Sometimes, the job is just opening a box or cutting a length of cord. You want a comfortable grip, a useful blade, and controls that make sense. Paying more for premium materials is an option, but it doesn’t have to be the starting point.
Price: $42.92
Where to Buy: Amazon
The Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1, model 8848, has earned a longstanding reputation among budget-conscious knife buyers. Its AUS-8 stainless steel blade, textured nylon handle, and manual liner lock keep the focus on everyday cutting. The appeal is straightforward: a full-size knife for buyers who value familiar controls and manageable upkeep over premium materials.
A practical design with lasting appeal
Developed through Ontario’s collaboration with Randall’s Adventure & Training, the RAT Model 1 reflects an outdoor-oriented approach to folding-knife design. Rather than emphasizing elaborate mechanisms, it combines accessible controls, a full-size handle, and a conventional blade shape.
Model 8848 features a satin-finished, plain-edge drop-point blade with a black nylon handle. Check the model number before buying: Ontario has offered RAT Model 1 configurations with different blade finishes, steels, and handle colors.
The drop-point profile provides a curved cutting edge suitable for cardboard, packaging, cord, and other everyday materials. Its pointed tip also supports controlled cutting tasks, although specialized tools remain more appropriate for demanding applications.
AUS-8 steel keeps sharpening straightforward
The RAT Model 1 uses AUS-8 stainless steel, a material commonly found in affordable utility knives. Its combination of corrosion resistance, toughness, and sharpening convenience makes it suitable for owners who expect to maintain their blades regularly.
Cutting cardboard, plastic packaging, and abrasive materials gradually wears down an edge. AUS-8 is generally easier to sharpen than many highly wear-resistant premium steels, which can make routine upkeep more manageable.
The trade-off is routine edge maintenance rather than a focus on maximum wear resistance. Blade geometry, heat treatment, what you cut, and how you maintain the edge all influence how long it stays sharp.
Ontario specifies a 3.5-inch blade and a hardness rating of 55–56 HRC.
Textured nylon handle and accessible construction
The RAT Model 1’s textured Nylon 6 handle provides room for a full-hand grip and a practical gripping surface. Handling security still depends on hand size, gloves, moisture, and the cutting task.
The knife also uses open-post construction, leaving access around the handle’s internal components. This arrangement makes accumulated lint and debris easier to identify and remove compared with a fully enclosed design.
Cleaning remains necessary because dust, moisture, and residue can collect around the pivot and locking mechanism. Ontario recommends regularly cleaning the blade, pivot, and locking mechanism, drying the knife thoroughly after cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and storing it in a dry place.
Manual opening and liner-lock operation
The RAT Model 1 features a manual thumb-stud opening system and a liner lock. The thumb stud provides a contact point for opening the blade, while the liner engages the blade tang to hold it open.
Thumb-stud opening and a four-position pocket clip accommodate different opening and carrying preferences.
The liner lock is a conventional folding-knife
mechanism, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for careful handling. Users should confirm that the blade is fully locked before cutting and keep their fingers clear when closing it.
Unlike automatic knives, the RAT Model 1 requires manual opening. This conventional arrangement suits buyers who prefer familiar controls without additional deployment mechanisms.
Full-size dimensions and pocket carry
Ontario lists a 5-inch closed length and a 3.5-inch blade for the AUS-8 RAT Model 1, making this a full-size EDC folding knife. It weighs 142 grams, or approximately five ounces. Its longer handle provides room for a full-hand grip but also takes up additional pocket space.
The four-position pocket clip offers flexibility in carry orientation, although the knife’s size may be less appealing to buyers seeking minimal pocket bulk. Its dimensions make it better suited to those comfortable carrying a full-size folding knife.
Who should buy the Ontario RAT Model 1?
The Ontario RAT Model 1 8848 suits buyers who want a conventional folding knife with a plain-edge AUS-8 blade, textured nylon handle, and straightforward manual operation. Its established design remains appropriate for everyday cutting and occasional outdoor utility without requiring premium materials.
At Amazon’s current $42.92 price, the appeal is the combination of a full-size handle, familiar controls, and straightforward maintenance, not premium steel or minimal pocket weight.
Price: $42.92
Where to Buy: Amazon
If your priority is a smaller knife that takes up less pocket space, look for a more compact option. If you’d rather have a full-size handle, familiar controls, and steel you can maintain without chasing premium edge retention, the RAT Model 1 makes a straightforward case for itself. Match those priorities to the price you’re actually paying, and the buying decision gets simpler.
