Ontario RAT 7

Reviewed 08/23/2014 by Miika

-Price Paid: $80.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

For me it was easy pickins between ESEE 6 and this. Since SRK I've found longer blades more comfortable to work with, hence the RAT over the other one.

I think this is the first flat ground knife I have and it feels a tad odd working with it. At first I had serious problems hacking through even the thinnest branches (tho might be b/c of the lightness of the knife and back balance).

Even flat ground blade is supposed to be a better performer while batoning, I just couldn't feel the difference between RAT 7 and SOG Force.

I'd say this knife has rather spot on value for money. Because it's on the cheaper side, you don't need to fret the idea of modifying the handle bits to suit your needs better. For me, the rounded edge of the handles were still too 'sharp' so I sanded them rounder, added some diagonal grooves and used a bit rougher sandpaper to roughen up the surface.

Last but certainly not least, the nylon sheaths with additional pocket for a sharpener and a fire starter is a strong selling point for me =).

For quality/price/size I put this right with Cold Steel SRK, another excellent all-around-knife.

Reviewed 11/27/2013 by Aaron

-Price Paid: $80.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

This is one of my favorite fixed blades of all time.

GOOD- under $100, tough 1095HC steel that holds a good edge, great traction for stabbing, and good ergos for extended carving tasks.

BAD- nylon sheath is ok, but kydex would be better, the fit and finish of the handle scales and the coating on steel can be hit or miss.

Reviewed 08/06/2013 by Barks

-Price Paid: $95.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

The Ontario Rat 7 quickly rose to the top of my favourites list. This is an excellent knife. It chops extremely well. Its a bit large for finer carving, but the finger choil allows you choke up on the blade for better control.
This knife is permanently attached to my Go-bag. In the sheaths front pocket I have a gerber retracting saw. its the perfect combo for my outings. The 1095 carbon steel blade is strong and durable. A bit of oiling is required so the steel wont rust. I have use this knife to dress fish, small game, baton through a lot of firewood and it performs like a champ.
The scales are very ergonomical and have no hot spots. The micarta can be sanded down for more of a custom fit quite easily if needed.
Edge retention is very good. After a years worth of abuse, the blade shows no chips whatsoever. It takes and edge quite easily.