RAT 7 Survival Knife: Big and Lovely - Ontario Knife Company

The RAT 7 from Ontario Knife Company - when I first held it, I liked it. When I used it, I really liked it. As I mention in the video, I was surprised at how manageable it was despite how large it was. The flat grind may not cut as aggressively as a scandi grind, but I found it cut really well. Comfortable handles for sure, and while the sheath isn't anything to write home about, it works just fine. Overall great value in the RAT 7. Check it out.
Link to purchase the RAT 7 here: amzn.to/31IarMP
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BUDGET-FRIENDLY ITEMS I RECOMMEND:
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SOLID SURVIVAL KNIVES:
1. ESEE 6 - amzn.to/2S6STGN
2. Ontario Knife Company Rat 7 - amzn.to/2NK29lr
3. Benchmade Bushcrafter - amzn.to/2LOcTga
4. TOPS Kukri - amzn.to/2LcLwgc
5. Mora Garberg - amzn.to/2Ju9W2T
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1.CRKT Squid - amzn.to/2NL32KL
2. Benchmade Griptilian - amzn.to/2S5nx38
3. Spyderco Tenacious - amzn.to/2XAFBbz
4. Ontario Knife Company Rat 2 - amzn.to/2S7UewO
5. CRKT Fossil - amzn.to/2LOd8b4
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SOLID EDC FLASHLIGHTS
1. Streamlight Microstream - amzn.to/2LLGjLW
2. Olight S1R Baton 2 - amzn.to/2S42Zbe
3. Thrunite T1 - amzn.to/2LLCruh
4. Thrunite TC15 - amzn.to/2NMwXSA
5. Fenix PD35 TAC - amzn.to/2Jr95Qd
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OTHER SOLID SURVIVAL/OUTDOOR TOOLS
1. Bahco Laplander Saw - amzn.to/2LKInUo
2. Corona Folding Saw - amzn.to/2LM4r0P
3. Mechanix Gloves - amzn.to/2xGgRPF
4. Large Firesteel - amzn.to/2JvQX8d
5. Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/2S84wNG
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SOLID BAGS
1. Vertx EDC Commuter Sling Bag - amzn.to/2XAGO2B
2. Maxpedition Valence Tech Sling - amzn.to/2XFU8mc
3. Vanquest Mobius - amzn.to/2LLHPO8
4. Vanquest Envoy 13 Bag -amzn.to/2S67cvj
5. Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag - amzn.to/2S5nTH0
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[@texasviking1]

The reason you had trouble with the fire steel is because of the coating on the blade. The spine will need to be filed down a bit to get a good sharp 90👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I like the size and design of this knife. I'll pick one up eventually.

[@MickyMouseLimited]

Thank you for the review. I bought the knife and it is excellent product.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

MickyMouseLimited Excellent to hear. Hope my review helped.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Thanks for helping people:)

[@8626John]

Good review! After lots of research, I ordered a Rat 7 from Midway for about $63, and I am looking forward to putting it through its paces.

[@lettingthebearout7528]

Great value knife. I ground a few millimetres off the edge near the choil, blunting it, to permit a safer grip. Grinding an inch of the coating off the spine makes it a great fire striker. The shealth isn't great and would benefit from some tweaks, but I can fit a fire steel and small compass /whistle in the shealth pouch. You could even fit a folding knife in the pouch if you were so inclined. I turn the knife backwards in the shealth on a right side carry to minimize the likelihood of cutting the nylon re inserting the knife into the shealth. This is because the one side of the snap closure lays flat and out of the way, and one side doesn't.

[@cherokeefit4248]

This thing is awesome with a custom sheath. It totally changes the knife carrying options. I seen newer drop loop kydex sheaths

[@Lellobeetle]

I've been considering this knife for a long time and this review helped me decide to go buy one from eBay.

[@ibpn4284]

+Lellobeetle .... check walmart.com also

[@Lellobeetle]

Ibpn Thanks, I will.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Lellobeetle Glad to help - send a pic once you get yours.

[@alarsenault1681]

lol i have this knife and it does the same thing when i go to sheath it it sticks and i have to move it around to get it in place great videos man i subbed to your channel a long time ago you give alot of info thats really helpful keep up the good work!!

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+al arsenault Thanks Al - glad the videos are helpful - and thanks for subbing. Love this knife!

[@Mr-yl1px]

Still like my RAT7 and even the big Ole RTAK2. But i think my favorite Ontario that i use the most is my Sp8.

[@JustInCases72]

I have the ontario RD 7 and it is a 1/4 inch great knife I think I'm going to order the Rat 7 also thanks for the video

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Still a big fan of the RAT 7 even years later.

[@GearReviewDepot]

Fantastic blade for sure. Love everything about that knife, just not too crazy about the nylon sheath. We'll worth every penny nonetheless. Thank you for sharing.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+TheTacticalDefender Agreed brother.

[@Nick-be5hh]

I keep seeing these with the nylon sheath. The one I got has a more simple leather sheath, and a single snap to hold it. I had a nylon sheath for my old knife , but it also had this plastic insert I guess to protect the nylon , that was really annoying trying to drop it in "no look" or in the dark. Not sure if the OKC has the same problem. But my point is I really like the leather sheath, so they are out there already made for this knife if you want to switch

[@lettingthebearout7528]

Did you grind off the coating on the spine to allow it to work with the fire steel? I'm finding it impossibly smooth to work, right out of the box

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

I own both RAT 7 and Becker BK 7. I just tend to carry BK7 for all the trips. The BK7 sheath is stupid and too long. RAT 7, just my dream knife comes true.

[@FernandoMarquezan]

Helo! Congratulations on the great videos! Because it is a survival knife, in a situation of need to use it as a defense, do you believe that Ontario 7 has a good grip for this? I ask why compared to the kabar knife handle style, the Ontario 7 would not "escape" from the hand?

[@wayneprice2737]

if you put foam packing in the sheath it stops rattle and helps hold the knife in.

[@jonathanhughes8670]

Another great review! I have an Ontario RD-7 and I think it is close to what you''re looking for as far as the improvements you mention. I has the ¼" thick blade with a flat grind, the larger finger choil, the larger pommel, and the handle has a slight curve at the bottom that helps to keep the knife secure when chopping. It is an inch longer and it is heavier, but it's been a great knife for me so far. Thanks for the great videos!

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Jonathan Hughes Good to hear - thanks for sharing that.

[@navigator1372]

Ive been looking for an rd 7 bush. I think the rd series is way under rated. They look so cool too

[@jonnyboat2]

As of today, 1/8/21, this knife is $74 on Amazon. I remember you telling me about this knife a few years ago. This is priced more realistically than others.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Yeah, this remains an excellent life. No doubt.

[@anthonyschutz7201]

And as of today, 8/17/22, this knife is $70

[@cherokeefit4248]

How much mow? $120? Haha

[@sergioc.7910]

The last blade I got was the Ontario Ranger Series RD-6, but I'm looking at getting this RAT-7 or the RTAK 2 next. I was wondering if you've done a review of the RD-6, and if you did which one did you like more, the RD-6 or the RAT-7 ?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Never used the RD-6, but check out Gideon's Tactical video on it. I do really like the 7 though.

[@sopwithcamelus]

You've got an Ontario 8604. It has a nice US made sheath and 1090HC blade. They changed to the Ontario 8668. The new knife has a cheaper Chinese sheath that has no accessory pocket. The blade steel on all Ontario carbon steel knives is now 1075. The only exceptions are military contract knives. Most vendors have not noted the change, but the Ontario website lists the steel as 1075.

[@turinparamo]

fantastic

[@TacticalOwl7]

I have an Ontario RAT1, RAT 3, and TAK-1. The 3, and TAK-1 came pretty dull. I still love the knives, and asides from that they are fine, so I ordered another set of RAT 3 and TAK-1, and it came relatively dull as well. Did you have a similar experience? Do you sharpen your knives on your own before testing? I'm new to your channel, thanks for making your videos.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+TacticalOwl7 I actually test them as they come and this one came nice and sharp for me. Thanks for the view and welcome to the channel.

[@Nick-be5hh]

I just replaced my Schrade with one of these. Have only taken it out the once but it instantly felt like a good choice (pretty sure I annoyed the hell out of the guy at Bass pro trying to decide). I really liked the Schrade but a big old chunk snapped off when I was spliiting some firewood, so was instantly turned off of their steel. As far as a limited comparison goes, the RAT7 feels like instantly a better knife, mostly because of the weight, even tho it's the same size knife. I just hope the quality of steel doesn't let me down this time because I feel like this should be a long time companion

[@stephenfowler8611]

I know this is an older vid, but its a good review. Im between this one and an Esee 6

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Thanks man. I'm about to review the ESEE 6

[@obamamicrowave1533]

Do you know where they are made? Good vid btw

[@dave3gs]

USA

[@dave3gs]

Do you know if handle scales from an ESEE 6 will fit this knife?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Not sure - sorry.

[@chasegibson2094]

they will not

[@Airik1111bibles]

I've been going through all the knives in this price range like the Bk 7, Cold steel srk or the new Steelwill Argonaut and Druid series blades then I realized MAN that Rat7 is actually a great deal. The rat7 & Bk 7 are both excellent so now its narrowed down these blades .....aaaahhh 1095 crovan sure has a great reputation but so does Ontario's 1095 & 5160 they know how to cook their steel......decision decisions. What would you do?...buying both is not an option for my wallet LOL so ya can't say that one;)

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Both are nice blades indeed - let us know what you pick.

[@Teachering]

I own a number of ESEE knives including the model 6 which this OKC RAT 7 strongly reminds me of. So similar, yet I prefer Ontario knives for their ruggedness and heft. Seems to me that Ontario knives are also considerably less expensive than ESEE. For this reason alone, a person can't go wrong owning the RAT series of knives. For me, personally, this includes the OKC Ranger series of knives. Beautiful knives well worth looking in to. A fine video review of the OKC RAT 7.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Teachering Thanks Teachering - ESEE's are great too.

[@georgieocasio1764]

I am more a Becker type person, but the rat 7 Is a great knife, no doubt about it!

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Georgie Ocasio Yup - Becker's are great too.

[@trekandtrailoutdoors]

I just had the thought. . . everything you said you wished the RAT-7 had better--0.25" stock, bigger choil, extended pommel for crushing, pounding, or non-lethal, similarly contoured handle, moderate jimping--is exactly what the Ranger Series RD-7 is. The RD-7 might be out of production, but the RD-6 (6" blade, obvs) is still available. I'm working on a review of the RD-6 as we speak, but you should check them out if you get a chance. You'll love it even more than the RAT-7. Kinda wish the RD-7 was still available.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

You know - I love the ESEE Junglas and that has the 'more heft and size' that I was looking for. I think OKC has a few that are similar so I may check them out.

[@05generic]

How does it compare with the gen II sp models?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+05generic Couldn't say - no experience with them...yet.

[@Melvin5455]

I just traded a bk 9 for the RAT 7. good trade, I just didn't really need a 9 in blade that bad.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Mel Clinton Love the 7.

[@nifty3000]

I'm big and lovely too....

[@GRILLBUOY101]

it's cool but I'm poor I use the cold steel kukri machete.. a sm hatchet.30 bowsaw it cuts big logs .

[@billpeart]

Poor with a cell phone? First world poor, eh?

[@glockmeister26]

Is this bigger than the Esee 6?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+glockmeister26 yup - by 1 inch.

[@glockmeister26]

+EverydayTacticalVids Thank you.

[@legendzfall]

It's actually more like a 1/2 inch bigger, not an inch bigger.

[@lampine163]

Coldsteel SRK with San Mai III blade or this?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Jere Lempinen Haven't used the CS but I've heard good things. If I get one, I'll let you know.

[@lampine163]

+EverydayTacticalVids Okay thanks for quick reply!

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Jere Lempinen Sure thing.

[@adammartin8026]

Pair it with an SP8 and you'll be unstoppable

[@qzetu]

The knife is actually quite large. I consider it a "survival knife." It's small enough to do bushcraft task and big enough to be a reasonable chopper. It offers everything a survival knife should. I'd buy one but the price is way too high. The GI tanto can do all of the same and It's less than half the price. Thanks for the review.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+qzetu Thanks for the view.

[@scottsweet13]

great video, thanks for the insight. you missed an edit at 11:08 fyi.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+Scott Sweet Missed an edit? No, I meant to do that...oh wait...no I didn't...thanks for the catch, Scott.

[@CraftyCleetus]

Glad u left it lol

[@ShooterMedic1818]

Was that poison sumac?

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

+ShooterMedic Nope - not in this video.

[@brianhammond3584]

i live in can.because of the dollar everything cost more .it took me a long time to find a rat 7 .they vereyed from $135-$170 .found one 2 months ago $80 with tax.bought it.showed my bud he said get me one .got on line $145 couldnt bleave it. ive used a esee6 & a rat7 befor i dont see any differce i am 60 now been carrying since i was 12 i know steel.p lus i have 2 from the civil war 2 from ww1 all are mint together just over 3k .love my iron

[@diy.survival6791]

reminds me of the esee 7

[@johnmutton799]

enough!

[@ilijabosnjak76]

It's a nice knife but price is too much,,Try Elk Ridge Evolution ..

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

I'll check it out.

[@navigator1372]

For that style and size range id go with esee 6. Personally id prefer a bk7.

[@chuckyjacks856]

IT'S 1075 !!

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Chucky JACKS negative - here’s the link: ontarioknife.com/search/category/fixed-blades/ratr-series?q=Rat+7

[@ricbarnett201]

Chucky JACKS is right. See post #291, dated Apr5,2018. "Any Ontario product using 5160 stays 5160. All military spec'ed product in 1095 stays 1095. All other carbon steel Ontario product that was produced in 1095 is now 1075. Some people may not like it but all of our testing says that 1075 offers solid advantages over 1095. Without getting too technical, the type of martensite formed with 1075 and the free carbon levels makes for less chipping and cracking and improved toughness while still keeping edge holding. Hope this helps. Best Regards, Paul Tsujimoto VP of Engineering Ontario Knife Company" www.bladeforums.com/threads/ask-toooj.1285004/page-15#post-17980697

[@thomaslinton5765]

Poor chopping technique with a knife not optimized for choping.

[@Airik1111bibles]

I've been going through all the knives in this price range like the Bk 7, Cold steel srk or the new Steelwill Argonaut and Druid series blades then I realized MAN that Rat7 is actually a great deal. The rat7 & Bk 7 are both excellent so now its narrowed down these blades .....aaaahhh 1095 crovan sure has a great reputation but so does Ontario's 1095 & 5160 they know how to cook their steel......decision decisions. What would you do?...buying both is not an option for my wallet LOL so ya can't say that one;)

[@trekandtrailoutdoors]

I own both. I love them both, but overall the decision for me came down to streamlining what I carry. The BK-7, even though it's a 7" blade as well, is just overall a big knife. It just feels big, packs big, feels big on your belt and in your hand. . . and the handles are WONDERFUL but ultimately too big, especially when streamlining your belt carry or being mindful of your pack space. I opted for the RAT-7 as my primary field knife simply because it's a bit more streamlined, and about an ounce lighter, more if you get a custom sheath. Also, I notice this vid is over 2 years old, but, last I checked on the Ontario Knife Store, OKC is hardening their 1095 to 57-59 RC while Ka-Bar's 1095 Cro-Van is listed as 56-58 RC. So there's that, meaning (in theory) the RAT-7 should hold an edge every so slightly better. I know mine has, and I've reprofiled it to a very acute edge bevel.