Austin
Franklinville, Ny

Mar 09, 2026

Pros: Blade Material, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Cons: Blade Sharpness, Handle Feel

Love at first sight

After ordering this gem a few weeks ago its been consistently in my weekly edc rotation, I've got this version in AUS 8 and I absolutely loved that knife, so when I saw they had announced it with S35VN and red g 10 that was it I knew I had to have it and for a while I waited until that was when I saw that okc where closing there doors for good. Thankfully they are still being produced, or at the very least assembled. If your on the fence and want a good hard working blade with a great budget super steel dont wait get it.

Joe
Halifax, Va

Dec 22, 2023

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip

Cons: None

Sweeeeett!

I use every knife I own. I live on a farm and do some tree work once in a while. I also love to go hiking and camping. Enter the RAT…. I now have 6, four D2, on AUS and now….. S35VN!! I know the action isn’t what my bearing knives are, but it is still very smooth and very fast. It’s a beast!! I will use this everywhere as I have my other RAT 1s. Everything from scraping animal hooves, bailing twine and doing tree work. Dang tough knife. Also great from camping.

John
South Central, PA

May 09, 2023

Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Pocket Clip

Improvement of an already excellent folder.

I have had the D2 Rat 1 in my EDC rotation for years. For the money, this knife cannot be beat. When I heard Ontario was making an S35VN model, I was in. The first thing you notice about this new model, the "Red Rat," are the bright red scales. I am not a huge fan of the color, and will probably dye them, but the new scale material is excellent. These new scales have a very noticeable tactile feel and grip over the original, and they are much better. Aside from that, this is the same old RAT 1 in design but with S35VN blade steel. Since this knife came in the mail, it has been in my pocket. The action is excellent with a slightly heavy detent, fit and finish are outstanding, If you are a fan of the RAT family of knives, you need this in your stable. Aside from the scales color, my only other con is that they didn't include a deep carry pocket clip, but it is my no means a deal breaker. If you are on the fence about this knife, do it. You will not be sorry.

Boom Boom
San Bernardino Mountains

Jul 09, 2023

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Ontario Rat 1 S35VN blade

When I unboxed this knife my first impression is WOW that's red! I have 2 Other Rat 1s in my collection and once I got used to the red I can fully understand why Ontario chose it for this blade steel. I work in the mountains in some remote areas and this is my new favorite EDC. I even had a buddy that's a knife collector also notice it sticking out of my pocket before a word was spoke, he was really taken aback by the red and loves the knife. I am 75 years old and have been carrying a folder for over 60 years and have really been impressed with all aspects of knife evolution from lock styles, blade styles, steels, and a multitude of quality makers. This is an exciting time to be addicted to knives?

Scuba Steve
HI

Jan 15, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip

Cons: None

Iconic

Right after this released, Ontario announced it was being sold and was moving shop to Virginia. I thought that I had lost my chance. I happened to run across that Knifecenter got more stock in (quietly). So I snagged one. Not much to say as this is an Icon. I will say that mine came very centered, so I'm a happy camper. S35VN, finally a true premium steel, although part of this being an Icon is the "under $50" for a very tough and well built budget pocket knife!

Eddie S
Ridgefield, WA

Aug 14, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Cons: None

Excellent Knife

I am new to knife collection and I read that this particular knife is a must have. So far I'm happy that I got good value for my money and that I bought a product that was highly recommended to have by the knife experts. The fit and finish is perfect and I will be buying more as I learn more about knife collecting.

Jason
Holland, MI

May 10, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

A Quick Fix

It was annoying, necessary, and now not an issue anymore. The blade was off center because the pivot screw was very loose. Tightened it up but now the blade is very stiff. Never owned a Rat 1 and glad I waited until this new one came out (better steel) but just a little pain in the back side having to work on a new knife. Otherwise the knife is great. Weight, ergos, deep cary clip all excellent. Dual studs make it fidget friendly. Textured handles and spine jimping give me a good grip. The handle texture is not so rough that it will tear up your pockets. Just a good, solid, sharp out of the box knife for $100.

Jaime
Madison, WI

Aug 15, 2023

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Overall Quality

Cons: Pocket Clip

Rock Solid Performer

The Rat 1 is a great feeling knife that is built for hard work. It's a shape built for function, an the moment you have one in hand you realize how many "right" things were done in designing this knife. This version with improved blade steel is - thus far - the best version of this knife I've come across. It was razor sharp out of the box with good blade centering and smooth open/shut. The only downside is that after a month or so of hard use, the blade centering was off. A quick adjust and it's back to perfect. Not everyone will be a fan of the red G10 scales, but I love it. If you need a hard worker that will last, the Rat 1 is very hard to beat.

Magnacut Mike
, Earth

Jul 27, 2026

Pros: Blade Material, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type

Cons: Blade Sharpness, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Sheath, Weight

Upgraded classic

I have carried the Rat for years, love it. Uprgraded my old AUS 8 version with the S35vn. The G10 scales are much grippier in hand, and bright red color looks great, the factory edge wasn't razor sharp but nothing that a little touch up can't fix. I do wish the pocket clip came deep carry but replacements are cheap. Great knife that will probably last me the rest of my years if I don't lose it first.