OKC RAT 2 Folding Knife, D2 Black, Black Handle, 8830
[ON8830]

Whether you buy it or not depends on why you are buying this knife IMO. So some history about the knife before I get to my point. The Ontario Knife Company was started in Naples New York in 1889. It is called the “Ontario” because Naples is in that county. It moved to Franklinville in 1902 but the company was recently sold. The RAT line stands for “Randall’s Adventure and Training (R.A.T), a company that has been providing professional training for outdoor activities since 1997. This company provides training in survival, bushcrafting, search and rescue, wilderness first responses and the like. But they also research, design, and test survival and adventure gear. In 2002, this group designed and entered into an exclusive collaboration with the Ontario Knife Company to manufacture the RAT knives. They are often included in collections because they are amongst the most highly recommended EDCs on the market. They are regarded as great budget friendly options for hunting, camping, and general outdoor use. The reviews on the knife by people like Nick Shabazz are good. My experience has not been good, but I bought mine relatively recently – within the last 2 to 3 years. If you are a knife enthusiast, you may want this knife to add to your collection. I have both the RAT 1 and 2 in my collection as “artifacts”. Frankly, though, based on my experience, their day has come and gone. My RAT 2 has good action, but it simply cannot be centered. In this day and age I don’t care how inexpensive the knife it is it should come centered or at least be capable of being centered. I say that even if you buy it for $14 at a gas station. The quality control simply does not meet modern standards. Having said that, it took a while, but I tuned it so it has nice action. The Rat 1? Very poor action. So if you are looking at it to complete a collection, sure. If you want it as a good knife, I can’t recommend it. For better value I would look at the Bestechman Ronan [BMK02B] which is a far better knife for $70, the Steel Will Mini Cutjack [C22-10D] which is $70 but much better, the Civivi Backlash [801A] which may not have D2 steel but has much better fit and finish and action, the Kubey Carve [KB237C] which is $65 and is really good, the CJRB pyrite [J1925-PNK] which is $60 and is nice, or a number of Vosteeds which may cost a bit more, but offer better value. In my opinion you get better knives for about the same money. Unless, of course, you just want a RAT to complete your collection.