Rat 3 vs ESEE3

T

Tracker16

Joined
Jul 11, 2011
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110
Can someone please tell me the difference between the Ontario RAT3 and the ESEE 3. I thought the Ontario RAT series was made in collaboration with Randle adventure Training
 
RAT started out with a collaboration with Ontario, then went their own way and produced knives under the RAT Cutlery monica and then changed the name of their cutlery business to ESEE knives. Many previous posts on the topic of the lower QC of the older Ontario models vs newer RAT-ESEE models - however it seems all models were serviceable knives. I have some of the later RAT and ESEE models and have been very happy with their QC :thumbup:
 
The first (RAT 3) is made by Ontario. The second (ESEE 3) by Rowen. I'd prefer the Rowen blade. Everything I have from them has been exceptional in terms of heat treat and grind.
 
Ontario made the RAT series for Jeff & Mike , the contract expired after 5 years or so and was not renewed.. Jeff & Mike formed RAT Cutlery....then some manufactures started crying about the name RAT , so Jeff & Mike turned RAT Cutlery into ESEE Knives....
the Ontario 1095 have a terrible black phosphate coating that still is weak today....the D2 has a grey/gray powder coating ....
RAT Cutlery then / Now ESEE Knives are made by ROWEN and are fantastic
 
Guyon said:
The first (RAT 3) is made by Ontario. The second (ESEE 3) by Rowen. I'd prefer the Rowen blade. Everything I have from them has been exceptional in terms of heat treat and grind.
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You said you prefer one over the other but is one better than the other. Is the ESEE really much better or does the higher price make you feel it is?? I know this a matter of opinion but since you own both it would be nice to know.
 
I also own both...... heat treat on the ontario's have been off from time to time ,ontario also sold "seconds" ...... go get you an ontario RAT and compare it to an ESEE and you see the different.another thing not mentioned is the Ontario 3 has about 1/2" shorter handle than the ESEE3.....
If you have any questions hit me up tony@eseeknives.com or on the jungle training forum
 
texastonydobbs said:
I also own both...... heat treat on the ontario's have been off from time to time ,ontario also sold "seconds" ...... go get you an ontario RAT and compare it to an ESEE and you see the different.another thing not mentioned is the Ontario 3 has about 1/2" shorter handle than the ESEE3.....
If you have any questions hit me up tony@eseeknives.com or on the jungle training forum
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day

OK TTD I just ordered the Ontario Rat and if it sucks I will order an ESEE next payday. Thanks to all for your input and didn't mean any offence to anyone. Just seeking the truth
 
I think ESEE's customer service is worth the price difference. Life-time, no-questions-asked warranty, plus a unique but awesome approach to customer service. They'll honor it if you broke it in a stupid way, but they aren't shy about calling you stupid for it either--I've seen them flat out tell some people not to buy their knives.
 
I've had both and didnt realize the difference until i got the rowen version. I didnt realize just how much better the fit and finish of the esee knives were and how much longer they hold a sharp edge. Now I don't have any of the ontarios they just werent as good. They arn't bad just not nearly as good. The longer handle really makes a big differnce on a knife that size too.

take it easy
cricket
 
I noticed the different ergos on the Ontario RAT 3 immediately and that finished it off for me. The handles on the ESEE are just one more piece of the overall better package that is the ESEE.

BUT if you really want "the shit", I'd say get a Swamp Rat Rodent Solution!
 
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cricketdave said:
I've had both and didnt realize the difference until i got the rowen version. I didnt realize just how much better the fit and finish of the esee knives were and how much longer they hold a sharp edge. Now I don't have any of the ontarios they just werent as good. They arn't bad just not nearly as good. The longer handle really makes a big differnce on a knife that size too.

take it easy
cricket
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OK but I do have a RAT 1 folder that I just bought a few weeks ago and it has become my EDC so I thought the RAT 3 might be nice for my emergency bag
 
It will be a good knife for your emergency bag, although I would prefer the esee3 mil for that with the glass breaker. You asked which was better though so I gave my opinion.

take it easy
cricket
 
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