Ontario RAT 7

M

magnadawg

Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Messages
5
Hello folks. I wanted to get some thoughts on the Ontario RAT 7. I haven't much commentary on this knife here on the forum. Unless I'm not looking in the right spot. Anyway, I'm searching for a good all around medium size knife to carry out various tasks on my outdoor excursions. You know, kind of a do it all. From field dressing, chopping if necessary and still be nimble enough to carry out small detail work if I need it to.

My point is, for the price, I think it's a pretty good knife: 1095 steel, micarta handles, full tang, extended pommel on the end with lanyard hole. I don't care that I've read that the sheath sucks because I'll invest in a better one. But it seems I can get these same features in knives that are twice the cost and find myself asking why should I when I can go with this one.

So I'm just looking for any information that I may not have heard about this knife to either solidify my opinion or change it so I can move onto looking at other brands. Thank you all in advance for any information you can provide.


MD
 
I have the D2 version. The blade is too big for field dressing deer sized game, but it is a good size for the other stuff you mentioned. I did use it to hack the hooves off a big deer I shot in the Summer. I carry mine in the jeep or ATV when hunting. It's a bit heavy to hang on the belt. In general I like the knife. It's a good chopper, simple in design. The OE sheath isn't that bad if you like nylon blackhawk style, but I got a kydex one from chestnut ridge and it works better. I put a mean edge on mine and it stays sharp very long. Try to find yourself a D2 one, but you'll need to sharpen it from the factory which required a lot of belt time. I think there are some reviews on youtube. Nutnfancy broke a D2 one, but I've found mine to be a good backup knife in the field and stout. Especially for the price.
 
I have no experience with the RAT 7, sorry :(.

You also might take a look at the Becker BK7 for similar style of use. I don't own a BK7, but own both the BK2, and the BK9, and have been quite happy with the performance so far. The sheaths aren't amazing, but I don't think they're as bad as people might make them seem.

So if you haven't considered them, I would at least check them out.

Good luck with whatever you do :).
 
The Rat7 in 1095 was my first "big chopper." batons well chops decently for a 7" blade (I have grown fond of 10"+ knives/machetes for chopping.) I've processeda lot of wood with it, prepped food, and used it for general cutting tasks and it's never let me down. I also got the Chestnut Ridge kydex. Good luck.
 
Also consider the Ontario RD series. They are HD & 1/4" thick. If you don't want a 1/4" thick blade, check out the RD BUSH series, they are the same only 3/16" thick. Other good options are Ka-Bar/Becker knife & Tool BK7, BK9. I own them both & more. You simply can't go wrong with Beckers or the Ontario's.
 
look at Becker ! They are just outstanding. If you want something from a factory, Becker and Ontario are great, inexpenisive ways to go. If you are looking for something that will last a lifetime with a great warranty... KABAR/BECKER. Their customer service is top notch.
________________
Beckerhead #32
 
Thank you all for the input and opinion. I really can't seem to talk myself out of this knife. I've seen it, held it as well as the BK-7. Personally, I like a drop point over a clip point. The main differences I see between the two. The other difference was the BK7 is really a bigger knife even though the RAT is named "7" too. But as you all know, the RAT is actually 6.5 because of the choil. I personally happen to prefer the choil and less weight in the RAT even though same thickness. Also by the time you buy Micartas for the Becker, which the RAT comes with, the BK is more costly. Guess I've just made my decision. I did look at the CRK's kydex sheaths and I think that's the way I'll go. Again thanks for info.

MD
 
If you want 1095, I'd recommend the ESEE version, the ESEE6. It's about 6.5" IIRC. I think you'll get a little better fit&finish and maybe a better heat treat on the steel. If you want to go with D2, then Ontario is the only game in town for the RAT7. I've got two of the D2's and I like them a lot.
 
careboy said:
Just what I needed, thanks a lot.
20.creation.jpg
Click to expand...



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