Rat vs ESEE 3 inch edc

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Feb 1, 2015
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I have had a Rat 3 in D2 for quite some time now but I just started to carry it. The sheath fit so tight that it would pull off of my belt every time I tried to draw it. I finally got around to modding the sheath so it still retain the knife but now I can draw it without an issue. I love how it carries in this sheath. I can barely feel it on my side and I can draw it easily when I need it.



My only issue is that lately I have come to prefer uncoated blades. I have been looking at an Esee 3 like this one...

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/RC...-uncoated-blade-coyote-brown-sheath-boot-clip

I dont mind the D2 blade on my Rat. It has taken one heck of a great edge and seems to keep it well. I also wouldn't mind the 1095 on the ESEE. I guess I would probably pick the 1095 over the D2 but I can sharpen and use both equally.
My question is this... Is there any real difference between my Rat 3 and the ESEE 3? Should I buy the ESEE for my edc?
 
Well, ESEE is what got me into "high end" knives (well $100+) simply because of their warranty. You break it, they replace it. There are very few companies that even come close to that.

That said, I believe the RAT sheaths and the ESEE sheaths are interchangeable for that model for that model. I'm also not a huge steel snob so 1095 vs D2 is more of a preference than anything else. Also, using radioshack etching solution and various kinds of stripping solutions is pretty common for ESEE knives.
 
Thanks for your input. I only asked because I read on hear that ESEE made some upgrades from the Rat line. I just wanted to know if there were significant differences or not.
 
I belive there were upgrades made between the rat days and the Esee days, namely fit/finish and heat treat of the 1095. That said, you have d2 so the heat treat upgrade doesn't apply. In effect you have an Esee already since this was when randle adventure training knives was being made for them by ontario. Same warranty unlike the current offerings from Ontario. If it were me I probably wouldn't upgrade just for the steel and coating.

As for the coating, it is quite easy to strip. There are plenty of tutorials out there. I did it on an Esee 5 with very good results.
 
Thanks. I might strip it. I like the feel of the handle and the d2 took a fantastic edge. It is a really nice edc knife.
 
I carried an ESSE 3 Mil-Spec for a long time and wish I had it again. It was several years ago so unless they have changed the model I can say it's a nice knife. When I selected mine over the Ontario equivalent at the time it was based mainly on the 'Mil Spec' features.

Handle difference would be my only concern before buying. I think Rowen used to do their HT...not sure if that still applies or not.
 
In hand you really won't notice a difference. If you strip your Ontario you may want to Cold Blue it. I have used cold blue on high carbon steel blades with great results.
 
I will have not take off the handles and check it out.

I bought this when there was no ESEE equivalent. I am happy with the knife. It is comfortable and sharp. I'm not going to worry about it. It just wondered if there were some differences that I didn't know about. If the ESEE was somehow significantly better, I would change. I dont think that is the case now though.
 
EChoil said:
I carried an ESSE 3 Mil-Spec for a long time and wish I had it again. It was several years ago so unless they have changed the model I can say it's a nice knife. When I selected mine over the Ontario equivalent at the time it was based mainly on the 'Mil Spec' features.

Handle difference would be my only concern before buying. I think Rowen used to do their HT...not sure if that still applies or not.
Click to expand...

You have this a bit backwards. I believe this knife is from when Randell's Adventure Training had Ontario making their blades. The RAT 3 in question is what turned into the RC-3 and then Esee 3 after Randell's Adventure Training (Rowen?) split from Ontario.

I believe Esee would honor their warranty with the knife in the OP. It is essentially and Esee.
 
craytab said:
You have this a bit backwards. I believe this knife is from when Randell's Adventure Training had Ontario making their blades. The RAT 3 in question is what turned into the RC-3 and then Esee 3 after Randell's Adventure Training (Rowen?) split from Ontario.

I believe Esee would honor their warranty with the knife in the OP. It is essentially and Esee.
Click to expand...

A quick look at the ESEE website and you will get an idea of how they will cover their Ontario made knives:

"Randall's Adventure & Training only guarantees and offers customer service on knives built by ESEE Knives (Formerly RAT Cutlery Company) and any knife manufactured by RAT Cutlery Company before the name changed to ESEE Knives. Randall's Adventure & Training does not guarantee or offer any customer service for knives that are manufactured by any other company. Randall's Adventure & Training does not guarantee or offer a warranty on any knife manufactured by Ontario Knife Company. Please view the history page for more information."


As far as the main difference between the RAT-3 and the ESEE-3/RC-3 is the ESEE/RC handle is about 3/8" longer than the RAT (Ont.) and the heat treat, fit & finish and warranty is waaaaaay better.
 
I've carried both with similar results - the only difference (other than steel type possibly) is that the ESEE's seem to have a bit less of a sweep in the belly and come to a bit more of a point. You can see the small difference between these two:

 
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