RAT Model 1 folder - durability?

R

Redeye

Joined
Jan 12, 2010
Messages
257
Hello all

I've been thinking about picking up an Ontario RAT Model 1 folder, even though I don't usually buy knives that are made in China or Taiwan. These knives picked up some great reviews, but I'm wondering how long they last, and how dependable they are?

If anybody has used one of these long-term, I'd like to hear about your experience with the knife.

Also, is there any reason I should get the black painted blade over the satin? I like black, but it seems to me that there isn't much point in coating AUS-8, as it's corrosion resistant anyway. Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
Redeye said:
Hello all

I've been thinking about picking up an Ontario RAT Model 1 folder, even though I don't usually buy knives that are made in China or Taiwan. These knives picked up some great reviews, but I'm wondering how long they last, and how dependable they are?

If anybody has used one of these long-term, I'd like to hear about your experience with the knife.

Also, is there any reason I should get the black painted blade over the satin? I like black, but it seems to me that there isn't much point in coating AUS-8, as it's corrosion resistant anyway. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I have 3 of them and they have been great. The liners locks in very solid it fits the hand well. I did break the tip on one of mine, but that was because I dropped it onto a tile floor. That probably would have happened with a lot of knives depending on how it hit the ground. I have one that I edc'd for about a month, but I don't much anymore just because its larger than I like, but I do still carry one on my tac-vest at work. It should last you indefinitely if you take care of it, just like most knives.

With reference to the coated vs satin blade, AUS-8 does not have the best corrosion resistance. It is the only stainless steel I have in my collection that will get small rust spots if I don't coat them with something before I store them long-term. The coating on that knife is pretty much just paint, so don't expect a really durable-long lasting coating.
 
oguruma said:
I have 3 of them and they have been great. The liners locks in very solid it fits the hand well. I did break the tip on one of mine, but that was because I dropped it onto a tile floor. That probably would have happened with a lot of knives depending on how it hit the ground. I have one that I edc'd for about a month, but I don't much anymore just because its larger than I like, but I do still carry one on my tac-vest at work. It should last you indefinitely if you take care of it, just like most knives.

With reference to the coated vs satin blade, AUS-8 does not have the best corrosion resistance. It is the only stainless steel I have in my collection that will get small rust spots if I don't coat them with something before I store them long-term. The coating on that knife is pretty much just paint, so don't expect a really durable-long lasting coating.
Click to expand...

That probably depends on where you store them, the climate, whether you wipe the blade down before you put them away.

I sold 2 vintage AUS8 fixed blades from CS. I kept them in my office in their sheaths for 20 years and took them out once or twice a year to fondle them. I sprayed a bit of rem-oil on a rag and wiped the blades first. They looked like the day they were made and sold in a matter of minutes.

I have 2 RAT-1's - one in satin and one in black and they're awesome, high value folders. I've owned them over a year and they don't have a speck of rust on them. I wipe all of my blades down with a bit of rem-oil before putting them away though. Just use common sense with any knife and they won't rust. :)
 
Thanks very much for the replies.

I'm leaning towards the black coated blade after reading Oguruma's post, as I intend to use the knife for river fishing, and I must admit I don't care for my blades very well.
 
I have a couple of them and the black coated I have is really nothing more than just paint so it scratches super easily. Get the uncoated imho, better looking anyways and a little oil on the blade and no worries. To me it is the NEW Buck 110 type of knife especially at the price point. keepem sharp
 
Also, on all 3 RAT 1's that I purchased, the pivot screw was very tight. It was to the point where one-hand opening was difficult, and flicking it open was impossible. All I had to do was loosen the screw up a bit and it flicks open very fast (especially for the size of the blade) and locks up very solid. I believe it is a T8 or T10 torx that you need.
 
oguruma said:
Also, on all 3 RAT 1's that I purchased, the pivot screw was very tight. It was to the point where one-hand opening was difficult, and flicking it open was impossible. All I had to do was loosen the screw up a bit and it flicks open very fast (especially for the size of the blade) and locks up very solid. I believe it is a T8 or T10 torx that you need.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, luckily I just bought a set of Torx for next to nothing from Ebay, so I'll be good to go with the pivot screw.
 
longbow said:
I have a couple of them and the black coated I have is really nothing more than just paint so it scratches super easily. Get the uncoated imho, better looking anyways and a little oil on the blade and no worries. To me it is the NEW Buck 110 type of knife especially at the price point. keepem sharp
Click to expand...

Satin finish plain edge blade - no doubt! :thumbup:

I just bought the painted version so the satin RAT-1 had company. :D
 
I use my Rat-1 folder as a work knife (construction/remodeling) and it is very solid under hard use. Incredible value. I recommend the satin finish, too.
 
longbow said:
To me it is the NEW Buck 110 type of knife especially at the price point
Click to expand...

High praise indeed!

It seems from all of the replies that this knife is too good to miss, and I'm ordering one with the satin blade. As a bonus the satin model is $5 cheaper here in the UK (the knife itself is around $45, probably due to exchange rate, higher taxes and import costs)

Thanks much for the advice!
 
Mine has been my EDC for about 3 or 4 years now. It's seen a lot of use, and has never let me down. Aside from a few scratches on the blade coating, it is still looking great. It takes an edge easily, and holds the edge for a reasonable amount of time. I will continue to carry it until ESEE releases their folder...then the Ontario made RAT1 will retire...:)
 
Super durable, fit and finish are outstanding. For performance and finish I'd give it a 5 out of 5 stars. For ergonomics, I'd knock off at least a star and a half... that blade does NOT fit my hand.
 
I no longer have any, but I had several of them & they were good, solid, liner lock folders. Made in Taiwan, but hey, so are alot of other knives including some very nice Spyderco models.

As for AUS-8 rust resistance, I would think it'd be very good.
 
It's a great knife, one of my favorites actually. Got mine for 41usd shipped from moosecreekgear on ebay :thumbup:

edit: get the satin finish
 
I actually managed to pick up mine up for $21 + shipping. Hence why I bought 3 of them at once.
 
Put me in the 'love it' crowd. I don't EDC it, it is in rotation and makes the pocket a couple of times a month... I cannot believe that I got it for $21 and change... great knife. The handles have stood up well to abuse, the lockup continues to be solid, and I dig the ergonomics.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top