Introduction and Question

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fulminated

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
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First off, I'm new here. I've been lurking for a few weeks, reading reviews looking for a knife to take on my backpacking and camping trips. My primary experience is with cheap kitchen knives. The kind of stuff that doesn't really have a name on it and works well for a few months, then you buy another one. I'd like to thank all of you folks for your wisdom, but it would take forever to do it individually. So, here's a collective thanks from me to all of you.

Now, with the formalities out of the way...on to pressing matters.

I found the blade I wanted (Ontario RAT3) and started looking for a vendor. Found that here too (Grand Prairie Knives).

My question isn't really concerning gp knives. Their website is easy to navigate and the ordering process was about what I've come to expect. Shipping was prompt. No complaints in that department.

Where my complaint comes from is the knife itself. I was filled with childish glee when I checked the USPS tracking and discovered that my knife had arrived. So I frolic (men don't skip) out to the mailbox, open it up and begin tearing into the outer carton to reveal the magical little box on the inside.

At this point, visions of rope twain in two...fish split at the belly and pointy sticks flit through my mind.

Then..crushing defeat as I take the knife out of the box and feed a sheet of paper to it's totally dull edge. Being a noobie with a quality blade, I think I must be doing something wrong. So, I try again. Same result. Can't shave hair either. At this point, the sheath is sharper than the knife. Couldn't cut warm butter on a hot stove with the blade.

So, did I get a 1 in a million lemon? What should I do? Sharpen it? Send in a complaint and see if I can get an exchange?
 
Sharpen it.

Just keep the purpose of a RAT3 in the back of your mind before you alter the edge angle too much but of course adjust it to how YOU use the knife.
 
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Welcome aboard Fulm,
I second Reeek, unless it's butterknife dull. It's possible you got a lemon so a call to the manu. wouldn't be out of order. Be warned though, others may have a different slant on your specific knife altogether.

Gibby
 
First, you should just sharpen it if you know how. Second, get a RAT RC3 and than you will never even need a RAT 3 from Ontario.
 
Ha Ha, told ya so...

"Second, get a RAT RC3 and than you will never even need a RAT 3 from Ontario."

Gibby
 
Aside from opening the proverbial can..
--
I assume you've got the D2 blade.
Fast forward a few days.
You've been cutting brush with your new knife,
and it's gotten dull. What would do you do now?

-Ron

can-o-worms.gif
 
fulminated said:
it's totally dull edge.
So, did I get a 1 in a million lemon? What should I do? Sharpen it? Send in a complaint and see if I can get an exchange?
Click to expand...

Dude, it's a knife. Sharpen it.
 
Welcome to the forum Fulminated. As luck would have it, you bought a knife with a lot of political baggage to it. Now that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your knife, it is just that you will receive some commentary based on who manufactured it. Still the Rat-3 is a great design but notably Ontario has been known to let a few bad apples slip through. Being dull is not a problem, as others said you can sharpen it.

I suggest taking a look at the maintenance subforum for advice on how to do this. There are several people also who offer knife sharpening services, RichardJ and Siguy being two of them. They can get your knife razor sharp at little cost. One advantage getting your knife professionally sharpened first is that it is much easier to touch up a sharp knife than it is to restore a very dull knife. Good luck. Also check out Wilderness and Survival Skills when you are ready to begin using your knife outdoors.
 
Welcome! :)

If it's totally dull (no edge at all), I'd either send it to someone to get an edge put on it, or I'd call. Of course you did get an Ontario..... Can't fault you though.

Otherwise, grab some diamond rods for a sharpmaker and set a nice 40 degree edge on it. Shaving sharp in no time.

Next go bury the poor thing and pick up a RC-3. :D
 
Welcome to the forums.

I also hate recieving dull knives, but it is bound to happen with large manufacturers like Ontario. Once you get an edge on it, I am sure it will meet your needs just fine.

However, I would return it and spend a couple of bucks more on an RC-3, I have had both versions and was much more impressed with the fit and finish of the RC-3.

I will also 2nd KGD's Reccomendation on going to the Wilderness and Survival Subforum here, I have a feeling you will enjoy it.

Good luck with your knife.
 
TheGame said:
First, you should just sharpen it if you know how. Second, get a RAT RC3 and than you will never even need a RAT 3 from Ontario.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

Sharpen the knife---hit it with your SharpMaker, your stones, whatever, and I'm sure it will resolve the problem. If not, contact customer service; return the knife if necessary, and look into that RC3!

I recently got the real RAT RC3 and have been very impressed with it! :)
 
fulminated said:
..... I was filled with childish glee when I checked the USPS tracking and discovered that my knife had arrived. So I frolic (men don't skip) out to the mailbox, open it up and begin tearing into the outer carton to reveal the magical little box on the inside.

At this point, visions of rope twain in two...fish split at the belly and pointy sticks flit through my mind.

Then..crushing defeat as I take the knife out of the box and feed a sheet of paper to it's totally dull edge. Being a noobie with a quality blade, I think I must be doing something wrong. So, I try again. Same result. Can't shave hair either. At this point, the sheath is sharper than the knife. Couldn't cut warm butter on a hot stove with the blade.

So, did I get a 1 in a million lemon? What should I do? Sharpen it? Send in a complaint and see if I can get an exchange?
Click to expand...

Neither my RAT7 or RAT3 was not sharp when I got it. Get a Sharpmaker or other quality sharpening system, and spend some time getting that thing ready to shave with.

I'd get a rough diamond stone to start the sharpening process, or you're going to be working for a long, long time. My D2 blades took several hours of work even with a rough stone, but the results are very much worth it.

I sharpened my RAT7 to 40° inclusive, but the RAT3 is at 30° inclusive. This knife is a slicer, and I really like it now.

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