Being primarily a user of fixed-blade knives for outdoor use, a folding knife and Ontario RAT-1 review is a new dimension for me.
I am very fond of knives with blades in the 4 to 5 inch range and around 3 mm in thickness. That size is large enough for ninety percent of my outdoor tasks, yet light enough to carry comfortably.
However, there are times when I can’t carry a fixed blade with me. Like going out for pizza or going to church. Thus, I needed a folding knife with similar traits to the fixed blades that I prefer.
Ontario Rat-1 Knife Review
After a little research and shopping around, I decided to go with the RAT-1 by Ontario Knife Company.
Specifications:
- Blade Length : 3.5 inches
- Blade Thickness: 0.12 inches
- Overall Length : 8.5 inches
- Scales: Nylon
- Steel: AUS-8
- Hardness: 58 -59
- Full Flat Grind
- Stainless Steel Liner
- Liner Lock
- Dual Thumb Studs
- Pocket Clip with 4 different placement options
The RAT-1 came out of the box razor sharp, no exaggeration! It shredded paper and took off arm hair (no I won’t post pictures of that) without any stone work whatsoever.
It cleanly cuts paracord equally well as my carbon steel blades that I maintain religiously.
Fire prep with the RAT-1 will be very nice as well. I made some of the nicest curls on a feather stick yet with this knife.
I think the size and shape of the RAT-1 is very comparable to the Becker BK-16 fixed blade knife.
I find this the most appealing feature, a folding knife that feels very similar in my hand to my fixed blades.
The pocket clip is also stainless steel and retains the knife very well. It should be noted that while the clip keeps the knife in place, it also allows easy removal from the pocket.
There are holes in four positions on the scales, enabling the placement of the clip for left or right carry and blade up or blade down.
When the blade is closed, it centers up nicely. The blade is held solidly in the open position with a liner lock. Though I can open the knife one-handed, I need two hands to close it.
I would not have any reservations about using this knife for bushcraft and other outdoor tasks. The slim design and pocket clip leaves no “printing” in blue jeans, making it a perfect EDC knife.
The price of the knife is very reasonable, given the quality and workmanship you are getting.
If you are in the market for a folding EDC blade, you might want to check out the Ontario Knife Company RAT-1.
Stay Warm and Enjoy the Outdoors!
Check out more of our survival knife reviews:
- Ontario RAT-5 Fixed Blade Knife Review
- Benchmade HK Feint Fixed Blade Knife Review
- Bunk/Hood Punk Fixed Blade Survival Knife Review
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 4, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
