Ontario RAT 2 Review: The Pocket-Sized Champion of Value
In the world of Everyday Carry (EDC), bigger isn’t always better. While the original Ontario RAT 1 is a legendary survival workhorse, it’s often too large, heavy, and aggressive for an office environment or a pair of slacks. Enter the Ontario RAT 2.
Often dismissed as just a “shrunken down” version of its big brother, the RAT 2 actually fills a completely different niche. It transitions from a survival tool to a refined, high-performance EDC slicer that disappears in the pocket. It retains the rugged DNA of Randall’s Adventure & Training designs but packages it in a form factor that is friendly, legal in more places, and incredibly capable.
Is this the best budget EDC knife on the market today? Does the move to a smaller handle ruin the ergonomics that made the RAT famous? We put the RAT 2 through its paces to find out.
Compact, lightweight, and razor-sharp. The perfect companion for your daily adventures.
Check Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications
The RAT 2 hits the “Goldilocks” dimensions for an everyday carry knife. It is small enough to be non-threatening but large enough to get a four-finger grip for most hands.
| Blade Length | 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 7.0 inches (17.78 cm) |
| Closed Length | 4.1 inches (10.41 cm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.095 inches (2.4 mm) |
| Weight | 2.75 ounces (78 g) |
| Handle Material | Nylon 6 (Glass Reinforced Nylon) |
| Blade Steel | AUS-8 or D2 Tool Steel |
| Lock Type | Liner Lock |
Design & Ergonomics: Small but Mighty
Shrinking a knife design is risky. Often, you lose the ergonomics that made the original great. However, Ontario nailed the transition with the RAT 2. The handle is made from the same Nylon 6 material as the RAT 1—it’s smooth, durable, and won’t shred your pockets.
The Grip
The defining feature of the RAT series is the deep finger choil (the cutout for your index finger). This feature remains on the RAT 2, locking your hand into position. While those with massive hands might find their pinky finger dangling slightly, for the vast majority of users, it provides a secure, confident grip that feels safer than many smaller keychain knives.
The open-pillar construction allows for easy cleaning, and the full stainless steel liners give the knife a rigidity that feels premium, despite the budget price tag.
The 3-inch Slicer: D2 vs. AUS-8
The RAT 2 features a 3-inch drop point blade with a full flat grind. Because the blade stock is thinner (0.095 inches) than the RAT 1, the RAT 2 is an absolute laser beam when cutting. It slices through apples, cardboard, and packages with less resistance than knives costing ten times as much.
Steel Selection
Like its big brother, the RAT 2 comes in two flavors. Choosing the right one depends on your needs:
- AUS-8 Stainless: Great for wet environments and easy to sharpen. Ideal if you are just learning how different steels perform.
- D2 Tool Steel: The enthusiast’s choice. It holds an edge significantly longer but requires a bit more care to prevent corrosion.
If you plan to use this knife for office tasks and dry environments, the D2 upgrade is highly recommended. It turns a budget knife into a serious cutting tool.
Get the D2 Steel version for superior edge retention that lasts through the toughest work weeks.
Check Price on AmazonDeployment & Lockup
The RAT 2 uses phosphor bronze washers in the pivot. Out of the box, it might feel a little stiff, but give it a week. Once broken in, the action on the RAT 2 is legendary. It snaps open with a satisfying “thwack” using the dual thumb studs.
Many users report that the RAT 2 actually has better action than the RAT 1 because the blade is lighter, making it incredibly snappy to flick open. The liner lock engages securely every time, with no blade play in any direction.
EDC Carry Experience
This is where the RAT 2 shines. Weighing in at just 2.75 ounces, it disappears in the pocket. You can carry it in gym shorts, dress slacks, or jeans without feeling weighed down.
It features a 4-way positionable pocket clip, making it fully ambidextrous. The clip tension is excellent—secure enough to hold, but smooth enough to draw quickly. For an office setting, it is discreet and unassuming, lacking the aggressive “tactical” look of larger folders.
RAT 2 vs. The Competition
Ontario RAT 2 vs. Ontario RAT 1
The Ontario RAT 1 is a survival tank (5 oz, 3.6″ blade). The RAT 2 is an EDC scalpel (2.75 oz, 3″ blade). If you are going camping, take the RAT 1. If you are going to work, the grocery store, or around the house, the RAT 2 is infinitely more comfortable to carry.
Ontario RAT 2 vs. Spyderco Delica 4
The Spyderco Delica 4 is the main rival. The Delica is lighter and has better grip texture, but it uses a back lock (slower to close) and costs significantly more. The RAT 2 offers a more “fidget-friendly” liner lock and feels more robust due to the full steel liners, usually at half the price.
Why pay double? The RAT 2 delivers premium performance at an entry-level price.
Check Price on AmazonPros & Cons
The Pros
- Perfect EDC size (3-inch blade).
- Incredible slicing geometry (Full Flat Grind).
- D2 steel option available for edge retention.
- Fully ambidextrous 4-way pocket clip.
- Snappy action on bronze washers.
The Cons
- Handle scales can be slippery (Nylon 6).
- Not a deep-carry clip (some handle shows).
- Might be too small for very large hands.
- D2 version can rust if not maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ontario RAT 2 legal to carry?
In many places, yes. The 3-inch blade length complies with many “under 3.5 inch” or “under 3 inch” laws. However, it locks, which is restricted in places like the UK. Always check your local laws.
Is the RAT 2 good for self-defense?
Generally, no. It is a small utility tool. The handle doesn’t offer enough purchase for high-stress tactical use compared to the larger RAT 1. It is designed for cutting boxes, not combat.
Can I change the scales?
Yes! There is a huge aftermarket community. You can buy Carbon Fiber, G10, Micarta, and even Titanium scales to customize your RAT 2.
How often do I need to sharpen the D2 version?
D2 holds a working edge for a long time. For average EDC use (packages, mail, loose threads), you might only need to sharpen it once every few months, with occasional stropping in between.
Is it assisted opening?
No, the RAT 2 is a manual folder. However, the detent is tuned so well that it flies open like an assisted knife once you overcome the initial resistance.
Does it have ball bearings?
No, it uses phosphor bronze washers. This is preferred for a work knife as washers are more resistant to dirt and grit than ball bearings.
What is the difference between RAT 1 and RAT 2?
Size and Weight. RAT 1 is 3.6″ blade / 5 oz. RAT 2 is 3.0″ blade / 2.75 oz. The RAT 2 is roughly 20% smaller and nearly half the weight.
The search for the perfect budget EDC is over. Grab a RAT 2 and feel the difference.
Check Price on AmazonFinal Verdict
The Ontario RAT 2 is more than just a smaller version of a famous knife; it is a masterpiece of budget engineering in its own right. It takes the durability of a survival tool and refines it into a package that fits into modern life.
For the price, there are very few knives that can compete with the action, ergonomics, and cutting performance of the RAT 2. Whether you are a seasoned collector or buying your first “real” knife, the RAT 2 belongs in your pocket.
