MTMilitiaman
Member
So my EDC for years has included a four-inch folder, a CRKT M21. I love this knife and can't ever see myself being without one. However, it seems like lately I have been noticing a disturbing tendency to come off its pocket clip. Usually it slides into the pocket when this happens, but several times I have had to backtrack to the last couch or seat I had to find it. So I have been pondering the idea of carrying a fixed blade and having the CRKT folder in my jacket pocket as back up.
When discussing an EDC fixed blade, length matters. Most states and jurisdictions have a set blade length that is allowable without a permit. Mine just happens to be four inches, so I searched the net for fixed bladed knives with four inch blades. A couple caught my attention, among them being the Ontario Knife Company Rat 3. This practical fixed blade has a spear point with an easy to maintain full flat grind. It is full tang 1/8 inch thick 1095 carbon steel and comes pretty sharp with a nice flat black powder coat. The handles are Micarta, which is about ideal for a no-nonsense everyday carry knife that will inevitably be subjected to all manner of elements and abuse.
It is well balanced and strikes that point of being of obvious substance and durability while being nimble in the hand. It is like the Glock 19 in that it seems perfectly sized. I have big hands, so the notch for the finger groove and the texturing along top of blade for thumb on the finer work is nice. The handle is just big enough for my mits to get fully on. The website lists it coming with a nylon sheath but I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent plastic retention rig. Time will tell but this knife seems well thought out and practical with decent materials that should ensure both utility and durability. The knife packs full-size punch in a compact package suitable for carry as a neck knife, boot knife, or as I did, just strapped to the belt. I paid about $65 for mine at the local Sportsmans Warehouse. The guy behind the knife desk said they've sold a lot of them and gave me the display when I asked for one. I guess everybody loves a rat...
Here's the OKC Rat 3 with the Streamlight EDC light:
And the Rat 3 with his big brother, an OKC SP-50 Spearpoint Bowie with a 9.5 inch 5160 carbon steel blade:
When discussing an EDC fixed blade, length matters. Most states and jurisdictions have a set blade length that is allowable without a permit. Mine just happens to be four inches, so I searched the net for fixed bladed knives with four inch blades. A couple caught my attention, among them being the Ontario Knife Company Rat 3. This practical fixed blade has a spear point with an easy to maintain full flat grind. It is full tang 1/8 inch thick 1095 carbon steel and comes pretty sharp with a nice flat black powder coat. The handles are Micarta, which is about ideal for a no-nonsense everyday carry knife that will inevitably be subjected to all manner of elements and abuse.
It is well balanced and strikes that point of being of obvious substance and durability while being nimble in the hand. It is like the Glock 19 in that it seems perfectly sized. I have big hands, so the notch for the finger groove and the texturing along top of blade for thumb on the finer work is nice. The handle is just big enough for my mits to get fully on. The website lists it coming with a nylon sheath but I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent plastic retention rig. Time will tell but this knife seems well thought out and practical with decent materials that should ensure both utility and durability. The knife packs full-size punch in a compact package suitable for carry as a neck knife, boot knife, or as I did, just strapped to the belt. I paid about $65 for mine at the local Sportsmans Warehouse. The guy behind the knife desk said they've sold a lot of them and gave me the display when I asked for one. I guess everybody loves a rat...
Here's the OKC Rat 3 with the Streamlight EDC light:
And the Rat 3 with his big brother, an OKC SP-50 Spearpoint Bowie with a 9.5 inch 5160 carbon steel blade:
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