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Ontario RAT Knives
- Thread starter abarnhart
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2005
- Messages
- 1,523
I have a Rat-7 D2, Rat-5, Tak D2, Rat-3 1095, Rat-3 D2, and the model 1 folder. I have found them all to be excellent knives, and they haven't failed me in any use I have put them to from food prep to batonning rounds for firewood. The becker line is excellent as well....particularly the BK7, BK1, and the BK2. I also have the Gerber LMF, and, while a well thought out and servicable knife/sheath combination, the handle doesn't fit my hand very well at all.
- Joined
- May 23, 2006
- Messages
- 232
I would highly recomend you check out Scrap Yard Knives, for just under $100 you can get the new Scrapper 6 it is a serious work knife with a 5/16" thick peice of SR-77 at 6 inches. and the handel is great in the hand.
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/knives.htm
check it out
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/knives.htm
check it out
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2006
- Messages
- 509
Gerbers are falling in terms of quality, at least in perceived quality.
The RAT versions of knives are spoken of very highly. The D2 steel is very good.
The RAT versions of knives are spoken of very highly. The D2 steel is very good.
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2004
- Messages
- 3,318
...Not to be a pisser here but you most certainly can go wrong with a RAT - the only one I ever examined personally was unevenly ground - especially at the edge. Ontario is known for spotty QC - and the RAT line is no exception... Handle it before you drop any $$ on it - or else buyer beware.
As to the LMFII, I would go with a blackjack Grunt instead. Again, I like grippy handles & this is perhaps one of the only blades in its price point that doesn't need to be reground out of the box for optimal performance.
As to the LMFII, I would go with a blackjack Grunt instead. Again, I like grippy handles & this is perhaps one of the only blades in its price point that doesn't need to be reground out of the box for optimal performance.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2006
- Messages
- 455
I have read of few occurrences of problems with rats and/or their sheaths. However, from what I have heard and seen, the guys at Ontario are pretty good about backing up the product.
From their basic specs, the RAT 5 and the TAK look very, very close. The TAK is bit shorter and lacks the "skull crusher" pommel. In addition, the RAT 5 has an accessory pouch on the sheath.
Any other differences between the TAK and RAT 5?
From their basic specs, the RAT 5 and the TAK look very, very close. The TAK is bit shorter and lacks the "skull crusher" pommel. In addition, the RAT 5 has an accessory pouch on the sheath.
Any other differences between the TAK and RAT 5?
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 1,730
For the most part you won't go wrong with a RAT or Ontario for that mater. Every manufacturer has had some issues from time to time overall there a great value.
Gerber on the other hand well, Gerber there just isn't a lot that can be said
. In a world where most things are designed and made with machines we tend to condition ourselves to expect that if the fit, finish and grind lines are not perfect then there is an issue and the item is of poor quality.
Ontario has been in business for over 100 years making tools ment to be used. Their tools are not the best looking or for that matter the best made but they are dependable and for some things thats all you need.
Bors
