Prepping: Ontario RAT 1: AUS 8 versus D2 EDC Review

I've had the Ontario RAT 1 in AUS 8 steel for about 9 or 10 months and have enjoyed the knife. It's very sharp, durable, has a great fit for my hand and has become my preferred EDC pocket folder. After watching a couple of KZbin videos I discovered the Ontario is offering the RAT 1 with a D2 steel option, so I decided that I should investigate the difference in the two steels.
Ontario RAT 1 (AUS 8) $34.99 www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-...
Ontario RAT 1 (D2) $36.95 www.knifeworks.com/OntarioRatM...

[@K-80claykilla]

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[@TheWtfnonamez]

Nice video, thank you. There are a lot of "angry steel experts" shitting on AUS-8 but personally Ive found it perfectly good.

[@blahfah]

there is no ball bearing . its the detent ball resting on the blade.

[@motomark9736]

No ball bearing it's a detent that's there to hold the blade closed

[@vulcanman64]

Trust me. That’s not a lot of snow compared to northern Ontario Canada. I had no idea it even snowed in North Carolina.

[@thebubster0312]

My d2 rat 1 did suffer from pitting after alot meat prep despite cleaning without dismantling. D2 I find is a sod to get a surgical edge on despite having a large black Arkansas stone, a very hard steel. Think I may try a diamond system rather than my waterstones as I now have a few d2 blades to deal with.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

I think that the D2 can improve the AUS 8 only if they HRC degree not up of 59.

[@carnivorussapiens2139]

Great review cheers!

[@rockets4kids]

Aus-8 has 13 - 14.5 % chromium, not 1.5% (

[@Bluelew777]

yep, me too, got the old rats and the new d2

[@billnwa2250]

Thanks for putting out this video. I have been looking at getting a Ontario RTAK II, but had never looked at their folding knives. I like their pricing, puts them in the same territory as a Kershaw, which is what I use now.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

That snow looks so good right now. It's hot and humid here.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I haven't seen D2 rust, i still got the one with a coated blade to prevent premature​ rusting - just in case. But yeah, D2 holds a razor edge for a long time.

[@markashlock8058]

Sorry, posted before finishing. Anyway, 1st and 2nd click pronounced on both my Aus8 and D2. Also, have an older RAT with the old triangle logo on blade and clip, and it too has the double click. Not saying your Aus8 doesn't have both clicks, but would really appreciate if you would further investigate and post your findings. Thanks again for an informative video!

[@leonardooppi3430]

Would be nice a long term review and comparison of the two today!

[@troutbumandsam5394]

great video, thanks!

[@jackle842000]

Guess I love the rough part that you don't like. Gives a good grip. Definitely an area people could vary significantly opinion wise. I definitely love the rat though. Nice knife, opens easy, and good steel options. D2 is rust resistant and just barely under the stainless category which is why many don't complain about rust. I have an aus8 and it seems great and keep thinking to get a D2.

[@markashlock8058]

Very nice review. Regarding "added ball bearing" (2nd click on opening), not sure that is correct, at least not on mine. 1st and 2nd click if pronounced

[@2manysigns]

Thanks

[@LTT.Official]

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