I found a Model 1 AUS-8

[DocBurN]

Was it made before or after the split with Ontario ?

Something to carry while waiting for my other EDC

 

[rycen]

Before

 

[bxrad36]

as said, it was before. This is a great knife for the cost. The coating kinda sucks, but oh well. Im using mine also until one of the other folders come out

 

[skinz0021]

love mine. carry it every day as well as the hest (fixed obviously). also considered getting a spare in satin just in case i every need to retire one.

 

[jsdvnc]

I've got three of the uncoated, plain blade. My favorite folder.

 

[EvilBunnyReviews]

i just looked it up those are cheap

 

[1066vik]

the Ontario RAT-1 folder is an awesome value.

 

[Tripton]

Actually, it could have been made after the split.


Either way, it is Ontario, not ESEE.

 

[quackSH]

Tripton is correct, the Model 1 has never been manufactured by ESEE, Ontario still makes them.

 

[DocBurN]

So far, love it.. [but i got an LE Hest/F waiting]

My EDC was worst so its an upgrade for me (lack of ESEE folder and had side-poking-problem with EDCing a fix blade so i prefer a folder cliped in my jeans pocket). Just was surprise to find one in Quebec Canada. also, im fully aware its not an ESEE and its built in Taiwan.. but taught it was maybe possible that ESEE wasn't up and running at the time of creation. (being with Ontario)

 

[IUKE12]

That's my pic and my Rat-1. It was made well before the split.

 

[Niagara]

Rat 1's should not have RAT on them anymore, not sure why Ontario is allowed to still do so unless holding onto a term contract license. They should say Ontario Model 1.

It is one of the greatest folding knives for the price, but is not high quality.

I guess even like the best of friends, they can have a few divorces.

Factually ESEE doesn't build knives there for not a manufacturer, Rowen builds there's and other companies knives under contract for ESEE , they own a brand of knives. I guess that's true for many manufacturers. Spyderco has almost all there manufacturing subbed out, except those few built in Colorado.

It seems that many brand owners developed an profession in some form of knife use be it military, well-known adventurers or survival expert and had knives built for them.

To my understanding few were actually knife makers by trade to start.

 

[iyyob]

yeah ive been wondering the same thing i see R.A.T. and i think ESEE what gives

 

[MikePerrin]

Right and wrong matter not in trademark issues. Who has the deepest pockets does matter. Read the history with Ontario and ESEE (formerly RAT Cutlery) and understand that we changed the name mostly to dump the confusion with knives made by another company. Our quality, customer service and warranty speak for us. Mike