The Ontario RAT 1 Pocketknife in D2 Steel: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

The Ontario RAT 1 is a stellar EDC knife, with a solid steel, solid construction, solid ergos, and an incredible price of $40. Yeah, it's got a bit of bad, but there's no real ugly, and for what they're asking, this is a shining gem, and one of the best values in the knife world.
If you want a first knife, a truck knife, a gift knife, or a travel knife, this is a great option. And heck, even if you don't know what you're after, this isn't a bad way to go!

[@fireemblemistrash75]

Ontario Rat knives are honestly the best, not only budget knives, but for it’s simplicity. It’s a good knife that can definitely stand the test of hard work, bought it for my dad a year ago. He has done some... unforgivable tasks you shouldn’t do with a knife... But, it works! Take it apart and sharpen, good to go! Fan of ontario as a knife company

[@patrickobrien9833]

I ordered an Ontario Rat 1, today ( August 3, 2023 ). Thanks for an honest, thorough review !!!

[@SimbaOS]

I just need to say this....for the most of the tasks people do most of the time with a pocket knife, the AUS8 steel is more than enough, it's a decent steel.

[@profd65]

Aus8 is an average steel, nothing more. If you can get D2 for a few dollars more, you should.

[@LXT43]

@@profd65 The D2 version is about $20 more and it's not worth it. Aus8 is a great steel. It's also tougher than D2.

[@profd65]

@@LXT43 First of all, Aus8 is not a great steel. CPM-S35VN is a great steel. Aus8 isn't close to being great. Aus8 is tougher than D2, but D2 is harder than Aus8 and it holds an edge much, much longer. There's a video on KZbin showing a Russian guy beating the living shit out of a Benchmade Adamas with a D2 blade, and the knife held up extremely well (although part of the credit goes to the Benchmade heat treat). About the only thing great about Aus8 is it's easy to sharpen, which is certainly appreciated if you have a dull knife but not the best sharpening equipment at hand.

[@JackG79]

@@profd65 THey have had knives since the frontier days... and even them hard asses never said... "Gee... i wish my knifes metal was harder..... "

[@buckshot1955]

JackG79 also didn’t complain because their cars wouldn’t start and the washing machine was broke... it’s called advancement.

[@nicholasevans9627]

this guys voice is like a cross between the Italian mafia and Christopher Walken.

[@zhukie]

Damn, you nailed it lol

[@bonzerrrrr]

He’s a Detroit guy 🙄

[@NativeTexMexican]

Thats kinda why I subbed...

[@jacobsalcido6466]

I always think Timone from the lion king.

[@dagthewog6290]

I'm thinking more like Billy Crystal doing an impersonation.

[@CedricAda]

I got a standard Rat 1 the other day. Suprised by how large it is! Camp food knife will be its role!

[@gonshocks]

Nick, Another terrific review. Many other you tubers look only at high-end, tactical, or budget. You give a fair look at them all. You're versatile.

[@NickShabazz]

Hey, thanks! I do my best, it keeps my perspective more solid. If you only look at $600 knives, you forget how far $30 will go. And vice versa!

[@madstork5149]

This is why you are the best knife reviewer on youtube. We all juggle knives is the best, but in a different way.

[@thibs8839]

Nick, you are by far the best knife reviewer on KZbin! I always check your channel before buying any pocket knife. I've been contemplating the good old RAT1 for a while, but I wasn't sure about the AUS8. I'm going to pick one up in D2 thanks to you. 👍 stay sharp.. stay "Shabazz!" 😁

[@Ondal1]

Bought one just as a beater, however - bearing the honeymoon - it just seems like, well, a good folding knife.

[@ml2054]

@Bartholomew Roberts Definitely buy the rat 1 it’s so worth it

[@Ondal1]

@Bartholomew Roberts it's still as I thought 3 years ago, a good folding knife. I see you bought it, which is a good decision. I call it good, but for its price, it's actually great. Personally I rarely use it, not even as a beater, but that's simply because I've move up, where a beater can be something more. The RAT 1 in D2 will always be simply good/great, depending on your price frame.

[@robertkidnley93]

I have own all minds of knife spyderco Gerber etc and I gave away alot of my kinfes I remember the rat 1 more then any other I gave it to my best friend he moved away but I remember how good it was and honestly for the price nothing can beat it

[@humantiger72]

Ive had the aus-8 original for over 10 years as my daily carry. and even today the blade tip lines up perfectly straight when it closes...unlike much more pricey knives I have. I keep going back to it... because I can trust it.

[@hcwbw3]

Various people have said same thing. So I got one just today, $42 shipped Jan. 2022. One line stand out from your review, "it makes me question why I spent so much money on other knives". This thing is a gem, I needed a cheep good knife to balance out my expensive large knife, so now I have 1 expensive, 1 cheep (good) of several sizes. Dressed for a civilized, urban activity, or more "back country" activity, I am good to go. This knife is bad to the bone, great camping, back country etc. folder!

[@artl52]

Thanks a lot, Nickster. There goes another $40 out of the bank account. Definitely a must have!

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

D2 steel certainly has it's pros, but for a salt water environment or an acidic environment, AUS8 is a far superior steel. The lower carbon content certainly drops the hardness, but it reflects it's stainless capabilities incredibly well.

[@ndrea66]

Good morning,👋🏻😊 I fully agree!!! It depends on the context in which you use the knife: if you use it in a cold, icy environment then a carbon blade is certainly better; It has greater torsional properties and therefore there is less risk of it breaking suddenly. If you use it in a more temperate environment and with a milder climate, you can choose stainless steel. Now in stainless steel there has been a race for the "best" type, the one considered most performing for cutting and maintaining the edge. In my humble opinion if you have a blade made with a "super steel" you have to deal with the problem of sharpening. If you are in the woods, how do you sharpen a knife and in how long. A "cheap" steel partially solves the problem. Greetings🖖🏻🙃 from Milan, ITA 🇮🇹

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Imagine being able to get the R2D2 for under 35. *Cries in UK*

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@Uchiha Recker So that's $37 + up to a month wait lol.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@Uchiha Recker They aren't that expensive in the UK, I was mostly being dramatic for comedy, You can pick one up at Heinnie Haynes for around £40.00 if you are in the UK and looking for one, free delivery.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@Uchiha Recker The ESEE Zancudo is the frame lock version of the RAT 2 that's only £38.00 at Heinnie Haynes, it's made in the same factory by the same people. I have both they are pretty similar knives, both good.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@Uchiha Recker Oh and I forgot, Ontario do make another folder that is just as good as the RAT, and it's only around £35.00 The Ontario Joe Pardue Utilitac, it's actually smoother to flick open than the RAT as well, I have that knife as well, it's very good, probably the best folder in the £30 range. I was shocked how good that knife is, it was so good I got another one to give to my cousin for his birthday. 100% recommend that knife.

[@paulhenkelman1651]

I recently purchased the AUS8. Loved it so much I just got the D2 version. This knife is an incredible value.

[@D45VR]

I didn't hear any 'bad' at all. Just small things on the positive==>negative scale. For crying out loud, it's a steal at $35!

[@concernedcitizen8481]

I have this knife. Carry it everyday at work for a few years now. I have no complaints. My logo on blade looks exactly like yours so it is intentional, not a bad print. The paint has completely wore off the clip but thats expected in my work environment.

[@davidrogers182]

I purchased two! I love this knife! The older one in AUS8 is still a good knife and reasonable price. I concur regarding differences in steel quality! Great review Sir!

[@bengalvin71]

Have ordered Rat1 d2 steel with g10/C.F. overlay, very excited. Waiting on the Rat2 in D2 😃

[@benjaminnewton8647]

I carry the same. edc...badassery at a cool price.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

Hopefully OKC one day starts to make the little brother RAT2 with D2 blades.

[@breydonkokas6778]

Felix Zaragoza I sure hope so because I really want one for EDC to replace my Kershaw Link 420HC

[@joemoss5138]

They must have listened...i just received the rat 2 in D2 steel.

[@markashlock8058]

Surprised you didn't mention the phosphor bronze washers. I know that wasn't a change from the Aus8 version, but still worthy of a mention imho ; ) As usual, a great and informational review. Thanks Nick!

[@drameday]

I’ve been collecting knives since the early 90s. I have close to a metric shit ton of knives. But ever since I got the Rat 2 in D2 it’s been one of my most used and abused knives. Such a tough well designed knife. Not pretty, but very much a great tool.

[@NicholasTre_]

I have a rat 1 because I’m not a fan of any blade over 3 inches and I absolutely LOVE it. Hands down my favorite knife even over my para 3 lightweight and bugout. Like I said not a fan of larger than 3 in blades but I am going to buy the model 1 just because I love the model 2 so much

[@MrTJohnston]

Picked up one today. Love it. Again Nick your reviews are spot on

[@scottkalbfeld8903]

Saturday mornings are meant for coffee and cigarettes watching some Shabazz reviews.

[@Thezedword12]

The rat 1 in d2 is the best value edc knife no doubt, I took mine down cleaned it and lubed it up and if anything the decent needs work cause it wants to fall open and closed with a fairly tight pivot. First knife I've taken apart and hard used it about 2 months, still fairly sharp with one dull spot

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I’m ashamed to say that I recently bought a RAT 1 in D2. I should have done it years ago, instead of waiting for Ontario to close it’s doors.

[@robc8468]

As a retired Manufacturing Engineer there are no good tool steel or bad tool steels. But there are appropriate and in-appropriate steel applications along with proper and in-proper heat treatments . With regard to the Aus 8 vs D 2 debate in a Rat 1 in a corrosive environment say to be used on a boat or for a plumber the Aus - 8 would be more corrosion resistant. Also under lighter use like a few times a week for those on a tight budget. The AUS-8 Rat 1 would be hard to beat at $24 with free shipping on Amazon as of 2022. If the knife is under constant daily use in a noncorrosive environment the D2 Rat1 at around $40 is also a good buy. My personal solution is to own both the AUS-8 and The D2 Rat 1.. both versions are a good value for a rugged ergonomic knife.

[@justinm4543]

Got one at a wall Mart for 27$ today, super happy with it so far

[@davidh0159]

You got your wish, Nick. I just saw on both blade hq and knife center - the RAT 2 with D2 steel. Nice review.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Ya convinced me, Nick. I have yet to have a knife in D2, and this Rat One is my next new knife.

[@PeetSneekes]

Just watched this video while flipping my D2 Rat ... Just a wonderful knife. I totally agree :-)

[@abc456f]

RAT 1 in aus 8 was my first knife. I just ordered a new RAT 1 with D2 in carbon fiber. With a choice of about 10 knives I always seem to come back to the RAT 1.

[@bubbles3108]

I have been considering getting this knife to take on campouts and hiking and now that I know it’s it D2 im positive I’m getting a great knife for an amazing value, I’ve herd sum good things about this knife but I’ve never gotten a full review. Thanks nick

[@jifigz]

I'm a knife guy. I buy expensive and cheap and they all see pocket time. I'm buying a new knife very soon (on the cheaper end) to add to my collection and use and carry. I'm torn between Buck Vantage, Rat 1, or Kershaw Skyline. What say you folks?

[@thevelointhevale1132]

I generally prefer Stainless for Bushcraft and outdoor work ... 154CM being a favourite. However, in a pocket knife for EDC ( Your purpose is everything here ) - my preference is to have a blade steel that retains an edge longest. The D2 was tested vs the AUS-8 and retained the edge for twice the work load of the AUS 8. To people who perhaps value their time in a working environment, having to resharpen at 50 cuts ( AUS-8 ) vs 108 cuts ( D2 ) - is a significant performance incentive to choosing the D2. The working environment places different demands on different peoples needs ... go with what you feel works for you. It's easier for me to resharpen my D2 EDC at home at my leisure, knowing my blade can put in sustained cutting when I need it for lengthy periods outdoors ... rather that than having to stop to resharpen at a job site or outooors constantly.

[@Countryboy071]

Great review. You sound like that compuer guy with glasses in the film wargames. I think he was called Melvin. Great knife, just ordered a D2 version. Best wishes from uk 👍

[@dansherman1980]

Should mention that ontario rat1 with the 0 banner are a little bit smaller than the originals, easier to deploy, and nowhere near as clunky

[@buenjosefandrade812]

Thanks for the review! I've been wanting to purchase this knife for a while. All the more reasons to get myself one.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

To this day still one of the best all-around folding knives for under $50.

[@jakehansen3418]

I still use the aus8 rats over my d2 i think d2 has been way way overbroad and Aus 8 way way underrated.

[@benjamindanielsen5204]

I thought Nick was exaggerating about how large the RAT 1 is until mine arrived yesterday, the minute I picked it up I felt like I was holding a pocket sized machete rather than a pocket knife. Being as the blade is about 3.5 to 3.6 inches long, I'd strongly encourage you all looking at one of these to be mindful of what blade length restrictions there may be in your area so that you don't find yourself in any hot water and to get a RAT 2 instead if you want to err on the side of caution (or you just really don't feel all that compelled to carry around a pocket machete).

[@ChuckBradfordPhotography]

Awesome, your review helped seal the deal on this purchase, very impressive. Thanks, subbed.

[@wyattwahlgren8883]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking for a new knife, and I have a knife connoisseur friend who told me about the Ontario rat. I'll be working on boats a lot, so I'll probably have to get one with aus8 steel, according to this video. That's good to know though.

[@docsol22]

You convinced me! I am buying one. With D2. Does it hold a sharp edge for awhile?

[@GRILLBUOY101]

The ganzo reviews are very good .they have a few carbon fiber fir like 28 that look great with the blue screws

[@xmcerer]

1:04 Anyone know what knife that is below the Ontario Rat 1? It looks pretty nice. I'm a beginner knife collector so I don't know the names of a lot of knifes yet.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

great review man totally with you on this one

[@deniseclement2473]

Don't know why I took so long to get one of these. This review is spot on including the part about the Rat 2 needing a D2 version. I'll probably pick up a couple more in different colors.

[@julesthurongi1223]

Subbed! I recently traded my partially serrated aus-8 rat1 and bk15 for a Paragon/Ashville Steel auto... Gives me an excuse to score a d2 rat1. 😈 Love how detailed and "nit-picky" your knife reviews are. Unboxing videos are a dime a dozen.

[@assoverteakettle]

I think there's a bit too much fuss made of steels. There was a time when AUS 8, ATS 34, 153CM, and 440C were considered damn good and more than good enough. Now people talk about them like cheap crap steel and they're not. They're good steels for daily use. Yes, there are harder and more exotic steels and metallurgy has a new wonder steel coming out all the time and that's a good thing. But for the average person do you really need a "wonder steel" for your blade? Consider there is always a trade off between hard tool steels, like D2, and ease of sharpening. I have, or have owned exotic steel knives. I even used to have an old REKAT SIFU (any old timers remember those?) in D2, but my a cheap Morakniv fixed blade with Sandvik stainless is what I use for cutting up corrugated cardboard for the recycling bin and it works fine and easy to quickly sharpen on an angle sharpener. I'm not detracting people from buying exotic blades because as a serious collector you sometimes want the best money can buy. But there are other qualities to a knife that make them more important than some exotic steel they use IMO. blade profile, ergonomics, overall design, etc. For the average person who just needs one or two sport knives for EDC and have no interest in spending over $100 for a sport knife I highly recommend AUS 8 or even a properly heat treated 440C.

[@moealfaleh5606]

AUS8 is a good steal. Definitely a "budget" steel now, but that's fine. I think most of us knife guys just want to go longer in between sharpness cause we have so many knives. However, sharpening AUS8 is much faster than S30V or higher. I believe most of us don't actually use our knives enough for what the exotic steels could really take.

[@francismartino6890]

I tend to agree.....

[@matthewhaine1322]

Great knife reviews!!!

[@buckwylde9567]

amazingly this knife can still be had for less than $40 two years later.

[@mistersmith3986]

Too bad Cold Steel doesn't make this inife in D2 with Tri-Ad Lock!

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

I like this knife better than my spider co. I was very sad when I was forced to admit to myself that the $40 model 1 (which I found for free) was just better. It’s now my EDC and I bought a backup in case I lose it. The spider co sits in my drawer now. For you guys who are considering d2 over Aus8 - If you don’t have knife sharpening skills, you need to learn. Aus8 will have an advantage in that it can be sharpened more easily in the field. Every knife will lose its edge relatively quickly. So good luck sharpening your D2 without your equipment handy.

[@dalecarpenter8359]

The rats I just got 1 &2 finally got 2 American knife co knives that weren't cull in the box ! Got the rat 2 in d2 . I call her r2d2 ! Got the aus 8 rat 1 infantry blue and it was good . Its larger and has more belly in the blade than the 727 rat fink as its called ! Some one said the rat fink had the same blade . Got to get the rat 1 d2 green now !

[@Ww-dl7vr]

Just got the d2 steel rat 1. And I wish the scales were a little more grippy. I'll just buy some off etsy or something.

[@leebarker6188]

I just bought one and it is all of what people say, a quality budget friendly folder like this in D2 why would you pay 700 bucks for a knife in my opinion for a mass produced product, I would pay that for custom made folder or fixed made to my specs however.Great review Nick thank you!

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

I've been holding back on getting a RAT 1. For THIS!!

[@benjaminnewton8647]

Maybe the greatest edc knife.

[@Joe-jj3oh]

Benjamin Newton Maybe the rat 2 instead? It would be a better size for edc in my opinion.

[@cliffbernsen438]

@@Joe-jj3oh Rat II doesn't fit my hand. Rat 1 for large hands.

[@larryjackson6350]

I have the R2D2 and found it just a bit small. Getting the R1d2 and it may be a bit big but, well, I want it.

[@jeffstrauser4520]

Just got mine based on your video. I actually carry it more than my "name brand" or my expensive ones. Its solid. I just love it. And Mines in aus 8

I've always liked Nick's style!

[@GabrielDeMfromNY]

I love the rat 1, waiting on rat2/D2

[@DavidV4444]

Excellent video - as always!

[@DANVIIL]

How's the heat treat on this D2 steel, the heart of any blade is the heat treat. If you can't keep your knife from rusting, you don't deserve to carry a knife one.

[@larryjackson6350]

You should have a link to this knife. I'll be getting this because of your review plus avoid the carbon fiber due to the Rat II review (D2). Love your reviews especially the one on bias. Very funny.

[@johnbowen5336]

I prefer the Mk 2. When will I be able to get that in D2?

[@JoelBrothers]

RAT 1 is OK, but I still prefer my Cold Steel Finn Wolf. I have both, but I usually carry my Finn Wolf. It is much sharper due to the Scandi grind. It's pretty much a folding Mora.

[@mackhomie6]

hmm, I almost forgot about that. how is the action? I realize it's not meant to be incredible in that department, but the rat id

[@Matt-xc6sp]

Best possible under $50 Civivi: hold my flipper

[@eachday9538]

I'm pretty keen on the look of the LionSteel 8210 in D2. It has a blade profile and grind (high flat) that could almost be mistaken for a mini Rat II. If you squint.

[@eachday9538]

...but without a thumb ramp or jimping, yeah you gotta squint until your eyes are basically closed.

[@OLMmedic]

Looking forward to your review on the bowie.

[@messmer777]

What do you think about the bronze washers with the teflon things?

[@genekillingsworth8994]

After 4 years the Aus-8 version at $23.88 is still the knife I recommend most to beginners with their novice sharpening skills.

[@chrispollock8735]

Just ordered one in s35vn

[@pinkbrisingr78]

Sweet reviews Nick!

[@junichiikeda5860]

Great reviews. 👍

[@JROTCBALL]

My dad lost his benchmade n I’ve been thinking about surprising him with a Delica 4 but I saw the serrated aus version on sale n decided to get him it for now ;( hope it holds up till Xmas haha

[@francismartino6890]

Norseman????? What was that

[@bengalvin71]

Does anyone know who's making after market scales for this knife?

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Couldnt give the ontario rat it to her until i did a tune up job on it .it was lock stuck first opening .had to get tools to close it ( i can close very hard locks with only my hands )

[@E1337N3SS]

Ugh. I really don't like D2 all that much, but at that price point I'm going to end owning like three. I've been beating the hell out of the aus8 rat 1 for years and to see it get an upgrade for effectively no extra cost is insane. The knife was already good for the price before.

[@dude28405]

I love that knife I have one in aus 8 it doesn't get much used because I have an R2 in d2 with a deep pocket carry clip so it doesn't see much action anymore plus I like the size a lot of times it's better in a civilized society could just curious smaller knife it's usually good to go at any place across the country not having to worry about size restrictions

[@mastergecko1178]

I just bought me a stedemon bastion and OMG now I have to buy another knife after watching this video

[@chrisdotpaul]

I picked up the Rat 2 and find it too small for my hand. I think the next purchase for me will be a Rat 1. I'm going to pick it up in Aus 8 as the store I have here in Vancouver has them. Maybe one day I'll pick up the D2 knife once the Aus 8 knife blows up on me.

[@ethanthomas5393]

Aus 8 is good enough to open boxes and other packages

[@guydavis6918]

Love this guy

[@Sparky6string]

We're all waiting for the Model 2 in D2 but is there a better steel for that one considering it's smaller? Is there perhaps an even better option for the Model 2 like A2 or D2 Supreme? Something else I notice is that countries of manufacture tend to favor certain steels, like Japan is very partial to the steels they came up with. Is that true also of Taiwan?

[@olliekraus9426]

Super video! I applauded for $10.00 👏👏👏

[@ballsnweeners100]

9:39-9:44 listen for the rhyme lmaoo 😆

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

I wish they would mill out the liners and drop it down to 4 oz.

[@nated8858]

Great video! Gained a subscriber. Informative and entertaining.

[@synthesaurus]

The tip can cut your finger when closed. It is too close to the outside

[@jlee4849]

Ordered a Rat 1 and Rat 2 in D2.

[@jordanliszewski6549]

Just stumbled upon this review. I know nick is an absolute legend but I have to say something. I have tons of D2 blades but if I'm gonna be outside working(not just on a fuckin boat) I never grab one because they rust. I have D2 in a shiny finish that has rust, D2 in stonewash that has rust, D2 in a matte black that has rust(ALL of which have hardly been used). A lot of people seem to think they never rust but they fuckin do. Aus-8 lasts LONGER because of it if you use your knives outside in the field, something I think nick doesn't do. Love the guy though, even though he loves spyderco. ALSO I have both rats, the clip doesn't carry THAT well.

[@JP-yw4ow]

Yo nick, I have the tuff light, the opinel no. 8, and I just picked up the rat 1. All featured, all great on your channel. Can't pull the fanboy angle on the rat2, the rat1 feels fuckin solid in the hand. Regardless, your channel is the shit. you know knives my guy. I can't shit on a single knife you've put your mark on.

[@DadoAnaAntun]

Oi Nick , u can order okc rat 1A .It has g10 scales .

[@grumpyoldwizard]

The stamps on the blades all look the same. That little gap in the logo isn’t a mistake.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thank you.