ontario rat 3 or esee rc 3 ?

J

J.C.

Joined
Nov 7, 2006
Messages
27
hi guys, could you tell me any differences between the ontario rat 3 and the esee rc 3? I have been wanting one of these for a general use camp knife for a while. Is one a better knife than the other? thanks for any input.
 
Ontario was the original maker of the RAT knife for Jeff Randall. They had a falling out, that's one reason Jeff's company is now ESEE. The Ontario is a good knife and is/was made in 1095 and D2 steel. The ESEE 3 is made in 1095 and is made and heat treated by Rowen, it is also 3/8th of an inch longer in the handle. I have an Ontario 3 and like it very much, but now I'm buying ESEE's since I think they are better heat treated. You will like either one you get or you could always get both.
 
In addition to what was said above, the ESEE handle scales are better fit to the blade, there are more choices in blade color, serrations or not, and a higher quality sheath. ESEE also offers a pretty rock solid "no questions asked" warranty.
The Ontario, if you can find one, will cost less.
 
ESEE handles are also more contoured than the RAT version. I think ESEE has more varieties color wise as well.
 
IMO getting both would be pointless. ESEE has a better heat treat and a bomb proof "you break it we fix it for free" warranty.
 
I appreciate the replies, i am not concerned with serrations or colors. I do want the better heat treatment and cutting ability. I have heard the ontario is a bit thicker, is this right? I want to be able to do modest battoning. thanks.
 
If you break an Ontario batonning, you need to buy a new knife.
If you break an ESEE batonning, they send you a new knife.
If you're worried about the ESEE 3 being a bit thin, the 4 gives you an extra inch of blade and is 3/16" thick.
 
I've batoned well beyond what I should have with my 3 many times. Full length of the blade in hardwood through knots batoning from the handle side, very stupid thing for me to have done repeatedly but the knife never failed in anyway, it still is my extremely hard use knife. I wouldn't pry a door open with it while I might try that with a 4, but batoning? anytime! A 3 is a very sturdy knife that is still able to slice like a cutting tool aught to be able to. I think most will agree that if you ignore the cost difference the ESEE version is much better.

Even considering the cost difference the ESEE 3 is still a better deal because of the warranty, better fit, better heat treat, and extra handle length.
 
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