The future of RAT

Tony, designing a survival rifle has always been my dream but it is so difficult to get your foot in the door with the major companies. Speaking of that, I just found out my Pak Rifle sample is at my gun store so I am going to pick it up tomorrow for the SWAT review.

There are a lot of ideas/concepts that have not been fully explored in the survival market. As with the knife industry, everyone just keeps selling the same ol' stuff.
 
I agree the survival /outdoor market has gotten dull in my eyes.... So many knives to choose from beyond that it really drops off. I like to see a knife company develop proven knives (as you have) then branch out and develop PSK to go with your blades,packs,sheaths,and other gear .To me you can only spit out so many knife designs and people tend to buy what works unless they are using them for display... something I shy away from I want knives & Gear to use and depend on and being from the same company is a big plus to me..... I would not second guess gear being release by RAT....
I can not wait to see what the future holds for all of us from RAT
 
I like the sound of your plan. You won't need any completely different knives; just slight variations on what you have. My top hopes are for the clip points, a rounded pommel on the RC-5, and maybe someday A2 or O1 in addition to 1095.

I'd like to second the nomination for practical survival clothing. I am always cobbling together clothing from milsurp, the climbing community, dogsledders, backpackers, etc. But none of it is quite oriented in the right direction.
 
texastonydobbs said:
I agree the survival /outdoor market has gotten dull in my eyes.... So many knives to choose from beyond that it really drops off. I like to see a knife company develop proven knives (as you have) then branch out and develop PSK to go with your blades,packs,sheaths,and other gear .To me you can only spit out so many knife designs and people tend to buy what works unless they are using them for display... something I shy away from I want knives & Gear to use and depend on and being from the same company is a big plus to me..... I would not second guess gear being release by RAT....
I can not wait to see what the future holds for all of us from RAT
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Well said Tony. :thumbup:

It soon becomes like Beanie Babies for adults, when companies start pumping out designs just to have one more with their logo on it to throw to the masses to hang on the wall..... I USE ALL MY GEAR.

Now there is nothing wrong with being a collector, and loving a particular style or brand, but for me I want utility, value and gear aimed to be used. :thumbup:

PS- A RAT survival gun would be really cool, and I look forward to that issue of SWAT with the pack rifle article.
 
XMP said:
I'd like to second the nomination for practical survival clothing. I am always cobbling together clothing from milsurp, the climbing community, dogsledders, backpackers, etc. But none of it is quite oriented in the right direction.
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We park our cars in the same garage my friend. Im the exact same way. :thumbup:
 
Good idea, so you won't become a parody of yourselves by making what ever crap that sticks to the drawing board.

I'd like to see more survival kits too or at least a more options.
Like a fixed blade kit or something like that.
 
Wouldn't mind a high quality 22/410 double barrel breaker with a synth stock. But yea, breaking into that quagmire is daunting.
 
R.A.T. said:
Tony, designing a survival rifle has always been my dream but it is so difficult to get your foot in the door with the major companies. Speaking of that, I just found out my Pak Rifle sample is at my gun store so I am going to pick it up tomorrow for the SWAT review.
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Who knows--maybe the crew behind the Pak Rifle would be interested in such a collaboration? :)

Looking forward to what the future will bring. I agree with the clothing, as well.:thumbup:
 
I understand the firearm issue ,let side step that for a bit and look at maybe developing a Survival minded Stock instead ,let's not reinvent the rifle but the Stock itself. maybe model it towards the Marlin papoose or Ruger 10/22.
If I could get a Survival stock per say I have a pair of 10/22's all I need is a good survival stock to houses a few items.I have a few ideas rattling around in my head
 
I'm excited to hear you networking with great North American survival experts. I would love to see more survival training options for mountain and desert terrain. Your products are world class, and I can't wait ot see you develop your business model.
 
Sounds like a good plan to me. The sheathing is the weak link in many otherwise good knives. I have always had good luck with Spec-Ops brand sheaths, but most of theirs are for larger combat type knives. I like the kydex provided with the RC-4. It is tough and versatile. It's a major component of the knife, IMO. As a collector, I have way too many knives, but I have fun comparing them. All anyone really needs is one big one (a machete) and one small one (usually a folder). Some folks don't like stainless steel knives, but living down here on a salt marsh makes me appreciate good stainless ones. A stainless RC-4 in 154CM or even 440C would be great. And the stepped up training is great, too. Some folks don't really have much of a chance to learn the skills you teach any other way.
 
Honestly, Jeff, as far as a versatile line of knives goes, I think RAT really has its bases covered. I can see why you would consider making a transition. Thanks for making quality knives that people can afford and standing behind products like you do.

Quality, affordable products that are made to be USED are getting harder and harder to find. You're right about knife sheaths. Cheap nylon sheaths with a strap that goes around the handle and snaps make me want to vomit. Even some leather sheaths are riveted together instead of sewn and the rivets add nothing except making it $1 cheaper. Too much junk and too many gimmicks out there.

Whatever RAT puts out, I'm sure will be well thought out and I'm looking forward to it.
 
That sounds like a good plan, I would hate for you to exhaust production of functional knives and turn to fantasy blade work. Your efforts are best spent applicable and true to your skill set.

Sounds great. :D
 
That sounds like a great plan that you guys have set out for RAT! It's great to hear that you'll be branching out to soft goods, optional equipment, and expanding upon your survival training. One of these days I'll make it out to one of your classes. I think you guys have a very bright future ahead for yourselves!!!

I can't wait to see that pack your talking about!
 
If RAT was only about knives, I wouldn't spend nearly as much time as I do reading this forum. I am really excited to see what you come up with!
 
Great stuff! I was just looking at my new (to me) Swamp Rat Bandicoot and thinking about kydex to attach to you molle back!

It would all be a welcome addition!
 
I think it's awesome that you're going to be branching out into other kinds of gear. With the knives you make now, plus the ones you have coming up, pretty much all cutlery bases are covered. You can be sure that whatever you guys decide to put out, folks around here will buy it.
 
Tony, we presented that idea to a well known tactical molding company a couple of years ago and got absolutely no where with it.
 
R.A.T. said:
Tony, we presented that idea to a well known tactical molding company a couple of years ago and got absolutely no where with it.
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That Sucks :thumbdn:......... I need one , I guess I am back to the drawing board picking up old wooded 10/22 stocks and moding them... or expanding my Butler creek folder with max bags but it gets to bulky or loosen up after a hard day ?
 
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