Ontario Knife Company 8665 Rat-3 Plain Edge with Black Nylon Sheath, Black/Tan, One Size

I have multiple esee 3s as well as the Rat 3 and I have to say I prefer the Rat 3. I like the Rat 3 scales better compared to the Esee 3 as it feels better against my skin when I carry it IWB. I also like the coating on this knife better compared to the Esee as the coating on the Esee sometimes cause more friction due to it being a much thicker coating when passing through material. I actually strip the coating off my Esee knives just because it annoys me in that regard. The Rat 3 sheath is usable but I would recommend ditching it and purchase the polymer Esee 3 sheath as it will fit the Rat 3 perfectly or a kydex sheath. That way you get a ton more carry options and can carry on the belt, IWB, or attach to something. I haven't noticed much of a difference in the heat treat between the Esee or the Rat 3. The Esee is definitely slightly harder steel and will have slightly better edge retention but it's not enough difference to make a difference. Factory edge sucks and needs to be sharpened but I put my own edge on every knife so that doesn't bother me. It's a great knife that will serve anyone well. My only gripe is these are expensive now. I remember purchasing mine a few years ago for far less. But everything is expensive now I guess.

It’s small enough to carry on your belt without scaring non-knife people in public. The steel sharpens easily and maintains an edge well. It’s perfect for detailed carving work. Handle will absorb sweat and oil over time and turn a darker shade, but who really cares. It functions. The sheath could be better but it functions to protect the knife and keep it from coming out. Worth the money and with care will last a lifetime.

The blade had a surprising belly for some reason and is a strong but slicing blade the coating will scrape off with gars use fairly quickly but still great blade performance 👏 👌

Nice knife but took months to receive. Not sure it was worth all the hoopla that drove me to want it.

Absolutely no complaints, the carbon steel sharpens up better than any of my "super steel" knives. It may not have the superior edge rentention but it'll stay sharp for a reasonable period. I can attest that the micarta grips are nice and grippy and after todays hunting session that blood washes off them easilly. As others have stated, if you've got large hands it might be a 3 finger grip. For those with average, you'll be just fine. The sheath is very basic but functional. If you keep it oiled I'm sure it'll take care of you for a long time.

The knife seems to be typical OKC quality but the sheath is totally useless. The straps that are supposed to hold the knife in are not a good fit with the knife at all . For the price it should include the molded plastic one they make you buy extra .

Just took it out of the box. Overall I like OKC knives. This RAT3 seems like a decent knife. Pictures to show comparison between the RAT3 and my ESEE4 (which is a fantastic knife). There is no RAT4, but there is an ESEE3, which I don’t have. RAT3 specs appear similar to ESEE3 specs though (blade thickness, length, etc). The only thing I don’t like about the RAT3, first impression, is that the micarta handle is a lot smoother (less grip) than the ESEE. It’s not bad, but noticeably smoother than the ESEE micarta. I got a couple RAT3s to give as Christmas gifts. Company MSRP of $100 is steep, but for ~$50 I can’t complain.***but the ESSE4 is a $100 knife all day, every day.

• This is a Small / Medium size, Fixed Blade, Survival Knife. It is small in the hand due to an abbreviated grip length but the overall design feels stiff and strong. The 0.130” (3.34 mm) blade stock is typical and adequate for this size handle. The handle is shorter than I expected.• Full Flat Taper Grind blade is strong behind the tip. Tip is on the handle centerline.• Black Powder Coated blade to prevent corrosion on the 1075 carbon steel.• The handle scales provide a short grip length of 3-1/2”and are just long enough to get a four finger fist grip with bare hands. It is an abbreviated grip better suited for a three finger grip with the index finger in the choil. These scales are slab sided and rather thin at only ½” total handle width. I’m not a big fan of these flat sided grip panels.• Pommel tang rear edge is rounded and slightly protrudes past the handle scales which provides the ability to strike objects.• Tapering ‘Pinch Grip’ bevels on the front of the scales for precise Bushcraft blade work.• The moderately crisp spine edges will still allow fire steel striking. The blade spine does not have false edge swage.• Coarse thumb jimping on blade spine at ricasso is very grippy.• The Cordura nylon sheath provides a secure, non-rattling grip on the knife. Having two retainingstraps on such a short small knife is pointless. One strap just behind the front handle choil wouldsuffice.• Handle screws are only 1/16” Allen hex drive heads. Should be a larger size IMHO.• This is a good all-purpose lightweight hiking knife. Sheath is overdone and kind of stupid.