Becker knives vs. swamp knvies

The main contention between these is chopping ability on woods (swamp rat) vs light machete work (becker). The other big difference is the handle on the becker is slick while the Swamp Rat's is both ergonomic and damps shock better, though is easier to cut/puncture. The Rat is also *much* stronger and better able to take impacts, but this is more for heavy utility than work in the woods.

-Cliff
 
The other difference is that you can get the becker discounted at much less than $100. Probably closer to $70. The Rat will not be discounted and it's resale will be higher as well.

The other difference is that you cannot pry with the BK9. The Rat will laugh at prying attempts as it is a much tougher knife.

BK9, at least mine came with better edge geometry though and was much sharper out of the box.
 
another option to consider is handle size. I've had a few Beckers and they've always worked well. My Becker #5 is my pride and joy. That being said I thought I was gonna die if I din't git me a Battle Rat, jus' cause it's supposed to be tougher than a Becker. (Not that I've ever beaten or abused any of my knives enough to find out.) Though the #5 BK&T can cut 1/4 cable nicely in a pinch. So anyhoo, the day finally came that I had a pocket full of money and found a Battle Rat in Anchorage, ran over with all the excitement of a kid, asked to hold it.....then became immediately disappointed. Handle was way too small for my XL oversized well worn tendonitis havin' forepaws.

If you have small hands, the Swamprats probably decent. If you have large forepaws, you might consider the Becker.

My suggestion? Himalayan Imports Khuk...:D
 
To say you cant pry with a becker I have to disagree with. Sure I believe the swamp rat is tougher. But the Becker can take quiet some prying. Maybe not full throatle and not as much but it sure does hold up like almost any other knife in that Bladesize/thickness category.
 
I have both a BK9 & Battle Rat (apparently one of only afew Brits to have a BR!) & theyre both superb! I have fairly big hands & must confess that I find the Swamp Rats grip less comfortable, but it does damp shocks very well.
I carry either one or the other strapped to my bergen (too big for belt carry, really!) & carry the same Altoids PSK kit in each one's sheath pouch. I also carry the same kit in a BK7, that use if Im only out for afew hours & travelling light(er)
I prefer the blade of the Battle Rat, but the grip of the Becker. Hey, maybe the two firms could make a special edition "Becker Rat"? Lets face it, the sheathes are already almost identical!
Actually, I think Id prefer the BK9 to have the same blade shape as the BK7 (but larger, obviously!)
 
Runs With Scissors said:
Handle was way too small ...
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I tend to prefer larger grips as well, you can tape wrap to increase the cross section, but if it is a length issue it is harder to fix. The Busse Combat line has varying grip thicknesses, it would be nice if this was an option for the Rat's, there might just not be enough of a demand though.

-Cliff
 
lowlux said:
battle rat is 150$ but was taken down new model..... maybe going up 150+. :grumpy:
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I don't know where you are getting your info, but it sure isn't from my posts on the 2 Swamp Rat forums that I moderate. I never made one mention about any prices or price increases.

What I did say was that "All models will be receiving a "facelift" after the first of the year. And some of the current models will be coming to an end in their current configurations."

No mention of prices or price increases, maybe our changes will bring prices down, have you considered that?

:D:D
 
Eric Isaacson said:
I don't know where you are getting your info, but it sure isn't from my posts on the 2 Swamp Rat forums that I moderate. I never made one mention about any prices or price increases.

What I did say was that "All models will be receiving a "facelift" after the first of the year. And some of the current models will be coming to an end in their current configurations."

No mention of prices or price increases, maybe our changes will bring prices down, have you considered that?

:D:D
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that is why we are all scared! we dunno what the heck is going on! :confused:
 
ranger knives rd9 may be something to consider. they can be found for about $90. on par with the rat in brute strength, and a bit less from the wallet.
 
grobe said:
ranger knives rd9 may be something to consider. they can be found for about $90. on par with the rat in brute strength, and a bit less from the wallet.
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already know about him, i would like to have a shank...:eek:
 
Eric Isaacson said:
I don't know where you are getting your info, but it sure isn't from my posts on the 2 Swamp Rat forums that I moderate. I never made one mention about any prices or price increases.

What I did say was that "All models will be receiving a "facelift" after the first of the year. And some of the current models will be coming to an end in their current configurations."

No mention of prices or price increases, maybe our changes will bring prices down, have you considered that?

:D:D
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Now that's just cruel :grumpy:
Details.... :D
 
Now the BEcker you haven't considered is the Brute. At that size it is the toughest Becker. Full quarter inch thick I think. I have not heard one complaint about the Brute.
 
Cobalt said:
Now the BEcker you haven't considered is the Brute. At that size it is the toughest Becker. Full quarter inch thick I think. I have not heard one complaint about the Brute.
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becker_combat_bowie_damaged.jpg


enuff said..... :grumpy:
 
If you believe an SR knife can't be broken or that there is some problem with Becker knives you have been misinformed.
 
They are all tough knives but SR BR and ranger RD9 are tougher than the becker. I would get the SR or the Ranger. I have a ranger RD7 and I have pry ed with it and never got me concerned at all. I know it can take lots more.
Just my .02

TBG
 
Cobalt said:
BK9, at least mine came with better edge geometry though and was much sharper out of the box.
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Lots of variance here in production, the BK9 I had was thinner behind the edge than the Camp Tramp I had, but the Camp Tramp was ground at a more acute angle. The CU/7 in contrast was ground at the same angle as the Camp Tramp but was thinner, it had about the ideal edge geometry for a hard use woods blade, any thinner and you risk damage on batoning through harder knots. If you are just chopping or working on clear wood you can go much thinner and more acute..

averageguy said:
If you believe an SR knife can't be broken ...
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I wonder if people who use this arguement, as it comes up a lot, apply the same illogic to other purchases or to other aspects of knives. So "all knives go blunt evnetually thus edge retention doesn't matter.". It isn't the fact that it goes blunt it is what it takes to get it there, just like it isn't the point that you can break it but what it takes to do so.

...or that there is some problem with Becker knives you have been misinformed.
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There are problems with all knives especially if you consider the differences among users.

The comment about light machete use wasn't stating that this was all the blade could do, simply that it does that better than the Battle Rat being lighter and thinner, just like the opposite is true for thick wood work and thus which ever one of them is the majority of the work would be a criticla factor in deciding between the two blades. Of course if your wrist strength is high enough even the Battle Rat is a light blade and then the BK9 has no advantage in that respect.



-Cliff
 
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