Been wanting a fixed blade for a while and was going to get a swamp rat howling rat. I am going to wait for the new line to come out before I place an order there. So I found 2 Ontario knives I like. The TAK1 and the RAT3. They are similar in size but would like some side by side comparisons please and some pics of both couldn't hurt. This will be for some carry and some light utility. Thanks.
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Ontario question
- Thread starter laxbum
- Start date
I only have experience with the TAK-1 and so far it's been pretty positive. I've been using it as a general purpose utility blade around my farm and it's been quite handy. Cuts everything from leather to tree roots with no problems. The 4.25" drop point made of 1095 (D-2 avaiable as well) takes and holds a good edge. The black coating on mine is holding up well. It shows some scuffs from use but they come right off. I just don't care. 
The handle is thick canvas micarta and feels comfy. It's also large enough to use with leather gloves, which I often do.
The only negative would be the cheap sheath. It's constructions is sub-par, cheap nylon, poor stiching, etc. On the positive side it does allow for left or right carry, and has a snap on the belt loop for easy on and off. I wrapped my sheath in a few feet of para-cord just in case I need some. And it looks cool.
Hopefully somebody will have a review of the rat for ya soon cause I think I want one too. Heh.
Here's a pick my TAK-1 I took a few weeks ago.
The handle is thick canvas micarta and feels comfy. It's also large enough to use with leather gloves, which I often do.The only negative would be the cheap sheath. It's constructions is sub-par, cheap nylon, poor stiching, etc. On the positive side it does allow for left or right carry, and has a snap on the belt loop for easy on and off. I wrapped my sheath in a few feet of para-cord just in case I need some. And it looks cool.
Hopefully somebody will have a review of the rat for ya soon cause I think I want one too. Heh.
Here's a pick my TAK-1 I took a few weeks ago.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2003
- Messages
- 702
Great pic! I've wanted a TAK 1 for a while. Even tried to trade a rat hunter for one but there were no takers.
I have a TAK-1 with D2 and I am happy with it. It is a very comfortable knife and just feels good in your hand. I took it hiking last weekend and decided to test it's chopping ability. For a smallish knife I was fairly impressed with how easily it cut through 1-2 inch branches. The edge held up nicely. I couldn't shave with it anymore but it was still sharp. It didn't chip and I couldn't see any rolled edges by eye. I did lower the edge angle with my edge pro prior to this test and it had a nice sharp edge on it when I was finished. I've heard the Ontario quality control is not the best but this being my only Ontario experience I can't comment on that. I like this knife. It's not too heavy to carry regularly but has enough heft to chop through some stuff. I just received my new Camp Tramp so I'll be taking that with me on my next hike. 