What exactly is the relationship between these companies?

GarnetandBlack

GarnetandBlack

Joined
Dec 1, 2012
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Hey yall, so I've noticed that there is some relationship (or appears to be) between ESEE, R.A.T., Rat Knives, Becker and Ontario. Whats the deal? i've seen some history blurbs here and there and it seems some were affiliated at some point and then split, or something of that nature. Anyone have a concise answer?
 
ESEE = RAT Knives. There was a name change. RAT now refers to their training classes and such.

They used to be made by Ontario (i.e., RAT designs manufactured by Ontario) but split off and are now made by Rowen.

Awhile back someone here (can't remember the name, sorry) decided he liked the Becker BK14 blade and ESEE Izula handle so put them together. It was a well received idea and ended up being produced as the BK11 ESKABAR.
 
A knife designer needs a knife maker. Jeff Randall started Randall Adventure Training, aka R.A.T and those knives were at one time made by Ontario Knife Company. RAT split away from OKC, some knives were still made as RAT knives for a little while. Then, they decided to changed the name to avoid confusion, thus ESEE was born. ESEE knives are made by Rowen.
Becker Knives were made by Camillus at one time, but are now made by Ka-Bar. To my knowledge, the only relationship between ESEE and Becker seems to be one of friendly competition. Jeff and Ethan know each other, and I've read some old posts where they were having fun insulting one another's knives, in a good natured way.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that knife, I own the BK-14!
 
Okay, that definitely clears the water up. Is there any additional connection with Swamp Rat Knife Works? the knives look somewhat similar and the name also got me wondering.

EDIT: BTW, thank you both so much for the info, much appreciated.
 
Swamp Rat is a Busse knife company, I think its run by his cousin ?
No connection to ESEE that I know of
 
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