Is the Ontario RAT 1 Still Worth Buying in 2025?

When we think of tough, affordable pocketknives, the Ontario RAT Model 1 stands out as a classic. Known for its reliability and no-nonsense design, the RAT 1 has become the everyday folder of choice for campers, outdoors lovers, and anyone needing a dependable blade. But with recent news that the Ontario Knife Company has been bought by Blue Ridge Knives, many are wondering about the future of this icon. Is it still the best bang for your buck, or have rivals finally caught up?

Below, we put the RAT 1 side by side with its top competitors, covering design, usability, price, and unique features. If you’re searching for your next hard-working EDC, this guide will help you decide if it’s time to stick with a legend or try something new.

Ontario RAT Model 1: The Benchmark for Affordable Workhorse Knives

The Ontario RAT Model 1 has set the standard for budget-friendly utility knives for years. Its design traces back to Randall’s Adventure & Training—the same group behind the rugged RAT fixed blades and ESEE survival knives. That heritage shows up everywhere in the RAT 1: from the robust construction to its versatile blade and budget-friendly price. If you need a blade that works as hard as you do, few folders match its reputation.

Key features that define the RAT 1:

• Blade: 3.6″ drop point, full flat grind, available in AUS8 stainless, D2 tool steel, or premium S35VN steel.
• Handle: Spacious, ergonomic, injection-molded scales with just enough texture for grip without sticking.
• Construction: Full (non-skeletonized) steel liners for strength, solid liner lock, and a four-position pocket clip (carry tip up or down, left or right).
• Usability: Fits larger hands comfortably and supports a wide variety of grips, even under harder use. A ricasso area lets you choke up for fine control.
• Opening Action: Thumb studs deploy the blade with satisfying flick, riding on washers for easy maintenance and less worry about dirt and grit.

Why the RAT Model 1 remains a top pick:

• Durable build suited for heavy outdoor or EDC use
• Multiple steel options for corrosion resistance or edge retention
• Versatile and practical blade geometry
• Affordable entry point for beginners and pros alike
• Comfortable handle and flexible carry options

For more details and available versions, explore the Ontario RAT Model 1 Folder Series.

ESEE Avispa: A Close Sibling and RAT Alternative

Designed by the same creative minds as the RAT 1, the Avispa shares much of its DNA. At a similar price and with almost matching dimensions, you can definitely see the family resemblance!

What’s similar?

• Nearly identical handle shape, with injection-molded scales that sport even more texture for grip.
• Choice of AUS8 or D2 blade steel.
• Four-position pocket clip and durable washer-based (not ball-bearing) pivot.

What’s different?

• The Avispa swaps the RAT’s liner lock for a robust stainless steel frame lock on the back—changing the feel and adding strength.
• Blade profile is slightly broader, with a bit less point, moving closer to a “centerline” spear point that does well in bushcraft.

Use in the field:

• Thinner handles make the Avispa easier to carry, especially in slim pants pockets, but might bite into hands during heavy work.
• Both knives come from the same high-quality factory and deliver strong, satisfying flipping action.

Pros:

• Multiple affordable steel choices
• Slim, easy-to-carry profile
• Same durable build as the RAT 1

Cons:

• Thinner handle less comfortable for sustained heavy work
• Slight trade-off in piercing for slicing and bushcraft

Those who want RAT-like reliability, but need a slimmer EDC, should checkout the ESEE BRK Collection of Avispa Folding Knives.

Spyderco Tenacious: Everyday Carry with a More Premium Feel

The Spyderco Tenacious Series is a staple among EDC knives, combining reliable cutting power with refined details that Spyderco is known for. It lands above the RAT 1 in price, but brings noticeable upgrades in finish and handling.

Quick breakdown:

• Slightly shorter blade overall, but practically the same cutting edge.
• Uses 8Cr13MoV steel, which matches AUS8 for edge retention and corrosion resistance. There are also premium versions with more exotic blade steel options for enhanced edge performance.
• Features G10 or injection-molded FRN scales with Spyderco’s excellent bidirectional texturing for a secure, confident grip.
• Liner lock and washer pivot ensure easy maintenance and smooth deployment.
• Four-position pocket clip lets you customize carry preferences.

Pros:

• Premium blade steel options available
• Comfortable, secure grip
• Reputable brand and service

Cons:

• Generally costs a bit more than RAT 1
• Thinner handles are less comfortable when you want an “outdoor brute”

Steel Will Cutjack & Barghest: Versatility and Modern Flipping Action

Steel Will Cutjack

If you love flipping knives but want RAT-like durability, the Steel Will Cutjack Series should not be overlooked. Only available in D2 steel, the Cutjack boasts:

• A blade profile nearly identical to the RAT 1, but with a thinner edge for clean slicing.
• Aggressively textured injection-molded handles for secure hold.
• Inset liner lock that trims weight from the handle.
• A flipper tab and tuned washer-based pivot for nearly ball-bearing smoothness.

The handle is a bit thinner, so it excels in pocket-friendliness but might lack some of the brute-force grip of the RAT for harder chores.

Steel Will Barghest

For those seeking a tactical upgrade, the Steel Will Barghest is our top choice. It features G10 handles, a robust flipper mechanism, and a blade geometry tailored for tactical and rugged field use. Its larger, squared shape fills the hand, making it ideal for big hands or gloved use. With a design focused on strength and control, the Barghest isn’t the most lightweight or pocket-friendly choice. Instead, it suits users who need extra ruggedness or a solid backup for outdoor, emergency, or demanding work settings.

Pros:

• Excellent edge retention with D2 steel
• Grippy G10 handle ensures control in all conditions
• Fast flipper action and smooth deployment
• Strong, tactical build for heavy-duty tasks

Cons:

• Bulky in the pocket and heavier than typical EDC knives
• Not ideal for fine or lightweight everyday carry

The Steel Will Barghest is a serious folder for those looking for strength, tactical readiness, and lasting performance.

Buck Bantam & Byrd Cara Cara 2: Classic Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Buck Bantam

The Buck Bantam makes a strong case for US-made value. Not only is it the only American-made knife on this roundup, it’s also one of the most affordable.

• Blade: 3.6″ 420HC steel with saber-height hollow grind, offering similar overall cutting length to the RAT.
• Handle: Injection molded, often in camo or bright colors.
• Lock: Reliable lockback mechanism (strong but a bit harder to close one-handed).
• Carry: Single-position, right-side tip-down pocket clip only.
• Comfort: Suited for saber grip most of all.

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Comfortable for standard grips
• Trusted, time-tested brand

Cons:

• Limited pocket clip mounting options (right hand, tip-down only)
• Less versatile ergonomics than the RAT 1

Byrd Cara Cara 2

Those who need more precision than the RAT 1 can offer should consider the Byrd Cara Cara 2. The forward finger choil allows for better fine motor control over the edge. For the utmost precision, it’s even available with a Wharncliffe blade.

• Blade: Thin, aggressively ground 8Cr13MoV steel for easy slicing.
• Handle: Choice of injection molded or G10, with extra grip textures.
• Lock: Lockback design provides strength and reliability.
• Blade Shapes: Several options including sheepsfoot, Wave (pictured above) and Wharncliffe.

Pros:

• Clean, controlled slicing
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Added grip for precision work

Cons:

• Not ideal for repeated heavy-duty tasks
• Less comfortable for varied grips

The Buck Bantam and Byrd Cara Cara 2 offer excellent value for the money, depending on whether you lean toward rough work or clean precision.

Cold Steel Double Safe Hunter: Safety and Stability

For those seeking safety features and a rock-solid lockback, the Cold Steel Double Safe Hunter is a worthy contender. With options like the Slock Master version, it competes directly with the RAT 1 in size, edge, and toughness, but introduces a lockback with an extra safety switch to prevent accidental closures in use or in-pocket.

• Blade: 8Cr13MoV steel, equivalent to the RAT’s AUS8 for everyday and hard use.
• Handle: Injection-molded, large enough for big hands and bushcraft tasks.
• Lock: Strong lockback with added switch safety.
• Pivot: Washer-based, easy to maintain.

Pros:

• Safer lock, less likely to fail
• Simple cleaning for field use
• Affordable entry price

Cons:

• Single-position pocket clip limits carry preference
• Bulkier feel than some EDCs

Hunters and outdoor workers appreciate the extra security of its lockback and safety features in wet or muddy environments.

Honey Badger Large Flipper: Affordable Ball-Bearing Action

Honey Badger Knives offers their signature knife design in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but the Large Flipper is the most competitive with the RAT 1. The biggest feature that differentiates it is its modern flipping action. Thanks to its ball bearing pivot, it’s faster and snappier than the RAT 1. You’ll find several blade shapes and both 8CR stainless and D2 options, plus deep carry clips and ergonomic handles.

• Blade: Multiple shapes, full flat grind, 8Cr or D2 steel.
• Handle: Injection-molded, several color choices.
• Lock: Liner lock, ball bearing pivot for fast action.
• Carry: Deep carry clip (reversible).

Pros:

• Fast opening with flipper or finger hole
• Six blade styles for custom preference
• Affordable, full-featured folder

Cons:

• Ball bearings will require more cleaning in dirty environments

Fans of fidget-friendly knives will enjoy this one without busting their budget.

CJRB Taiga: Incredible Value and Premium Steel

The CJRB Taiga is one of the most exciting alternatives to the RAT 1 because of its spray-formed RPM9 steel—a stainless that holds an edge like D2 but resists corrosion better.

• Blade: About 3.5″, versatile drop point, high flat grind.
• Handle: G10 for a premium hand feel.
• Lock: Liner lock with flipper tab.
• Carry: Two-position pocket clip.

Pros:

• RPM9 steel punches above its price
• Excellent flipping action
• Beefy, comfortable handle

Cons:

• Not as much slicing power as a full flat grind
• A little thicker in hand than some may want

Anyone wanting advanced blade tech on a shoestring budget will be well-served by this option.

SOG Tellus FLK: Big Feel, Flipper Action

SOG’s Tellus FLK rounds out this roundup. It brings a robust 440C blade, tough injection-molded handle, and a unique liner lock design that blocks debris for reliability in tough spots.

• Blade: Broad, high flat grind, great for slicing and food prep.
• Handle: Generous size, meaty feel, comfortable for large hands.
• Lock: Liner with onlay for easy cleaning.
• Carry: Two-position pocket clip, flipper and thumb studs for opening.

Pros:

• Sturdy, solid feel in use
• Super-comfortable handle
• High grade steel for the price

Cons:

• Not as versatile for different grip styles
• Ball bearing pivot means more cleaning in the field

If you want one knife to live with every day, for every scenario, the Tellus FLK is arguably the most well-rounded pick. Plus, the hybrid liner/frame lock design offers a low-key innovation that doesn’t get in the way of usability.

Conclusion

The Ontario RAT Model 1 still holds its ground as one of the most versatile, affordable, and trusted workhorse pocketknives. But the options today are better than ever. Whether it’s the familiar feel of the ESEE Avispa or the sheer value of the Buck Bantam, you can feel confident knowing you’re carrying a knife built for real work at a price that leaves room for your next adventure.