Ontario RAT-2 handle scales
Ontario RAT-2 handle scales
In 2003–2004, Ontario Knife Company—the historic American knife manufacturer founded in 1889—expanded the groundbreaking RAT series (developed with Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin of Randall’s Adventure & Training) with the RAT-2 as the compact, lightweight companion to the full-size RAT-1
Debuting in 2004 (early availability noted in catalogs and dealer drops mid-2004), the Ontario RAT-2 was designed for users needing a smaller, more pocketable tactical folder without sacrificing the RAT-1’s legendary durability and field-proven ergonomics. It targeted EDC, survival, and backup carry while maintaining the same tough build
The Ontario RAT-2 features a 3-inch drop-point blade in rugged 1095 carbon steel (powder-coated for corrosion resistance), a secure liner lock, textured Zytel handles with index finger groove, ambidextrous thumb studs, 4-way reversible pocket clip, and jimping for secure grip—weighing just ~3.4 oz with 7-inch overall length. Ideal for tactical EDC knives, bushcraft folders, and discreet hard use
Priced affordably (~$50–$80 MSRP), it quickly became a bestseller and modern classic, praised for balance, strength, and value. Variants (plain/serrated, colors, G-10 scales) followed. After the 2007 RAT/ESEE split, Ontario continued producing the RAT-2 until the mid-2010s. It remains an iconic benchmark in compact tactical folding knives and the RAT legacy of rugged, field-tested performance