In praise of Ontario Model 1 folder

B

bchan77

Joined
Dec 6, 2007
Messages
447
I bought one of these several months ago. I had no experience using this knife before so I was not expecting much. I am pleasantly surprised by its overall quality. It is sharp out of the box, easily slices paper with zero tearing (if I don't know the brand name beforehand I would have thought I am using a Spyderco). Lockup of the blade is absolutely solid, no blade play or whatever.

The steel is not a fancy steel, but AUS8 suits this knife very well. It seems this knife does not get mentioned too often in comparison with the recommendations you see in favor of other folders, which is a pity. For less than $30 this knife is a steal.
 
I read lots of favourable opinions about the knife.
And the same three brands get recommended over and over on this forum sadly enough.
 
I'm with the kid on this one, I've seen a lot of real positive press on that knife around here.
 
I've got a black & a satin plain edge. NIB, Just in case I need them. They are nice and stout folders! :)
 
Honestly, I haven't seen much bad press at all about the Rat-1. Honestly, apart from myself, I can't remember hearing anyone bash the knife.

Along with the Skyline and the Tenacious, it's gotta be one of the most-hyped 'budget' folders I can think of...

Anywho, just sayin': I'm pretty sure it's not under-appreciated or anything in the least.
 
Well, I'vegot all three....Tenacious, Skyline, and Rat-1....I can say that as far in the looks dept. ....the Tenacious wins hands down....Asfar as solidwell built knife and great to carry as an EDC....the RAT-1 ...Wins.......Alittle on the heavy side, but still a great budget folder....

Be cool, CBURGERJR
 
I've done several videos on the rat-1. Great value knife. The only thing I ever knocked was if you get the black coated version, the paint comes off. No real big deal though.
 
I've done several videos on the rat-1. Great value knife. The only thing I ever knocked was if you get the black coated version, the paint comes off. No real big deal though.
Click to expand...

I watch your videos, they're good. That's why I bought one in satin too! :D
 
I have two Rat 1 folders. One is my work knife for general carpentry, the other stays in the trunk for car emergencies. This is a fantastic value in a sturdy, heavy folder. The AUS8 takes a very keen edge and sharpens easily. The blade shape allows working the belly on a flat surface to scrape or slice at a shallow angle, something I do a lot of.

Bill
 
I have been using my RAT 1 as my EDC knife off and on at my construction job for about 6 months now. Still locks up solid, and it is a joy to use. The steel is perfect for a work knife that must pry a bit, scrape paint, dig out old caulk, cut binding straps etc.

It holds and edge well, but is a snap to sharpen, no matter how dull you get it.

It fits great in my jeans, too.

Robert
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top