Ontario RAT II Review
After three months with the Ontario RAT 2, I understand why this knife has achieved legendary status in the budget knife world. At around $30, it performs like knives costing three times as much and has become my go-to recommendation for anyone entering the knife world.
A Brief History
The Ontario RAT II emerged as the smaller sibling to the original RAT 1, both designed by Randall’s Adventure Training (hence “RAT”). What started as a collaboration for a practical survival knife evolved into one of the most respected budget blades in the industry. While the design is over a decade old, its practical nature and excellent execution have kept it relevant despite newer competitors.
Technical Specifications
Core Specs: Overall Length: 7″ Blade Length: 3″ Blade Steel: AUS-8 Handle Material: Nylon Weight: 2.75 oz Lock Type: Liner Lock Made in: Taiwan Price: Usually $28-35 [Check Current Price]
Ontario RAT 2 Review: Real-World Experience
First Impressions
Opening the simple packaging, the RAT II immediately impresses with its smooth action – something rarely found at this price point. The blade centering was perfect, and the liner lock engaged with a confidence-inspiring snap. Nothing about this knife feels “budget” in hand.
Daily Carry and Use
I’ve conducted the Ontario RAT II review almost daily for three months now, and it’s become something of a revelation. The size hits a sweet spot – small enough to carry comfortably in dress pants, large enough for serious work. The pocket clip, while basic, holds securely and allows deep carry. I particularly appreciate how the handle’s neutral design works equally well in any grip. During a weekend of home improvements, the RAT II proved its worth repeatedly. The blade shape is simply perfect for general use – not too tall, not too narrow, with just enough belly for smooth cuts. The AUS-8 steel, while not exotic, takes a razor edge easily and touches up quickly when needed. I found myself reaching for it over more expensive knives simply because it worked so well. What really stands out is the action. After breaking in, the phosphor bronze washers provide a smoothness that rivals knives costing five times as much. The detent is perfectly tuned – snappy enough for reliable deployment, but not so stiff it fights you. The thumb studs are properly sized and positioned for easy opening.
Ergonomics
The handle deserves special mention. Despite its simple appearance, it fills the hand naturally with no hot spots during extended use. I spent an entire afternoon breaking down moving boxes, and my hand felt fine afterward. The textured nylon scales provide just enough grip without being abrasive, and they’ve shown virtually no wear despite daily pocket carry.
Durability and Maintenance
Our Ontario RAT 2 Review shows that After three months of regular use, the RAT II has proven remarkably durable. The pivot hasn’t loosened, the liner lock shows no stick or wear, and the blade centering remains perfect. The AUS-8 steel, while requiring more frequent touching up than premium steels, responds beautifully to a ceramic rod or strop. I’ve found a quick strop every couple of weeks keeps it shaving sharp. The nylon scales have developed a slight polish in the highest wear areas, but this actually improves the overall feel. The black coating on the blade has held up surprisingly well, with only minor wear at the cutting edge. Even the pocket clip, often a weakness on budget knives, has maintained its tension perfectly.
Ontario RAT 2 Review: What’s Good and What’s Not
The Good Stuff
Exceptional value for money Smooth, reliable action Perfect EDC size Comfortable ergonomics Easy maintenance Great blade geometry Solid lock-up
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Basic steel needs frequent touching up Plain appearance Basic pocket clip design Not the most refined finish Limited color options in AUS-8 Some may find it too light No premium steel options.
How does the rat do against other budget knives
During my testing period, I kept several popular competitors on hand for direct comparison. Here’s how the RAT II stacked up in real-world use:
- CIVIVI Elementum ($50)
While the Elementum offers better materials and a more refined appearance, I found myself reaching for the RAT II during actual work. Breaking down a garage full of moving boxes, the Ontario RAT II’s more generous handle and slightly longer blade made the job noticeably easier. The Elementum looks better in the pocket, but the RAT II works better in hand.
- Kershaw Shuffle ($20)
The Shuffle saves you $10, but the compromises become clear in use. During a weekend of yard work, the RAT II’s superior ergonomics and blade geometry made every cut more confident. The Shuffle’s smaller size and additional tools are convenient, but for pure cutting tasks, it’s not even close.
- Spyderco Tenacious ($55)
This was the closest match in terms of working capability. The Tenacious offers the excellent Spyderco ergonomics and leaf-shaped blade, but at nearly twice the price. After using both for general utility tasks, the performance difference didn’t justify the extra cost for most users.
Ontario RAT 2 Review: Community Insights
We looked into community views as part of our Ontario RAT 2 review. It has developed something of a cult following, and the community has discovered some interesting aspects of this knife over the years: Several users report their RAT IIs lasting 5+ years of daily use without failure. One memorable account came from a warehouse worker who used his RAT II to cut packaging for three years straight before needing to replace it – and then immediately bought another one. The modding community has embraced the RAT II enthusiastically. Popular modifications include: Acid washing the blade for a worn-in look and better corrosion resistance Adding custom G10 or Micarta scales for a more premium feel Blade regrounds for even better slicing performance Aftermarket deep-carry clips from MXG Gear Perhaps most tellingly, many users who start with a RAT II and later buy more expensive knives still keep their RAT II in rotation. As one forum member put it, “I own knives ranging from $20 to $500, but my RAT II gets more pocket time than anything else.”
Ontario RAT 2 Review: Final Verdict
The Ontario RAT II represents something special in the knife world – a budget blade that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s not trying to be flashy or revolutionary; it simply focuses on getting the fundamentals right.
Who It’s For
During my Ontario RAT 2 Review, I’ve come to see the RAT II as nearly universal in its appeal. It works equally well as someone’s first “real” knife or as an experienced user’s reliable backup. The size and design make it appropriate for: First-time knife buyers Those wanting a reliable workhorse Office carry where discretion matters Users needing a backup blade Anyone appreciating practical design
Long-Term Outlook
After three months this Ontario RAT 2 Review, I’m confident the Ontario RAT will provide years of reliable service. While the AUS-8 steel requires more frequent maintenance than premium steels, the fundamental construction is solid. The simplicity of the design means there’s little to go wrong, and what’s there is well-executed.
Value Proposition
At around $30, the RAT II might be the best value in the knife world. The quality of construction, attention to detail, and practical design rival knives costing much more. While there are better steels and fancier materials available, the RAT II nails the basics at a price that’s hard to argue with. [Check Current Price] Note: This review is based on three months of daily carry and use in various environments and tasks. The knife was purchased at retail price.Final Thoughts
The Ontario RAT II succeeds by focusing on function over flash. It’s not the most exotic knife, nor the most expensive, but it might be one of the most practical folders ever made. In a world of increasingly expensive knives, the RAT II proves that excellent design and execution don’t have to cost a fortune. What makes the RAT II special isn’t any single feature – it’s how well everything works together. The blade shape, size, ergonomics, and action combine to create a knife that just works, without fuss or drama. It’s the kind of tool that disappears into daily use, which might be the highest praise a utility knife can receive. For anyone looking to enter the world of quality knives, or experienced users wanting a reliable tool they won’t fear using hard, the RAT II deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a good knife for the money – it’s a good knife, period. Remember: Sometimes the best tool isn’t the most expensive or the most exotic – it’s the one that does its job reliably, day after day, without complaint. The RAT II embodies this principle perfectly.