Battle Rat vs. Ratweiler

jokrswylde · Sep 4, 2004

Just got a new desert tan battle rat (my first swamp rat), and I am truly impressed. There is one problem, I think the Battle Rat may be too much knife for my needs. I was really looking at something more in the camp tramp/ratweiler size. I was hoping to get some advice from someone with experience with both knives. Do you lose much as a camp knife going from the BR to the ratweiler? Obviously the BR would be a better chopper, but are we talking exponentially better? Also, is a ratweiler going to be noticeably smaller while hiking? What I am saying is that I believe I would be better suited with the ratweiler as a hiking/camping knife as opposed to the BR, but I don't want to get rid of the BR if it is a better as a camp knife.

I am also going to put the BR in the trade forum if anyone has a ratweiler they would be interested in trading.

NetShocK · Dec 24, 2004

Here's a shot of the two:

It sure doesn't look much smaller, but I much prefer the look of the handle of the RW to the BR.

mhawg · Dec 24, 2004

For non-survival type camping I don''t think you will notice a great difference in performance between the two. The weight and length are different but, again, in the short run you won't notice much advantage between the two. I have carried the BR and a Busse Steel Heart (similar size as a Camp Tramp) at different times and both did the job I carried them for but if I only had one I would choose the BR to cover all the situations I encounter. I find a little advantage in trail clearing using the BR and for weekend camping the SH-E covers everything in and around the campsite. Both carry better with the use of a leg tiedown and after carring each for 8 to 10 hrs. a day I notice no difference in comfort. I always carry a 3"-4" blade folder for fine work so I've never cleaned game or fish with one of them.

RokJok · Dec 24, 2004

While I don't have a Ratweiler to compare to my BR, I suspect Mhawg has it right that you would find little difference performance-wise between the BR and the Ratweiler as a camp knife. Either of them should cover your bases with performance head-room to spare.

I suspect that the biggest difference will be the very subjective user-perceived difference in the handle shapes & materials tactilely. My guess for the second biggest difference will be the easier carry of the shorter Ratweiler.

kdleung · Dec 24, 2004

I just chopped down 3 trees with my battle rat in a matter of mintues. All three trees were 3 inches in diameter. After the trees were cut down, I checked the edge.... Amazing!!! the edge is still sharp.

Now Im wondering how to remove all that sticky sap from my blade.

Dr. Thor · Dec 24, 2004

Dont use Goof Off, or anything like that! It weill take the coating right off you blade. Use soap and warm water, and dry it off well before you put it away.

kdleung · Dec 24, 2004

Dr. Thor said:
Dont use Goof Off, or anything like that! It weill take the coating right off you blade. Use soap and warm water, and dry it off well before you put it away.

Thanks for telling me. I was about to use goof off. Instead, I used that hand cleaner auto mechanics use to remove grease from their hands. It didn't work very well, but atleast the coating is still on my blade.

I tried to wash it with soap and water, but sap is really really hard to remove. I guess it will just go away in time.

I think the battle rat is amazing for chopping down trees. No damage at all on the blade. However, I've dented/mushroomed the blade by splitting firewood. Im wondering why this is so?

OwenM · Dec 25, 2004

kdleung, try a ScotchBrite or Brillo pad with some Comet, Barkeepers Friend, or similar mild abrasive, and warm water. Usually takes sap off instantly, but I clean up right after use-don't know how it will do if the sap is dried or hardened. You might try heating the blade with a hair dryer, or boiling it in a pot of water before scrubbing if nothing else loosens it up.
I have a Basic 9, and imagine it or the BR would be a much better chopper than the RW. Two inches of blade makes a big difference in chopping ability, not to mention the smaller tang/lighter handles means an even more forward balance point, plus the BRs Resiprene handles will absorb shock, and they have a full width curve that supports the little finger to drive off of.
I think that you will see a big difference on anything thick or hard enough to take more than a few chops.
I would be much more likely to carry a RW or CT, though. The B9/BR is just too long for me to carry comfortably.

mhawg · Dec 25, 2004

I have used many of the products with Citrus Oil in them to remove adhesive from cutting tape and boxes. For sap I usually use Pine Sol or Texize and a soft scrub brush. Turpentine works too but, I haven't used it on a coated blade.

alleycat · Jan 2, 2005

I own the Battlerat and the CampTramp. I have to say that the CT is definitely my favorite blade and the one I use mostly as a trail/camp knife. The BR doesn't get used as much although it has a place as my back-country forest knife. Honestly, I think you'd be well served with either blade. They are both awesome.