balance and mine was very sharp out of the box.

I find that the aggressive serrations on it are very useful and have started taking it
with me at times instead of my Becker BK7.
 
Thanks guys, I'm really looking forward to running this thing through it's paces. It has certainly given my KaBar heavy bowie a run for it's money. For a lot of things (especially dayhikes in sheeple populated areas) the RAT wins out. I think the RAT is also about 1/16" thinner, and certainly much sharped. And a full tang don't hurt ;) .

Haven't decided what to couple it to for longer trips, maybe just the Vic Farmer and a collapsible saw.
 
Spooky ;
if you couple it with a SAK or multi tool whatever you prefer,makes an excellent outdoor set-up..Great user friendly blade and mine was pretty sharp out of the box and I just snagged a 2nd one for whatever reason $ was right and I don't mind 2 of a great user blade,I like the thumb ramp serration and the Choil...the micarta is comfy and a pretty good factory sheath I think.
 
Like TTD said the RAT7 combos well with a SAK; I often carry it and a RAT3 and IMO they make a super duo.
 
Uh... I have one in D2 thanks to MarkJ here on BF. I love the knife but be carefull when using the pouch on the outside. Chances are that unless it is one big item that fits snuggly... it could fall out. I plan on leaving a fire steel on that pouch with a vic or maybe an Opinel... but I will put lanyards on them and keep them attached to the tabs on the backside for extra security. It sucks to untie them anytime you want to use them but it will suck even more to drop them if you trip over or whatever.
Mikel
 
never had the pouch being to large problem....I guess I cram alot of items into the pocket, Firesteel/SAK(hiker)/large Bic/sharpner/and 20ft. paracord. I have tripped or slipped and no items have fallen out....I have both styles of sheaths as well.older button snap pocket and the newer version with pocket w/adjustable cam lock thingy snap lock...no issues with either..I suggest putting more items in or using a ranger band over the pocket.
 
When these sheaths were first made there were a couple or three variations. One of the variations did not have a wide flap at the top of the pouch and didn't have the elastic. This was changed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top