Only just recently got into the whole EDC game, and thanks to your review, the rat 2 became my first EDC folder. And i must say, im very happy with the quality of the knife, considering the price. Keep up the good work thelateboyscout.
So I got one of these yesterday (black with the uncoated brushed blade), which taught me three things: 1. BladeHQ rocks! 2. I'm an idiot. The very first time I opened this I intended to follow the stud around with my thumb, but it flew out and got ahead of my thumb and I barely brushed my thumb back over the blade as I caught up with it. Which brings me to my next point. 3. This knife came razor sharp out of box. I took a decent skin flap with that first opening. I love the knife. For the price I am not sure it can be beat. At this price point I can travel with it without being so paranoid of it getting confiscated in one of the dictatorships in our republic.
I found a RAT Model 1 totally by accident at Walmart the other day. I've built a rapport with the 3rd shift guy that works back by sporting goods, and he was digging through the boxes behind the counter for me. In there were 3 of the RAT model 1s that haven't even been put out yet or into the system, and I just had to have one. He gave me one at a discount. Definitely a great little knife. I normally don't buy cheapy knives that often, but I am immensely impressed with my RAT Model 1. A fine blade.
Rat 1 is so useful and beatable/re-sharpenable while garden landscaping here in Oz...and in this line of work we dont baton etc but we put our blades into situations involving impact with soil, cutting around and hitting metal, stone and brick. And while I am always careful I have slipped a few times and hit the above but the beauty for me is the ease of resharpening. To a slicing edge. You may have to resharpen more oftem than $ supersteel but its easier..less stress & good sharpening practice.
Received mine yesterday afternoon, and I'm pretty damn impressed. I ended up using it for some food preparation, opening boxes, and some cutting tasks in relation to cosplay (working on straps, cutting through layers of paper mache). The food preparation was excellent. I was working on semi-frozen flank steak, and I could easily make small slices. I think it worked better than my usual kitchen knife! Boxes - easy peasy, and didn't dull the knife one bit. I also cut through a plastic bottle like you showed here - like melted butter. The only issue I have is that the blade action is a little stiff (may have been due to Canadian customs fiddling with it so that it matches our laws - we can't have flippers/assisted openers here). I'd probably pick up it's bigger brother for camping/hiking/fishing tasks.
Yep... gonna have to have one of these. Ontario provides crazy good quality for a such a bargain price... I don't know how they do it!!! (but glad they do!)
The RAT-1 is one of my all time favorite folding knives. I have the one with the D2 blade & carbon fiber scales. I'm going to be ordering the RAT-2 real soon.
Thanks for the video. I just got mine and you're right about how short a time it takes to truly enjoy the design, construction and ergonomics. It is an essential knife everyone should and can own. The price is is everyone budget. Hopefully there will be more color and steel options in the future. I also like that is not an assisted opening like it's big Brother.
This review is gonna put one of those in my shopping cart. I currently EDC a Kershaw Link Aluminium with a 420HC steel blade. I love it but I feel like the RAT 2 is a better knife for $15 less.
UPDATE: My RAT 2 arrived today and I am ecstatic. What a sweet little knife; it feels super solid, has good weight, is very sharp, and only cost $27 (ebay, new-in-box and free shipping!). It is IMO the perfect EDC size; large enough to do some work but small enough to disappear into my pocket. I should also mention that i have come to love it's peculiar styling. Its like one of those ugly dogs that just exudes personality so much more-so than a pretty pure-bred. Guys, buy one of these, you will not regret it. Scout, thanks for making such a persuasive video.
Be careful! When buying on ebay there are many fakes. Go to aliexpress.com and you can find almost all knives including spyderco kershaw and sog for almost nothing.
Just bought this knife on Amazon with the black scales and black coating for $26.50 + free shipping. Damn good deal. Should have it by the end of the month.
Great blade & us knife guys know exactly what you mean when you say "you get your hands on a knife & it hits all the notes" When that happens rare as it may be I think I can hear a chorus of angels singing : ) Great review as always brother!
Thanks for the review. Sold me on this over the newer Esee Avispa. I like the scales on both sides, the drop point blade with more belly and the higher angled spine where the gimping is. This appears better not just from an EDC utility point of view but also an edged self defense option.
Owning quite some very expensive knives (that I never use..) a winner knife doesn't need to cost a lot. This is a perfect edc knife for a very small price. Overall winner especially for a knife you want too USE. great review 👍
You're welcome Scout. To me it almost feels as good as the Griptillian, it just needs an axis lock instead of a liner lock. I think the Utilitac will also give the Tenacious a run for the money too. Take care.
Is the thumb-stud deployment on the Model 1 as good as the Model 2 also is the centering and balance of it the same. I am looking for a good outdoors knife and the RAT folders absolutely fall within my price point. So I just want to check on the quality of the Model 1 vs the Model 2
I don't know about the Model 1 but on Model 2 the liners are thin as fuck and the lock wore out fairly fast. I was extremely dissapointed to hear that(i was hoping the lock bar was so far out of the box) because the action was like an automatic, almost shit my pants but them liners... I'd go with anything in the Tenacious line, I've used and carried mine for well over a year and despite wear and tear on the g10 and coating on the blade(still all there might I add) it hasn't changed a bit. I've taken it appart dozens of times.
The Rat 1 and 2 are two of my all time favourite knives. Amazing performance for the money! If you don't like the black coating i'd suggest removing it. It comes off very easily (you can scratch it off with another knife or a screwdriver) and underneath is a beautiful stonewashed finish.
Well I loved this knife....one of the two knives I have lost in the woods. Well I was fortunate to by two so still have one to play with. Agree with the assessment, great review.
Great review; totally convinced me to pick one up, and all your points are totally spot on. I went with the standard blade, but watching your vid makes me wish I would've went with the black coated version. Guess I was afraid the coating would come off easy, but it looks like you put yours through some pretty good work, and the coating still looks pretty good. Sigh. May have to buy a second one now!!
Damion Berv I'm about to get one and was wondering the same thing! The black coating looks a bit "cheap" lol but looks sexy af. Might go with the black coating it's only 25 bucks so it can easily be replaced.
Hey Scout, you may have just cured me of my mini-griptilian fixation. Its not as pretty and does not have the brag factor, but at literally 1/3 the price I feel like the Rat 2 make up for those factors in value. I know you're a mini-grip fan; do you think I will kick myself for not saving up for the blue box?
I just aquired a slightly used Ontario Utilitac 2 by Joe Pardue and I am impressed with it. It reminds me of my Benchmade Griptillian. Will you be doing a review on the Utilitac? Thanks.
I'm between the Spyderco Tenacious, RAT model 1 and RAT model l2. I go backpacking in the rockies often and I do like light weight however it isn't top priority for a knife. I would mostly be using it for feathersticks and cordage and maybe food and whatever else you do while backpacking. I would also use it on a lot of cardboard that gets recycled as well as on some random tasks with networking and computers. What should I get?
TheBlackStealth RAT 1 sounds like it may be a little big for your needs. I'd try the RAT 2. But as The Doomsday Boy Scout mentioned, it's definitely a good idea to try out a few if you can!
My model 1 had a really finnicky pin screw, only after lots of time making micro-adjustements was I able to have the blade come out smoothly while still having good blade retention. That pin screw looks different than the model 1 though, so hopefully the problem is fixed. Or maybe I got a deffective knife, don't know... still a great knife, not a fan of the looks but definitely a fantascic blade.
I think I'd really enjoy that knife but I don't think it would get much carry time over my mini ritter grip in s30v. Roughly the same size by the looks of it. Who knows maybe i'll get it for a cheap beater knife to leave in my truck. Being Aus8 I can touch up the edge super easy on a variety of materials.
Am i seeing things or did the coating come off the top above the emblem on the blade and the top of the tip? I wanted black on black but now I'm conserned because the steel will rust here.
i really wish there were more knives like this, at an affordable price, that are american made. I really like this knife and the Cold Steel recon 1, but I have a hard time buying blades & tools that aren't made in the USA. Great price on this knife, hard to beat. Great work on your videos also!!!
My new RAT 2 is stiff to open, and will not open quickly; I have to push it open with my thumb. It doesn't 'snap' open at all. Any ideas how to remedy this? Thanks
Recently got this knife. The deployment is not remotely close to what's shown on this video. Have to dig my thumb into the gap between the thumb-stud and handle to deploy at all. Not sure if it's just my knife or that's how they are made in 2016. It's a good knife but don't be disappointed if it deploys like a snail instead of a viper.
I wanted to purchase mine through blade hq but they didnt have the color combo that i wanted so I purchased mine from Knifecenter.com. There is also blade ops, cutlery shoppe and many others to choose from just google buy knives online and you should find one that works for you
What screw drivers are used for those screws? I got a cheap counterfeit from the markets and the asians didn't screw it properly but the knife is sexy and looks vicious so I'd rather keep it...
Pink for the ladies? I bought a pink RAT model 1. Remember: real man carry pink knives!! Nah I bought it because I have a lot of black knives and wanted to change it up, sovI bought the pink one so I can have a laugh about it with friends xD 3 girls already want to steal it from me though....
These go for like 25$ now and totally worth love it.
One of my top two EDC knives. Want to make it stupid sharp? Try using "Tuf-Glide" as lubricant on a fine diamond stone.
Only just recently got into the whole EDC game, and thanks to your review, the rat 2 became my first EDC folder. And i must say, im very happy with the quality of the knife, considering the price. Keep up the good work thelateboyscout.
So I got one of these yesterday (black with the uncoated brushed blade), which taught me three things:
1. BladeHQ rocks!
2. I'm an idiot. The very first time I opened this I intended to follow the stud around with my thumb, but it flew out and got ahead of my thumb and I barely brushed my thumb back over the blade as I caught up with it. Which brings me to my next point.
3. This knife came razor sharp out of box. I took a decent skin flap with that first opening.
I love the knife. For the price I am not sure it can be beat. At this price point I can travel with it without being so paranoid of it getting confiscated in one of the dictatorships in our republic.
Congrats on the purchase, and sorry about the cut. ;)
I got the RAT II this week and and it's perfect for me. Thanks for this detailed review. Big help indeed.
I found a RAT Model 1 totally by accident at Walmart the other day. I've built a rapport with the 3rd shift guy that works back by sporting goods, and he was digging through the boxes behind the counter for me. In there were 3 of the RAT model 1s that haven't even been put out yet or into the system, and I just had to have one. He gave me one at a discount. Definitely a great little knife. I normally don't buy cheapy knives that often, but I am immensely impressed with my RAT Model 1. A fine blade.
How is your rat 1 now?
Rat 1 is so useful and beatable/re-sharpenable while garden landscaping here in Oz...and in this line of work we dont baton etc but we put our blades into situations involving impact with soil, cutting around and hitting metal, stone and brick. And while I am always careful I have slipped a few times and hit the above but the beauty for me is the ease of resharpening. To a slicing edge. You may have to resharpen more oftem than $ supersteel but its easier..less stress & good sharpening practice.
Received mine yesterday afternoon, and I'm pretty damn impressed. I ended up using it for some food preparation, opening boxes, and some cutting tasks in relation to cosplay (working on straps, cutting through layers of paper mache). The food preparation was excellent. I was working on semi-frozen flank steak, and I could easily make small slices. I think it worked better than my usual kitchen knife! Boxes - easy peasy, and didn't dull the knife one bit. I also cut through a plastic bottle like you showed here - like melted butter.
The only issue I have is that the blade action is a little stiff (may have been due to Canadian customs fiddling with it so that it matches our laws - we can't have flippers/assisted openers here).
I'd probably pick up it's bigger brother for camping/hiking/fishing tasks.
Yep... gonna have to have one of these. Ontario provides crazy good quality for a such a bargain price... I don't know how they do it!!! (but glad they do!)
Now in d2 steel as well. Have mine on its way Super pumped too
Gotta love RAT folders. Just got my first RAT 2 after several RAT 1 purchases over the past couple years. Great little blade.
I'm getting this knife soon actually!
is it bad that I bought this knife just because of the smooth/fast deployment?
Ryan Metevier no sir!
sure it is if you collect knives
The RAT-1 is one of my all time favorite folding knives. I have the one with the D2 blade & carbon fiber scales. I'm going to be ordering the RAT-2 real soon.
Its 2021 now and its still one of the best edc out there.
Hi Adams,can I have your about the ausie 8 and D2 for the ausie 8 is only available here
@@ulary I have the Aus8 one and i love it. My best friend has the d2 and he loves it too. I use mine for everything and it holds up well.
Thanks for the video. I just got mine and you're right about how short a time it takes to truly enjoy the design, construction and ergonomics. It is an essential knife everyone should and can own. The price is is everyone budget. Hopefully there will be more color and steel options in the future. I also like that is not an assisted opening like it's big Brother.
This review is gonna put one of those in my shopping cart. I currently EDC a Kershaw Link Aluminium with a 420HC steel blade. I love it but I feel like the RAT 2 is a better knife for $15 less.
UPDATE: My RAT 2 arrived today and I am ecstatic. What a sweet little knife; it feels super solid, has good weight, is very sharp, and only cost $27 (ebay, new-in-box and free shipping!). It is IMO the perfect EDC size; large enough to do some work but small enough to disappear into my pocket. I should also mention that i have come to love it's peculiar styling. Its like one of those ugly dogs that just exudes personality so much more-so than a pretty pure-bred. Guys, buy one of these, you will not regret it. Scout, thanks for making such a persuasive video.
Be careful! When buying on ebay there are many fakes. Go to aliexpress.com and you can find almost all knives including spyderco kershaw and sog for almost nothing.
Brandon Boughamer That's where all the fakes are.
Brandon Boughamer all fakes from China. You really think you can get a Spyderco PM2 for 20$?
Yeah I bought a spyderco paramilitary 2 and it was surprisingly no different from the real one
Just bought this knife on Amazon with the black scales and black coating for $26.50 + free shipping. Damn good deal. Should have it by the end of the month.
Great blade & us knife guys know exactly what you mean when you say "you get your hands on a knife & it hits all the notes" When that happens rare as it may be I think I can hear a chorus of angels singing : )
Great review as always brother!
First usable knife ive owned. My first one was a tiny but well made buck, it just seemed way too small. I got this one and its awesome
Thanks for the review. Sold me on this over the newer Esee Avispa. I like the scales on both sides, the drop point blade with more belly and the higher angled spine where the gimping is. This appears better not just from an EDC utility point of view but also an edged self defense option.
Owning quite some very expensive knives (that I never use..) a winner knife doesn't need to cost a lot. This is a perfect edc knife for a very small price. Overall winner especially for a knife you want too USE. great review 👍
aus 8 is the easiest steel to sharpen imho, it really gets very sharp
agreed, aus8 gets a wicked edge with half the time you would need to maintain a decent edge on 154cm.
You're welcome Scout. To me it almost feels as good as the Griptillian, it just needs an axis lock instead of a liner lock. I think the Utilitac will also give the Tenacious a run for the money too.
Take care.
Now you're just talking crazy!!! I'd be happy to keep one under 20 minutes at this point :)
Excellent review. I really enjoy all your videos. I just put a convex edge on my RAT 2, and now is twice as good. Keep up the good work. Thanks
I've been looking at that life I think you finally helped me make up my mind
Is the thumb-stud deployment on the Model 1 as good as the Model 2 also is the centering and balance of it the same. I am looking for a good outdoors knife and the RAT folders absolutely fall within my price point. So I just want to check on the quality of the Model 1 vs the Model 2
I don't know about the Model 1 but on Model 2 the liners are thin as fuck and the lock wore out fairly fast. I was extremely dissapointed to hear that(i was hoping the lock bar was so far out of the box) because the action was like an automatic, almost shit my pants but them liners... I'd go with anything in the Tenacious line, I've used and carried mine for well over a year and despite wear and tear on the g10 and coating on the blade(still all there might I add) it hasn't changed a bit. I've taken it appart dozens of times.
Just got this knife in yesterday. It is one of the best edc knives at any price, factor in the sub 30 dollar price and it is pretty much unbeatable.
The Rat 1 and 2 are two of my all time favourite knives. Amazing performance for the money! If you don't like the black coating i'd suggest removing it. It comes off very easily (you can scratch it off with another knife or a screwdriver) and underneath is a beautiful stonewashed finish.
I have not had my hands on the Rat 1 or 2. Looks like a tremendous value. Might have to check into that.
Thanks for the review! I just ordered one for myself and plan to order another in pink for my wife to carry with her each day.
I just got mine and i fell in love with it
Well I loved this knife....one of the two knives I have lost in the woods. Well I was fortunate to by two so still have one to play with. Agree with the assessment, great review.
Orange paracord will help I always put orange lanyards on my knives and multitools so I don't lose them
If you squeeze the knife very hard and your index finger is in the
hallow doesnt it press the liner lock mechanism and unlocks the blade?
Great review; totally convinced me to pick one up, and all your points are totally spot on. I went with the standard blade, but watching your vid makes me wish I would've went with the black coated version. Guess I was afraid the coating would come off easy, but it looks like you put yours through some pretty good work, and the coating still looks pretty good. Sigh. May have to buy a second one now!!
Damion Berv I'm about to get one and was wondering the same thing! The black coating looks a bit "cheap" lol but looks sexy af. Might go with the black coating it's only 25 bucks so it can easily be replaced.
I'm excited two, no pun intended heh. Love my RAT 1. A smaller version was a good move for Ontario Knives. 2x4 test was a good review feature.
Hey Scout, you may have just cured me of my mini-griptilian fixation. Its not as pretty and does not have the brag factor, but at literally 1/3 the price I feel like the Rat 2 make up for those factors in value. I know you're a mini-grip fan; do you think I will kick myself for not saving up for the blue box?
I just aquired a slightly used Ontario Utilitac 2 by Joe Pardue and I am impressed with it. It reminds me of my Benchmade Griptillian. Will you be doing a review on the Utilitac?
Thanks.
I keep meaning to pick one of those up. Thanks for the reminder.
Is it as good as the Rat 1. I just got two Rat 1 today. And they blew me away. Great knives.
How do you flick it open so easily? I can't do that with mine, i have to ride the thumb stud all the way up. Must have bad technique.
I'm between the Spyderco Tenacious, RAT model 1 and RAT model l2. I go backpacking in the rockies often and I do like light weight however it isn't top priority for a knife. I would mostly be using it for feathersticks and cordage and maybe food and whatever else you do while backpacking. I would also use it on a lot of cardboard that gets recycled as well as on some random tasks with networking and computers. What should I get?
TheBlackStealth well u should try out a few knifes and see witch one u think will work the best for u
TheBlackStealth RAT 1 sounds like it may be a little big for your needs. I'd try the RAT 2. But as The Doomsday Boy Scout mentioned, it's definitely a good idea to try out a few if you can!
I keep a tenacious in my camping bag. It's nice. I like the rat 2 so I think either rat 1 or 2. Get the rat 1 if you want a bigger knife.
Am i crazy for wanting to carry the rat 1 as my self defense folder and the rat 2 as my utility knife?
Thanks for this, now you're making me think "I gotta get one!".
Great review, LBS! Gotta get me one! Some day I'll learn how to do a 9-minute knife review :)
How well does it keep an edge? Thanks great video.
I was lucky enough to get the Kershaw Brawler at Walmart for $20 around Christmas time. It retails for $35-$40.
Between the first and this one which is better ? the steel are the same ?
My model 1 had a really finnicky pin screw, only after lots of time making micro-adjustements was I able to have the blade come out smoothly while still having good blade retention. That pin screw looks different than the model 1 though, so hopefully the problem is fixed. Or maybe I got a deffective knife, don't know... still a great knife, not a fan of the looks but definitely a fantascic blade.
Overall which would you prefer, rat 1 or rat 2
I liked the rat ones that I purchased 3 of them in different colors,need one of these,thanks
I know that Knifeworks had this blade in blaze orange - I don't know if they still do...
Hey I jus purchase one and I would like to know what size are the screws on the clip?
Hey Scout, have you reviewed either of the Utilitac models?
Good review. Picked one up when they Model IIs for came out. Great knife regardless of the price, but even better considering it's a budget folder.
Nice review. Thanks for sharing with us knife folks.
Cool review man I had a Rat 1, but it was kinda big so I gave it too my dad and I'm dying t get my hands on a Rat 2!
I think I'd really enjoy that knife but I don't think it would get much carry time over my mini ritter grip in s30v. Roughly the same size by the looks of it. Who knows maybe i'll get it for a cheap beater knife to leave in my truck. Being Aus8 I can touch up the edge super easy on a variety of materials.
Nice! I like the blade profile. Great review.
I would say the utilitac 2 is the better blade. I love them. Would like to see a review For me it doesn't get better for the money. Thanks scout
Maybe lock slop and pivot slop doesn't bother most people.but its a deal breaker for me .
Did the black coating last long ?
Am i seeing things or did the coating come off the top above the emblem on the blade and the top of the tip? I wanted black on black but now I'm conserned because the steel will rust here.
You're not seeing things. It's a pretty cheap coating.
@@TheLateBoyScout thank you for being honest I will get a different knife
At 8.05minutes you say it's AUS8A. It's not. Just AUS8. The A is the version Cold Steel uses for some of their knives and stands for Annealed.
+paul greenwood All knives are annealed.
Pete Privitere
Just going by what Cold Steel says.
i really wish there were more knives like this, at an affordable price, that are american made. I really like this knife and the Cold Steel recon 1, but I have a hard time buying blades & tools that aren't made in the USA. Great price on this knife, hard to beat. Great work on your videos also!!!
Robert P Unfortunately US made would likely be way more for same knife. But I agree with you completely.
Japanese is better
I hate to say it, but youd end up paying 3 times the price for similar quality.
My new RAT 2 is stiff to open, and will not open quickly; I have to push it open with my thumb. It doesn't 'snap' open at all. Any ideas how to remedy this? Thanks
WD40 or some elbow grease! :D lol I'm joking. maybe try loosening the bolts a little bit that connect the blade to the handle.
Where can I find the rat 2 black handle and black blade? Cause I can't find the black one on Amazon
just saw it on Amazon for about $27.
Great review, Ty's on goes on my list
Recently got this knife. The deployment is not remotely close to what's shown on this video. Have to dig my thumb into the gap between the thumb-stud and handle to deploy at all. Not sure if it's just my knife or that's how they are made in 2016. It's a good knife but don't be disappointed if it deploys like a snail instead of a viper.
Will the spine of the blade be able to strike a ferro rod? thanks
+David Denis yeah
Is it spring assisted?
Ontario Rat 2 VS Kershaw Skyline, which one do you suggest? Torn between the two
Rat 2. Just my opinion.
+The Late Boy Scout thanks, that's all I need to know!
About $53 in the U.K.
is the model number for this 8861
I like the rat 1 better because it's small enough to-do anything but big enough to-do alot.
definitely getting one of those
always like that knife
I have the rat 2 in d2 tooling steel
I know this is an old video but can anyone tell me where to buy this knife besides blade HQ
I wanted to purchase mine through blade hq but they didnt have the color combo that i wanted so I purchased mine from Knifecenter.com. There is also blade ops, cutlery shoppe and many others to choose from just google buy knives online and you should find one that works for you
www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ontario%20rat%202
The RAT's use AUS-8, just like on the Cold Steel Recon, if that helps anyone.
Sharp out of the box, tough...
is it worth getting the d2 option?
Yes, I've got one it's brilliant.
What screw drivers are used for those screws? I got a cheap counterfeit from the markets and the asians didn't screw it properly but the knife is sexy and looks vicious so I'd rather keep it...
Is there a difference between a rat model 2 and a rat 2?
Nope. They're the same.
Good video I love the knife and I wouldn't have ever known about it unless I saw this vid, I'm picking one up end of story
We NEED a d2 version
Either I'm really weak or my rat 2 just doesn't deploy as smooth as that
Work it in a little bit
I was looking for a little pocket knife for my wife, I will add this one on the list of candidates, in pink of course! :)
Ontario rat 2 or benchmade griptillion
Anybody know what model Benchmade that is at 8:12 in the video ?
CPlatzinSac might be a Griptilian
Killian Defaoite Thanks
I think it might be an Emissary. it's not a Griptillian that's for sure. hard to tell though.
Jonathan Spear thx bruh
The deployment isnt ambi, the scale profile is different on the left side.
I use the rat 2
ill keep to my rat 1 :)
brand new 2020, 23.88 on Amazon
Pink for the ladies? I bought a pink RAT model 1.
Remember: real man carry pink knives!!
Nah I bought it because I have a lot of black knives and wanted to change it up, sovI bought the pink one so I can have a laugh about it with friends xD
3 girls already want to steal it from me though....
when you get all the knives you'll defiantly buy are you gonna make "knives i'll defiantly buy pt.2"?
Good folder! :-)
One down side, too smooth of a handle.
Youvmake awesome review thank you
Ordered for 27$