Ontario Rat 1 vs. Ontario Rat 2: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Hey folks! So, I recently got my hands on both the Ontario Rat 1 and Rat 2 knives. I've been wanting to compare them for ages, and finally, I can share my thoughts. I'm not a professional knife reviewer, just a guy who loves a good blade. Let's dive in!

I remember the first time I saw these knives—it was at a camping expo, and they totally caught my eye. The Rat 1 is, like, legendary, everyone raves about it, and its reputation preceded itself, but the Rat 2 is newer. Naturally, I was curious about how they stacked up against each other.

This isn't just a review, it's my personal experience. I'll tell you about what I found useful, the issues I encountered, and my overall thoughts. Buckle up, this is gonna be good!

Design and Build

First impressions are important. The Rat 1 has this kind of rugged, no-nonsense look. It’s simple, and honestly, I kind of like that. The handle feels really secure in my hand; it's grippy, even when wet. My only minor complaint? Maybe a tad too thick for some folks. Then there is the Rat 2. The Rat 2 is a bit sleeker; it’s refined and refined, I mean, it feels more modern. The handle is more contoured, which some will love. Personally, I found the Rat 1's grip to be more secure, though. But, both of them felt solid; no wobbly blades or anything like that. Both are made in China. The Rat 2 is a little lighter. Both are made of AUS-8 stainless steel.

Build quality? Top-notch on both, really. No complaints here.

Blade Shape and Performance

The Rat 1's blade is a drop point. I used it for everything—carving, cutting, general utility tasks; it did everything I asked. There's something to be said for a simple, effective design. The Rat 2 has a modified drop point blade; it's similar to the Rat 1 but with a slightly different curve. The Rat 2’s slightly thinner blade made certain tasks—like slicing—just a tad easier. Honestly, it comes down to personal preference. Both blades are sharp out of the box, though.

Ease of Use and Carry

Carrying these knives is easy enough. Both have fairly similar clip positions, although the Rat 2's might be a hair more comfortable in my pocket. They're both lightweight enough to not be a burden. One friend of mine actually prefers to use the Rat 2 for everyday carry because its shape makes it easier to carry in his front pocket. He's a carpenter. You decide what fits your preference, but both are easy to use. Both have pretty easy to open mechanisms.

Oh, the Rat 2 seems to have a slightly better finger choil for better grip.

Maintenance and Durability

Both knives are pretty easy to maintain. A quick wipe down after use is generally all you need. I've used both extensively, and they’ve held up incredibly well. No rust, no chipping—just solid performance. They’ve been through a few camping trips, some wood carving, and even a bit of accidental abuse, and they're still going strong.

Price and Value

Price-wise, they're pretty similar. You're getting a lot of knife for your money with either one. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with either choice. I'd say the Rat 1 might have a slight edge in terms of overall value because of its reputation and the number of reviews available online. But the Rat 2 has some great features too!

The Verdict: Which One Wins?

This is tough, right? There's no clear winner. It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a rugged, dependable workhorse, the Rat 1 is hard to beat. If you prefer a slightly more refined and modern design, the Rat 2 is the way to go. Both are fantastic knives. Both can be found easily online. I even use both based on the task at hand. Which one would you pick? Let me know in the comments!