Ontario RAT 3 vs SwampRat Howling Rat

muddy672

muddy672

Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
1,061
I've searched the site for both these knives and reviews on them. Lots of good info! I haven't seen a good comparison between the two of them though.

I was looking for a rugged knife for "everyday" use. A knife I would actually use vs the few custom's I have.

What are your thoughts on Ontario for durability/reliability, quality etc?

Ontario RAT3
Blade length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 7.8 inches
Thickness: .125
Steel: D2
Hardness: 58-60 RC
Finish: Gray Textured
Handle: Black Linen Micarta
Sheath: Includes TexLok and Boot Clip

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?...OD&ProdID=6303

Good review here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=398174&highlight=ontario+rat


Howling RAT:
The Howling Rat brings the cutting power of SR-101 to a smaller, user-friendly format. The double convex edge and excellent grind geometry, make for an incredibly efficient slicer. The RAT (Rough Aggressive Texture) handle is fully sculpted and provides for an excellent, non-slip grip in any position and any climactic condition. The Resiprene C handle insulates the hand from the full-length steel tang in cold climates.

The Howling Rat makes a great field knife for military, law enforcement, rescue personnel, and avid outdoorsmen. Whether employed as a hunter, a small trail knife, or as a general utility blade, this knife will deliver enormous levels of cutting power and over the top toughness.


Howling Rat specs:

Blade Steel Blade Length Overall Hardness Thickness Handle
SR101 4-1/2" 9" 58-60 Rc Approx. 3/16" ResipreneC

Review:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240589&highlight=howling+Rat


There are pros and cons to both, for me I like the style of the RAT3 over the Howling Rat and I prefer the smaller size of the RAT3, the RAT3 is also more affordable $70US vs $90US and is available now. The sheath on the RAT3 also gets great reviews.

Swamp Rat seems to have a large following. I;ve read lots of banter back and forth over this. I don't care about this stuff, I'm just looking for the best knife at the best price for me. The Howling Rat seems to have better durability over the RAT3 though not sure if I would ever put this to the test!? The wait time is annoying but worth it if the knife is significantly better than the RAT3.

What's the difference between D2 and SR101 from a useability standpoint? What are the pros and cons of each steel?

I would really appreciate your opinons, suggestions and comments. Thanks!
 
Forgot to add that I have also looked at the Ranger RD6 but I think it's too big for what I want.
 
I have handled everything in the Ontario line, and like them all. I have just never gotten around to getting one. I like the fact they make many out of D2, and they are very functional designs.

I have heard of great customer service, but don't know if they have the full blown Swamp Rat warranty. Of course, this may be a mute point since the older HR is discontinued, so you would not get an exact replacement.

As you have pointed out the Ontario is more readily available, and for much less money. The HR's are going for $150 easy.

I believe the Ontarios are popular enough that you can sell it if you decide you do not like it, but I don't think they have the resale value of the Swamp Rats. They also don't have the quickness of sale.

Great points for each. I really don't think one can go wrong with either.

Good luck, and post pics. :D
 
muddy672 said:
Forgot to add that I have also looked at the Ranger RD6 but I think it's too big for what I want.
Click to expand...

I believe you are right in that the RD6 would be in a much different class than you have expressed an interest in.

The Ranger knives are also great. :D
 
Thanks Terry. I have updated the link for the review on the RAT3.

Swamp Rat HRs are listed on the Swamp Rat site for $89US. Is the $150 range in the secondary market?
 
THe HR is no longer on the official Swamp line up. Unless they have some lying around at the shop that they put out for sale at a show or in the next extravaganzaa, which is always possible, your only hope is the secondary market.

Believe it or not, they are still a steal at $150.

Like I said before, I don't think there is a bad direction to go here. If one had the money the best thing to do would be to buy both and trade/sell the one you don't like.

If you funds are limited you are going to have to go the RAT 3 route.

Good luck.
 
Also keep in mind that an HR replacement with a different look/scales will be sold by the Swamp at some point in the future, the only problem with waiting on that option is that you might be waiting a year or more before they release it. :eek: :D
 
My two cents certainly aren't worth that much, but I will not buy from the swamp again. Very good people and an excellent warranty, but I have really become sour on their wait times. A couple of years ago, when I bought my Camp Tramp, I waited quite a bit longer longer than they said I would (12-13 weeks, when they said 8).

The knife came and it is a very rugged blade. I really like the product.

I remained interested for a while in buying other blades, but then more and more reports of long waits. Dates seemed to come and go on models and buying a knife from them was very hard - especially if you weren't keeping perfect track of release times. The company store opened and buying a knife from there was hard too. Not my bag, but I hope they continue to do well.

Meanwhile lots of other good knives out there. Sounds like bashing, but I do not intend my post to be read that way. Like I said, I'm just soured on the buying experience...
 
Thanks TN and kbog for your comments. The wait time is a neagtive for sure. TN has a good suggestion .... I could buy the RAT3 now and put in an order for Howling Rat, use the RAt3 for a few months then try out the HRat when it arrives and choose the one I prefer.

Anyone have comments on Ontario's quality/durability re RAT3?
 
muddy672 said:
Forgot to add that I have also looked at the Ranger RD6 but I think it's too big for what I want.
Click to expand...

Jason also makes an RD3.5 and an RD4 -- just to make your decision easier. :D
 
Thanks TL, I do not see these on the site .... do you have some info on them or a link? Can't hurt to have another option! I've read lots of positive comments on Ranger here.
 
i dont think the rat3 isn't at all comparable in terms of toughness to the howling rat, being of thinner blade stock and a brittler steel. The rat 3 is great for what it is, and still will take alot of abuse, just know that you dont want to do alot of heavy duty prying with it.

if you want more toughness i would check out the ontario tak-1 which is in my opinion more closer related to the howling rat, especially in 1095 steel, which is tougher than the d2.

check out the reviews at ourdoors magazine on the tak: http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=203

and on the rat3: http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=210
 
muddy672 said:
Thanks TL, I do not see these on the site .... do you have some info on them or a link? Can't hurt to have another option! I've read lots of positive comments on Ranger here.
Click to expand...

There is, unfortunately, no single site with all of Jason's work - unless it's the collective effect of the pictures/posts from customers on his forum site at the other place. The fact seems to be, as verfied by numerous posts, that he will make lots of variations as requested - thinner, shorter, different grind, different finish, different steel, different handle. The RD3.5 and RD4 are such variations. Jason likes makin' knives. So go to his site, click on his name, and tell him what you are interested in. I have done so and got a response in less than an hour.
 
This thread is an example of why SRKW really needs to at least edit their website a bit. It confuses people like this fellow. In my opinion, it's almost insulting to the customer to leave all the old line up as if you can order them, and not even put an explanation on the website as to why you can't.

This poor guy has gone through this whole thread and still doesn't seem to understand that he can't even place an order for a HR anymore due to the confusing website layout and lack of very important information.

Muddy, there is no wait time for a HR because they simply can no longer be ordered. Why they are still listed on the site, and why there is no disclaimer explaining this is beyond me.

The only way you're going to get one is secondary market, where they sell between $135 and $165. I've read that the new HR with micarta scales may be the next offered knife at http://ratknives.com/, which is where you need to go if you actually want to know what SRKW has available for sale, which is nothing at the moment. However, if you watch the SRKW forums, you will have a good chance of picking up a new line HR when they come out, which seems to be the compromise between the Rat 3 and HR that you are looking for, and it would be well worth the wait for you.
 
This is exactly what I was missing. Very odd that they wouldn't update their site. Thanks for the info!
 
Hey Guys...

I have both the Rat3 and HR,, both Great knives,, however I would for sure take the HR over the Rat3 if I would have to pick....
They are simply two different knives,, and the HR is more fitted to what I would need it for... I alos love the Resperine handle on the HR...

If JUstin at Ranger is making a 3.5 and 4.0" RD.. Then I would most Absolutely look into these knives...

Justin is awesome to deal with,, stands behind his shit and the knives are an exceptional value...

I'll also have to look into these two smaller RDs once my RD7 and 9 come in...

ttytle

Eric....
O/ST
 
muddy672 said:
Forgot to add that I have also looked at the Ranger RD6 but I think it's too big for what I want.
Click to expand...

You could talk to Justin, and he could make you something smaller. I have an RD 6 and an RD 4.
 
I could buy the RAT3 now and put in an order for Howling Rat,
Click to expand...

You can still follow through with that plan if you like the new HR that will be coming out later.

It will have micarta scales. You can find pics on the net by doing a search.

Good luck.
 
J85909266 said:
This thread is an example of why SRKW really needs to at least edit their website a bit.
Click to expand...

Indeed, there are other websites which contain more current information. These all need to be actively linked to the main website as well. The website is really out of sync with the current production which is never a good thing. It isn't that hard to maintain a website when it has been set up properly.

-Cliff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top