Bandicoot or HRLM

Joined
Sep 27, 2006
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I received a bandicoot in trade today from WILLIAM.M (Dr. Bill, A+) and I was thinking before it arrived that I would just trade it off. Now that I've handled it I can see myself really liking this knife over time.

My coworker, feels the same way, and has offered to trade his HRLM with Buy Brown kydex sheath for this bandicoot (and a kydex sheath that I'll pick up on my dime).

So what would you do? I already own a srkw m6 and various folders of all sizes. I wanted a small fixed and kind of had my heart set on an HRLM previously. When I handle the two side by side, I like the larger choil and more comfortable ergonomics of the bandicoot, but I can appreciate the HRLM as the more formidable knife. I know people have increased the choil of the HRLM, so that could be taken care of.

In the long run, or if dropped off in a forest, which would you rather have at your side? The HRLM or the Bandicoot? Thanks! :confused:
 
Are the blades of the same thickness? If not, I would probably opt for the thinner blade.

I don't have either knife but I've seen pictures of the slim HRLM grips and I like that. I also prefer canvas Micarta over the Res-C, but I know others feel differently. If the HRLM becomes available again, I hope to get one.
 
I love my HRLM. I beat the living hell out of it and it takes all the punishment with open arms. You gona have a tough time finding one on the exchange. But i would take the HRLM over the Bandicoot hands down
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either model. And I don't think that the HRLM is a more formidable knife. Sure the profile is different and it may be more suitable for some jobs more so than the Coot. However, they are both Rats, made from SR-101 and designed beautifully. I have both and can't honestly say which one I like better. My Coot was my first Rat, so it has some sentimental value,and the Res-C handle is very comfortable and tough. The HRLM is my first with the LM Micarta handle and it feels like a miniature tank.

I think you really need to consider what tasks you will use the blade for in MOST situations. Both will serve you well all around, but one might serve you better depending on the situations you find yourself in more often. All in all you won't regret keeping the Coot or trading for the HRLM. Keep in mind though that HRLMs are a bit easier to come by since they were released this year. Coots come up for sale/trade with some frequency, but once you let one go it ain't easy to get it back. And if you like the HRLM handle you can wait two weeks and pick yourself up a Bandicoot LM:D:D. Good luck with your decision. Rats Rule!
 
I think you really need to consider what tasks you will use the blade for in MOST situations.
...
Coots come up for sale/trade with some frequency, but once you let one go it ain't easy to get it back.
...
And if you like the HRLM handle you can wait two weeks and pick yourself up a Bandicoot LM

Yes I am definitely factoring that in. I suppose I was looking for some errant flaw in the design of either that would bump the other to the top.

Is this the 'get both' option? ;)

I bought a company calendar from SRKW/Busse but the dang thing is busted! The calendar only has one page with two weeks on it. They said they'd ship me a replacement in two weeks but I still haven't seen it? :confused:


Thanks all, I think I'll pick the HRLM and modify it to suit.
 
I've got an Infi Coot. It's a real comfortable knife to use. Great for day hikes and using around the camp.
 
Like Mike B said, there is no "bad" choice there. If both is an option in the future, I'd probably go with the 'Coot. This is only because I think Eric has said that there will be more HRLMs available periodically.

I happen to like the micarta handles, but the Res-C has it's place. There are times, even here in Ga, that micarta can be too hot or too cold to be comfortable to handle with a bare hand. Res-C eliminates that. Plus it feels great on big choppers. :thumbup:
 
For me, it is a no brainer. I would hands down pick the HRLM.


....... But, obviously, different people have different opinions. Many people love the Coot.

I think the Coot is a very nice knife, but the handle was a little smaller than I prefer. I have large hands. I also personally feel the Coot compares better to the SS4 and I have sold my last Coot because I like the SS4 much better.

But, I also feel the HRLM is different enough from the SS4 or Coot to justify having the HRLM and either the Coot or SS4 (I chose the SS4).
 
I have both and would make the trade for the HRLM. They did a very nice job on this one. No brainer for me, certainly a tougher choice for you. Let us know what you decide.

pete
 
I went with the HRLM. Already ground out the choil and sharpened it to hair popping condition. :)

Thanks everyone!
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either model. And I don't think that the HRLM is a more formidable knife. Sure the profile is different and it may be more suitable for some jobs more so than the Coot. However, they are both Rats, made from SR-101 and designed beautifully. I have both and can't honestly say which one I like better.

uh Mike,,, isn't your coot an infi? or do you have one each?
 
The original, 1st gen Howling Rat is in my man bag, next to me now. I love it and use it often. That said, I traded away the 'Coot shortly after I received it. Different strokes for different folks. IF you like it, then I would keep it and replace the missing HRLM when it comes up for sale again.
 
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