Ontario / RAT knives?

cybrok said:
Anyone actually have a RAT-3 for EDC?
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Yeah. I carry one on my belt and SAK in my pocket. I have a RAT-7, RTAK, and RTAK II. Great knives. My RAT-3 is in D-2. With Beckers going or gone and Schrade moved to China, Ontario Knife looks like the remaining reasonably priced American knife line. I like all my Ontarios, and I have quite a few.
 
You're right. I didn't mean to leave anyone out. Lets hope that KA-BAR continues. I own a few Ka-Bars. I think some Gerbers are still made here, too. My LMF II says Portland, Oregon on the tang. I really hate to see Camillus going. Of course there are still American-made customs and semi-customs, but those are small companies or individuals. I really like the Ranger knives, but I don't think they make that many. Ontario is a pretty big company, and I really like their line and their prices. I like the fact that when I buy one, I'm helping some skilled Americans keep their jobs.
 
Ill have to second lanzo I would like a rat-1 in d2. I have 2 RAT-3s in D2 and I really want one in 1095. I never leave my house without one of them. The sheath with the clip is perfect for edc and with the tek-lok handles everything else. I also am the proud owner of a RAT-1 and it is also an excellent knife.
 
What is a RAT-1? Is that a typo? I never heard of it. Are you talking about the Ontario TAK-1?

If there is a RAT-1, I'd be interested in it....

Thanks
 
I think what they meant was the RAT model 1 folder. I switch between a the model 1 and the RAT3. I am never without one of them and my farmer. The RAT 5 is next on the list.
 
cybrok said:
mmm, I think a RAT-3 is what I'll be looking for in my next trade :D
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You also asked in an earlier post if anyone EDC'd a RAT-3. I do, since I got it it's with me all the time. If you get one, I'm pretty sure you'll like it. It's one of Ontario's best designs (in my opinion).... all the RAT series are.

I took my Micarta off and put some mesquite scales on. I had a nice chunk of mesquite lying around the shop for more than a decade and it was just begging to be cut up....as soon as it saw the RAT-3 :D

I do wish Ontario would consider a primary bevel of about 15 or 17 degrees on their RAT series. The D2 can handle it, especially in a 3-1/4" blade like the RAT-3 has. In a medium sized knife blade like that, I want it razor razor sharp because it'll be used for cutting finer things... not necessarily for batoning and other robust chores. Maybe they could leave the RAT-7 with a more obtuse primary bevel because it would need the extra steel behind the edge. Even so, I enjoyed the HOURS it took me to rebevel the edge to 17 degrees! It was an experience I learned alot from, since I never did anything like that before.
 
cb4life_30 said:
I think what they meant was the RAT model 1 folder. I switch between a the model 1 and the RAT3. I am never without one of them and my farmer. The RAT 5 is next on the list.
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Thanks. I've never even considered their folder model. I knew it existed, but never knew what it was called and the references to RAT-1 threw me. I guess I may have to take a look at that folder.
 
RAT-3 has a very slim handle. Too thin for my hands actually so I skipped on it. Maybe if they had replacement or optional thicker slabs I'd like it better.
 
Ok, I'm a little confused by the RAT, TAK and RTAK acronyms. Also, how does the RAT5 compare to the TAK1? I like the clean lines of the TAK1.

Thanks,
tjg
 
pinetree said:
Ok, I'm a little confused by the RAT, TAK and RTAK acronyms. Also, how does the RAT5 compare to the TAK1? I like the clean lines of the TAK1.
Thanks,
tjg
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RAT stands for "Randall Adventure Training"
TAK probably stands for "Tactical Adventure Knife" or something like that
RTAK? Your guess is as good as mine

I like the TAK-1 shape and design better than the RAT-5. For one, it doesn't have the "skull crusher" end on the bottom of the tang like the RAT-5 does. Also, while I like a little more belly, the TAK-1 blade has just slightly less belly that the RAT. AND, the handle shape is just a tad different on the two.

In the end though, while I prefer the TAK-1, I wouldn't pass up a good deal on the RAT-5.
 
RTAK stands for Randall Training Adventure Knife - they just switched the words around b/c they liked the acronym "RTAK" better than "RATK." This was their original knife.

I like the slim handles on the RAT 3 - its an easily concealable EDC fixed blade knife - I think that its perfect for what its meant for.

Anyways, I'm a big RAT fan.
 
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