Rat-2/Rat Model-2 Versions

[this_is_nascar]

Are there multiple versions of the Rat-2/Rat Model-2 that anyone is aware of?

 

[this_is_nascar]

Well, as I was researching something else, I just learned that there are Chinese made clones of both the Ontario Rat-1 and Rat-2.

I've heard of high-end, high-priced knives being cloned/copied, but a $25 knife? This actually explains allot to me and solves a mystery that's been driving me crazy for the last couple of days.

I recently purchased a couple Rat-2 knives, because they were pictured with scales that I've not seen advertised. I was initially led to believe that they were Rat-2 knives, with custom scales.

I knew something was up when I got the 1st one. Some of the things I noticed are as follows.

- Blade etching is raised and in a smaller font on the blade front and larger on the blade back, as compared to the authentic.
- Thumb stud is smaller.
- Not as much of a blade belly.
- Thicker blade stock.
- Longer pocket-clip.
- Thicker liners.
- Pillers are not "D" shape on the ends, to lock into the liners.
- Pocket-Clip, screws and the screws that hold the scales to the pillars are not black, just raw natural.
- Scales are claimed to be G10, but who really knows for sure.
- Size/Shape is slightly off compared to the authentic Rat-2, which disallows the scales from being interchangeable.

That last issue is what pisses me off the most. I was hoping to use these scales on my authentic Rat-2.

Update: I have (2) authentic Rat-2 knives, each of which weigh 2.8 ounces. Each of the (2) clones weigh 3.2 ounces.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Here is pictural evidence of the differences I've listed above. I can't believe that a company has gone through the trouble to clone s $25 knife. These clones will set you back approximately $19.50, direct from oversees, I've learned in my research.

The top/left two are the clones and the bottom/right is authentic.

 

[Roguer]

Wow thanks for that in depth descriptions between them! And the pictures to!

 

[this_is_nascar]

Thanks. I had forgotten to list the weights of each. I'll do that later today.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Update: I have (2) authentic Rat-2 knives, each of which weigh 2.8 ounces. Each of the (2) clones weigh 3.2 ounces.

 

[Enkrig]

The difference in weight could be due to the different handle material. In any case, I've also been considering buying a RAT2 for quite some time. Where/which vendor did you buy the clones from? (So that I can avoid them.)

 

[this_is_nascar]

The difference in weight could be due to the different handle material. In any case, I've also been considering buying a RAT2 for quite some time. Where/which vendor did you buy the clones from? (So that I can avoid them.)

The scales and the thicker liners and thicker blade stock all make up the added weight.

The clones came from eBay, which I've since learned came from an oversees sight. If you stick to the ones you see with the standard scales offered by OKC for the Rat-2, you should be fine.

Again, my intent was to always take the scales and put them on my authentic version, however, I've learned the holes don't match-up.

 

[MaximIsayev]

You know, the funny part is that they would've probably made more money out of making custom scales for the original RAT 1/2, rather than making shoddy knock-offs of it.

 

[MaximIsayev]

Another interesting model, I just found this today, didn't even know it exists. This is the RAT 1 with a tiger-stripped blade. It's not a knock-off as it's sold by a major retailer and costs more than the plain RAT 1. I've just ordered one of these and an orange-handled RAT 1 so I can do a blade swap and have a tiger-striped blade with an orange handle.

 

[this_is_nascar]

You know, the funny part is that they would've probably made more money out of making custom scales for the original RAT 1/2, rather than making shoddy knock-offs of it.

Absolutely agree.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Another interesting model, I just found this today, didn't even know it exists. This is the RAT 1 with a tiger-stripped blade. It's not a knock-off as it's sold by a major retailer and costs more than the plain RAT 1. I've just ordered one of these and an orange-handled RAT 1 so I can do a blade swap and have a tiger-striped blade with an orange handle.

Nice. I really haven't researched the Rat-1 all that much, since I know it's too large for me to EDC. I have noticed there are many more scale options and color options, so maybe I should do some reading about them.