Ontario RAT-1
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:14 pm
Time to revive this section with a new review.
I recently ordered an Ontario RAT-1 as a new EDC knife. It's going to replace my older Buck 110. I'll still carry the Buck here and there and it's not going to be fully retired, but the RAT-1 is a better choice for me for EDC. It offers better carry options and it's much lighter.
I still own my TAK-1 Fixed blade as well, which I love, so adding another Ontario knife was a no-brainer.
RAT-1
3.5" blade. 5" length when closed.
G10 scales
Liner lock mechanism
Quality:
Top notch. G10 scales look good, the fit and finish is very good. The lockup is as tight as a bank vault with zero play in the blade, whether sideways or up and down. The action is smooth and can be flicked open easily. The action rides on teflon/bronze bushings (from what i gather online), which makes it durable, tight and smooth. Belt clip can be position at all 4 sides and corners of the knife, allowing versatility in carry options. The clip is made from hardened steel like the blade and is very durable.
Blade is supremely sharp out of the box. Shaves arm hairs readily (knife mange). Steel is AUS8, which is mid-range steel, but by no means sub-par. I'd only expect better steel if I was spending over $65 on a knife in this class.
Versatility:
This is a drop point blade, which I find to be most appealing for me and my uses. I despise combo edges (serrated and plain together) on knives, so mine is a plain edge but loses little versatility in my applications. It is rough-duty folder, which is made beefy enough to deal with heavier tasks. To achieve this, it's a bit hefty at 5oz (most folders of similar size are below 4oz), however this has no meaning to me. I prefer a more robust knife vs. an ounce of weight savings.
Durability:
Remains to be proven, however knowing Ontario's quality products and having read online reviews, I don't expect any problems or worries at all.
Price:
Outstanding. It was originally a $70 knife when it was released a few years ago, however these days it sells for $35 or so. I got it for $36 and change shipped.
Stock picture off the internet. It's the exact color combo I own.
I recently ordered an Ontario RAT-1 as a new EDC knife. It's going to replace my older Buck 110. I'll still carry the Buck here and there and it's not going to be fully retired, but the RAT-1 is a better choice for me for EDC. It offers better carry options and it's much lighter.
I still own my TAK-1 Fixed blade as well, which I love, so adding another Ontario knife was a no-brainer.
RAT-1
3.5" blade. 5" length when closed.
G10 scales
Liner lock mechanism
Quality:
Top notch. G10 scales look good, the fit and finish is very good. The lockup is as tight as a bank vault with zero play in the blade, whether sideways or up and down. The action is smooth and can be flicked open easily. The action rides on teflon/bronze bushings (from what i gather online), which makes it durable, tight and smooth. Belt clip can be position at all 4 sides and corners of the knife, allowing versatility in carry options. The clip is made from hardened steel like the blade and is very durable.
Blade is supremely sharp out of the box. Shaves arm hairs readily (knife mange). Steel is AUS8, which is mid-range steel, but by no means sub-par. I'd only expect better steel if I was spending over $65 on a knife in this class.
Versatility:
This is a drop point blade, which I find to be most appealing for me and my uses. I despise combo edges (serrated and plain together) on knives, so mine is a plain edge but loses little versatility in my applications. It is rough-duty folder, which is made beefy enough to deal with heavier tasks. To achieve this, it's a bit hefty at 5oz (most folders of similar size are below 4oz), however this has no meaning to me. I prefer a more robust knife vs. an ounce of weight savings.
Durability:
Remains to be proven, however knowing Ontario's quality products and having read online reviews, I don't expect any problems or worries at all.
Price:
Outstanding. It was originally a $70 knife when it was released a few years ago, however these days it sells for $35 or so. I got it for $36 and change shipped.
Stock picture off the internet. It's the exact color combo I own.