Best all-around 5" blade: Ratmandu, Fallkniven S1, or Esee 5

That's a nice write-up on the S1. Aargh, now you're making me want one of those IN ADDITION TO the RMD that I just spent $138 for!!!
 
I personally would go for the RMD because of the steel it's made of. If it just doesn't do anything for you, you could always resell it once it goes out of production and make a quick buck. The same can be said for nearly every Bussekin blade.
 
I had both the S1 and the RMD and currently have a BK2. None of them are real choppers due to their size but I think the BK2 would win out. I didn't like the S1 at all, thick grind and uncomfortable handles whereas the ergos of the RMD and the BK2 are excellent - but the RMD's ergos are maybe the best I've ever found in a knife that size. Also the RMD steel will outperform the BK2. I sold my RMD when I needed the $$, but it's a stellar knife for sure.
 
Yeah, I realize the RMD due to its length and lighter weight is going to have minimal utility as a chopper. I have a Junglas, machete, and a camp ax I can use any time I need chopping (which is honestly rare anymore, I started carrying a silky saw and I find I rarely need to chop much--even thinking about selling my Junglas and just getting by with the machete when needed). I wanted the mid-size 5" blade because after trying different combinations of shorter and longer blades, it seems like a 5" blade is right about in the sweet spot of a very useful all-purpose knife. It's short enough to control for fine cuts, but long enough that you can use it to baton reasonably sized pieces of wood. Once I get the RMD setup, my "minimalist" kit for backpacking and get-home bag will include the RMD, my LM Charge, and my silky saw. All that combined weighs just a hair over 1.5 pounds, i guess a bit more counting a sheath for the RMD. But not a bad setup.
 
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I agree with what many others are saying. The ESEE 5 (RC-5 when I bought mine) is a great knife, but very specialized due to its thickness, and purpose. This is a last ditch, pilot's survival, escape, and evade TOOL with a sharp edge. The ESEE-4, or ESEE-6 compares more closely to the others you mention, and they are great choices also.

Of the ones I own the Swamprat RMD, and the Scrapyard War Dog are my personal favorites and the only Busse kin knives I own. The Bark River Bravo-1 is also one of my favorites, but it is a bit smaller than your five inch requirement, although BRKT it coming out witha five inch version of the knife in the Bravo-1.5. I probably carry these three knives the most out of all of them.

I have a Fallkniven F1 that I keep in my flight bag as it is stainless steel and I don't have to worry about rust. Its a great knife also, and the S1 is on my list also.

All in all for the money, you can't beat the RMD, and maybe even if you don't consider the money it may be hard to beat. Great all around knife.
 
RMD by far. Probably my favorite all around, do anything and everything knife. And it has the most comfortable handle on any knife I've ever held.
 
I have to say, the RMD gets amazing support and loyalty from its fans. I am sort of blown away by the numbers of people I've seen saying--in this thread and others--how the RMD is "the most comfortable knife I've ever held," and also, "It's my favorite all-purpose knife" (or some variation of that comment).
 
maximus83 said:
Hey Michaelm, how do you like that Bushmaster in comparison with your RMD? What's good about the BM, or what do you like better about the RMD (if you do like it better)?
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The Bushmaster and RMD are my two favorite fixed blades right now, I like the bushmasters FFG and uncoated blade more, as well as 3V steel better. It also has a very ergonomic handle. The RMD is more balanced, the Koster is handle heavy. I also prefer not to have the choil taking up cutting edge space unless its a chopper sized knife. As you can see they're both very thick, I think the Koster would probably be fine at 3/16" like the RMD instead of the .22". Summary w/ Bullet points...

Bushmaster:
+ FFG
+ Uncoated/stonewash blade (usable as a fire striker)
+ CPM-3V
+ Very Comfortable handle
+ No choil
+ Useful Jimping
- I usually prefer a slightly wider blade (RMD width, thats just opinion though)
- heavier handle, not quite as balanced as RMD

RMD
+ I prefer the overall blade shape of RMD vs Bushmaster
+ Very comfortable handle
+ Well balanced blade/handle weight
+ Good Steel
+ Good blade thickness
-/+ Coated Blade (good to prevent rust/ more friction in cutting)
- Finger Choil
- Saber grind
 
The new RMD came in already today. I have to agree with those who say it is the most comfortable knife they've ever held. Good advice: glad I got one! Can't wait to get it out for testing in the woods.
 
Heheh. I already own a Fallkniven A1. It is a great knife, if you want a sturdy, strong knife for heavy woodwork, go for it. But this thread got me so enthusiastic about the RMD, I ordered one. I was still looking for something lighter, a more general purpose survival blade. I could have gotten an F1, but since I already own an A1 and everybody is so enthusiastic about the RMD...
 
Personally, I like non-coated blades. They strike a fire steel easily on on the spine (I always seem to lose that damn striker the FS comes with). The coating will eventually wear off with a lot of use - which isn't a problem if you oil etc every now and then. However, from all the recommendations on this post I'm definitely going to try the RMD and the 511. I have no doubt they will perform very well - in fact all 3 blades in your OP will be a good choice.

Overall I love my S1s. They've always performed very well for me. I agree the original handles, while functional and good in the cold/wet with gloves, are lacking in the ergos department. That's why I've had a few made for me with the blanks they sell, and adding custom handles from makers here in Oz. Couldn't be happier with the results. For me it's the best of both worlds - great steel, great shape and a great feel in the hand.

Here's some in G10 which I haven't had a chance to use yet - soon I hope:

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I look forward to seeing what you think of the RMD. Seems like a great choice.

JT
 
Those are some great-looking Fallkniven. I'm still really interested in the S1, even though I really have 3 mid-sized blades at this point and have no need for it!
 
maximus83 said:
That's a nice write-up on the S1. Aargh, now you're making me want one of those IN ADDITION TO the RMD that I just spent $138 for!!!
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Thanks :) I have no doubt the other blades mentioned are great too , that's what is so great about being a knife guy these days , there are many , many quality blades to choose from. I do not , and never will believe that there is one end all , be all brand or model that cannot be topped ( since it is all opinion oriented and not factual ). Knives are tools and those are as varied as the opinions of the folks that carry and use them daily , above all - variety is a GREAT thing.

Tostig
 
i didnt think the edge on RMD's were convexed or atleast last years models weren't, i wonder if thats new for this year? if so i'm even more excited for my 2nd RMD lol :D
 
Although RMD's edge retention is unmatched, I personally don't like coated blades too much and removing the coating of a RMD has its downside that SR-101 tend to rust quickly. So I'll go for the S1. Besides that, the VG-10 is fairly easy to sharpen.
 
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