So I walk into my local knife shop...

[Grover6]

I get looking around to see what the owner has, when I spot 3 knives at the back corner of a display case. There is a familiar symbol on the blades, but I can't quite place it.

I ask to see one of the blades, which turn out to be RAT 1 folders. Now I know not really exceptional in and of itself, but then I turn the knife over and on the back side I see "First production run" printed on the blade. I have been into this shop dozens of times over the years and have never seen these before. The owner is a bit eccentric, so I have no doubt he had them stashed away somewhere, forgotten until recently.

Too bad he is asking way more than you can get them for now. I don't think they have become collectors items yet, although the markings are kinda cool.

 

[alsj727]

The RAT 1 folder is made by the Ontario Knife Co. not Rowen so it's not an ESEE knife. The blade is Aus 8, liner lock, handle I beleive is G10. Lanyard hole. RAT logo on the box and the blade. Not a bad looking knife. I'm just waiting for the Izula folder, hope it' comes out soon. Hate waiting:grumpy:

 

[MikeyJ]

I have a RAT folder made by Ontario. You're right, it's not an ESEE knife. However, it is still quite a beater! It's been my EDC folder for several years now. Now, if there is an Izula folder in the works, this knife would get retired!

 

[R.A.T.]

The Model 1 was a good design and there are quite a few of them in service and not much negative feedback on them. I think Ontario is still selling these.