As part of its 125th Anniversary celebrations, Ontario Knife Company (OKC) announced the addition of its new proprietary assisted opening mechanism. OKC's exclusive patent-pending Tactical Assisted Opening (T.A.O.) system, designed by Joe Pardue, compliments the user's manual one-handed opening motion to create a folding knife with truly fast action. Capable of integration into most folder designs, OKC has decided to introduce T.A.O. on one of its all-time best selling folding knives: the RAT Model 1.
The OKC RAT1A features an overall length of 8 ½ inches with 3 ½-inch blades made of versatile and sturdy AUS-8 stainless steel. This single-handed ambidextrous folding knife comes in two variants; the RAT1A SP features a satin blade, plain edge, while the RAT1A BP has a black blade with plain edge. Both models have multi-position clips and black handles made from G10, an incredibly rugged material consisting of laminated fiberglass that is not only lightweight, but is also easy to grip when wet. The side locking mechanism maintains the concept of one-hand usage and allows users to lock the blade with minimal effort and movement while preventing unintended deployment.
The original OKC RAT Model 1 platform has become a favorite around the globe as an everyday carry and the addition of the T.A.O. mechanism only increases the functionality of the knife. The ability to open a blade with minimal effort is invaluable in the field, especially in critical situations. Although the aggressive design of the RAT1A provides for a wide range of tactical applications, the benefits of rapid one-handed opening with the T.A.O. system are equally useful for tradesmen on the job and hunters in the field.
