RAT 3 fixed blade knife: Tough EDC!

If a good folding knife just isn't up to your cutting tasks then maybe it's time to upgrade to a compact fixed blade. The RAT 3 knife is a strong and superbly executed example. Although you will lose the comfort and portability of that folder, you'll gain strength of design. If your cutting is demanding and maybe includes a bit of prying or digging then the RAT 3 would be a good option. As far as fixed blades go, it's compact and rides nicely in its excellent plastic sheath. Available in D2 (limited) and 1095 steels and in a variety of nice colorations, it also comes in combo edges and features nicely profiled micarta handles. For just under $80 it's both a cool collectible and tough worker that can take some real abuse.
Correction in video: I meant to say the claw of a hammer not knife!

[@HikageMaru]

Wow. When Nutnfancy's videos were limited to 10 minutes.

[@mozarn6670]

Will you please show the knife before talking about it!

[@RobsKoiPond]

Now dang nutn. This seems like such an old video. You can see and hear a difference in how you doing them all now in 2013. Still a sweet review.

[@greasemonkeymc]

can you flip the clip for tip up carry

[@nutnfancy]

Thanks for the response. Sorry if I got the business details and the politics wrong. But I'm not super concerned with those, only the blades. I'm pretty pleased as noted in my video with the RAT 3 so I don't foresee getting an RC-3 (although they look great). I'd love to review an RC3 or 6 but I don't foresee myself buying one and there are impossible to find in my stores.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah NutN, I really wasn't that stoked about small around 3" blades because they just didnt feel that good in my hand, well that all changed when I got my Rodent 3, I liked my Rodent Solution because of its good size handle, but looking at a picture the Rodent 3 looked too small, well I pulled the trigger regarless, and bingo, I found my favorite 3" knife, I wear a large glove, but the robust handle on my Rodent 3 it just fills my hand up, the belly also makes it a good wood carver, just what I wanted, enjoy your summer, keep up the great work.

[@westernhunter38]

RAT-3 is a great hunting knife. Mine is a plain edge 1095 carbon steel blade version, olive colored micarta handle. It's the ideal wilderness knife. I like the stout factory edge these things come with. Keep in mind that these knives are intended for heavy/rugged use and utilitarian cutting in the wilderness, not for shaving hair or delicately slicing tomatos, I kept a 23° angled bevel on my blades edge, it will slice with minimal effort. I don't want a thin edge, they don't hold up to hard use

[@dustinatoms]

u can buy these with the tek-lok included. much better deal that way.

[@nutnfancy]

@ToxicLegend1 A lot of the comments are repetitive... -- Veri

[@nutnfancy]

@11ineedaname He's already got a couple out. -- Veri

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah L.C. Nut'N, I too like a fix blade for E.D.C., my favorite fix blade E.D.C. is the Top's Mini Scandi, or the Becker BK-14, although, right now I'm carrying my Camillus Silver Sword Canoe, it's a three blade pocket knife, I have it in a leather pouch, or sometime, I use my Western Lockback, but I really like carrying my Mini Scandi as a neck carry, my Rodent Solution, and my Rodent 3, can be carried as a neck carry, but they are a bit heavy, even though I neck carry my Rod Garcia Skookum Bush Tool, around my neck, when I carry my sheathed knives, when in the bush, great video as usal, Thanx.

[@shaokem]

where did you find a RAT3 for under or around 80 dollars?

[@munckmb]

you should also check out the RAT Cutlery RC-3, it is much higher quality and has a better finish on the blade. Also, the design is from Randall's Adventure & Training (RAT) and Ontario is using the name RAT illegal. Do some research please. I own the RC-3 and it is great. Please review the RC-3 and tell us the difference.

[@miquerto]

@TheJoshy1992 I concede that it might be an older model Ontario. was thrown by the R.A.T. logo. the Ontario version was in fact designed by the company Randals Adventure & Training (R.A.T.) they are seperate companies. R.A.T. is the company that changed their name to ESEE. Ontario is still Ontario.

[@ziepit]

im not trying to disrespect u but i havent found one under a hundred even on e-bay but we probly bought at very different times has anyone here got one for under $80 if so please tell where i really want it but 'im not willing to spend over $80 i'm to young

[@DwightSchrood]

you're probably been searching for rc-3 or something. they're on ebay right now for about $70 bin. plus you can use 9% paypal cash back and eBay Bucks to get about 8 bucks off so it'll be around $62,

[@whitey211]

Why is this blade $70? I just got an Ontario SP10 which is also 1095 steel and much, much larger and costs less. Is it just because this knife has a kydex sheath and micarta handle?

[@nutnfancy]

I'll keep that in mind for a video.

[@vovavoyevodin]

dude! some thing is about this ol camera if you steel have it now, make a video with it to bring a nastalgic moments back

[@gus345]

does anyone know what it means to "change the geometry" of a knife?....is it like changing the shape of the blade?

[@KarlMaldensNose]

ziepit, Search for "Ontario RAT 3" I just did and got plenty o' hits for

[@wills400]

could u pls tell me which is better rat 3 or fallkniven f1 for the use in the woods cheers

[@Quadmachine0]

is it legal to carry this knife as an edc? or is it just legal for the hiking trips?

[@Burostoelpootwieltje]

Ontario used D2 steel and the cuterly ones use 1095 carbon so thats the difference.

[@doomshot555]

I think he meant that but with factors like symetry, Angles and things like that.

[@addis7580]

where do you get those knives at?

[@miquerto]

thats not the ontario rat. its the esee rat, samish design, but different

[@VicariousReality7]

Buy real Randall's Adventure & Training knives, they're superior.

[@ajsharkmaniac07]

no. not concealed. but openly yes, barring local restrictions.

[@hulkbuster1026]

can i carry this knife on my waist band hidden? in california?

[@jungleprimitive]

you dont need carbon steel. i recomend it, but its not needed.

[@AussieMark909]

Just got myself one of these. A terrific little knife, mine came with boot clip and TecLok which was cool. The sheath is excellent, holds the knife firmly and is able to be set up to suit left or right handed users. I fitted a lanyard (thanks for the lanyard vid Cutlerylover) to give me a little more "handle." Rigged the TecLok for horizontal belt carry and now have a very easy to carry lightwight fixed blade. Thanks for the review nutnfancy.

[@Tux3d0]

@TDONLEY91 Don't get it in D2, D2 is really brittle if you are going to cut things like aluminum and things that are kind of hard, or even if you do some woodwork it will chip on you.. Also it is a tool steel so it doesnt have the best corrosion resistance. Get the Rat Cutlery RC-3 MIL (ESEE Knives) it is pretty much the same thing but in 1095, it doesnt hold an edge as long as the D2 but it isn't brittle, and it better IMO...

[@westernhunter38]

@mongomondomongo True RAT Cutlery did change to ESEE. But the knives that are still being made by Ontario Knife Co carry the name RAT (Randall Adventure Trainig). Ontario still holds the rights to use the RAT designation and name. ESEE now uses the RC designation instead on their blades, and are made by Rowen.

[@DoritoMonk]

How do you figure these would fare as a boot blade?

[@glynnt54]

Sure tough guy, I'll run right out and get one. Just what I need, a big, heavy, and overly expensive Bushwacker, nearly $400; maybe I'll get some camo face paint too, so I can look like Rambo.

[@glynnt54]

Good point for the masses. R.A.T. dropped the contract with Ontario because of poor quality. Get the real RC-3, or the new RC-5 survival. Another tough hombre is Bark River's Bravo 1 and Gunny.

[@ozzyfreak994]

hey nutn i just got a quesstion for you. i have some experience with knives and have been handelling/collecting for a few years (gerber,sog,remmington,crkt,kershaw) i now work with loading/unloading trucks and warehouses and need a knife thats more heavy duty, but i can also carry for edc since im a firefighter too. im faced with so many options and have no clue what to get or where to start. do u think you can help me? thanks alot -John

[@TheTobyKing]

Hey guys! Im looking for a small outdoor blade (fixed or folding) with a cutting edge under 3.5inches. Would this knife be good for that POU? if not, what other knives should i look at? Thanks a lot in advance for the advice!!!!!!

[@FatDaddy4Fun]

Jungle training in the Amazon, in Peru. There is heavy woodlands survival training in Ft. Payne, Alabama. The basic woodlands course is $800.00.

[@psychojackrabbit]

can you make tinder with this like with the rat 1

[@Rayxl1]

A nice knife but I've never found anything better than the kershaw antelope hunter for my fixed blade EDC particularly as it has no serations.

[@joffeloff]

I thought there was something off about the sheaths in the beginning - then I heard you mentioned Ontario. Why not buy the original RAT RC-3 (now ESEE-3) rather than the knockoff? It's not particularly expensive.

[@ltk1144]

I dont know much about the RATs but just after seeing this I think this is a lefty knife. Number 1 the design of the sheath makes it so you can only put it in in a way that would make it hard to pull out with your right hand. Also the serrations are chisel ground so that when cutting (doesnt effect sawing) they will be like 10x as effective in the left hand. This is one of my pet peeves on knives that no one else seems to notice.

[@westernhunter38]

@Tux3d0 D2 is mainly used for dies and stamps. A WWII era tool steel that only began being used for shear blades in the 1970's, it's now common in knives. It's the most rust/stain resistant of the carbon steels. But in my opinion 1095 carbon steel is a tough steel with pretty good edge holding abilities when heat treated correctly. 1095 steel has been used on US military bladed weapon since at least WWI. Seems to have performed perfectly fine through the rigors of war on many battlefields.

[@boxant]

Good review, but if someone is debating on purchasing this knife, I would highly recommend getting Rat Cultery RC-3. They are the originators of this knife and are of superior quality (not to mention also made in the USA).

[@BuffaloWarrior7]

@miquerto That is an older Ontario rat knife. You can't buy them new anymore because rat became Esse. As far as I know at least

[@76SRV190]

The new RAT 3 is 1095, 56~58, and very heavy duty.

[@ProjectVizual]

Should i purchase RAT 3 or RAT 5 for bushcrafting and survival

[@monkeyseller123]

Do you remember the site were you got the all black version? I can't seem to find it on eBay and other sites that sell rat 3s. Thanks

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

@ozzyfreak994 dont use your personal knife for your job. dont they buy you box knives? uses their razor blade knives so you dont ruin your blade

[@andpinger]

is That an ontario RAT not a Rat cutlery??

[@coreywarren8103]

Hey guys- any opinions on the clip? I love the tek-lock design but not sure if it's needed if the standard "boot clip" is decent enough to carry on belt without falling off...

[@DL9619]

i cant find the rat web sight can you help and dont stop making the vids it helps sooo much

[@Theenormityofitall]

Not many guys carry a fixed blade as an EDC lol. I'd rather have any Kabar than this one...

[@PMCWong1]

kind of long winded but informative...

[@kenpoman2003]

What do you think of a SOG Tom Cat 3.0

[@JoeDurobot]

@samyboi93 I think Nutnfancy is the person to see but it might make your obsession worse.

[@VicariousReality7]

HEY! Don't buy Ontario ''RAT'' knives!

[@knifenewbie456]

where did you get it under $80??!?!?

[@jasper903]

here in the netherlands the rat-3 D2 goes for about 150 euro's. kinda expensive.

[@TDONLEY91]

what steel do you suggest buying this in, I was looking at D2 but was curious about the other steels

[@superassassin47]

how do i get my KA-BAR razor sharp

[@poolplayer2093]

What's a knife like this used for?

[@lqleon]

what about the TOPS Mil Spie 3 as a second option for the same price?

[@TheTobyKing]

@Hurzone Wait you live in Switzerland? So do i!! ok if it works for that ill see where i can get it!!

[@Doggieman1111]

I'd like to know about knives/sheaths that can be worn horizontally on the belt.

[@VicariousReality7]

Because they are not RAT knives.

[@watterhead]

hey bud? knife is to big for my edc what else is on the market fr the same price?

[@joffeloff]

Actually, nevermind, I just saw you have a review of the RAT Cutlery original also.

[@ziepit]

then what should i search for?

[@wills400]

thank u 1iron66 take ur comments into account when i pick one thanks again

[@a2m4m60]

wow 2008... Nutn you have gotten so much better at your reviews.

[@TheLove7391]

is this concealable for self defense or is it just too large? thanks!

[@SirJabsAlot]

Nice review, I'd like to pick up a Rat-3 and Rat-5 down the road. 5 Stars

[@nick617617]

mine is in the mail

[@labukayoo]

whe do you find this

[@assassin616]

i think this looks like a great knife! how much does it cost

[@tamaplayer22]

personally i carry a buck but these are nice knives!

[@ToddIngram1000]

But he's saying it's hidden, so I'm guessing it's concealed

[@tendrax]

I agree, I'd also liek to see a video on that.

[@mongomondomongo]

@DL9619 RAT changed their name to ESEE Knives.

[@TheFoozz]

Thoughts on the RAT 5? Thinking of picking one up.

[@MrStorky14]

why?

[@munky000527]

ebay

[@jungleprimitive]

watch his video on storage. you see alot of em

[@craigdownie5546]

I really don't think a finger choil is needed or even useful on such a small blade

[@craigdownie5546]

Because the need to choke up on a blade is most useful when trying to do finer tasks with a large blade. (Like an ESEE 6) With a small blade like this it would be more useful for the cutting edge to go all the way to the handle

[@mysss29]

"Modified drop point?" Modified how??

[@ecollins92]

thats an extremely vague question

[@Blessedhart]

@nutnfancy lol only a couple :)

[@Awesome_1789]

nice knife

[@ajhnson]

@TheFoozz Esee 5 is much better. Better made now.

[@m1nhtyfresh]

whats the rating on this

[@ToddIngram1000]

Yup (sarcasm intended)

[@NE_Ohio_Hiker]

good review man. 5/5

[@Theenormityofitall]

Way too expensive...

[@SuperRip7]

Rat-2 is alright.

[@richardbalboni1351]

I've been EDC'ing this knife (D2 plain edge version) for 6 years. Still in love with it. The coating has been worn off in several areas (no rust or anything even being used in wet weather) but still going strong and always has a spot on my belt.

[@gundude73]

when he says geometry he changes the angle of the cutting edge. think of it as an acute angle that he makes more acute.

[@darkarchon777]

hey nutnfancy have you heard of the scrapyard knife company ? most of there knives are made of sr-77 steel