Difference in Ontario RAT and RC (Randall Cutlery) ?

[MIL-DOT]

I've been looking into a RAT 5, and I keep reading recommendations to get the "true" RAT from RC rather than the Ontario version, but I'm unable to get any clarification as to why.
As I understand, Ontario was licensed to produce the Randall design, then there was a spat between them, and now Ontario puts out a version, and so does Randall Cutlery.
The RC version is twice the cost, and seems to have a slightly thicker blade, but is there any real reason to avoid the Ontario RAT 5?
Any info much appreciated....

 

[BCCL]

In my experience, there is a noticeable improvement in quality since Jeff Randall took the RAT line to Rowen Mfg., who makes them now.

The RAT 5 (Ontario) and the RC-5 (RAT Cutlery) are similar, but not totally the same.

Ontario's attempt to trademark the RAT name and logo and stop Jeff Randall from using it, even though he was long before the 5 year agreement with Ontario that expired in 2007, is IMO a good reason to buy only from RAT Cutlery as well.

 

[hso]

Beefier blades on Jeff's knives and better heat treats.

Is it worth the difference in price? Maybe, maybe not.

Toss in the issues around the history of them and maybe.

 

[Gordon]

Notice how they have to capitalize RAT. Is that because Kevin McClung (MD) started his Rat series in 1996? The knife in the middle is a Pack Rat.It is 3/16th O1 Starrett . There were Lab Rats (1/8") , Rat things (double edged) and others before being discontinued after 10 years of production. You can pick one up for a grand or so on ebay, but they sell quickly!

 

[Gordon]

Better picture, the small is a Pack Rat , the bigger a 5.5" Bearcat 3/16". The two comprise my field dressing knives

 

[alaskanativeson]

There are a couple of reasons RAT Cutlery is a better choice than Ontario:

Quality control - Rat Cutlery makes better quality knives more consistently, Ontario makes some good and some less than good.

Lifetime guarantee - Jeff and Mike of RAT Cutlery offer this guarantee because they know it will damn near NEVER be needed. Their knives work and work and work, and they'll do so for as long as you own them.

In my opinion (take it for what it's worth) Ontario has acted like asses throughout the problems between these guys. Jeff has consistently taken the high road, definitely a class act. Until Ontario changes the way they do things I won't be adding any of their products to my inventory. I purchased a couple sets of Old Hickory knives to give my sisters as Christmas presents last year. When my mother passed away I received all of her Old Hickory cutlery, all made back in the distant past. When the new knife sets arrived I was far too ashamed to give them to anyone. The "full tang" handles went past the handles or left gaps when they fell short. There were edges rolled over so bad I could see them with my naked eye. What a disappointment. After I found out about the crap Ontario did to RAT Cutlery I ground each of the new Old Hickory knives I got in half and sent them back to the company.

Yes, I am opinionated.

 

[conw]

I smell a rat.

 

[Black Toe Knives]

I would go RAT by Randall. Look at Smokey mountain knife works. I seen some killer prices.
They had the Rat-3 for 89.00. Hell I can't make it for that.

 

[Stainz]

Here is a reason to buy RAT Cutlery... the RC-5 - a .25" blade of 1095 CS.



RAT Cutlery dropped the sheath maker when they moved the production offshore. RAT is all 'Made in the USA'. They will have a break in delivery while awaiting new sheaths from another source, so if you like the one like mine, you need to look hard for some current stock.

Stainz

PS The blades are made by Rowen Manufacturing in ID.

 

[22-rimfire]

It is not even a consideration for me... go with RAT Cutlery product line vs Ontario.

 

[JTQ]

The grip slabs on the RAT Cutlery knives are much better fitted and finished than the ones found on the Ontario knives. For those reasons, I think they are worth the extra money. However, I think the Ontario RAT knives are pretty solid knives for the price.

I was unaware of the problems between the two companies until reading them here. Thanks for the information.