RATS, Old & New

Horn Dog

Horn Dog

Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
4,363
I've been collecting RAT knives for a while. Until recently I had more of the old Ontario RATs than the new Rowen ones. I never did get the TAK or the RAT-5, as I was waiting on the new Rowen RC-4 and RC-5. I did get a RAT-3, but the handle didn't fit me and a curvy school teacher babe talked me out of it. Finally, I have more of the new RATs than old RATs.
RATS001-1.jpg

RATS002-1.jpg

My first RAT Cutlery model was the RC-4 with serrations. I ground them off and made a recurve out of it.
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Recently, I got two more RC-4s (one is my daughter's), a RC-6, and RC-5. And I got a HEST. When I get the RAT Pack knife, I'll have a RC-3.
RATS003.jpg

I still have my 1st Production Run Model 1 folder. I have never used it, as I have a Busse Swamp Rat folder (Blade-tech) that I carry. I still find a folder handier to carry than a small fixed blade. I may get an Izula just for the heck of it. Maybe I can lash it to my new Junglas machete sheath or something.
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I still use my RTAKs on occasion. I like the new RC-10 Junglas Machete design better, I think. And these are just my RATS. I have a bunch of Busses, Beckers, Swamp Rats, Rangers, and Scrap Yards, too. I hope 1095, 52100, 5160, and INFI go up as much as gold has. I'll be rich. :D
 
Longknife3 said:
Nice collection HD, and I like that they are all users!!:thumbup:
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Thanks. All are users except the folder. But it's good knife with a nice thick liner and flat ground blade. I'm really looking forward to the new American made RAT folder, especially if it comes out like the picture Jeff posted of the design.
 
I was going to say Vic, "where's your Izula?" ;)

It's a great little workhorse, but as Jeff always says, "No one NEEDS one."

You're collection just seems incomplete without it. :)
 
Very nice pics but I don't see any Izula's. IMHO it's the best RAT. It appears you could afford a couple of them at $50 each. : )
 
hoopster said:
Very nice pics but I don't see any Izula's. IMHO it's the best RAT. It appears you could afford a couple of them at $50 each. : )
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If I really wanted one, I guess I'd have one already. I'm more of a folder person for EDC. I'll probably get one once the handles are available. I don't want a knife without a handle on it. :D
 
Nice collection HD - I have a RAT folder, a RAT-3 D2, 2 TAKS and a RAT-7. One of the TAKs has hundreds of hiking miles on my hip and STILL looks new after inumerable cuts, hacks, slashes, etc, etc. It's not PC to talk about anymore but they're good knives.

RAT Pack # 177
 
NJ Tom said:
Nice collection HD - I have a RAT folder, a RAT-3 D2, 2 TAKS and a RAT-7. One of the TAKs has hundreds of hiking miles on my hip and STILL looks new after inumerable cuts, hacks, slashes, etc, etc. It's not PC to talk about anymore but they're good knives.

RAT Pack # 177
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The way I see it, they are still good knives. Now we have a new manufacturer, but my Ontarios still work fine for me. The Rowens do seem a little nicer, but they're all RATs to me. I still see the Ontario RATs for sale but I only get the Rowens now.
 
Horn Dog said:
The way I see it, they are still good knives. Now we have a new manufacturer, but my Ontarios still work fine for me. The Rowens do seem a little nicer, but they're all RATs to me. I still see the Ontario RATs for sale but I only get the Rowens now.
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+1 for this. While the RC-3 and the Izula have taken my TAK-1's place, it isnt because my TAK wasn't/isn't a great knife, it is only because I happen to prefer the RC-3.

Great collection HD!
 
New to the Rat line and I must say I'm getting one soon. Did Ontario first make the rat knifes then switch to Rowen? Is Rowen a knife maker with there own line of knives or do they just make Rats?
 
What a great looking collection!!! I'd really like to see your whole collection, I'm sure that's quite a site!!!
 
jnanson said:
New to the Rat line and I must say I'm getting one soon. Did Ontario first make the rat knifes then switch to Rowen? Is Rowen a knife maker with there own line of knives or do they just make Rats?
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Actually, I think there were a few others as well, but not in the quantity Ontario did. Jeff wanted a smaller company to do it so he could improve the quality control and make changes faster if necessary, so he started RAT Cutlery after his contract with Ontario expired. He chose Rowen Manufacturing to make them. I don't know if Rowen makes any other knives or not. Well, they did make the HEST and that's a Pelton design. They are not a well known cutlery company like Ontario. There was a disagreement on the the rights to the RAT name and I don't know where all that ended up, but I understand that Jeff still gets royalties on the Ontario/RAT knives sold. Most of us think the Rowen made ones are a bit better. Fit and finish is better for sure.
 
Horn Dog said:
I don't know if Rowen makes any other knives or not.
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I saw a Youtube video review on the Tops 111a Steel Eagle knife, a big blade, and the person reviewing the blade said ...'Rowen, who also produces RC knives, makes the Tops line, thats why they are built so well'. here is the link if you want to hear him say this. I emailed Tops to confirm but no response.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1yYoalB1U8
 
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