Ontario Rat 1

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
923
I've had my rat 1 for a few weeks now, and I thought I should give a review! Unfortunately I have no pictures to put up, because I mainly use the mobile version of this website.

Back to the knife, the blade is AUS 8 steel, which is the average joe of steels in my opinion, it's no elmax, but it will easily do anything you need it too. A good steel overall. This knife is made in Taiwan, and for some reason people think that means low quality, but oddly enough, the USA has been outsourcing to these countries, WHILE maintaining high quality. Same goes with Spyderco.

There are a few things I do not like, such as the handle. It's very smooth, and it wasn't as comfortable as other knives I have. Which is shocking because I heard the knife had amazing ergos, but so far, I still prefer my spyderco resilience which weighs about the same, and has a smoother action. Although the lock up on the rat 1 is beautiful. The rat 1 has held it's edge longer than my resilience, so I will definitely be using it for outdoor tasks, or even camping because I don't have to worry about sharpening it.

I definitely like the blade shape, and it's got good heft to it. It's one of those knives where you know it's a work horse as soon as you hold it. Overall I'm really happy with this purchase!

THE GOOD:
blade shape
Weight
Blade material
Edge retention

THE BAD:
So-so ergos
Non grippy handle
Jimping isn't really aggressive
 
Great knife. Would be perfect with g10 handles.

I disagree with you on the ergos, but that is purely subjective as everybody's hands are different. ymmv
 
Haven't handled it but, the assisted rat 1's come with G-10. I like the nylon though, easy on the pocket.
 
All valid points! I don't think it's bad by any means, but I feel it's been hyped up more than it should be. G-10 handles would be a great upgrade!
 
I like the smooth handle, it is easier on the pocket. I find the handle comfortable.
 
Got my Rat-1 about 6 months ago. It has replaced all my other folders for EDC.
Love the ergos, the handle is smooth, but not too smooth.
The only gripe I have is that the liner lock can be a smidge sticky.
As soon as I fulfill a couple other knife wants, I plan on grabbing a couple more.
 
Wouldn't G-10 handles increase the weight of the knife even more?. I myself prefer the Spyderco Tenacious, it's handle size is perfect for me, and it's not overly long, or heavy as the Ontario Rat-1.

Spyderco Tenacious
Weight: 4.1 oz (116.233 g)
Overall length: 7.76 in (197.104 mm)
Blade thickness: 0.118 in

Ontario Rat-1
Weight: 5 oz (141.748 g)
Overall length: 8.5 in (215.9 mm)
Blade thickness: 0.12 in

Have you seen this video on YouTube yet?.
Hard use testing: Ontario RAT 1 vs. Spyderco Tenacious
 
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