Is the Ontario Rat STILL a GOOD Knife? Is It STILL Worth Buying in 2020?

[@SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

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

[@georgepbriles696]

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!

[@KnifeModders]

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!

[@Sarge2112]

What was good is STILL good 👍😎 I love my Rat 1in D2

[@toddgibson9861]

I'd never give up the 90degree spine....way to functional in the woods for me...

[@joeyoung3319]

SHORT ANSWER? ABSOLUTELY. I've bought about 10 of them (about five RAT 1's, and 5 RAT 2's) , some AUS-8 for EDC and D-2 for for tactical applications.

[@richardhenry1969]

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

[@AdamRapier]

I would like to see it have skeletonized metal liners and micarta scales. Maybe a loop over clip

[@pigpaul]

An absolute beater, 2023 still tuff to beat.

[@samcole431]

I like it just the way it is

[@edvinlof6132]

Just lost my benchmade 940, not so stoked to by a new one... ordered a rat2.

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

I totally disagree with you about the size of the Handel with respect to the blade. This knife is perfect.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Knife Center has an exclusive RAT 1 in micarta!

[@kontraband20]

Been carrying mine for 6 years!

[@elliotjennings3461]

How is yours opening so easily and smooth?!

[@coreyholthaus7534]

Actually it was in the kitchen cabinet but close enough.

[@azazel7752]

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.

[@JohnDoe-zb7dz]

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.

[@igregmart]

I have the Aus 8 version. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@khalilal-bukhari7042]

My D2 rat is still just as butter-smooth out of the box, people who don't know better ask me if it's assisted

[@craigsmith9233]

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

[@stampstepper2393]

Any rust on it?

[@Lateralus1007]

Well what IS your favorite ??

[@SuperBanjo007]

Why mess with perfection? If you're tired of the RAT 1, try the RAT 2. It's awesome too!

[@ichor20]

Just bought another rat 2 in aus8, 33 bucks can't beat it

[@bluewizard7797]

Well I don't like the fact that you pride with it I do still like the video and wholeheartedly agree with your opinion

[@michaelfuxeklint4909]

Seems worth paying attention to 🤙🤙🤙

[@WeOutHere]

Still can’t beat the RAT 2 for budget edc imho

[@fjulyflores]

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😅!

[@davidh0159]

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.

[@stampstepper2393]

Ever have to oil it?

[@davidh0159]

@@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.

[@rclayton80]

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.

[@Old_Sailor85]

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

[@jessemurray1265]

Actually leaning towards buying a Rat

[@thorshammer5134]

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.

[@johnny_w]

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 !

[@thehappysack2362]

I love mine. I feel it punches well above its price class.

[@doctoruttley]

Yep 💯

[@jakehansen3418]

You used Tobe able to find these for under 20 bucks on sale now good luck finding them under 30.

[@dominickcabal5347]

Still have my OG Rat1 in AUS 8...bought and gifted my son a Rat 1 years ago...great knife from a great company!

[@henricokski5549]

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.

[@03_austindrake88]

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.

[@blubyu1100]

As a knife sharpener, I use this as a giveaway in D2 for my favorite customers,cannot go wrong

[@omens_slays]

Still the same rn? Would you recommend the Rat 1 in 2022?

[@warthog91]

I love how this is supposed to be a budget knife, but in 2023 you can't get one for under 70 USD in Norway. And beeing such great knives you won't find any second hand for the obvious reason that people hang on to them.

[@Kyoko12345678]

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

[@mjex1965]

Civivivi beats it. Hands down. Both for steel quality(heatreat) and hard use.

[@hammersandnails1458]

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.

[@davidspellman8967]

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 KZbin, I still haven't heard much that would make me bother to worry about an upgraded model.

[@durango8882]

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. ✌🏻👍🏻

[@huggi3z08]

Bought me Rat 1 today although it's the aus 8 steel, either way it was 20$ new haha

[@focusonthefocus]

Watching this video after I heard they were bought up and shut down their US manufacturing. Their website is gone, as well.

[@jerryknight257]

I have expensive Benchmades, spyderco, ect. Rat 1 is my favorite. I have 3 Rats.

[@jerryknight257]

Same here. I have a work rat, edc rat, and another rat just on case something happens to my other rats. Benchmade and spydercos in my safe.

[@bamagtrdude]

late to the party as usual - it's Feb 2022 & i just got a Rat II lol :)

[@adamwoodill4963]

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

[@ksajak]

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

[@Dailybassist1]

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.

[@wis1024]

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

[@billology1]

100%

[@doctoruttley]

Agree 💯

[@FATMIKED5183]

That's on of my favorite parts about it.I just bought another rat 2 because I missed playing with it

[@royk9028]

What is best value edc knife with g10 handle

[@robertfish6779]

My hands are slightly larger than average….. sounds familiar

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

My r2 d2 is softer than my spyderco 8 cr13 mov . Love the design but disappointed in the blade .

[@harisyoung4110]

Yea mine too.. My d2 from ganzo hold the sharpness longer than my rat2 d2.. i've tested both cutting the same material at work, the rat2 wont slice smoothly to a paper at the end of day, both are being resharpen to 20degree and 3k grit stone before that tested.. bit disappointed for me because i really thought american d2 will perform better than those chinese d2.

[@JuanWick2010]

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!

[@2adave]

It’s in my pocket rn

[@MrSabram07]

It's a paramilitary 2 with a frame lock

[@LynxenX]

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.

[@create_forward7531]

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.

[@josuevalar6465]

Could you share where i can customize one?

[@domeromer]

Nice refresher... keep up the great videos. Thanks MC.

[@lifeorliberty3086]

I'm still using mine in 2024.

[@meccagold2009]

One of the best pound for pound on earth.

[@metal_complex]

Or a keychain sized version called the "mouse"

[@wis1024]

@@metal_complex thats brilliant lol

[@cbwelch4]

You got that right.

[@MudaSHoleProductions]

Possibly of all time. 💯

[@MP-iz7tf]

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.

[@doctoruttley]

I,would love to see a high end version. M4, Cruwear or even S30V perhaps. Choice of scales including G10, CF, wood or titanium. 🤤👌🏻

[@maxlong3280]

Ka-bar Dozier in D2 is freaking fantastic

[@Killlerbee]

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!

[@balazsnemeth5540]

It'll be a disappointment. Nylon grip shame! Made in taiwan,need the linner lock! Ganzo 727 is right.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

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.

[@erasetheprocess1]

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. :)

[@cthehuston2486]

I just bought a Rat1 from my work place. It’s a neat addition to my collection.

[@brocksamson4250]

All hail the Rat! Useful tool in D2 will always be appreciated.

[@metal_complex]

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.

[@ifv2089]

All hail the D2

[@delaney3722]

@@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 KZbin career.

[@metal_complex]

​@delaney3722 ill be honest with you, the "grumpy" thing is mostly a bit. I'd say I'm at my happiest these days. 👍

[@delaney3722]

@@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..😂

[@optimuscrime608]

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.

[@rickkerans8485]

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.

[@mattarchey4436]

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

[@JeffG78s]

Just bought a Rat 2 last week and I quite enjoy it.

[@klausb1758]

I rotate between benchmade bugout, civivi elementum, R2D2, feldspar, and a couple others. Honestly, R2D2 is still my favorite...

[@aircommando505]

Still? why would it not be?

[@N3wbMa5t3r]

I love the rat... I wish they'd come out with a Micarta/titanium/20CV version

[@N3wbMa5t3r]

@Castle Bravo I always thought more options in a knife were appealing.

[@justinrowan4069]

To make an airplane analogy...the Rat 1 is like the A-10 Warthog...tough, ugly, and gets the job done.

[@RyanLovesReds]

Personally dont think either are ugly

[@kevola5739]

Metal Complex- “For those who use their knives and don’t care about the rest”. Yup, that’s me. All valid points but leave this one alone. Change for the sake of change is not progress. I need “all” of the handle. The spine on my blade is not sharp at all. I like the distance of the grip to the blade for safety especially in wet and dark conditions. Never had a problem with D2. Design something different and call it the Rodent but leave the Rat alone. Luv your channel though.

[@metal_complex]

Unfortunately, "change" and "progress" are both terms that are defined differently depending on who you talk to. Good thing we all have way too much to choose from already 👍

[@kevola5739]

@@metal_complex So true. Your description of desired changes of the Rat 1 reminded me of the Mora Companion. If it folded your search would be over.

[@crushedit1497]

Got the 1&2 in both D2 and aus-8 , all are amazing knives

[@WooSungShim]

I literally started carrying this knife again right before you uploaded this video haha

[@pinoyedcknives]

i hope they do a shop exclusive in s35vn and micarta scales.

[@GreyRock100]

Ooooh micarta...

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

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 👍

[@FATMIKED5183]

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

[@82DannyB]

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.

[@spyhunter6411]

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

[@joeyoung3319]

RAT 1--- ONCE an awesome AND perfect EDC, ALWAYS an awesome, Perfect EDC. ... Especially in D2 steel, AND THEN ALL-CORNERS pocket clip mounting? You MAY MATCH RAT greatness, but never surpass it.

[@stephenkylecaballero6941]

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...

[@SurvivalSpec]

RAT 1 & 2 in a supersteel with premium material scales would be awesome.

[@qwertishman12345]

Wayofknife has a custom Rat builder with those options!

[@Bloodroot78]

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.

[@Bloodroot78]

@@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.

[@joshuasutton2875]

I disagree with almost all of the points you're making on improving this knife. I owned it for a while as a work knife before I broke the liner lock doing something stupid. This is a knife that doesn't need to be changed to be "knife-enthusiast" worthy. Leave this one alone for the working class, there are hundreds if not thousands of other knives on the market that fit all the other niches. When guys use this for real work, we don't care about all that stuff. It's a knife. It cuts stuff. Its tough. It works. If you want the finer things in life on the cheap get a civivi. I know you still think this is a good knife, I just don't think it needs to be changed. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@richardhouse8364]

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 :-)

[@edwardschofield6692]

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.

[@Wayfarer45]

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

[@glennbarrett5717]

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.

[@mrgotmilk7238]

@@glennbarrett5717 Who are you talking to? He delete his comment or something?

[@metal_complex]

No. He left this comment in the wrong place. There's another conversation happening elsewhere.

[@ruanniemann2604]

Just got one, and the Rat1 is awesome, I have it in Aus8, and it takes a razors edge in no time

[@MrDedmaker]

With the changes you suggest, it would no longer be the Rat-1. it is simply perfect as is. Good video tho.

[@Errcyco]

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.

[@aballer18]

It'd be interesting to see some testimony from a Civivi that has had some hard use.

[@reasonablenamehere]

Generally AUS-8 has a bad reputation of being low wear resistant. D2 has a good reputation. However, given the way Ontario treats AUS-8, I think you would be hard pressed to tell the difference without the laser mark and one will start to rust. I own both versions, and I think they are about neck and neck.

[@daveyboy6985]

Nice to hear from someone who's used Both, I think I would like one that is easier to touch up.