Ontario Knife CompanyOntario Rat 3 Gobar

In the picture, you will see three knives to compare: OKC Rat 3 Gobar, Cold Steel Code 4 and CRKT Razel each with either a “chisel” or tanto blade. I was looking for an EDC that I could use for work. Currently, I use my Cold Steel Code 4 Tanto for most things that I dont want to get a specialized tool to use. Yes, any of these will open boxes and be conversation starters, but for me, I also need a tool to cut, pry, skim, shape, trim, I hope you get the Idea. I was thinking a fixed blade would be best and I am comparing both to my Code-4. First, the Razel: looks great in pictures but this is a 2-1/2 to 3 finger handle. Blade has no finger groove to choke up on the blade but is wide enough to use 1-2 fingers when chiseling with the tip. Note: the chisel tip is NOT chisel ground, it is dual beveled and centered on the spline. The razel is a good, small, square knife but useless as a trade tool.Next the Rat 3 Gobar: OAL is bigger than Razel, handle is 3-1/2 to 4 fingers, chisel tip is the same as the Razel and it looks to have a finger groove in the blade to allow choke up…but No! The roundish cut out in the blade and close to the handle is about a 1/4” radius. Uselessly small for any finger large than a small toddler’s. So, choke up is out, unless to plan to get cut or reshape the blade yourself.Steels of both chisel blades are similar enough to be a non-issue. The Code-4 use S-35VN.My quest for a replacement to my Code-4 has failed. I think I will just get another Code-4. 😁. Cheers!

The Ontario Rat 3 Gobar showed up today. I had high hopes this was finally the knife I had been searching for: compact fixed blade, carbon steel, not too heavy and with a chisel style blade. It’s close. I love the cleaver blade style for utility type work and outdoor chores but it is not a chisel grind. It’s a flat grind. I like everything else so will put it to use and keep my eye out for a knife like this in an actual chisel grind. It did show up pretty dull with shoulders above the grind but nothing diamond stones couldn’t remedy. Sheath is very nice as is overall fit and finish.