Ontario RAT 1.5 handle scales
Ontario RAT 1.5 handle scales
In 2024–2025, Ontario Knife Company—the historic American knife maker founded in 1889 and known for the legendary RAT series (debut 2002–2003 with Randall's Adventure & Training)—revived and upgraded the RAT lineage with the RAT 1.5 (model ON8880 series). Announced in late 2024 (with first retail drops and reviews in early 2025), it filled the "Goldilocks" gap between the compact RAT-2 and full-size RAT-1, using modern premium steel while retaining the classic RAT ergonomics and reliability
The Ontario RAT 1.5 features a 3.25-inch drop-point blade in elite CPM MagnaCut stainless steel (satin finish, flat grind) for outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness—far surpassing the original 1095/AUS-8. Weighing ~4 oz with 7.45-inch overall length, it includes a sturdy liner lock, textured black G-10 handles, ambidextrous thumb studs, 4-way reversible pocket clip, and jimping for secure grip—ideal for tactical EDC knives, survival folders, and hard use
Priced ~$95–$140 MSRP (Taiwan-made), it earned immediate praise for balanced size, premium performance, and value—quickly becoming a modern classic in the RAT family. Variants (plain/serrated) followed, solidifying the RAT 1.5 as a benchmark in mid-size tactical folding knives and Ontario's ongoing legacy of rugged, field-proven tools