Ontario RAT 1 Review: The Indestructible Budget King?
In a marketplace obsessed with titanium frame locks, ball-bearing pivots, and super-steels that cost a week’s wages, the Ontario RAT 1 stands like a monolith of pragmatism. It is not trying to be a piece of jewelry. It is not trying to impress your Instagram followers. It is designed to do one thing: work.
Designed by Randall’s Adventure & Training (RAT)—a company famous for teaching jungle survival in the Amazon—this knife was built to withstand abuse that would snap lesser folders in half. For over a decade, it has been cited as the “best budget knife” money can buy.
But does the legend hold up in 2025? With competitors like Civivi and CJRB flooding the budget market with modern materials, is the chunky, washer-driven RAT 1 still the king of the beaters? We took it into the field to find out.
Built like a tank for the price of a lunch. See why survivalists swear by the RAT 1.
Check Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications
The RAT 1 is a full-sized folding knife. It sits firmly in the “hard use” category. Before we dive into the performance, let’s look at the raw data.
| Blade Length | 3.6 inches (9.14 cm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 8.6 inches (21.84 cm) |
| Closed Length | 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.115 inches (2.9 mm) |
| Weight | 5.0 ounces (141.7 g) |
| Handle Material | Nylon 6 (Glass Reinforced Nylon) |
| Blade Steel | AUS-8 or D2 (Tool Steel) |
| Lock Type | Liner Lock |
| Pivot System | Phosphor Bronze Washers |
Design & Ergonomics: Function Over Form
The first thing you notice when you pick up a RAT 1 is the handle. It is made of Nylon 6, a glass-reinforced thermoplastic. It feels smooth—perhaps too smooth for some—but the shape is where the magic happens.
The “Hand-Melting” Grip
The ergonomics are nearly perfect. There is a massive finger choil (a cutout for your index finger) that locks your hand into place. Whether you are wearing thick work gloves or using bare hands, the handle shape prevents slipping forward onto the blade. It fills the hand completely, providing the leverage needed for heavy push cuts through wood or rope.
The knife uses full stainless steel liners. Unlike lightweight knives that nest the liners into the plastic, the RAT 1 stacks the scales on top of thick steel. This adds weight (it’s a hefty 5 ounces), but it also adds immense structural rigidity. You can squeeze the handle as hard as you want; there is zero flex.
Blade Analysis: AUS-8 vs. D2
The RAT 1 comes in two primary flavors: the original AUS-8 stainless steel and the upgraded D2 tool steel. Choosing between them is crucial.
Option A: AUS-8 Stainless
This was the standard for years. AUS-8 is tough and very resistant to rust. However, it is a soft steel. It will lose its shaving edge relatively quickly if you are cutting cardboard. The upside? It is incredibly easy to sharpen. If you are learning the difference between a sharpening stone and honing steel, AUS-8 is the perfect steel to practice on.
Option B: D2 Tool Steel
For a few dollars more, you can get D2. This is a semi-stainless tool steel known for excellent edge retention. It will hold an edge far longer than AUS-8. The trade-off is that D2 is not fully stainless (it can rust if neglected) and it is harder to sharpen. For most users, the D2 version is the better buy today.
Blade Geometry
Regardless of steel, the blade features a full flat grind. This is critical. Despite the thick spine, the blade gets very thin behind the edge, making it an exceptional slicer. It handles food prep, wood carving, and package opening with equal competence.
If you aren’t sure which steel suits your environment, check our guide on stainless steel vs. carbon steel to see if the semi-stainless nature of D2 is a dealbreaker for you.
Upgrade to the D2 Tool Steel version for superior edge retention and workhorse performance.
Check Price on AmazonDeployment & Lockup
The RAT 1 uses dual thumb studs for deployment. They are shaped like pyramids, catching the thumb skin easily for a snappy opening. It is fully ambidextrous.
Phosphor Bronze Washers
There are no ball bearings here. The blade rides on large phosphor bronze washers. While bearings are smoother out of the box, washers are superior for a survival/outdoor knife because they are sealed against dirt and grit. Once broken in, the RAT 1 action is buttery smooth and can be flicked open with ease.
The Liner Lock
The lockup is bank-vault solid. The steel liner engages the blade tang with a reassuring “clack.” Because of the open-pillar construction, debris flows right through the knife, making it easy to clean in a stream or with a hose.
Pocket Carry Experience
We won’t lie: the RAT 1 is a brick. At 5 ounces, you will feel it in your pocket. It is wide and takes up significant real estate.
However, the pocket clip is legendary. It is a 4-way positionable clip (tip-up, tip-down, left, or right). This makes the RAT 1 one of the most versatile carry options for left-handed users. The clip tension is perfect—tight enough to hold, but not so tight it shreds your jeans.
RAT 1 vs. The World
Ontario RAT 1 vs. Spyderco Tenacious
This is the classic budget battle. The Spyderco Tenacious offers better grip texture (G10 vs Nylon) and the “Spydie Hole” for deployment. However, the RAT 1 feels more durable and its D2 steel option outperforms the Tenacious’s 8Cr13MoV. If you want a tactical slicer, go Spyderco. If you want a survival tank, go RAT.
Ontario RAT 1 vs. Ontario RAT 2
The RAT 2 is simply the shrunken version (3-inch blade). It is an excellent EDC for an office environment, whereas the RAT 1 is a full-sized work tool. Many users own both: the RAT 2 for the weekdays and the RAT 1 for the weekend camping trip.
If you find the RAT 1 too large for your daily needs, you might want to consider exploring different types of knives to find a smaller folder or even a fixed blade that suits your carry style better.
Pros & Cons
The Pros
- Unbeatable durability for the price.
- Excellent ergonomics for hard work.
- D2 steel option offers great edge retention.
- 4-way pocket clip (fully ambidextrous).
- Smooth action on durable bronze washers.
The Cons
- Heavy and bulky (5.0 oz).
- Handle scales are slick (Nylon 6).
- Not a deep-carry clip (knife shows).
- Aesthetics are very utilitarian/plain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ontario RAT 1 good for survival?
Yes. It is widely considered one of the best “backup” survival knives. While a fixed blade is better for batoning wood, the RAT 1 is tough enough to handle feather sticking, food prep, and light shelter building without failing.
Should I get the AUS-8 or D2 version?
If you live in a coastal area (saltwater) or are new to sharpening, get the AUS-8 (Stainless). If you want the edge to last longer and don’t mind a bit more difficulty sharpening, get the D2.
Are the handle scales slippery?
They can be. The Nylon 6 is smoother than G10. However, the ergonomic shape locks your hand in so well that the texture matters less. Many users also customize their RAT 1 with aftermarket G10 or Micarta scales.
Is the RAT 1 legal to carry?
With a 3.6-inch blade, it exceeds the 3-inch limit found in many cities. It is also a locking knife. Check your local laws, but generally, it is fine for open carry or outdoor use in most US states.
Can I flick it open?
Yes. Once the phosphor bronze washers break in (usually after a week of use), the blade flies open with a flick of the thumb. It is very satisfying.
Is it made in the USA?
No. The Ontario RAT 1 is manufactured in Taiwan. However, the quality control from the Taiwanese factory is exceptional and often rivals US-made budget knives.
Does it have a warranty?
Ontario Knife Company offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Can I change the pocket clip position?
Yes, all RAT 1 models come drilled and tapped for all four carry positions: Tip-Up/Down, Left/Right.
Final Verdict
The Ontario RAT 1 is not a knife you buy to show off. It is a knife you buy when you have work to do. It is arguably the best value proposition in the entire knife industry.
If you need a reliable tool for your glovebox, your camping kit, or your job site, and you don’t want to cry if you drop it in the mud, the RAT 1 is the answer. It is the unpretentious, undeniable king of budget folders.
