Rat vs Ontario Rat

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I've got a couple Ontario RATs (RAT-5 and RAT-7), the RAT-7 was my goto knife for quite a few years (1095 version). My biggest gripe with the RAT-7 is the tip: there isn't one, it's ground to a 90 degree wedge. The sheaths aren't great, but they work. I just went out and bought Spec-Ops sheaths for them.

RAT RCs? Well, you get a better warranty, tougher finish (the fit on my Ontarios was perfect, just like the RATs, so there was no difference there for me), more consistant heat treat, and the best sheaths on the market.

IMO the RAT RCs are worth the premium over the Ontarios. Even if the performance difference isn't enough for you, the sheaths are worth more than the difference in cost.
 
Like many people here I have bought a lesser knife just to satisfy a yen for something new only to find myself buyin' the better knife in the end.

So now I do the research, (at least as much as possible) to avoid wastin' my hard earned money :).

Places like this tend to ferret out the lesser of the products based on users opinions but just like any professional when asked about the work of another, if the response is to trash the competitor than I tend not to value the opinion as much.

There's a way to critique another persons work/product while maintainin' a professional demeanor without soundin' like someone with a chip on their shoulder.

I value the opinions of many people here who are way more experienced on many more topics than me, now if ya wanna talk good eatin' I'm your man. ;)
 
i like to support a company that i feel is worthy of my money and rat cutlery is by far the best company i have dealt with. amazing CS and amazing personel! got with Rat Cutlery!
 
I had a Rat-5 that I got rid of, this was before I knew about RC knives. The fit and finish of that one was not up to par. I replaced it with a TAK it was better, I still have this one and don't plan on selling it. I like the TAK a lot and still use it some but the RC5 replaced that for the big stuff that I used that one for. I'll keep it but the finish on the RC/Rowen is a lot nicer.. to me! ... add in the great customer service and warranty and I am a customer for life! Jeff's straight forward outlook is great bonus also!
 
I have no complaints about my RAT-1 folder. Probably the best $40 I've ever spent on a liner-lock (it not the nicest folder I own, but it is most worth the money). Ontario makes a great knife. The company is, like everyone else in this economy, trying to balance morals and profit. I feel that Ontario is an honest company, they stand behind their products exactly as much as they feel they need to.

RAT cutlery does the same thing. The difference is that RAT makes no compromise in quality, or customer service. They are, by design, a company that is small enough that no ground must be given, no sacrifices made, either for the sake of profit or their moral obligation to provide a good product. The trade off is price. In life, you get what you pay for. If you underpay, either the product is misrepresented and the quality is not worth the asking price, or the company is not operating within an sustainable framework; a lifetime warranty is no good if the company goes bust.

RAT should keep doing what they do. Ontario should too, hell so should Frosts cutlery and Schrade. There is a place for each business philosophy, but feel confident that I, and those who share my mindset, will continue to pay for quality, and support business that we believe in along the way.
 
I had the same question but did not if I could ask it. Thanks for the responses & for starting this thread.
 
I have to say I love my rats and I love my ontarios (no rats but several machetes and "camillus" patterns)
I dont think there is a perfect knife but if it does what I ask then its useful to me.
One thing that really sells me on RAT Cutlery and Rowen is the integrity.
Not only will Jeff not talk down anyone he will not allow others to do it either.
Awesome! I dont care who you are you have to respect that.
 
Thanks for all your responses and thanks for not turnin' this into a flamewar, you all gave me a lot to think about.

I don't want this thread to degrade into a pis*n' contest so for now I'm gonna close this thread.

For some reason people pull up threads like this and without readin' all the replies start wars, I don't want to see that happen as there were alot of good advice here so thanks again all.

BTW you'll hear more from me when my knife arrives, probably even before.
 
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