Looking for an affordable, reliable, and versatile survival knife? The Ontario Knife Company Rat-3 is the perfect choice for you.
With a 7.90-inch overall length and a 3.90-inch blade length, this compact yet functional knife is made in the USA and offers excellent edge retention.
The handle scales provide a comfortable grip, but some users have found them shorter than expected.
Join us as we explore the pros and cons of the Rat-3 in this comprehensive review.
Key Takeaways
- The Ontario Knife Company Rat-3 is a small/medium size, fixed blade survival knife made in the USA.
- The knife has an overall length of 7.90 inches with a blade length of 3.90 inches and a blade stock of 0.130".
- The handle scales provide a short grip length of 3-1/2" with a rounded pommel tang rear edge and tapering pinch grip bevels on the front.
- User reviews indicate that the knife is heavy duty, good for detailed carving work, and suitable for hiking, camping, and everyday carry (EDC) use. However, some users found the sheath to be bulky and of poor quality.
Knife Specifications
You should pay attention to the blade length of the Ontario Rat-3, as it measures 3.90 inches. This small/medium sized survival knife is made in the USA and features a full flat taper grind, black powder coated blade.
The 0.130” blade stock ensures durability and strength for various tasks. The handle scales provide a short grip length of 3-1/2”, making it comfortable to hold. The pommel tang rear edge is rounded and slightly protrudes past the handle scales, adding to its functionality.
With coarse thumb jimping on the blade spine at the ricasso, you can have a secure grip while using the knife. Overall, the Ontario Rat-3 is a reliable and versatile knife that can handle hiking, camping, and other outdoor chores with ease.
Detailed Features
The detailed features of the Ontario Rat-3 include a full flat taper grind blade, black powder coated finish, and coarse thumb jimping for a secure grip.
The full flat taper grind blade provides a sharp and precise cutting edge, making it ideal for detailed carving work.
The black powder coated finish not only adds a sleek and stylish look to the knife, but also helps to protect the blade from corrosion and wear.
The coarse thumb jimping on the blade spine at the ricasso ensures a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
With these features, the Ontario Rat-3 is a reliable and versatile tool that's perfect for various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and survival situations.
Pros and Cons
An article about the pros and cons of the Ontario Rat-3 knife would provide valuable insights for potential buyers.
This knife, made in the USA, is a small/medium size, fixed blade survival knife with an overall length of 7.90 inches and a blade length of 3.90 inches. It has a black powder coated, full flat taper grind blade with a 0.130” blade stock. The handle scales provide a short grip length of 3-1/2” and the pommel tang rear edge is rounded and slightly protrudes past the handle scales. However, the handle is shorter than expected.
The knife comes with a cordura nylon sheath with two retaining straps, but user reviews suggest that the sheath isn't of the best quality.
The Ontario Rat-3 knife is solid and fits well in medium-large hands, making it suitable for various outdoor activities such as hiking and camping chores. However, there are mixed opinions about the sheath, with some users finding it bulky and replacing it with a kydex sheath.
The knife is also heavier than expected, although it's considered heavy-duty and good for detailed carving work. The edge retention is better than expected, but the jimping on the back of the blade may cause a hot spot.
In terms of price, the Ontario Rat-3 knife is more affordable compared to the ESEE4, but it's smaller and more expensive than the Ontario Rat 5.
Overall, the pros and cons of the Ontario Rat-3 knife should be carefully considered before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
In your final thoughts, consider the durability and versatility of the Ontario Rat-3 knife.
This small to medium-sized fixed blade survival knife, made in the USA, boasts an overall length of 7.90 inches and a blade length of 3.90 inches. With a 0.130' blade stock and a full flat taper grind, this knife is built to handle heavy-duty tasks.
The handle scales provide a short grip length of 3-1/2', making it comfortable for medium to large hands. The black powder coated blade adds to its durability, while the coarse thumb jimping on the blade spine offers added control.
The Ontario Rat-3 is suitable for various use cases, from camp chores to wood splitting, and even maintenance and projects around the property.
Although the sheath may need replacing, this knife is a solid and reliable option for those looking for a budget-friendly EDC fixed blade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ontario Knife Company Rat-3 is a reliable and versatile survival knife that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. With its compact size and durable construction, it's suitable for various use cases.
The blade's edge retention and the comfortable grip of the handle scales make it a great choice for detailed carving work. However, some users may need to consider replacing the sheath.
Overall, the Rat-3 is a solid option for those seeking a dependable survival knife.
