Ontario Rat 2 Review
You’re searching for the perfect pocket knife, and the Ontario Knife Company’s RAT II is on your radar. It’s got the works – a solid D2 steel blade, adaptable carry options, and a price point that won’t break the bank.
But you’re savvy; you want more details before making the plunge. Dive into this review, and let’s unravel the ins and outs of the RAT II, discovering if it’s the trusty sidekick you’ve been searching for.
Key Takeaways
- The Ontario Rat 2 is a reliable and versatile pocket knife with a proven design and configuration.
- Its standout feature is configuring the pocket clip in four positions, offering various carrying options.
- The performance and portability of the Rat 2 are solid, making it suitable for day-to-day use and outdoor activities.
- While the materials and ergonomics are not exceptional, they are sufficient for practical use.
Ontario Rat 2: Background and Overview
You’ll find that the Ontario Rat 2, a product of over 100 years of knife manufacturing experience by the Ontario Knife Company, offers a unique blend of adaptability and modern design.
This Ontario Rat 2 review highlights the knife’s key attributes, including its design, performance, ergonomics, and portability.
The Ontario Rat 2 design is a scaled-down version of the original, retaining the same robustness and reliability in a more compact form.
Its performance is commendable, with its blade integrity and edge retention proving solid and reliable.
The Rat 2 ergonomics ensure that it’s comfortable and easy to handle, while its portability is enhanced by its lightweight and four different pocket clip configurations.
Performance Evaluation of Rat 2
Let’s dive into evaluating the performance of the Ontario Rat 2, focusing on its design, reliability, and blade integrity.
The RAT 2 performance shines when it comes to reliability. The blade is robust, maintaining its sharpness even after extensive use, a testament to its blade reliability. The handle’s design fosters comfort, making it easy to grip and use without causing any strain. It’s also worth noting the deployment speed of the blade, which is impressively quick, making it a reliable tool in urgent situations.
Now, compared to alternatives, the Rat 2 stands firm. While other knives might offer similar features, the combination of design, reliability, and speed the Rat 2 offers sets it apart. In essence, it’s a well-rounded tool that delivers on its promises.
Assessing the Ergonomics
When it comes to the ergonomics of the Ontario Rat 2, you’re dealing with a straightforward design that separates it from the competition. This pocket knife boasts an ergonomic design with a comfortable handle that’s symmetrical and easy to grip. The plastic scales are smooth where it matters, ensuring a firm hold.
One of the standout features is the pocket clip options. You can mount the clip in four different places, allowing you to adjust it according to your knife positioning preferences.
Despite wishing for a slightly bulkier handle for extended use, portability considerations have been taken into account. The design remains compact, making it easy to carry.
This balance of comfort and portability makes the Rat 2 a worthy choice.
Portability of Ontario Rat 2
Regarding portability, you can’t beat the Ontario Rat 2 with its four different pocket clip configurations, making it a breeze to carry around wherever you go. The variety in carrying options caters to your needs, whether you opt for pocket clip carry, loose pocket carry, or using the lanyard hole.
Weight considerations are also crucial in a knife’s portability. The Ontario Rat 2 weighs a comfortable 2.8 ounces, proving sturdy without being a burden. It’s a balance of sturdiness vs. weight that’s hard to find.
Even when folded, its dimensions are a compact 4.0 x 0.4 inches, making it an ideal day-to-day pocket knife.
Key Specifications and Price Range
Now that you’re familiar with its portability, it’s time to delve into the key specifications and price range of the Ontario Rat 2.
This knife’s blade material is AUS-8, a steel type that balances toughness, edge sharpness, and corrosion resistance.
Its deployment mechanism is a thumb stud, allowing for quick, one-handed opening.
The handle material is durable nylon, providing a light yet sturdy grip.
The locking mechanism is a liner lock, a popular choice for its strength and simplicity.
Blade Features and Quality
Moving onto the blade features and quality, you’ll find that the Ontario Rat 2 stands out for its classic gentle drop-point style blade. This blade design is all about practical use in the field, whether it’s cleaning game, making feather sticks, or just cutting cordage for a shelter.
The blade’s full flat grind increases its slicing ability and adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it simple yet effective.
The steel quality is another impressive aspect. The knife is made of AUS-8 steel, known for its ease of field sharpening and ability to hold a razor edge with minimal effort.
The Ontario Rat 2 combines function and form to offer a blade that isn’t only pleasing to the eye but also reliable and efficient in use.
Handle Design and Comfort
Continuing from the blade quality, let’s delve into the handle design and comfort of the Ontario Rat 2, which you’ll find is just as impressive.
The handle shape, reminiscent of a canoe, provides a secure grip with its generous finger choil and rounded pommel area. This unique shape and a gentle swell in the middle ensure comfort during extended use.
The texture of the handle is another highlight. The micro-checkered pattern, almost denim-like to the touch, offers a pleasing grip without the harshness of a rough G10. The design cleverly balances grip and comfort, ensuring the handle feels less ‘plasticy’ and more like a quality material in your hand.
In essence, Ontario Knife Company’s Rat 2 offers an impressive handle design that’s both comfortable and effective.
Deployment and Locking Mechanism
After getting a feel for the handle design and comfort, it’s time for you to explore the deployment and locking mechanism of the Ontario Rat 2.
The thumb stud design is ambidextrous, allowing for quick and easy deployment. The deployment speed is impressively fast, and the knife flicks out super speed, requiring no lubrication.
The lockup strength is excellent, with 50% engagement and no play, ensuring safety. The liner lock reliability is unquestionable, contributing to the solid lockup.
When comparing locking mechanisms with other knives, the Ontario Rat 2 is a reliable, compact, and lightweight knife. The deployment and locking mechanism of the Ontario Rat 2 adds to its overall performance and value.
Fit, Finish, and Additional Features
When it comes to the fit and finish, you’ll find that the Ontario Rat 2 exceeds expectations, offering a variety of aesthetically pleasing and functional features. It’s well-crafted, demonstrating the quality of its construction through its smooth action and reliably sharp edges. The lockup quality is consistent, ensuring secure use every time.
The additional features of the Rat 2 enhance its appeal. You’re spoiled for choice with color options ranging from classic black to vibrant hues. The blade is available in a black or satin finish, catering to different preferences. The four-way positionable pocket clip offers multiple carry options, accommodating your preferred style.
The Ontario Rat 2 doesn’t force you to compromise; it adapts to your needs.
Comparing Alternatives: Rat 2 Vs Others
Now that you’ve got a solid grasp on the features and quality of the Ontario Rat 2 let’s dive into how it stacks up against other knives in its category.
Compared to alternatives like the Leatherman Skeletool KB or the Petzl Spatha, the Rat 2 holds its own. Especially when considering its lower price tag, the Rat 2 offers commendable performance.
However, the alternatives might be more appealing if portability is your primary concern. They’re stripped-down and ergonomically designed for specific activities like rock or alpine climbing.
More expensive options, such as the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585, are worth considering for superior blade and edge integrity.
Ultimately, the Rat 2 offers a balance of price, features, and performance, making it a solid choice in its category.
Conclusion
In the realm of pocket knives, the Ontario RAT II reigns supreme with its reliable D2 steel blade, versatile carrying options, and solid build. Its comfortable handle, ambidextrous design, and efficient locking mechanism elevate your everyday carry experience.
Whether for daily tasks or outdoor escapades, the RAT II excels. With a middle-of-the-road price yet top-notch performance, it stands tall among its competitors.
The RAT II is a versatile, valuable, and viable choice for any knife enthusiast.