Ontario Knife Co. RAT Folder

[gerleatherberman]

So, a few weeks ago, I left my $80 Kershaw knife laying on a table at work. Fortunately someone who was not a scumbag brought it to the counter and asked if it belonged to someone. Since then I have been on a crazy journey to find the perfect knife for $25 for my needs. I bought a Kershaw Filter ($14 @ wally world) and found it to be poorly made. I bought a few more cheap knives and did not like them very much. Then I started looking on Amazon and the reviews on many big knife companies. Then I stumbled onto the Ontario Knife Co. RAT I. The reviews were superior to nearly every other knife in the <$50 catagory. I liked the look, features, lack of features(I don't need spring assist and weird buttons/switches all over the knife) and a chisel ground blade.
The steel is a Japanese AUS-8 stainless with 0.75% Carbon. The hardness is measured at 55 on the scale. Won't bend easily and won't shatter just looking at it. The reviews stated a fantastic edge retention and it was said to be reasonably easy to sharpen and hone.
I ordered the green handled version from wally world and picked it up yesterday.
The blade length is 3.6"(measured from handle top to blade tip) on my caliper and the cutting edge measures 3.38" on my caliper. I weighed it at 4.913oz also. It measured 5" closed, 0.5" thick without the pocket clip, 0.7" thick with the pocket clip, 1.3" from the back of the blade to the other side of the knife.
The feel in hand is fantastic and the whole thing feels like it weighs less than 4.9oz. It feela like a 4oz knife to me. The scales are not G10, but the nylon grips offer decent grip.
The pocket clip can be relocated to the four corners of the knife for a great choice of options for EDC carry. It has a thumb stud on each side of the blade for ambidextrous use as well! The picket clip makes the knife ride deep in pocket and smooth to take in and out of the pocket. A perfect pocket clip design for thin and thick pockets.
Did I go over my $25 limit for this knife? YES. It was $28 plus tax. Do I like it as much as some of my $50+ knives? I like it more than most of them.
The knife is produced in Taiwan, but honestly, the QC seems to be the best in the budget knife world based on what I see and reading other reviews.
Ontario Knife Co. RAT 1 is a highly recommended knife for anyone who needs a strong, high quality, great fit/finish, great feel, no frills, and good looks knife. The blade is one hand and completely opens with a mild thumb flick each time right out of the box. Just a purely well made knife!

[gerleatherberman]

Two more close ups.

[Aloha]

First off good to hear your other knife was not stolen.  Second, I've heard nothing but good things from Ontario Rat knives 1 and 2.  I find no matter the cost I am still bummed at loosing anything.  I'm sick when something is stolen.  Thankfully I've not lost or had anything stolen over the years.     

[SteveC]

Great knife, I have the Rat 2 and it is sweet as well. I had a Rat 1 as well until recently but sold it to ducttapetech as it was bit to big for me. I also never carried it since I got my Sanrenmu 910 which is also a fantastic under $25 folder.

[ducttapetech]

Yeppesr, like Steve said, I got my RAT 1 from him and I love it. So much it is right up there with my SOG Vulcan.
Love the greens scales!

[styx]

That is one of those knives that more people should give a try. Myself included

[captain spaulding]

Agreed! Love the Ontario RAT and have had one for years. I can’t remember why but I had to completely disassemble mine. It went back toghether without a problem and is better than ever. I love the handle shape on the RAT 1 (is that the larger one) and the blade shape is excellent in my opinion. I really like how it has a lot of belly. All around a excellent knife and even more so when you take its cost into account.

[kirk13]

Big fan of the RAT 2 here! Great work knife

[ThePeacent]

the RATs are among the most famous, most recommended entry level folders in the world.   

For years they've dominated the sub-$30 folding knife market and have a huge fan base. They have been copied (Ganzo), homaged (ESEE Avispa and Zancudo) and upgraded (D2 steel models, dealer exclusives...) but the original ones are still there, kicking almost all competitors out of the "Budget folder" podium year after year   

[rdub934]

I just received an all-black RAT 1 and I am beyond impressed. Very well made knife - definitely a great value at $30! I kind of want another one with a non-painted blade and colored scales 

[ThePeacent]

I just received an all-black RAT 1 and I am beyond impressed. Very well made knife - definitely a great value at $30! I kind of want another one with a non-painted blade and colored scales 

Well I can't say I really want a RAT now after receiving this one yesterday... 



but they're very good ones, impressive knives (especially if you're not spoiled by high tier toys like the ZT... )