Rat 3

freq18hz

freq18hz

Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Messages
1,093
Ok I'm sure this has been asked 10000 times...

I've searched google, and looked at ESEE's and Ontario's websites...


I picked up a knife tonight that I loved. I had been looking to see if I could find a RAT/ESEE Izula but instead ran into a knife called the RAT-3.

I absolutely loved the feel of this knife, especially the jimping.
When I turned the knife over, it said Ontario on it.

My question is obvious, but:

Since the RAT logo is on it, who made this knife? RAT and Ontario? The reason I'm asking is after reading the brief info on ESEE's site, I noticed that Ontario does not have a knife listed called the RAT-3. The closest thing is the TAK-1. Also it would seem that ESSE's website only sells the ESEE-3 with a serrated edge. The knife I picked up was a plain edge.

Can someone please help me out here? Do I steer clear of the knife I saw? If so...Since I liked it so much. Which ESEE should I be purchasing that is similar instead?

Please don't flame me, I searched. I know the info is probably out there, I just can't find it and I'm just trying to make an informed buy. Thanks!

-Freq
 
Part of being new on the forum is asking the same question that someone else did, but that you can't find because search is disabled for nonpaying members (like me!). Mine was to ask the difference between the RC-3 and RC-3 MIL (the 3MIL has a sharpened glass breaker pommel).

Ontario made RAT knives before the company (Randall's Adventure and Training) switched to Rowen for their manufacturing and began using the RC (Rat Cutlery) designator instead. There's a post somewhere around here explaining that they changed the name to ESEE in part because of the confusion that created. If you want the latest and greatest from ESEE in that size, you'll want an ESEE-3 or ESEE-3 MIL (remember the pommel!). The good news is that they come in plain and partially serrated edges, so you can get a plain one if you prefer.

Additional:
Here's a link to the page on the company website that might help clarify things: http://www.eseeknives.com/knives.htm
 
I personally don't think their is anything wrong with Ontario's knives, that being said the Rowen made RAT/ESEE knives are better fit and finish and better heat treat but their are others on this forum that can answer this better than me.
I have an RC-3 which is very similar, a direct descendent if you will of the RAT-3 which I love, very well balanced IMHO.
BTW the ESEE 3 is what you would want and it comes as a stright edge or combo edge.
Get one and you won't regret it!!
 
It's slightly different. There's nothing really wrong with the ontario rats. But the Rowen produced RC and ESEE blades are just tons better. Better coatings, better heat treat, better warranty. Also, the RC/ESEE-3 has a longer handle. Something I really like.
 
I did the same thing and bought the rat-3 but in d2 steel, but later I bought a ESEE(at the time rat cutlery) RC-4 and Izula, the quality was aparrently different the ESEE was way better built. so latermy brother was looking for a knife and wanted one like my rat-3 and I talked him into the ESEE instead, when he got it he was way happier with it that the rat-3. anyway I got to hold them both side by side and the first thing I said was, "hey want to trade." but that is just my experience. also if you are looking for a dealer I have bought from knivesshipfree.com several times. they had great service and he is also here on the forum too.
 
to answer your first question, Ontario used to make the RAT-3.
It is no longer part of their catalog - ie. out of production.
That said, there's nothing wrong with their knives and if you found it for a good price, there's no reason not to buy it.
The ESEE3 is a bit more expensive, but that's due to smaller production runs, higher grade of fit/finish/heat treat, etc...
 
I've got an Ontario RAT-3 that is "just right". Very comfortable in the hand, love the choil, and mine has a very smooth textured (almost like parkerizing) finish. I don't consider it as my first RAT/ESEE as it is an old Ontario made one, but I still like it.
 
Yeah like others have said if you want the latest designs go with ESEE between the better warranty, fit and finish, and the fact that ESEE can better respond to customer input.
 
recently purchased a rat(ontario) 3 in d2(found it relatively cheap locally-i think these guys are gonna be carrying esee product now). sweet little bugger. EXACT same sheath as the esee 3 but without the logo. molle locks and tec loc. slightly shorter handle than the esee3. these were also designed by the esee guys, and seem to be well done. think ill keep er.
 
Esee is way better than the lesser Ontario now imitation Esee. It is in all the details including a huge one, warranty. Go with Esee at all cost trust me. Been there! KNIFEABILITY-a must for all humans
 
this appears to be an older RAT-3 before RAT switched from Ontario to Rowen for manufacturing...
 
freq18hz said:
this appears to be an older RAT-3 before RAT switched from Ontario to Rowen for manufacturing...
Click to expand...

If it says "RAT-3", it's the Ontario version.

The Rowen made versions will say "RC-3" or possibly "ESEE-3".

As has been stated, there's nothing wrong with the Ontario blades. I swore by them before I was involved with ESEE and would still if the ESEE blades weren't available.

The ESEE blades are better in my somewhat biased opinion, but the Ontario will serve you well.
 
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