Ontario Rat knives are honestly the best, not only budget knives, but for it’s simplicity. It’s a good knife that can definitely stand the test of hard work, bought it for my dad a year ago. He has done some... unforgivable tasks you shouldn’t do with a knife... But, it works! Take it apart and sharpen, good to go! Fan of ontario as a knife company

I ordered an Ontario Rat 1, today ( August 3, 2023 ). Thanks for an honest, thorough review !!!

this guys voice is like a cross between the Italian mafia and Christopher Walken.

@zhukie

7 жыл бұрын

Damn, you nailed it lol

@bonzerrrrr

6 жыл бұрын

He’s a Detroit guy 🙄

@NativeTexMexican

5 жыл бұрын

Thats kinda why I subbed...

@jacobsalcido6466

5 жыл бұрын

I always think Timone from the lion king.

@dagthewog6290

5 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking more like Billy Crystal doing an impersonation.

This is why you are the best knife reviewer on youtube. We all juggle knives is the best, but in a different way.

I didn't hear any 'bad' at all. Just small things on the positive==>negative scale. For crying out loud, it's a steal at $35!

I got a standard Rat 1 the other day. Suprised by how large it is! Camp food knife will be its role!

Nick, you are by far the best knife reviewer on KZread! I always check your channel before buying any pocket knife. I've been contemplating the good old RAT1 for a while, but I wasn't sure about the AUS8. I'm going to pick one up in D2 thanks to you. 👍 stay sharp.. stay "Shabazz!" 😁

I recently purchased the AUS8. Loved it so much I just got the D2 version. This knife is an incredible value.

Various people have said same thing. So I got one just today, $42 shipped Jan. 2022. One line stand out from your review, "it makes me question why I spent so much money on other knives". This thing is a gem, I needed a cheep good knife to balance out my expensive large knife, so now I have 1 expensive, 1 cheep (good) of several sizes. Dressed for a civilized, urban activity, or more "back country" activity, I am good to go. This knife is bad to the bone, great camping, back country etc. folder!

Thanks a lot, Nickster. There goes another $40 out of the bank account. Definitely a must have!

Nick, Another terrific review. Many other you tubers look only at high-end, tactical, or budget. You give a fair look at them all. You're versatile.

@NickShabazz

8 жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks! I do my best, it keeps my perspective more solid. If you only look at $600 knives, you forget how far $30 will go. And vice versa!

I purchased two! I love this knife! The older one in AUS8 is still a good knife and reasonable price. I concur regarding differences in steel quality! Great review Sir!

Picked up one today. Love it. Again Nick your reviews are spot on

Ive had the aus-8 original for over 10 years as my daily carry. and even today the blade tip lines up perfectly straight when it closes...unlike much more pricey knives I have. I keep going back to it... because I can trust it.

I just need to say this....for the most of the tasks people do most of the time with a pocket knife, the AUS8 steel is more than enough, it's a decent steel.

@profd65

4 жыл бұрын

Aus8 is an average steel, nothing more. If you can get D2 for a few dollars more, you should.

@LXT43

4 жыл бұрын

@@profd65 The D2 version is about $20 more and it's not worth it. Aus8 is a great steel. It's also tougher than D2.

@profd65

4 жыл бұрын

@@LXT43 First of all, Aus8 is not a great steel. CPM-S35VN is a great steel. Aus8 isn't close to being great. Aus8 is tougher than D2, but D2 is harder than Aus8 and it holds an edge much, much longer. There's a video on KZread showing a Russian guy beating the living shit out of a Benchmade Adamas with a D2 blade, and the knife held up extremely well (although part of the credit goes to the Benchmade heat treat). About the only thing great about Aus8 is it's easy to sharpen, which is certainly appreciated if you have a dull knife but not the best sharpening equipment at hand.

@JackG79

4 жыл бұрын

@@profd65 THey have had knives since the frontier days... and even them hard asses never said... "Gee... i wish my knifes metal was harder..... "

@buckshot1955

4 жыл бұрын

JackG79 also didn’t complain because their cars wouldn’t start and the washing machine was broke... it’s called advancement.

D2 steel certainly has it's pros, but for a salt water environment or an acidic environment, AUS8 is a far superior steel. The lower carbon content certainly drops the hardness, but it reflects it's stainless capabilities incredibly well.

@ndrea66

7 ай бұрын

Good morning,👋🏻😊 I fully agree!!! It depends on the context in which you use the knife: if you use it in a cold, icy environment then a carbon blade is certainly better; It has greater torsional properties and therefore there is less risk of it breaking suddenly. If you use it in a more temperate environment and with a milder climate, you can choose stainless steel. Now in stainless steel there has been a race for the "best" type, the one considered most performing for cutting and maintaining the edge. In my humble opinion if you have a blade made with a "super steel" you have to deal with the problem of sharpening. If you are in the woods, how do you sharpen a knife and in how long. A "cheap" steel partially solves the problem. Greetings🖖🏻🙃 from Milan, ITA 🇮🇹

Thanks for the review! I've been wanting to purchase this knife for a while. All the more reasons to get myself one.

Awesome, your review helped seal the deal on this purchase, very impressive. Thanks, subbed.

Surprised you didn't mention the phosphor bronze washers. I know that wasn't a change from the Aus8 version, but still worthy of a mention imho ; ) As usual, a great and informational review. Thanks Nick!

I have this knife. Carry it everyday at work for a few years now. I have no complaints. My logo on blade looks exactly like yours so it is intentional, not a bad print. The paint has completely wore off the clip but thats expected in my work environment.

I have been considering getting this knife to take on campouts and hiking and now that I know it’s it D2 im positive I’m getting a great knife for an amazing value, I’ve herd sum good things about this knife but I’ve never gotten a full review. Thanks nick

Ya convinced me, Nick. I have yet to have a knife in D2, and this Rat One is my next new knife.

Bought one just as a beater, however - bearing the honeymoon - it just seems like, well, a good folding knife.

@ml2054

3 жыл бұрын

@Bartholomew Roberts Definitely buy the rat 1 it’s so worth it

@Ondal1

3 жыл бұрын

@Bartholomew Roberts it's still as I thought 3 years ago, a good folding knife. I see you bought it, which is a good decision. I call it good, but for its price, it's actually great. Personally I rarely use it, not even as a beater, but that's simply because I've move up, where a beater can be something more. The RAT 1 in D2 will always be simply good/great, depending on your price frame.

@robertkidnley93

3 жыл бұрын

I have own all minds of knife spyderco Gerber etc and I gave away alot of my kinfes I remember the rat 1 more then any other I gave it to my best friend he moved away but I remember how good it was and honestly for the price nothing can beat it

Imagine being able to get the R2D2 for under 35. *Cries in UK*

@londiniumarmoury7037

3 жыл бұрын

@Uchiha Recker So that's $37 + up to a month wait lol.

@londiniumarmoury7037

3 жыл бұрын

@Uchiha Recker They aren't that expensive in the UK, I was mostly being dramatic for comedy, You can pick one up at Heinnie Haynes for around £40.00 if you are in the UK and looking for one, free delivery.

@londiniumarmoury7037

3 жыл бұрын

@Uchiha Recker The ESEE Zancudo is the frame lock version of the RAT 2 that's only £38.00 at Heinnie Haynes, it's made in the same factory by the same people. I have both they are pretty similar knives, both good.

@londiniumarmoury7037

3 жыл бұрын

@Uchiha Recker Oh and I forgot, Ontario do make another folder that is just as good as the RAT, and it's only around £35.00 The Ontario Joe Pardue Utilitac, it's actually smoother to flick open than the RAT as well, I have that knife as well, it's very good, probably the best folder in the £30 range. I was shocked how good that knife is, it was so good I got another one to give to my cousin for his birthday. 100% recommend that knife.

Excellent video - as always!

I’ve been collecting knives since the early 90s. I have close to a metric shit ton of knives. But ever since I got the Rat 2 in D2 it’s been one of my most used and abused knives. Such a tough well designed knife. Not pretty, but very much a great tool.

Don't know why I took so long to get one of these. This review is spot on including the part about the Rat 2 needing a D2 version. I'll probably pick up a couple more in different colors.

The rat 1 in d2 is the best value edc knife no doubt, I took mine down cleaned it and lubed it up and if anything the decent needs work cause it wants to fall open and closed with a fairly tight pivot. First knife I've taken apart and hard used it about 2 months, still fairly sharp with one dull spot

Have ordered Rat1 d2 steel with g10/C.F. overlay, very excited. Waiting on the Rat2 in D2 😃

@benjaminnewton8647

6 жыл бұрын

I carry the same. edc...badassery at a cool price.

I have a rat 1 because I’m not a fan of any blade over 3 inches and I absolutely LOVE it. Hands down my favorite knife even over my para 3 lightweight and bugout. Like I said not a fan of larger than 3 in blades but I am going to buy the model 1 just because I love the model 2 so much

You convinced me! I am buying one. With D2. Does it hold a sharp edge for awhile?

Thanks for the review. I'm looking for a new knife, and I have a knife connoisseur friend who told me about the Ontario rat. I'll be working on boats a lot, so I'll probably have to get one with aus8 steel, according to this video. That's good to know though.

RAT 1 in aus 8 was my first knife. I just ordered a new RAT 1 with D2 in carbon fiber. With a choice of about 10 knives I always seem to come back to the RAT 1.

Sweet reviews Nick!

Great knife reviews!!!

great review man totally with you on this one

Great video! Gained a subscriber. Informative and entertaining.

They must have listened...i just received the rat 2 in D2 steel.

Great reviews. 👍

What do you think about the bronze washers with the teflon things?

Saturday mornings are meant for coffee and cigarettes watching some Shabazz reviews.

Nick, I have the rat 1 with D2 steel. I am experiencing very bad lock at stick. Do you have any recommendations? I already took it apart, cleaned, frog lube, and oiled.

Where did you find this little guy? I can't find it anywhere (only the AUS-8 available)

Does anyone know who's making after market scales for this knife?

Just watched this video while flipping my D2 Rat ... Just a wonderful knife. I totally agree :-)

You got your wish, Nick. I just saw on both blade hq and knife center - the RAT 2 with D2 steel. Nice review.

I've been holding back on getting a RAT 1. For THIS!!

Great review. You sound like that compuer guy with glasses in the film wargames. I think he was called Melvin. Great knife, just ordered a D2 version. Best wishes from uk 👍

Subbed! I recently traded my partially serrated aus-8 rat1 and bk15 for a Paragon/Ashville Steel auto... Gives me an excuse to score a d2 rat1. 😈 Love how detailed and "nit-picky" your knife reviews are. Unboxing videos are a dime a dozen.

We're all waiting for the Model 2 in D2 but is there a better steel for that one considering it's smaller? Is there perhaps an even better option for the Model 2 like A2 or D2 Supreme? Something else I notice is that countries of manufacture tend to favor certain steels, like Japan is very partial to the steels they came up with. Is that true also of Taiwan?

Got one at a wall Mart for 27$ today, super happy with it so far

Can you put a patina on the d2 model to prevent rusting?

I prefer the Mk 2. When will I be able to get that in D2?

You should have a link to this knife. I'll be getting this because of your review plus avoid the carbon fiber due to the Rat II review (D2). Love your reviews especially the one on bias. Very funny.

Just got mine based on your video. I actually carry it more than my "name brand" or my expensive ones. Its solid. I just love it. And Mines in aus 8

1:04 Anyone know what knife that is below the Ontario Rat 1? It looks pretty nice. I'm a beginner knife collector so I don't know the names of a lot of knifes yet.

Hopefully OKC one day starts to make the little brother RAT2 with D2 blades.

@breydonkokas6778

6 жыл бұрын

Felix Zaragoza I sure hope so because I really want one for EDC to replace my Kershaw Link 420HC

Looking forward to your review on the bowie.

good job, subbed from Alabama

I have the R2D2 and found it just a bit small. Getting the R1d2 and it may be a bit big but, well, I want it.

Should mention that ontario rat1 with the 0 banner are a little bit smaller than the originals, easier to deploy, and nowhere near as clunky

I've always liked Nick's style!

Nick, when not carrying a review knife do you give the RAT 1 much pocket time?

Are you ever going to make a review on the Ontario Utilitac 2

I just bought one and it is all of what people say, a quality budget friendly folder like this in D2 why would you pay 700 bucks for a knife in my opinion for a mass produced product, I would pay that for custom made folder or fixed made to my specs however.Great review Nick thank you!

The ganzo reviews are very good .they have a few carbon fiber fir like 28 that look great with the blue screws

I love the rat 1, waiting on rat2/D2

I generally prefer Stainless for Bushcraft and outdoor work ... 154CM being a favourite. However, in a pocket knife for EDC ( Your purpose is everything here ) - my preference is to have a blade steel that retains an edge longest. The D2 was tested vs the AUS-8 and retained the edge for twice the work load of the AUS 8. To people who perhaps value their time in a working environment, having to resharpen at 50 cuts ( AUS-8 ) vs 108 cuts ( D2 ) - is a significant performance incentive to choosing the D2. The working environment places different demands on different peoples needs ... go with what you feel works for you. It's easier for me to resharpen my D2 EDC at home at my leisure, knowing my blade can put in sustained cutting when I need it for lengthy periods outdoors ... rather that than having to stop to resharpen at a job site or outooors constantly.

Couldnt give the ontario rat it to her until i did a tune up job on it .it was lock stuck first opening .had to get tools to close it ( i can close very hard locks with only my hands )

Super video! I applauded for $10.00 👏👏👏

I'm a knife guy. I buy expensive and cheap and they all see pocket time. I'm buying a new knife very soon (on the cheaper end) to add to my collection and use and carry. I'm torn between Buck Vantage, Rat 1, or Kershaw Skyline. What say you folks?

I know this is an old video, but can anyone tell me what size the pocket clip screws for this knife are?

@stormnordnes1189

7 жыл бұрын

Stephen Schultz T6

I'm pretty keen on the look of the LionSteel 8210 in D2. It has a blade profile and grind (high flat) that could almost be mistaken for a mini Rat II. If you squint.

@eachday9538

8 жыл бұрын

...but without a thumb ramp or jimping, yeah you gotta squint until your eyes are basically closed.

I am relatively knew to the knife review world, but I already know that you are the best at what you do Nick! After seeing your review here on the Ontario Rat 2, I will be purchasing it in D2 steel. Keep up the great reviews!

I love that knife I have one in aus 8 it doesn't get much used because I have an R2 in d2 with a deep pocket carry clip so it doesn't see much action anymore plus I like the size a lot of times it's better in a civilized society could just curious smaller knife it's usually good to go at any place across the country not having to worry about size restrictions

As a retired Manufacturing Engineer there are no good tool steel or bad tool steels. But there are appropriate and in-appropriate steel applications along with proper and in-proper heat treatments . With regard to the Aus 8 vs D 2 debate in a Rat 1 in a corrosive environment say to be used on a boat or for a plumber the Aus - 8 would be more corrosion resistant. Also under lighter use like a few times a week for those on a tight budget. The AUS-8 Rat 1 would be hard to beat at $24 with free shipping on Amazon as of 2022. If the knife is under constant daily use in a noncorrosive environment the D2 Rat1 at around $40 is also a good buy. My personal solution is to own both the AUS-8 and The D2 Rat 1.. both versions are a good value for a rugged ergonomic knife.

Just got the d2 steel rat 1. And I wish the scales were a little more grippy. I'll just buy some off etsy or something.

The rats I just got 1 &2 finally got 2 American knife co knives that weren't cull in the box ! Got the rat 2 in d2 . I call her r2d2 ! Got the aus 8 rat 1 infantry blue and it was good . Its larger and has more belly in the blade than the 727 rat fink as its called ! Some one said the rat fink had the same blade . Got to get the rat 1 d2 green now !

What do you recommend the Rat 1 D2 or the Cryo ii?

@winchestermodel7044

6 жыл бұрын

Firstname lastname I have both and they’re both good knives. I’d lean toward the Rat 1.

Thank you.

where are these made ?

I’m ashamed to say that I recently bought a RAT 1 in D2. I should have done it years ago, instead of waiting for Ontario to close it’s doors.

Love this guy

I still use the aus8 rats over my d2 i think d2 has been way way overbroad and Aus 8 way way underrated.

9:39-9:44 listen for the rhyme lmaoo 😆

but it is made in tiwan-is that ok?

I just bought me a stedemon bastion and OMG now I have to buy another knife after watching this video

I thought Nick was exaggerating about how large the RAT 1 is until mine arrived yesterday, the minute I picked it up I felt like I was holding a pocket sized machete rather than a pocket knife. Being as the blade is about 3.5 to 3.6 inches long, I'd strongly encourage you all looking at one of these to be mindful of what blade length restrictions there may be in your area so that you don't find yourself in any hot water and to get a RAT 2 instead if you want to err on the side of caution (or you just really don't feel all that compelled to carry around a pocket machete).

I picked up the Rat 2 and find it too small for my hand. I think the next purchase for me will be a Rat 1. I'm going to pick it up in Aus 8 as the store I have here in Vancouver has them. Maybe one day I'll pick up the D2 knife once the Aus 8 knife blows up on me.

I think there's a bit too much fuss made of steels. There was a time when AUS 8, ATS 34, 153CM, and 440C were considered damn good and more than good enough. Now people talk about them like cheap crap steel and they're not. They're good steels for daily use. Yes, there are harder and more exotic steels and metallurgy has a new wonder steel coming out all the time and that's a good thing. But for the average person do you really need a "wonder steel" for your blade? Consider there is always a trade off between hard tool steels, like D2, and ease of sharpening. I have, or have owned exotic steel knives. I even used to have an old REKAT SIFU (any old timers remember those?) in D2, but my a cheap Morakniv fixed blade with Sandvik stainless is what I use for cutting up corrugated cardboard for the recycling bin and it works fine and easy to quickly sharpen on an angle sharpener. I'm not detracting people from buying exotic blades because as a serious collector you sometimes want the best money can buy. But there are other qualities to a knife that make them more important than some exotic steel they use IMO. blade profile, ergonomics, overall design, etc. For the average person who just needs one or two sport knives for EDC and have no interest in spending over $100 for a sport knife I highly recommend AUS 8 or even a properly heat treated 440C.

@moealfaleh5606

5 жыл бұрын

AUS8 is a good steal. Definitely a "budget" steel now, but that's fine. I think most of us knife guys just want to go longer in between sharpness cause we have so many knives. However, sharpening AUS8 is much faster than S30V or higher. I believe most of us don't actually use our knives enough for what the exotic steels could really take.

@francismartino6890

2 жыл бұрын

I tend to agree.....

amazingly this knife can still be had for less than $40 two years later.

My dad lost his benchmade n I’ve been thinking about surprising him with a Delica 4 but I saw the serrated aus version on sale n decided to get him it for now ;( hope it holds up till Xmas haha

FYI, you have a new subscriber!

have you tried the zancudo? if so, how does it compare to the rat ii?

@NickShabazz

7 жыл бұрын

+cap10random I'm about to!

@cap10random

7 жыл бұрын

Nick Shabazz i'd love to hear your comparison. i really love the ergonomics of my zancudo and i love how slim it is in the pocket. they already released a d2 version of it and i was thinking about picking one up, but i heard ontario is releasing a d2 rat ii also, so i'm trying to decide which to get. i've never held a rat ii, but i have handled a rat i.

@TeddyRoooosevelt

7 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to this as well!

I wish they would mill out the liners and drop it down to 4 oz.

To this day still one of the best all-around folding knives for under $50.

D2 is my favorite steel. Only better is powdered d2 (ps27). Followed by s30 and s35vn. Looove it. I sold my old rat 1 only cause of the cheap steel. Good review

@NickShabazz

8 жыл бұрын

+olmmedic Got a review coming of the Bradley Bowie by Spyderco. I think you'll be tempted.

dude, awesome go bag-gift-beater knife that has great steel but not so expensive that you don't really use it hard etc. I think I'll be purchasing a few of these... great video as usual sir. TNJR

@NickShabazz

8 жыл бұрын

The only problem with this in a go-bag (or toolbox, or otherwise) is that D2 is a bit of a rust magnet, so I wouldn't be so happy leaving it unattended. For something that's just "thrown in a bag", I'd go AUS-8.

@tnjrcfl1

8 жыл бұрын

+Nick Shabazz I utilize a rust proofing cover garment, ziploc with a bit of oil, wrap the bag with microfiber cloth and paracord closed. longer term storage good to go, and cheap, and still have the better steel when I need it. if I'm actually breaking the extra out of that bag it's due to loss etc of edc blades etc. I agree if one was to just chuck it in a bag you are correct, but with no real cost I can keep one for emergency use.

@NickShabazz

8 жыл бұрын

If you're able to go the extra mile, go for it!

Too bad Cold Steel doesn't make this inife in D2 with Tri-Ad Lock!

RAT 1 is OK, but I still prefer my Cold Steel Finn Wolf. I have both, but I usually carry my Finn Wolf. It is much sharper due to the Scandi grind. It's pretty much a folding Mora.

@mackhomie6

4 жыл бұрын

hmm, I almost forgot about that. how is the action? I realize it's not meant to be incredible in that department, but the rat id