Ontario RAT 6 Fixed Blade Review: A Footlong Knife Worth Every Penny

The Ontario RAT 6 will deal with a complete turkey.

It’s been some time since I reviewed a giant, dumb knife. “Lightweight” was the secret this previous summer season, with the Mora Kansbol as my major climbing companion.

But my pack weight tends to go up because the temperatures start to drop, so I started trying to find a brand new, heavy-duty knife to hold within the frozen woods. When the Ontario RAT 6 ($230) struck my eye, it was love at first sight.

If you’re a blade nerd, likelihood is you recognize Ontario Knife Co. Ontario’s line of RAT folders are a favourite amongst value-minded buyers. Its fixed-blade counterparts, in line with the corporate’s website, “have proven themselves to be some of the most field ready knives you can add to your collection.”

Ontario continues this custom with the brand new RAT 6. “Measuring in at 5.5 in blade length with a deep finger choil, RAT standard micarta handle scales, full S35VN steel tang construction, this knife has the capabilities of a large chopper and detail knife in one due to its vast blade length sweeping into a piercing tip,” the model’s advertising boasts.

Still, $230 appears a bit expensive for a bit of metal. But so assured was Ontario that the model provided a loaner for overview, betting that the knife would win me over. Can this RAT put its cash the place its mouth is? I headed to the woods (and the kitchen) to seek out out.

In brief: The Ontario RAT 6 is a pitch-perfect fastened blade. Its wonderful grind, sturdy edge, and cozy deal with mix to create a paragon of hard-use confidence. The sheath is likewise wonderful, and its firestarting capabilities proved to be a shock. Depending on the place you store, the RAT 6 is a screaming deal.

Ontario RAT 6 Folder Knife: Review

Let’s Talk About the Sheath

We’ll get to the knife in a minute, however there’s one other facet I’d like to debate first: The RAT 6’s sheath. While some producers are content material to slap collectively some Kydex or leather-based and name it a day, Ontario has completed good work right here.

The OKC-branded sheath rides low on the belt, and its nylon is rugged and well-stitched. I particularly loved the snaps, that are surprisingly straightforward to open and refasten with a single hand. There are MOLLE attachment factors on the again as effectively, for those who’re into that kind of factor.

Knife Design

The knife itself is instantly spectacular. At simply over a foot lengthy, this huge chunk of S35VN got here sharp and able to go. The Micarta deal with is large and cozy, with a pleasant hook towards the again that helps maintain your palm in place.

The tip is considerably nice, however I wouldn’t precisely name it delicate. There’s sufficient width there for drilling or piercing, however for those who’re planning to carve by a automobile door, effectively, you get what you deserve.

OKC RAT 6 Tested

Speaking of testing, the RAT’s first process upon arrival didn’t contain smashing or batoning. Instead, it went to the kitchen for a completely totally different kind of carving.

That’s proper — I broke down a complete turkey. And when the meat was eliminated and I found that the carcass was too massive for my inventory pot, the RAT 6 proved to be the right instrument for chopping by the backbone.

After this, onions and carrots didn’t stand an opportunity. You received’t get skinny slices with a blade like this, however it’s nice for a easy, tough cube.

With its robust outside pedigree, I figured the RAT 6 for a wood-splitting champ. Medium to small-size logs (even frozen ones) parted with ease, and the sting remained true all through use.

But, with its barely rounded shoulders, I didn’t assume the knife would have the ability to throw sparks. I used to be fallacious.

While not as aggressive as a 90-degree backbone, the RAT 6 is greater than able to creating ignition.

At simply over 12 inches and barely a hair beneath 12 ounces (11.92, on my scale), the RAT 6 is simply massive sufficient for gentle chopping. But for those who’re planning to fell a complete tree with this blade, anticipate to be at it for some time.

There’s a lanyard gap behind the deal with, if you wish to add a little bit of leverage or attain. In my testing, nonetheless, the deal with was strong and safe.

Ontario RAT 6 Knife: Conclusion

Normally, I’d embrace a piece itemizing the knife’s struggles. But I’ll be sincere, there’s nothing I don’t like concerning the RAT 6.

The value, maybe, is a bit excessive, however you’re getting greater than a foot of knife with S35VN metal, plus an excellent sheath to go together with it. And for those who store at a spot like Blade HQ, the worth is considerably lower than shopping for from the supply.

However you get your fingers on this RAT, I feel you’ll like what Ontario has provide you with. Will it thinly slice an onion? No, however that sort of process lies decidedly exterior its use case.

For what it’s, the Ontario RAT 6 is kind of good — an easy-riding, wood-splitting, turkey-carving, all-around beast of a survival knife.

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