Ontario RAT 5

T

Tyronethepro

Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
798
Thinking about buying an Ontario Rat 5, I like the look of the ESEE 5 but I cant afford it. How does the Ontario Model compare to the ESEE model, as far as I know they're both 1095 carbon. so do you think I should get the Ontario or should I try and save for the ESEE?
Thank you
~TTP
 
Take a look at the Becker BK2. Very similar to the ESEE-5 for half the price.

I have no experience with the Ontario RAT-5, though. I have an Ontario pilots knife that Uncle Sam gave me a few decades ago and it's a fine knife, but I don't know anything about their current offerings.
 
I'm a fan of Kabar and Becker myself, but if you like the RAT 5, buy it. It will serve you well.

Basically the exact same knife as the ESEE, but from what I gather, the ESEE (by Rowan) has a more consistent heat treat than the Ontario. Plus it has the ever famous ESEE warranty.

Having said that, I'd buy a Becker BK2. :D
 
The RAT-5 is a completely different knife than the ESEE-5. Different grind, different thickness, different purpose. It's more similar to the ESEE-4. Get a Becker if you want a serious beater but don't want to pay for the ESEE.

Truthfully though, I think both the BK-2 and the ESEE-5 are way too thick to be useful. That said, many other people swear by them. Ah, the world of knives :o
 
Picked up my Ka-Bar catalog and looked at the BK2, its very similar to the others, but I have no experience with Beckers. However I know what Ontario is capable of producing, I have the Mark 3 by Ontario. So, i guess now, what are your positive Becker experiences?
 
The RAT and the ESEE are similar enough. They have almost the exact same lines. A couple of cosmetic changes here and there to differentiate between them. RAT is flat ground and 3/16", the ESEE is saber ground and 1/4". That's about the sum of it. :rolleyes:

But like he said, buy the Becker. :D
 
Both knives are made of 1095 steel.
the Ontario RAT5 is 3/16" thick, full flat grind, with a pretty comfortable micarta handle.
the BK2 is 1/4" thick with a high saber grind and grivory scales.
If you have very large hands, the Becker scales may or may not be comfortable.
Becker knives are made by KaBar -- so the heat treat is good and very consistent. They also have very good customer service from what I've seen here on the forum.

Either way, you should end up with a good working tool.
 
The ESEE is way superior to the Ontario as is the Becker BK2 (as has been mentioned). Get the BK2 - you won't be sorry.

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Beckerhead #42
 
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