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Having a trusty knife on your belt will guarantee you can handle anything life throws at you, whether you’re going on a hunting trip, setting up camp, or just going about your day-to-day.
Having a superb foldable also makes life a little bit simpler, especially if it’s going to be an everyday carry. Fortunately, there are several excellent folding knives on the market.
We’re comparing two of the greatest in the RAT-1 and RAT-2 today. Both knives are made by Ontario, a well-known and reliable American knife manufacturer.
We’ll compare the Ontario Knife Company 8848 Rat I Folding Knife and the Ontario Knife OKC Rat Ii Sp-Black Folding Knife directly because both ranges offer a lot of versions.
No time for a thorough review? Here is a succinct summary:
- Choose the RAT-1 if you like a somewhat bigger knife and have larger hands.
- The lower profile of the RAT-2 makes it perhaps the superior folding knife for hands of ordinary size!
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ontario Rat 1 | Check Price | |
 | Ontario Rat 2 | Check Price |
Key Comparisons Between the Ontario Rat 1 Vs Rat 2
These two knives appear to be extremely similar at first glance. Both have a sizable followings across the world, with those followings favoring one over the other. However, there is only really one significant distinction between the two, and that is size.
Overview of RAT-1
The RAT-1 is a folding knife that rivals, and in some cases outperforms, many of its fixed blade competitors at its maximum overall length of 8.5″. The blade is 3.5 inches long and 0.12 inches thick, making it ideal for fine cutting at this pricing range. It is made of AUS8 steel.
The 5′′ Nylon 6 handle, according to reviews, feels wonderful in the hand and is best for people with bigger hands. It is also rather light, weighing only 4.8 oz altogether, so using it all day won’t make you tired.
In addition to the customary black satin finish, it has useful features like a thumb stud for one-handed opening and is available in a variety of other colors.
Overview of RAT-2
The RAT-2 is in many respects comparable to the RAT-1’s younger sibling because they are both essentially the same knife.
Overall size is reduced to 7′′, and weight is reduced to an even tiny 2.75oz. Given its size and weight, it appeals to those with tiny hands as well as those who desire a knife that isn’t too heavy to carry or use.
The balde itself uses the same AUS8 steel, measures 3 inches instead of 4, and is 0.095 inches thinner than the RAT-1. This time, it is only 4.1′′ in size and features the same satin-finished Nylon 6 handle.
Key Comparison – Conclusion
The RAT-1 and RAT-2 are excellent folding knives that provide excellent performance in a reasonably tiny size.
Given that the rest of the specifications are nearly equal, the only major distinction between the two will be size. The additional size of the RAT-1 will be ideal for you if you like bigger knives or if you just have larger hands. If you’re the opposite, the RAT-2’s 1.5′′ decrease in overall length will much more closely match your desired knife profile.
That’s the broad strokes; now let’s go a little more specific about each knife!
View in Detail for RAT-1
One of the top folding knives available at this pricing bracket is known as the RAT-1. It is a real classic and the cornerstone of the extensive series of RAT models.
It’s a rather large folder with an overall length of 8.5″, so it can handle almost any work that is given to it. With a thickness of only 0.12 inches, the AUS8 blade, which occupies 3.5 inches of its 8.5-inch length, is ideal for delicate slicing and chopping.
Given its total size, the knife also has a sizable grip, which those with large hands may find useful. The RAT-1’s handle feels excellent too, especially when used for extended periods of time. It is 5′′ long and constructed of Nylon 6 with a satin finish.
Despite being created in Taiwan rather than the US and having a folding mechanism, these knives don’t come with a sheath and have exceptionally high-quality construction to keep you cutting for longer.
What’s not to appreciate about a premium folding knife from a well-known manufacturer at an affordable price?
One of the most well-liked knives is the RAT-1 for a good reason. The RAT-1 can be the ideal knife for you if you’re searching for a big foldable with a fantastic blade and grip that fits larger hands perfectly.
View in Detail for RAT-2
The RAT-2 and RAT-1 are quite similar to one another. In actuality, they are nearly interchangeable. Given the similarity in overall specifications, excluding size, between the RAT-2 and the RAT-1, many people refer to the RAT-2 as the ‘little brother’ of the RAT-1.
The RAT-2 is excellent for individuals who desire something smaller due to its 7′′ overall length. The handle is where you’ll notice the biggest size change, and the decrease to 4.1″ makes the knife ideal for people with smaller hands.
This, together with a weight reduction to 2.75oz and a thin AUS8 blade thickness of only 0.095′′, results in a knife that is not only easy to hold but also has the dexterity and accuracy needed for jobs that need more precision.
which is just little more costly than the RAT-1 but still a great deal for a knife of this caliber!
Therefore, the smaller and lighter RAT-2 will be the ideal folding knife for you if you like the design of the RAT-1 but believe the total length or the handle would be too big for you.
Conclusion: Ontario Rat 1 Vs Rat 2
When comparing the Ontario RAT-1 and RAT-2 knives, both are classic examples of foldable knives. Both of these are among the most well-liked Ontario knives available today.
Given that the other specifications, such as the blade steel and handle material, are the same, the decision between them will mostly depend on size and weight.
The RAT-1 is the knife for you if you prefer holding a large-feeling blade that has a somewhat bigger blade area. The smaller and lighter RAT-2 will fit your hand much better and be the ideal daily companion if, on the other hand, you feel that 8.5′′ overall is simply too much.