Is the Ontario Rat STILL a GOOD Knife? Is It STILL Worth Buying in 2020?
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**DISCLAIMER** This channel's content is meant for educational purposes only, and encourages the proper/safe use, handling, and understanding of tools. #everydaycarry #edc - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
My brother-in-law is a mechanic and I decided he would be a perfect fit for the knife hobby. So just a couple weeks ago, I bought him a DLC coated Rat II in Aus-8. I saw him a week later and there were scuffs in the DLC, the pocket clip was all banged up and the edge was pretty much dull, aka he was REALLY using it and he asked Richie and I to sharpen it for him. He started asking questions about knives: blade steels, the edge, different deployment options etc. I was so happy to see him actually use it and he loved it! We gave him a strop so he can touch up his edges and he's going to buy a work sharp! Felt good to see him so happy with his knife. That Rat is definitely the best go-to for new knife users!
The law of diminishing returns is alive and well in the knife world. Value wise, the Rat 1 and 2 are the kings. The wheel turns, don’t need to reinvent it.
Bought a Rat 2 - 5 years ago, love it.
I have lost it twice, left it outside for a winter, never clean it,
It’s easy to sharpen, holds a edge. And I still carry it every day. Or it stays in my truck.
Nothing wrong with Aus8, yes I own A spyderco and a bench made.
Not saying it’s my fav, but it a great knife
Any rust on it?
Well what IS your favorite ??
There's so many great budget knives now but the Rat is still one of the best. They are really tough, fit n finish is pretty good, and they are comfortable in hand. Great video MC.
I got the Rat2D2 a couple of years ago. It is still a beater. Right now it's my car knife, sitting in a little cubby, sharp and ready to use.
Ever have to oil it?
@@stampstepper2393 It's been in my car for about a year and it's still fine. Still very smooth action. I don't use it a lot, it's there as a backup in case I forget to grab something on the way out the door, which isn't often.
One of the best pound for pound on earth.
Or a keychain sized version called the "mouse"
@@metal_complex thats brilliant lol
You got that right.
Possibly of all time. 💯
I carry my Rat1 in Aus8 everyday. Was given to me by an friend who carried it
when he was stationed in Afgan. Just had it out in the forest the other morning
batoning wood and striking a ferro rod
to make me a cup of coffee. Luv this knive.
I've been carrying one for over 10 years, so yeah id say I'm a fan. its a great utility blade and can handle hard use. its also a great hunting and fishing blade because of its size and how easy it is to clean. because of its price its not a knife that I'm going to get to upset over if I loose or damage it but I would love to see a higher end version released.
Exactly! Cost, blade shape, size, bang-for-the-buck, etc. It carries so much smaller than it is. Much thinner than Benchmade and easier to open than most Spydercos. Own all three brands but EDC the RAT1
Just bought my first rat over the weekend. Super stoked, especially seeing how customizable they are and there's a m390 blade coming out for it.
Could you share where i can customize one?
I love mine. I feel it punches well above its price class.
Yep 💯
I have a Rat 1 I got about 10-12 years ago. Back when they were still the Randall’s Adventure Training 1 and a model 1 I bought 2 years ago and the only difference between them are the logo and scale color. They certainly haven’t changed much about them, which isn’t a bad thing. These knives do their job exceptionally well.
I have 4 Rat-1 knives and 3 Rat-2 knives, they are great !
All in aus-8.
Rat-2 is the perfect EDC knife for me.
For hiking and camping, the Rat-1 is my favorite.
Ontario: do not change the knives, they are fine.
Love the lanyard hole, always have some paracord with a big knot, which makes pulling the knife out of the pocket much easier.
Highly recommend these knives !
Used a d2 rat 2 for a long time. I have Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, I just found a Rat 1 with a partial serrated for sale, instantly bought it. I cut a ton of boxes, rope, ties etc. I’m so excited for it to be my edc for work, they are just work horses.
Nice refresher... keep up the great videos. Thanks MC.
Just got my AUS8 Rat 2. Very tight at first. Worked the action open and closed a couple dozen times and it’s so smooth now. Came with clip set for tip down, swapping that to tip up today 🤣. Overall very tight all around. Feels better than some higher priced budget knives I have. No downsides!
Hey dude. Just wanted to say I found this vid right after I ordered my RAT II, and you were the first person I had seen mention Civivi.
Few months later, I now have a fixed blade elementum.
Thanks for turning me onto them.
I honestly really love both, but if I had to choose 1, it would be the Civivi, but, its a 30 vs 80 knife so, not totally a fair comparison. :)
i'm one of your 1 in 3 people that bought it and now it is dedicated to my camping kit! As you say, it's just a great and durable tool! I still love my Rat 2 D2 and heat treat on mine is very good...took a nice mirror edge and holds it well in my opinion. You are right on the deficiencies ...cheap scales with a crazy number of screws and holes drilled for every clip config , outdated ergonomics but you can't make me not like it :-)
I have Spydercos, etc., and picked up a Rat 1 in D2 recently. It's not thick, it's not wide, it's not overly heavy, it's sharp, its handle works really well with my XXL hands and it's just not fussy. There's just not a lot that I can find wrong with it for an under-$40 (where I bought it) knife. I appreciate the 90 degree spine, and I've used it (and will continue to do so) to start a fire. After watching this TH-cam, I still haven't heard much that would make me bother to worry about an upgraded model.
Metal Complex leading the charge! I’ve been hoping one of the knife world big dogs would make this video. Maybe if we get some videos from the others on this topic too, Ontario will make it happen!
To this day i think the action on the rat is legendary few knives budget or expensive fly out like the rat. It feels assisted
100%
Agree 💯
That's on of my favorite parts about it.I just bought another rat 2 because I missed playing with it
Had my aus 8 rat 1 for several years and still love and carry it quite frequently. It's a simple and effective tool that just works. Do agree would be cool to see some upgrades and updates maybe like a rat 1 v2. Great video 👍
I mostly just want more blade steel options.I know you can get them in m390 from WOK,but it would be cool to get them in VG-10 or S30V too,and maybe different grind options
Got the Ortis when first released and it’s up there with my Dogma for my favorite civivi. Bought 4 more Of them for Christmas gifts for friends. Civivi and CJRB are almost impossible to beat now for budget knives. Still carry my Rat 1 though and is still a great knife and I always recommend them for new knife people.
The Rat was never quite my thing but I get why people like them they're a fine go to. They're still a good fit for someone who's getting into knives especially if they're looking for something decent that doesn't have a flipper especially with some of the sale prices that go around.
Finally bought the 1, so I decided to watch this again... All great suggestions. Looking forward to hearing how you like the micarta versions that just came out
I see companies selling their own mircarda scales for the rat 2 but can't find a version of it that comes with them from Ontario. Where did you see or hear this? Thanks
The OKC R.A.T. Started my knife addiction....one of the best bang for your buck folding knife series; I own several variations of both 1 and 2.
I see it becoming just like the classic Buck 110 a classic that continues to thrive. If the heat treat is good on the OKC D2....it’ll be ‘harder’ to sharpen, common with D2...takes a little longer to get that edge on, but lasts.
As a matter of fact I will be ordering a D2 Rat1 as soon as the border reopens.... I lost my D2 a few months ago.
One of the most reviewed folders out there on the internet, other reviewers use this knife as a benchmark for comparison to other knives
Size, weight, functionality as it provides an all around quality standard of folders.
Love this knife. Have it in brown and D2.
As far as the handle, a little work with a dremel and some fine sandpaper adds a ramp at the thumb stud to make it much easier and more comfortable to hit.
I always seem to buy Civivi, Ganzo or CJRB when I have the cash but the RAT 1 is still on my "to buy" list. Thanks MC!
It'll be a disappointment. Nylon grip shame! Made in taiwan,need the linner lock! Ganzo 727 is right.
I have a titanium rat 2 from Way of Knife. It’s an amazing little knife. It was my first “good” knife lol. Also have a flytanium copper rat 2.
Designed and built for outdoor use. Rat2 only 2.7oz. I’d like to see drilled liners, other steel options and handle material. Non painted clip. I would buy a S30V one in a second.
I literally started carrying this knife again right before you uploaded this video haha
My RAT 1 is a fabulous work horse, I have two. I love this knife for cutting just about everything. It’s easy to sharpen. Excellent inexpensive knife. ✌🏻👍🏻
I just bought a Rat1 from my work place. It’s a neat addition to my collection.
the Rat 1/Rat 2 deserves a spot in the HoF right next to the Buck 110/Buck 112. its iconic, and still a great knife for EDC. Are there better knives? sure, but for a gateway knife its still miles ahead of the Paraframe, and how many Paraframes is Gerber still selling? Its still a great knife on its own merits as a user, and if you lose it its still more than easy to replace. the BM940 is also a HoF knife, but replacing or even sharpening one is a hell of a different story.
in 2020 there's definitely still a place for the Rats in the pecking order for great EDC options.
@@wernervoss6357 the Rat 1 and 2 deserve a spot in the pocketknife HoF right next to the 110. Is it perfect? No. Is it fully functional knife that'll do 95% of anything you'll ask of it? Hell yes. Is it pretty? Not really. It's a damn good tool though and the price for that last 5% starts hitting the wall of diminishing returns real quick. The heart wants what the heart wants, but there are like 5-7 knives I've always considered "last knife I'd own and I can make it work options, and those are 2 of them for sure.
Not that I needed an excuse to buy another knife but this video pretty much just convinced me to get the Civivi Ortis. That particular clip point on the satin finish version reminds me of my full size Marauder bowie from Cold Steel. Never owned a Civivi before so this should be cool. 👍
What should be updated on that knife other than maybe blade steel? It's the perfect EDC flipper. It's as smooth as my Para 2 for four times the price with no side to side blade play that my Para 2 has from factory and that's saying something.
Its still up there for budget knives on washers. Only competitor i can currently think of is the Kabar Dozier that jist came out in D2. I have one on the way to check it out for myself but it seems to have a cult following. Its also $10 cheaper than the Rat
I own so many modern folders but I often find myself going back to the Rat 1. Great action, reliable, easy to clean etc.... Sometimes simpler is better. + Now they make a g10 model with upgraded blade steel
What i dont like on the ortis is that when i do choke up my finger is pretty much right at the edge. A couple sharpenings and my finger it going to be resting on the edge.
It's a solid choice, I use mine, even with all the other knives out there, the RAT is still a good option.
Turning a $40 knife into an $80 knife would not be an improvement. The Rat is not a budget folder. It's a work knife. There's a difference. The "satisfying elements" on the Civivi are not needed. Again this is a tool not a fidget toy. All those screws and stand offs make the knife stronger. A spacer would make it harder to clean, I blow mine out with an air hose, spray it with electrical contact cleaner and then lightly lubricate. The Civivi looks nice and I may have to have one, but for work I'll take heavy duty over "satisfying elements" every time.
For $42.50 USD the RAT Model 1 in AUS-8 is likely the best budget EDC ever. D2 is optional but nice to have, still a great knife with either steel.
I love mine more than all of my other folders I just wish they skeletonized the liners a bit just because it is fairly heavy. But still a super knife. Its been in my pocket the past 2 months.
Just bought a Rat 2 last week and I quite enjoy it.
The Rat 1 is a Legend , what made it so popular when it first came out was its super smooth pivot and its toughness , which was unheard of for its price at the time. And when they switched to D2 steel and the price only went up about $8 , it totally shocked and changed the budget knife world and that's when its popularity took off. It's one of the most copied "budget" knifes ever , lol....👍👊🔪🖖
I’m planning on buying a Rat 2 later tonight or tomorrow but I’m torn between getting the AUS-8 or D2 model. I know the D2 is the better material & the only reason I’m not immediately buying d2 is because they have a limited edition Bone color in the AUS-8 version. My question is how much better is the D2 compared to the AUS-8? In the last few weeks I’ve been starting a collection of sub 3” budget knives. I want to get as much variety as possible so each knife stands apart from all the others. The AUS-8 in that Bone color really sticks out compared to what I already have. I’m just trying to find out how big the gap in quality is between the two. If the D2 makes the AUS-8 seem like complete trash then that would probably outweigh the color situation
Mr. Metal Complex. I want to buy a Ontario RAT-1 in S35VN steel but there doesn’t seem to be any actual reviews on the specific model. Just D2 and AUS-8 galore. I love both but I really want to know about S35VN. Have you done a review on that knife yet and if possible could you make a review or a recommendation on the knife. Please and thank you😅!
Does Ontario do a good heat treat on their Aus-8?
I bought mine probably a year or 2 ago but mine is Aus-8 steel I’m assuming that they still made them in Aus-8 steel
My rat is indeed in that drawer over there. I have an Aus8 one though. Its in ROUGH shape. The blade has a slight recurve now due to many many many sharpenings
As a knife sharpener, I use this as a giveaway in D2 for my favorite customers,cannot go wrong
Hi MC and friends.Just bought 2in aus8 lol.K.C has them on sale for $23.00 Old comp.for me was Sog Flash 1 assisted was great knife much better than Ageis. Kabar Doziers also great budget knives.Have
fun all.Keep up great work.
Just got one, and the Rat1 is awesome, I have it in Aus8, and it takes a razors edge in no time
All hail the Rat! Useful tool in D2 will always be appreciated.
Thats probably because the heat treat is poor on your Beluga. If both Aus 8 and D2 are heat treated properly, D2 with always win in terms of edge retention.
All hail the D2
@@metal_complexamazing how different things are now. I occasionally go back and watch old content. You sure seemed happier and less grumpy at this time in your TH-cam career.
@delaney3722 ill be honest with you, the "grumpy" thing is mostly a bit. I'd say I'm at my happiest these days. 👍
@@metal_complex Well, I can get the “bit” or act part of it. Didn’t think of it like that. And you are probably worn out with the new member of the family to take care of, therefore, I’ll retract..😂
I,would love to see a high end version. M4, Cruwear or even S30V perhaps. Choice of scales including G10, CF, wood or titanium. 🤤👌🏻
Any idea what I could do to make it as rust proof as possible?
i got mine the same version recently as my late bday gift to myself and i been testing it just couple of days and one that i notice is my hands is too small for this kind which kinda love it. but for far best purchase ever... since it's my first actual folding knife...
I've heard tale of folks who round off the back part of the spine but keep the front 3/4ths for striking or scraping. Never tried it myself but seems like if there was ever a knife for a mod like that, the Rat would be it.
My wife ordered me an aus8 rat 1 the other day. It’s coming tomorrow I’m pretty stoked because it was only $24, can’t beat that price!! Also ordered the cold steel sr1 lite for only $37. 2 knives under $70 is a good day. Sr lite will be for self defense, rat 1 will be for pretty much edc at work, although I am pretty sure I could cut some pretty good with the okc rat
I bought one June of last year, and would definitely recommend it still for a basic knife. With my personality and all, I wish I'd bought a bit more deluxe from the start, but thats a flaw in me not the rat.
I ordered one. I have to disagree with you on the 90 degree spine. Not only is a 90 degree spine good for making sparks with a ferro rod but it is good for scrapping. Scrspping things that otherwise would dull the blade
I really wanted one but over the summer I randomly came across one in a fishing cabin. It was in AUS-8 and it was rough. My enthusiasm dissipated.
Just my opinion, but that's still super cool to FIND a knife anywhere. I mean c'mon. That knife's got a story
I rotate between benchmade bugout, civivi elementum, R2D2, feldspar, and a couple others. Honestly, R2D2 is still my favorite...
This gave me an idea. So what if you revisited old reviews on your channel and discussed things that have changed, because (I assume) some of your opinions have changed with knifes and different things about them
😉👍
This is a fantastic idea. I would love this!!
Always enjoyed how the spine of a Rat 1 can strike sparks off a ferro rod, I've seldom seen that 90° spine on other folders
I did watch the entire video and you were contradictory with much of your content. Just don't think your assessment of the knife did it justice for what the knife is. Every purchase of a knife serves a specific purpose. I do enjoy your channel just think this particular video was of base. But thank you for responding to my comment. And I am aware I can stop watching your channel at my leisure.
@@glennbarrett5717 Who are you talking to? He delete his comment or something?
No. He left this comment in the wrong place. There's another conversation happening elsewhere.
I would like to see it have skeletonized metal liners and micarta scales. Maybe a loop over clip
I have a rat 2 in a drawer somewhere. It the only knife I own where the lock bar worked it’s way all the way over to the other liner. Not great lock geometry
Still the same rn? Would you recommend the Rat 1 in 2022?
With the changes you suggest, it would no longer be the Rat-1. it is simply perfect as is. Good video tho.
How is yours opening so easily and smooth?!
It'd be interesting to see some testimony from a Civivi that has had some hard use.
Got the 1&2 in both D2 and aus-8 , all are amazing knives
Do you buy the Aus 8 or R2D2?
I mean if they have to retool and rework the manufacturing process I think that would cost. Probably get them kicked out of Walmart. I'm fine with it as is, I guess I wouldn't mind seeing other steel options.
I mean any knife company wanting to create a new model or expand their model line goes through the same thing. Leaving it alone will be fine for now, but it dips lower and lower on the "popular models" tab of major retailer sites with each passing day.
I had one of these years ago but I don’t like liner locks. Regardless of what others say it’s not hard use. Which to a average mechanic is normal use. I carry a tri-ad lock because I prefer real hard use. Even my broken skull is tougher then most.
The new rat is in S35vn with G10
I use and like mine a lot AUS8 steel is holding up well no problem and the Rat II very well made
AUS8 is an underrated steel. It compares to 154cm when heat treated well & has a higher corrosion resistance. Al Mar still makes excellent knives in AUS8.
They probably won't mess with the RAT because they discontinued their partnership with Randall's Adventure Training.
The best thing about the RAT is why I bought it again: discontinued, but you can still find it in PINK 😎
I’m planning on buying a RAT 2 in the next day or so but am having a hard time deciding between the AUS-8 version & the D2. Of course I know the D2 is the better material but the AUS-8 version has a really nice limited edition Bone color. I’m just starting a budget knife collection & want to have variety in my knifes, that off-white bone color would be a nice addition to the rest of what I have. My question is the quality so much better with the D2 that it would be stupid to get the AUS-8 just because of the color? Also the D2 version is about $13 more than the AUS-8
@@RKLS90 Ontario is famous for 2 things, their military history and their hear treat on the AUS-8. Yeah D2 is "better" but AUS-8 will be just fine, especially if you need corrosion resistance. I'd get the special scales. You're going to enjoy it more.
@@jonnypescado1 cool thanks for responding. I’m gonna order it now
What is best value edc knife with g10 handle
i hope they do a shop exclusive in s35vn and micarta scales.
Ooooh micarta...
It will still sell really well amoung people like contractors and as a home tool.
The only other newer budget knife I wanna mess with is the cjrb ria. A folding Sandvik stainless blade with g10 handles for 30 bucks? It's almost like a folding mora with a different grind lol
I love the rat... I wish they'd come out with a Micarta/titanium/20CV version
@Castle Bravo I always thought more options in a knife were appealing.
I just bought one on Amazon for $30. I'm stoked about it.
They all say Taiwan on the blade. They're made in Taiwan 🤦♂️
What separates this from the Byrd and CRKT knives is how strong it is. Like it’s a heavy duty knife. This is the workhorse of a collection and you don’t see why til you buy one.
really like the rat 1 and 2. classics 😆 💯❤
I bought the rat 1 and 2 both on d2 version but the the rat 2 is too small for my hands
Just lost my benchmade 940, not so stoked to by a new one... ordered a rat2.
There will always be new trends in the budget knife area, but the Ontario Rat is a classic, and it's not going anywhere as long as you can get one for around 25 bucks. Living in a moist climate area, I'd rather have the AUS8 steel. D2 will rust in your pocket here after a day of hard work. I don't have time for daily maintenance for a budget carry knife. I will say that I have cut myself with the spine of the knife more than once, especially with extended use. It would be better if they rounded that off a bit.
Ka-bar Dozier in D2 is freaking fantastic
What is the best Angel to sharpen one of these?
Try 17 (34 inclusive).
The Rat was the king of budget knives because it was so consistent. Most lock up good in the same spot, good action/detent. Materials not the best but out together well. Other budget knives (CRKT etc) were much more hit and miss with the quality. Usually consistent quality is found on higher end knives and still far from all of them. But, with these new companies like CJRB, Civivi, QSP etc, I don’t think it’s worth getting a Rat, for $20 or so more can get a better knife.
I honestly find myself using my Rat2 a whole lot more than my Delica4 at work. All I do is cut boxes and open packages.
Still king for me. If they would upgrade the steel in for example s35vn it would be head on with te rest right now. Love everything about this knife. I would pay more without a doubt if they would upgrade it. The ergonomics are just excellent
And my next knife will be that Civivi Ortis all blacked out! Just a badass looking knife IMO!
I'd never give up the 90degree spine....way to functional in the woods for me...
I've got one of the partial serrated first production runs and I love it, most definitely one of the best knives I've ever had!
An upgrade on the scales. Get the heat treat correct. Position thumbstuds better and use better ones. Only Phosphor bronze washer. Leave the size alone. Put a deep carry clip. 14C28N steel would be a dream but other than those tweaks let a Rat be a Rat.
It would be awesome if they'd make eather a assisted version or a Rat that utilizes ball barings! Like a flipper version!
They do make an assisted version!
Rat in D2 is definitely still the best budget knife. Even in 8cr13mov it's king.
An absolute beater,
2023 still tuff to beat.
My girl said she wanted to get me a knife so I got one from bass pro. I got the rat 1 in aus8. I'd rather put miles on this than my Vk1-FL from kizer or even my esee 5
When I need small.easy tasks I use my opinel 6. This rat 1 is a cool addition to my collection. Wanted the d2 but the Aus8 was all that was available.
Seems solid. Flytanium makes some scales for it....let's see.