Ontario RAT Knives

abarnhart

abarnhart

Joined
Apr 3, 2006
Messages
455
I'm in the process of looking for a new survival knife for under $100. So far, my choices seem to be falling towards the Gerber LMF II or one of the Ontario RAT's. I have never laid eyes on an Ontario RAT (recommendation of a friend), so I was wondering if someone had and had an opinion.

Of course, any other jewels of wisdom for my selection process would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
Have a rat myself, great knife- be sure to go with the D2 blade- worth the extra$$.
 
I have the RAT-7, very nice. Stout enough for some tough work, without being an Uber-Chopper.

I like the 1095 steel for ease of sharpening.
The RAT is a good knife. Good value for the dollar.

You won't be sorry.
 
I have a first generation RTAK and a RAT 7. Both are great values. If you decide on the RTAK get the newly released 2nd generation with the improved handle design. The first generations handle is a bit wide and does not sit in the hand all that well.

The first link is a review I did on the RTAK (first gen) factory handle. The second link is the makeover I did to the handle. The new RTAKs handles are along the same lines.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422110&highlight=RTAK

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427453&highlight=RTAK
 
Fantastic! I love the responces of this set of forums. Some of the most informed and researched on the internet.
 
I have a RAT-7 in D-2 (which I recomend). Absolutly Love this knife! Wouldnt change a thing. Its a great cutter, and with the finger choil you can choke up and do a good deal of fine work too. Like others have already said, its not a 'chopper' but that also means its not very heavy. Its a wonderful knife, buy one, you wont regret it.
 
the ontario TAK and RAT-3 are both awesome knives... you can't go wrong with either one....:D

i've never tried any of the other ones, but i hear they're pretty nice knives for the $$$...
 
wade said:
Like others have already said, its not a 'chopper' but that also means its not very heavy.
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I'm not too concerned about using it as a hatchet. However, I would want to be able to baton or hammer it on the spine with a stick, if the need presents itself (for splitting). Would that still be appropriate with the construction of these knives?

Thanks!
 
The Rat-7 has enough heft for light chopping (like up to a 3" tree limb, but not logs) , chopping roughed-out notches, and you could baton with it, all day, no problemo! It has a full size tang and has a wide enough spine to take some pounding.
 
abarnhart said:
I'm not too concerned about using it as a hatchet. However, I would want to be able to baton or hammer it on the spine with a stick, if the need presents itself (for splitting). Would that still be appropriate with the construction of these knives?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have a Becker BK1 Brute and baton with it often to split wood as well as using it like a hatchet. So far so good. I really like that knife.

KR
 
OK I'll be the odd man out and reccomend the Gerber LMF II. Why? Hammer/window breaker pommel, insulated handle, better sheath (sharpener in it and more mounting options), and its gotten good use overseas buy a lot of military personell (not that the RAT hasn't). Its also pretty beefy and the RAT just never struck me that way.
 
...I'll be the 'odd-er' man out & recomend the Cold Steel SRK. I prefer the rubber handle to micarta (personal preference - comes down to grip security vs. durability) and the 6" blade is just the perfect size for an EDC fixed blade IMO.
 
The RAT 7 and the TAK both have over size grips which you can customize to fit your hand if need be.
I have the TAK for a few year’s and it’s no problem to baton with. I’ve cut down 3 to 4 inch trees for shelter’s and firewood with the help of a baton.
 
abarnhart said:
I'm in the process of looking for a new survival knife for under $100. So far, my choices seem to be falling towards the Gerber LMF II or one of the Ontario RAT's.
Click to expand...

If you're considering using it for outdoor survival, go with the RAT in 1095. Tough steel, easy to sharpen and can be had for under $100.
 
I'll gladly chime in here. I have never handled the LMF but own a RAT-7 and love it. Immensly strong blade, no worries about batoning or anything for that matter. I do no picture this knife ever failing. The 1095 holds a super edge and loves to cut. Another added benefit is the ease of customizing the micarta handle over a rubber-ish material.
 
Rat 7 over SRK anyday. The SRK is to fat to be useful as a knife. It is more of a sharpened crowbar. In fact the tip is thicker than the rest of the knife. This makes it hard to get as sharp as a RAT 7.
The RAT 7 is just as strong and a much better cutting blade in general due to the flat grind.
The Kraton handle on the SRK is know to fail; micarta is much more durable.
Any RAT in the 1095 steel is maybe the best value in a fixed blade.
 
Alright. Seems pretty clear that the RATs have an good fan-base. Never a bad sign from a bunch of obsessed collectors and users.

Found an excellent deal on a TAK. May go that way unless there is something to be known about that specific model.

Many thanks for all the input!
 
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