I purchased the RAT-7 1095 Plain Edge from Cumberland Knife Works.  To my door it cost me $87.69, not too shabby when most places are selling it for right at $100 before shipping.

The first thing I noticed was that the utility pouch on the sheath was closed with a slide release buckle, which I prefer much more than vlecro and slightly more than a snap.  In the pictures I have seen the supplied sheath had a snap closure.   I had ordered a Spec-ops Survival sheath to replace this one, but once I noticed this buckel I immediately called LA Police Gear and canceled that order (since it was backordered anyway it wasn't a problem).  I have been told that the supplied sheath is a Spec-Ops sheath designed for the RAT-7 line of knives, i do not know how true this is, but it my initial impression is that it is a quality, durable sheath.  It has a kydex liner I believe to prevent penetration of the blade through the sheath.  The utility pouch will most likely house my US BlastMatch, and other bare necessities for survival.

On to the knife.  It was everything I had expected it to be.  The knife fit my hand like a glove, and I felt like I was holding a chunk of steel ( I know it is steel, but I mean it felt like it was of good quality).  The blade is sharp and then handle is lightly textured micarta which seems like it will offer a better grip to a sweaty or wet hand.  You can just tell that you are handling something that is going to hold up to most of the abuse you could put it though, within reason.


The only con that I can see thusfar is the adjuster loop on the strap that holds the knife in the sheath.  The adjuster loop is metal and rides just on the edge of the handle, which over time, may wear on the edge of the micarta.  I will keep an eye on this; and if it begins to become a problem I will order the sheath that I just canceled (it is really just a reason to order more gear)

All in all, I am very pleased with this purchase.  I will do a more indepth review on my next camping/hiking trip and abuse it a little to see how she holds up.  Here are a couple of quick pictures that I took right after opening the box.

That is a damn good price, I have been seeing the Rat series selling on the net for really cheap prices.  I am guessing it is because Ontario is no longer going to be carrying them.  Regardless I hear that is a really nice blade. I am waiting to get my hands on the new RC3 from ratcutlery.

I like the  looks of this, but I wonder how the blade feels. 1095 is inexpensive steel. With a flat grind, it's kind of obvious that they didn't spend much on the blade. The canvas micarta grips, OTOH, are probably pretty expensive to produce.

Their priorities seem to be a little out of balance, so I'd like to hear how the edge really is.

I believe they make that same blade with D2 as well

I have the RAT-7 and the RTAK.  They both work really well.  I have more field time with the RTAK but the RAT-7 still holds its own.  The flat grind is easyto keep sharp in the woods IMHO.  I also dremeled a socket into the Micarta grip to use for Bow and drill fire starting.  I like them as camp knives, but I do notice the weight when I hike with it.

I like 1095 for working blades.  I have heard stories and seen pictures of broken D2 blades. particularly when using the baton method of splitting wood.

That price is hard to beat! In fact it sounded so good I was forced to pick one up for myself!

Quoted: That is a damn good price, I have been seeing the Rat series selling on the net for really cheap prices.  I am guessing it is because Ontario is no longer going to be carrying them.  Regardless I hear that is a really nice blade. I am waiting to get my hands on the new RC3 from ratcutlery.

Where did you hear that from?  Ontario is going to continue to produce the RAT line.  Jeff just decided to start a new line of knives...

`45

I love my RAT-7, but the sheath that comes with it is a serious piece of shit.
I replaced mine with one of those Spec-ops super sheaths. far better construction, and far more useful.

Quoted: Quoted: That is a damn good price, I have been seeing the Rat series selling on the net for really cheap prices.  I am guessing it is because Ontario is no longer going to be carrying them.  Regardless I hear that is a really nice blade. I am waiting to get my hands on the new RC3 from ratcutlery. Where did you hear that from?  Ontario is going to continue to produce the RAT line.  Jeff just decided to start a new line of knives... `45

Ontario Knives was tits-up last I heard. (Bankruptcy)

Quoted: Ontario Knives was tits-up last I heard. (Bankruptcy)

Eh, no.  You're probably thinking of Camillus.

`45

Quoted: Quoted: Ontario Knives was tits-up last I heard. (Bankruptcy) Eh, no.  You're probably thinking of Camillus. `45

I stand (sit, actually) corrected.