Ontario Knives RAT-3

[klkak]

I picked up a used Ontario Knife Co. RAT-3 today at my favorite knife store (Northern Knives) on 5th Ave. in Anchorage Ak.

This Ontario knives RAT 3 features a 3.30 in. blade of D2 steel with black textured finish, and a 4.50 in. handle of black linen Micarta. It has a molded Kydex sheath w/TekLok attachment.

I'm still trying to find a plain edge RAT-4 but no luck so far. Northern Knives said they are expecting a delivery of new knives within the next week. I got my fingers crossed they get a RAT-4.

Here is a picture of the RAT-3.

[crashdive123]

Woo Hoo - knife porn!

[Icemancometh]

Love my Rat-3, mine is 1095 though.

[klkak]

Love my Rat-3, mine is 1095 though.

I would have liked one in 1095 but this was the only one they had at the time and D-2 is good steel.

[glockcop]

I have an RC3 from Rat Cutlery and an Ontario RAT3 both in 1095 carbon steel. The RC3 has a slighly longer handle and gets used for outdoor activities. The RAT3 is on one of my TAC vests. I love these knives and use them alot. Stays sharp and very easy to stone to a shaving sharp edge. A moderate stropping (@50 passes on each side) is all it takes to maintain the edge unless you do something really crazy with it. They are "Tyson" tough and hold up well to every thing I can throw at them. I have heard of D2 steel chipping on the edge if you do much chopping or battoning so keep an eye on it. Ontario apparently does a good heat treat on it's steel so I really don't see it being a problem. You may need to sharpen D2 with a diamond stone initially because it is VERY hard stuff that a wet stone has a hard time sharpening. Once it is sharp, it stays that way for a LOOOONG time. I am sure you will love this knife. Congrats on your new baby. Take care.

[klkak]

I have a couple other knives with D2 blades and yes they are a bit tougher to sharpen, I use a DMT sharpening system on all my knives. As soon as I pick up an RAT or RC 4 in 1095 I will put the RAT-3 in my survival vest replacing the big Benchmade Folder in there now.