Rat vs Ontario Rat

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T. Erdelyi

T. Erdelyi

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Feb 3, 2001
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I figure there is a difference between the quality of the two, just like the Razel made by New Graham or the one made by CRK&T Co..

How much of a difference is there between the two companies interpretation of the same knife, as in the RC3 or even the holy grail, foldin' Rat offered by Ontario and not offered by RAT Cutlery themselves.

I ask because if I spend my money on something I want the best my money can buy, I recently bought an Izula but it's on back order so I have to wait or if I bought the same Item from Ontario would it reflect the same QC and higher quality products from the original mnfgr.?
 
As for your original questions, we designed both the Ontario and the RAT Cutlery line so not sure what you mean by interpretation.
 
R.A.T. said:
As for your original questions, we designed both the Ontario and the RAT Cutlery line so not sure what you mean by interpretation.
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Same designers, but NOT the same manufacturers. AFIAK, the Ontario RATS do not always meet QC and sometimes fit/finish can be kinda sloppy. They do not hold up to the current standards of RAT Cutlery/Rowen Mfg.
 
The Ontario RATs I own, and have seen and handled are nice. My D2 RAT-3 in particular is a sweet little knife. The Rowen Rats are just nicer. :thumbup:
 
Ok, we'll keep this thread open but if it gets into an Ontario bashing thread then it will be closed. The first commandment of RAT Cutlery is we do not beat up on any other company.
 
R.A.T. said:
As for your original questions, we designed both the Ontario and the RAT Cutlery line so not sure what you mean by interpretation.
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Maybe interpretation was the wrong word how about their version vs yours, like I said before New Graham makes their version of the Razel and CRK&T Co. makes a cheaper version of the same knives with a cheaper steel.

I'm just curious about the differences if there are any.

I'm not here to judge, I've never owned either, although I have owned Ontario products before and I can't complain about their quality, they've held up quite well to my use in the field.
 
The ontario rats use a phosphate coating on the 1095 steel VS. RC uses powder coating
I believe the rat3 is a tad shorter than the RC3
The Quality control on the Ontario's has been suspect to say the least...
Warranty can be a hassle thru Ontario,RAT Cutlery no issues mail said RC piece back with YOUR info an replacement inbound.
RAT Cutlery & Rowen teamed up and are putting out some Great blades and more stuff to come !!
 
T. Erdelyi said:
I figure there is a difference between the quality of the two, just like the Razel made by New Graham or the one made by CRK&T Co..

How much of a difference is there between the two companies interpretation of the same knife, as in the RC3 or even the holy grail, foldin' Rat offered by Ontario and not offered by RAT Cutlery themselves.

I ask because if I spend my money on something I want the best my money can buy, I recently bought an Izula but it's on back order so I have to wait or if I bought the same Item from Ontario would it reflect the same QC and higher quality products from the original mnfgr.?
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What kind of answers do you really expect by such a post on this forum??
Why don't you just go out and try both brands and make up your own mind?
 
rayban said:
What kind of answers do you really expect by such a post on this forum??
Why don't you just go out and try both brands and make up your own mind?
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Honorable people post honest opinions, that's why I asked here also I have limited funds so I can't really afford both right now so I saw no harm in asking here since there is no Ontario Forum here.
 
rayban said:
What kind of answers do you really expect by such a post on this forum??
Why don't you just go out and try both brands and make up your own mind?
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I had a RAT 7 for several years(I had every Ontario RAT made)....I like it but the phospate coating came off cutting a few 1/4" diameter limbs I mean not scratches or rub marks I meant to the metal and the sheath was subpar. the plastic linear inside the nylon sheath rattled, so I did what you mentioned as soon as RAT Cutlery hit the market I purchased a RC3 and soon followed up with one of each RAT Cutlery blade as I sold off my Ontario's...:D Like I said better anyway you look at it but be my guess try the Ontario's 1st. and you'll do the same thing I did Trade 'em or sale'em to obtain RAT Cutlery blades, I was saving you shipping cost :p
 
I've own both ontario rats and RC Rats. The ontarios have served me well but i prefer the fit and finish, consistency, and overall quality of the RC Rats.
 
rayban said:
What kind of answers do you really expect by such a post on this forum??
Why don't you just go out and try both brands and make up your own mind?
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I think the poster has every right to post an honest question. Don't you?
 
I'd say stick with the Rat cutlery line-up...you won't be let down and the warranty can't be beat.
It's a bummer your Izula is back ordered but rest assured when it come it will have been worth the wait :)
 
Anything worth havin's worth waitin' for.

Hearin' it and typin' it out doesn't make waitin' any easier but wait I will and play I will when it comes. :)
 
rayban said:
Sure, and worthy of an honest response, right??
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I think owning, and currently using knives from both companies makes me able to give an honest reply. Since it seems quite a few of us own and use both companies knives, what's your issue with us commenting on them?

As for the op- it's mostly been covered. Ontario knives are good quality. Rc are superior in fit and finish, and general production. Just to prove I don't have some Kool-aid drinking bias, I've got an Ontario rtak ii straped to my pack, and I wail on it.
 
i've owned and used both, now i'm exclusively a Rowen RAT man due to the same reasons as monkeyfist. plus, you can't beat the RAT warranty.
 
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