Ontario RAT-1 handle scales
Ontario RAT-1 handle scales
In 2002, Ontario Knife Company—the historic American knife manufacturer founded in 1889—partnered with survival experts Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin of Randall’s Adventure & Training (RAT) to create a new generation of rugged, field-proven folding knives
The Ontario RAT-1 debuted in 2003 as the flagship model of the RAT Cutlery line. Designed for real-world survival, tactical, and everyday use, it featured a 3.6-inch drop-point blade in tough 1095 carbon steel (powder-coated for corrosion resistance), a sturdy liner lock, textured Zytel handles, ambidextrous thumb studs, and reversible pocket clip—built to withstand extreme abuse while remaining lightweight (~4.8 oz)
The RAT-1 quickly became a bestseller and modern classic, praised for its balance of size, strength, and affordability (~$60–$90 MSRP). It set the standard for tactical folders in the early 2000s and influenced many later designs
In 2007, Randall and Perrin parted ways with Ontario to launch ESEE Knives, taking the RAT name with them. Ontario continued producing the knife under the Ontario RAT branding until the mid-2010s when the original line was discontinued. The RAT-1 remains one of the most iconic and influential tactical folders of its era, celebrated in survival knives, bushcraft knives, and EDC folding knives history