Revisiting Ontario RAT folders...

[timberweasel]

I've gone through several RAT-1 folders. I can never seem to keep 'em in my stable. It isn't that I don't like the RAT, it's because I do: decent steel, excellent build quality, nice grinds, great ergos, super smooth to deploy, bank vault lock-up, and fantastic price--what's not to like? I reckon these are the reasons why I've always gifted my RATs to folks I know who either needed or wanted a good knife. :thumbup:

I was curious about the RAT-2 so I added one to a recent order. What a great little folder! It made me miss my RAT-1 so I ended up ordering another one... and this time, it's gonna stay!

I think the Ontario RAT folders can hold their own next to some seriously stiff competitors. Not gonna say they're "as good as" or "better than" some more expensive knives, but I will say that I'd never look down my nose at anyone who chooses to carry a RAT.

RAT-1 comparison

RAT-2 comparison

Anyway, thanks for reading my rant!

-Brett

 

[link2derek]

For the money, they are hard to beat. They are also easy to give away if you have several....



I have gifted a few RAT folders, and all were very well received (especially by knife-guys!). The pink RAT-2 was given to my girlfriend (she's a knife-babe), and I've given 2 of the RAT-1's away to buddies who had fallen on hard times -- it's amazing how much joy a $35 folder can bring to someone down-and-out!

These are the two I carry most often:

 

[MrBoone]

I have owned the rat and was pleased with it for the money. I just received a utilitac today and it is as nice as the rat 1 but smaller. It came pretty sharp but I will probably microconvex it soon.

 

[Revival29]

Nice photos and size comparisons. I still haven't pulled the trigger on these yet but hopefully soon.

 

[link2derek]

...I still haven't pulled the trigger on these yet but hopefully soon.

The thing that sold me is the fact that the handle scales are made of Nylon 6 - the same composite material that Glocks are made of... and Glock frames are regarded as pretty much indestructible. I thought that was cool (maybe because I love my Glocks 17/19/26).

 

[paulhilborn]

I think the Ontario RAT folders can hold their own next to some seriously stiff competitors. Not gonna say they're "as good as" or "better than" some more expensive knives, but I will say that I'd never look down my nose at anyone who chooses to carry a RAT.

-Brett

I totally agree with this statement 100% :thumbup:

Paul

 

[benchwarmer380]

RAT-1 comparison

Yep I've had all four of those at one point. Still have two and carry the Rat 1 more.

 

[midnight flyer]

Had my RAT1 about 5 years or so, bought it when they first came out. Immediately assigned to my nasty cutting chores on the job site. I has served well, still locks up rock solid, and shows no sign of real wear. Of course, it doesn't look anything like the knives shown in this thread anymore. It has had the snot used out of it and it shows.

I have two complaints about this knife. First, the steel could use another point or two of hardening as the edge doesn't stay sharp long. Good for its intended use though, and the good side of the moderately hard steel is that you can literally get a workable edge on a piece of 600 gr sandpaper if you are away from your stones.

Second, the handles are quite smooth now. I mean almost polished. They are difficult to hold onto when my hands are sweaty or wet, or if my hands are really cold.

All that being said, if I lost the RAT1 I have now, I would immediately replace it with exactly the same knife. It is a dandy work knife.

Robert