Ontario Rat 1 thoughts

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kickplate69

Joined
Jan 26, 2011
Messages
185
Got the Ontario Rat 1 a few days ago and I have to say for a 29 dollar knife that I am very pleased with it.
Likes: The size is nearly perfect. I like the rounded edges so you can stick your hand in your pocked without abrasion. I like the stainless finish. It's AUS 8 love it or leave it steel. I like the blade shape, and it looks like a RAT/ESEE shape. Love the thumb ramp as it is not too aggressive. Blade is sharp enough out of the box. I like the surface on the scales as it is grippy with a soft enough-hard enough feel to it.
Dislikes: A bit harder to open than Im used to even when I loosened up the main screw a tiny bit. Made it better but not "easy". Also, the liner lock takes a tiny bit more force to push to the side to close the blade.
Overall, I'm glad I got it. I wouldve been happy with it at twice the price.
Anyone else that has this knife I would like to hear your assesments please.
 
It's a great knife. I've put mine through a ton of use, and it's held up superbly with no signs of wear except to the teflon coating on the blade. (I would have preferred to get the uncoated blade, but when I decided to toss in a RAT-1 as part of a larger order all the retailer had in stock was the coated version.)

Also, regarding the action on the knife, mine became significantly smoother as it broke in, to the point where it's now easily the smoothest of my "budget" (sub-$35) knives. I'd expect yours to do the same. :)
 
The Ontario rat one knife is the best folder under 40 dollars I have personally handled. (granted I don't own all that many knives.)

I bought two, one with a plain edge and one with partial serrations. Solid lockup, holds a good edge, and is durable as hell! The only downside IMO is the coating on the black model, and the aggressiveness of the serrations (on the serrated model of course). I also like how easy it is to fully take apart and clean. It is a bit heavy, can't say its a downside as some people like a hefty knife but its something to keep in mind.
 
Awesome knife! Love my RAT 1. Mine is super-smooth and flies open with no wrist action required. If you can EDC a Spyderco (Para)Military, you can EDC a RAT 1...
 
I had one a while ago. Sold it as soon as I could. You could spine whack against the palm of your hand and the lock would fail. The blade also had a couple of really distinctive kinks in it, giving it this sort of shape:

RAT-1.png


I had never seen a knife that managed to rub both liners simultaneously before... :barf:
 
Dorito Monk said:
I had one a while ago. Sold it as soon as I could. You could spine whack against the palm of your hand and the lock would fail. The blade also had a couple of really distinctive kinks in it, giving it this sort of shape:

RAT-1.png


I had never seen a knife that managed to rub both liners simultaneously before... :barf:
Click to expand...
Definitely sounds like you got a (major!) lemon, because that's the first time I've heard about any of those sorts of issues on a RAT-1.
 
Bought mine few months ago and I am very satisfied with it. I wanted a cheap folder to carry on short treks instead of a fixed blade. The RAT 1 seemed to suit my needs so I got it.
It came out of the box with a nice sharp edge. Clip was pretty tough but I didn't bother adjusting it, just took it off.
Aesthetics were not a matter here, but I do like the shape of the blade, and I love the handle, it's not a super quality material but it does fit my hand properly and I like the grip.
The opening was never that hard nor uncomfy but it became even smoother with use.
Blade is fine, no issues about the steel cause it does what I need it to do. Lock is strong enough (haven't tested it specifically, just an overall feeling of being solid) altho in the beginning it was a little bit too hard to disengage.
Size fits my needs and weight was no big issue for this knife, since I only carry it when I roam in the woods.
In a few words, I think it would be really hard to find a better knife of this kind in that price range, and the overall quality is as good as u can expect it to be. I'm sure I will ever regret having spent those euros.
:cool:
 
I am liking mine more each time I use it. I am able to unlock it easier. The lock looks a little flimsy, but it works.
Regards,
Jerry
 
Word on the street is that there are G10 versions coming out soon in OD Green and desert tan...I'll definitely grab some then!
 
stampede said:
Word on the street is that there are G10 versions coming out soon in OD Green and desert tan...I'll definitely grab some then!
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Oh boy, for a second I misread this and thought you said there was a VG 10 version coming ...:thumbup: That would really make me drool ...
 
Theres a website thats already taking pre orders for the tan g10, od g10, and orange g10. Still at a gret price too.
 
I am not a fan of the liner lock on the RAT 1, but other than that, it's probably the best price/value knife on the planet. Solid as a tank. Stays sharp, locks up tight. I love mine.
 
RByers91 said:
Theres a website thats already taking pre orders for the tan g10, od g10, and orange g10. Still at a gret price too.
Click to expand...

I email one of the online dealers taking pre orders and asked if these are actually G10 scales. I got a response as to when they are arriving, but they never answered if they were G10 or frn. For those prices, I suspect they are frn.
 
Nvm I was wrong. I always thought the rat 1 was g10, not frn.
 
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I EDC'd the Rat 1 for years. Never failed, never let me down. For under $40...can't go wrong! In fact, I just might buy a new one just to keep around!
 
I can't let a RAT-1 thread go by without showing it's toughness. I've made 3 fires with this one then gifted it to my son. :)

Started with some shavings on the ground + small twigs and batoned into some stuff a stage bigger that kindling.

972171853_TNxQ6-L.jpg


Now you release the lck so as not to damage it and baton away.

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Throw a shower of sparks onto a cotton ball with some chapstik on it - amazing fireball ignites!

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Keep adding larger stuff.

972171097_z9YVE-L.jpg


All you really need for a campfire! :D

972172269_HmBhX-L.jpg
 
It is literally the sharpest knife i have ever bought! I can shave with it and have posted a youtube vid of me doing just that. it is very inexpensive and i keep it pristine as my emergency BOB back up. For the price i dont mind letting it just sit quietly in my BOB. I am happy with the feel of it and think it is just a great knife!
 
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