Do you like your Ontario RAT-5?

[jthuang]

About to place an order for an Ontario RAT-5 from KnifeCenter.

Intended use is as a survival knife, for an upcoming survival/tracking class. Class specifies that you need a fixed blade knife with the blade being no longer than 5".

I have Spydercos, Benchmades, Randalls, Cold Steels, Bucks and some other less well known knives. This will be my first Ontario blade.

Opinions appreciated. It looks like a great all-around knife.

PS also looking into getting an aftermarket leather sheath made for the RAT-5.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I've never heard a bad word about the RAT blades and know lots of folks who love them. I certainly don't think it would be a bad choice. Other's that I would recommend would be a Fallkniven F1 or something like the Bark River Fox River or Bravo-1.

http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/products.html
http://www.fallkniven.com/a1f1/f1_en.htm
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437293&highlight=rat-5

Either way, carrying a light Mora in the pack as backup would seem prudent.

Please be sure and post pics and reviews of both the blades and the course when you're through!

 

[jthuang]

Thanks, those are good suggestions. Your suggestions are also supported by most of the reviews on bladeforums.

I didn't go for the Fallkniven F1 because the blade is tad short. The class will involve a lot of chopping and I felt the shorter blade of the F1 would be a bit of a liability. Granted, the RAT5 is only 5" but I guess at that point I'll take what I can get.

The class is at the end of August so will be sure to post a report. I have been trying to take this class for 3 years so hopefully this time's the charm!

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Was the blade length (at less than 5") suggested by the instructor meant with the knowledge that it would be used to chop with? A khukri or something larger like the RAT-7 paired with a small fixed blade might be the ticket if not.

 

[nwilliams]

Swamp Rat makes a better knife IMO.

http://www.swampshack.com/

https://www.shop.ratknives.com/splashPage.hg

I have the Howling Rat and Battle Rat, I plan on ordering the SAR next

 

[jthuang]

Was the blade length (at less than 5") suggested by the instructor meant with the knowledge that it would be used to chop with?

Yes it was. The school sells a knife that has a 4.25" blade and is advertised as being good for chopping.

I agree on the RAT-7, that would have been a nice blade to buy. Personally if I'm going out for an extended period of time in the woods I'll bring a knife and a hand axe. Different tools for different jobs and all that.

 

[jthuang]

Swamp Rat makes a better knife IMO.

I hear ya ... I considered the RatManDu but they were out of stock. The other Swamp Rat knives in stock were too long (6"+ blades).

 

[nwilliams]

YES! I wanted that one for a while, I love the handle on it.

I like your pick however, and the knifecenter is great place to order from, got some really great deals through them! I think any of Ontario's fixed blades would be a fine survival knife, I had one of their TAK knifes for a while before it was stolen

 

[jthuang]

Got my RAT5. The grind looks a smidge uneven but not enough to complain about. The class is the last week in August so we'll see how it goes.