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Everyday carry knives do not need exotic steels to be useful. The Ontario RAT 1 built a reputation by shipping a full size liner lock folder with AUS-8 steel, nylon scales and a price that lets you actually use the tool. Ontario Knife Company still lists RAT models among its folding knives, and the pattern remains one of the first recommendations for people who want a work ready blade without boutique markups.
What the Ontario RAT 1 is
The RAT 1 is a folding pocket knife with a drop point blade, mid back finger choil area on many versions and a liner lock. Blade steel is commonly AUS-8, a stainless alloy that sharpens easily and resists rust with basic care. Handles are typically textured nylon with steel liners. A tip down pocket clip ships on most versions and can often be moved for left or right carry depending on the exact SKU.
Open the knife with the dual thumb studs. The action is not ball bearing silky out of the box on every unit, but it is serviceable and improves with a drop of oil and light use. The lockbar should engage fully with a solid click; if a used knife feels mushy, look elsewhere.
RAT 1 vs RAT 2
The RAT 2 is the smaller sibling. Choose the RAT 1 if you want more blade length for food prep on trips, cardboard and camp chores. Choose the RAT 2 if pocket comfort is the priority and you already carry a multitool for heavier cuts. Both share the same design language, so learning one teaches you the other.
Neither knife is a hard use prying bar. Use them as cutters. Keep the edge out of dirt when you can and dry the blade after wet work. That simple maintenance is enough for years of pocket time.
Why people buy the RAT 1
- Ergonomics over flash. The handle fills a medium to large hand without sharp hot spots.
- Easy sharpening. AUS-8 responds to basic stones and guided systems.
- Replaceable daily tool mindset. You can carry it hard without treating it like a display piece.
- Wide color options. Black, OD green and coyote brown scales suit different kits.
Quiet focus while you maintain gear pairs well with slow albums such as Desolate and Place In Time. The knife itself is silent; the ritual of stropping does not need a loud playlist.
Legal and safety notes
Knife laws vary by city and country. Check local rules on blade length and locking folders before you travel. Never carry a knife into restricted buildings. On a plane, pack blades in checked luggage only when regulations allow. Treat any folder with respect: cut away from your body, keep fingers clear of the path and close the blade before you pocket it.
Who the RAT 1 suits
The RAT 1 suits first time everyday carry buyers, tradespeople who want a tough beater knife and outdoors users who prefer simple stainless over high maintenance carbon steels. It also fits next to other practical kit like an MA-1 flight jacket or a camera day with the AE-1 Program, where pockets already hold film and keys.
If your evenings lean toward soft electronic listening, Illusion and Away make good background while you sort a drawer of tools and decide what actually earns a place on your belt line.
Ontario's official site is the place to confirm current steel and handle options, because production runs change. Avoid counterfeit listings that borrow the RAT name without the Ontario mark.
Steel and edge retention
AUS-8 will not win a rockwell bragging contest against powder metallurgy steels, and that is fine. It takes a keen edge on simple stones, shrugs off a little neglect and is easy to touch up before a trip. If you want longer edge life you can graduate later to a premium folder. Many people never leave the RAT because the steel matches how they actually cut: cardboard, food, cordage and tape.
Strop lightly after sharpening. Oil the pivot if the action feels dry. Do not store the knife wet in a damp pocket for weeks. Those habits matter more than chasing the newest steel name.
More from the makers: ontarioknife.com · ontarioknife.com.
Where to buy
For more desk and everyday carry ideas, browse our desk and EDC hub.
