Ontario RAT-1A SP assisted plain edge, 8870

The Ontario RAT-1 plain edge is an extremely popular knife. A good, solid pocket knife, for an even better price. This is a perfect knife for more demanding tasks thanks to its large blade. And due to its size, you can put some good pressure on it, which makes any cutting tasks that much easier. This knife has amazed many knife enthusiasts.

Let's start with the blade. Ontario has used AUS-8 steel - a Japanese stainless steel that retains its sharpness well, perfect for regular use. It's also easy to sharpen, which is very practical if you use the knife often. The blade has a classic drop point shape. This is a very common blade shape that you can use for almost all daily tasks. It's pointed enough for packaging, has enough belly to cut things on a flat surface, and a flat part for peeling an apple.

The blade is quite thick, which is one of the reasons why this knife is somewhat heavier than comparable knives. The blade is also perfectly centred, and finished with a satin coating.

The pocket knife is easy to open with the double thumb stud. With the assisted opening, the blade flies out of the handle. A slider on the side controls the locking mechanism, both when it's open and when it's closed. So you can prevent the blade from opening unintentionally.

Once opened, the blade is locked in place by a solid liner lock. This means the pocket knife will never close unintentionally during use. The top of the blade has ridges for additional thumb grip.

The pocket clip can be attached in four different positions. Above, below, left, right. There are attachment holes on each side. So you can carry the knife tip-up, tip-down, left-handed or right-handed. You get to decide where you want the pocket clip.

The RAT-1 assisted has a G10 steel handle. It feels solid and suits the knife well. The stiff structure of the handle offers enough grip for a firm hold. The handle is nicely shaped and feels great in hand. It also features a lanyard eye.

This knife has functions that appeal to both campers and hunters. With the Ontario RAT-1, you're not getting a knife that will last a lifetime. What you are getting, though, is a solid tool for an amazing price. And yet, the knife doesn't feel cheap. The perfect companion to take with you day-to-day.