Ontario ON8848DT-BRK Rat-1

Love this knife. It has been around a while but the Ontario company has maintained an excellent build quality along with good ergonomics. One drop of oil and the thumb stud opens it butter smooth (using washers, no ball bearings here). It stays open with a perfectly tuned liner lock. This is one of the few knifes I have to achieve this out of the box, the lock fully engages the knife back surface ensuring a full and solid lock which is only released when your thumb pushes it out of the way. The size is perfect for a full hand grip allowing all four fingers (I have a large hand) to wrap around the body. I like the size better to the larger RAT-1 model because it is lighter and fits easier into the pocket while having a large size blade of excellent AUS-8 steel. An absolute best buy at this price point. A knife that will take a beating for years to come.

Now that I have one, I have no idea why I waited so long to get this knife. It is excellent. I don't mind carrying a larger knife as long as it is thin and will carry in my pocket comfortably. I can walk around with my hand in my pocket and not even feel the knife there. It carries very well and it has a great clip, it clips on securely so I have no worries about losing it, but it also comes out of the pocket quickly and easily.As for the action, it's beautiful. This knife opens as fast if not faster than some of my assisted opening knives. With just 5 minutes of practice even a beginner could be flipping this knife open easily every time.The blade shape is what really made me want this knife, it has enough of a precise tip for any fine work you need to do, and the flat portion makes quick work of any slicing.Aus-8 is a good steel, it's nothing incredible, but it's a very nice steel to get at this price point. It takes a nice edge and holds it fairly well. It will need re sharpening regularly. But it will keep a serviceable edge for quite a while. I like the handle color, it's something you don't see very often and it stays cool in your hand on a 90 degree day unlike a metal handle or a dark colored handle. The grip on it is great, with no hot spots. But it's also not rough on your hand which is nice.The lock up of the knife is solid and there is zero play in the blade. The lock disengages with an easy push, making this a very user friendly knife.I'm very happy with my purchase and you will be as well, just buy one.

I own a RAT 2 as well, the 1 and 2 are practically identical, only the RAT1 is larger. It's got a 3 inch, full flat ground AUS8 steel blade. The blade is sharp and sturdy. Thumbstuds on both sides of the blade, adequate jimping on the thumb ramp, and phosphor bronze bushing for low friction opening. This is one smooth opening knife. the handle is nylon (plastic) and is textured but would likely be slippery when wet. I have no issues with the grip due to the large cutout near the blade. This knife is locked in your hand very well. The pocket clip is 4 way, left or right, tip up or down. Standard liner lock that engages around 60% on my knife. Also includes a lanyard hole, though small, it will accommodate 550 cord.Overall I'm pleased and Ontario is great for the price.

I can not say enough to praise the quality, durability, look and feel of the Rat l. I have bought several as gifts and have only gotten great feedback on them. Blade stays sharp and a few swipes across a steel sharpener restores blade quickly. Highly recommend Ontario products for camping hunting and EDC.

The Ontario RAT-1 is cheap, sharp, quick to open and is a solid all-around knife. I have carried this knife non-stop for the past six months and have had no problems with it. I do warn those who are looking for a pocket "every day carry" type knife is that this knife is not small, it does push the limit for me as far as size goes for a pocket knife, but it's quality and utility for the price is worth it. I carry my knives loose in my pocket so, for those of you who use the carrying clip you may forget this knife is in your pocket. I usually switch to a Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder for when I wear a suit, but that is only because the Lum Folder is slimmer and is about an inch shorter. I have not purchased a RAT-2 (Little Brother to the RAT-1) because I like the larger one so much, but if you are looking for a smaller version that is it. Good luck picking out a color, they all look good!

The best thing about this knife is what you get for what you pay. The liner lock is solid, the fit, finish, and centering are on point, and it's razor sharp out of the box. You get a great knife that you can beat the living crap out of knowing a replacement won't break the bank. Keep it up, Ontario.

Be aware that what you see in the photo is not what you might receive. I ordered the rat 1 with the Randal logo just ad pictured but received the Ontario version if the Randal rat 1. The Randal version that I ordered is a better quality than the Ontario version. I contacted Ontario and they no longer carry the Randal rat1. Randal and Ontario had a falling out so what is pictured is not necessarily what you will get. The two knives are the same, I have both the new Ontario model 1 and the Randal model 1, and the Randal is a thicker blade and handle. Blade thickness on the Randal is about 1/8", the Ontario is about 5/16". The Ontario is still a good knife for the money but the same they are not. Unfortunately the Randal version is no longer offered so beware before you buy.