RAT's 1095 vs. Ontario's (or Becker's)

K

komondor

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Jul 2, 2001
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Is there a distinct improvement of the 1095 and/or heat-treating that R.A.T. uses over the previous steels from Ontario/Becker?

I ask because the hype over the RATs seems to be pretty extreme (I use 'hype' in a good way). I also noticed the testing on Knifetests.com with the RC-4 indicated a very decent level of toughness; whereas the BK9 did not fair so well.

The RC-4 and new RC-5 look like terrific hard-use field knives. The prices seem great for all that you get. I also just ordered two Izula kits, should be here next week.
 
The heat treat is indeed far superior on the RAT cutlery knives.

The fit and finish on the RC knives is also far superior.

Once you purchase and use one of the RAT knives you'll find out thereisn't any hype involved. They are just producing a very high quality product at a veryreasonable price, and not cutting any corners doing it.

Then there is how the company does business. That is even more impressive than the blades they produce.
 
Well, I can't say much about Ontario's heat treat, as I've not used any of their RAT knives, but Rowen does an excellent heat treat on the 1095. Of the 3 RAT Cutlery blades I have the heat treats are all consistent and great.

You will also find the fit and finish on the RAT Cutlery knives to be truly better than the Ontario models. That I do know, having handled both.
 
If I'm not mistaken, Rowen uses a differential heat treat, making the edge of the blade harder than the spine. This increases the overall flexability and toughness of the blade without sacrificing edge retention.

The RC series are also hardened to around 56 (I think), which is lower than alot of factory blades, making the edge more resistant to chipping and breaking and making it easier to resharpen in the field.

The lower rc hardness gives up a bit of edge holding, but makes for a good compromise between ease of sharpening and edge holding.

Combine all of that with a good, versitle sheathing system, great ergos, superior fit and finish and the best warranty in the business and you end up with alot of happy customers.

Well, I've done my shilling for the day.:D
 
Thanks for all the answers, everyone!

I'm really digging this company. I should be getting the 2 Izulas in a couple days. I had yet to fill that gap for small, rugged fixed blade field knife-- for ease of carry while hiking and smaller chores.

However, I really want that new RC-5. It looks like a compact beast. The value seems off the charts, too. The problem is, I don't need it. I just bought a brand new 8" Busse NMSFNO LE blade for my main outdoor blade.

So how do I justify the RC-5? Where exactly can it fit in the spectrum of my knife needs?

If your answer is good enough, I might buy one.

BTW, the sheath that comes with the RC-5 looks very high quality, but that knife is just begging for a good kydex rig. It's the perfect kydex type of knife. You know what I mean?
 
komondor said:
Thanks for all the answers, everyone!

I'm really digging this company. I should be getting the 2 Izulas in a couple days. I had yet to fill that gap for small, rugged fixed blade field knife-- for ease of carry while hiking and smaller chores.

However, I really want that new RC-5. It looks like a compact beast. The value seems off the charts, too. The problem is, I don't need it. I just bought a brand new 8" Busse NMSFNO LE blade for my main outdoor blade.

So how do I justify the RC-5? Where exactly can it fit in the spectrum of my knife needs?

If your answer is good enough, I might buy one.

BTW, the sheath that comes with the RC-5 looks very high quality, but that knife is just begging for a good kydex rig. It's the perfect kydex type of knife. You know what I mean?
Click to expand...

"Need". hehe. Thats funny. :D


Just get one anyway. Only then can you see if INFI truly is that much greater than good ol'1095 with a proper heat treat.
 
komondor said:
If your answer is good enough, I might buy one.
Click to expand...

Congrats on the infi komondor. Here is your reason. Your Busse's blade is 8", this one is 5" - what more justification do you need???? ;)
 
komondor said:
Is there a distinct improvement of the 1095 and/or heat-treating that R.A.T. uses over the previous steels from Ontario/Becker?

I ask because the hype over the RATs seems to be pretty extreme (I use 'hype' in a good way). I also noticed the testing on Knifetests.com with the RC-4 indicated a very decent level of toughness; whereas the BK9 did not fair so well.
Click to expand...

Just so you know. Ontario doesn't make the Becker line. They are currently being made by Ka-Bar from modified 1095. Before that Camillus made them, and before that Blackjack. The one in the video was made by Camillus.
 
I'm a big fan of RATs 1095 and their Heat treat. But, KA BARS/Beckers 1095 Cro van (adds strength but a little less edge retention) is pretty good stuff too, as is their heat treat. It's pretty well known the RAT And KA BAR are 2 of the best heat treaters out there.
 
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