Best Camp Knife? Ka-Bar USMC or Swamp Rat- 1095 vs SR-101

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makey98

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Jan 25, 2006
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I am looking for a TOUGH camp knife that I can use in the woods, in the field that will last for a long time. Camp knife for marking trails, cutting brush, opening cans, prying things, pounding nails, whatever needs to be done..

I am looking at the basic Ka-Bar USMC knife for about $60 or the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp for about $130. What are the plus/minuses of the 1095 steel of the Ka-bar and the SR-101 of the Camp Tramp. Is this the Camp Tramp worth the money of 2 Ka-Bars?

I would welcome other suggestions as well. The $130 would be my upper upper limit of my price range....

Thanks...
 
I have heard nothing negative about the swamp rats, I really think you can go wrong with it. I would say its worth it.
 
GET THE SWAMP RAT! It's not just about the steel, it's also about the heat treatment. Most SRs are differentially treating, meaning the edge is hard and the back is a little softer for toughness. And even the ones that aren't (I think most of them are) are put through a phenomenal heat treating process that leaves them tougher than the rest. Honestly, I'm not that much of an expert, but I'll get some folks to chime in here.
 
I would say that the swamp rat is better but, my kabar takes some serious abuse and I use when camping so if you can get a good price for the kabar, it might be worth it.
 
Go for the Swamp Rat. Its a Great blade, will take a hell of a beating and one of the best warrenty around. ! Even thought its more money its worth it. ITs a blade that will outlast you. It has a great heat Treatment, with a good coating that will keep it going and going. You can Baton that sucker, you can pry that sucker, and you can pretty much do anyhitng with it you want.

And if you dont like it sell it. Rats are very easy blades to sell seeing how high in demand they are.

So its a win, win situation.
 
I swear by my Ka-Bar. Over 20 years of use/abuse, still as strong and sharp as when it was new. It is an all American knife. 1095 steel is tough and sharp.
 
I have both and like them both. I do think that the Camp Tramp is worth the extra money. That doesn't mean that I don't like the Kabar or think it's bad quality. The CT will keep an edge much longer, be easier to bring the edge back when dull also. It has a high flat grind v.s. the saber grind of the Kabar. It is also much thicker and stronger, and for me, the respirene handles are much more comfortable. YMMV.
 
"And what is Swamp Rat? Made in OHIO!"(Walking Man)
OK Wise guy; I meant it was used in WW2, Korea, Nam, etc., and is STILL in use to some extent today by our armed forces.
 
Camp Tramp is out of production but a new design/replacement should be coming out in February. The excitement builds!
 
IMHO the Swamp Rat is well worth the extra money - The choice seems pretty clear when you compare the warranty of each knife....

Swamp Rat Guarantee-YOU decide whether or not your knife should be covered by warranty. Do you want to give yourself a five year warranty... a ten year warranty... a lifetime warranty? Do you want to guarantee your knife against normal use... or do you want to guarantee your knife against insanely stupid over-the-top extreme abuse? Don't ask us... it's your decision. We will honor any guarantee that you give your knife against major damage. Makes sense doesn't it? It is your knife. We're telling you to trust your life with our knife. Shouldn't we trust you with being the warranty claims specialist? LIFETIME WARRANTY... NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Ka-Bar guarantee-Limited lifetime warranty that basically covers manufacturers defects. Does not cover normal wear & tear or abuse such as digging, prying, throwing, use as a can opener, screw driver, pry bar, or any heavy work for which the knife was designed.
 
I have a camp tramp and i LOVE it. I also have handled a kabar. I prefer the heft and feel of the camp tramp. I dont think you will be dissapointed with a swamp rat. i suggest waiting for the new line of swamp rats to come out.
 
I've had both Ka-bars and Swamp Rats (although not the Tramp, but the Ratweiler and several others). The Ka-bar is not a bad knife, but there is simply no comparison to me. The Rats rule in toughness and no-nonsense heavy use. :thumbup:

You asked if the Tramp (or whatever the new version is) is worth twice the price of the Ka-bar. The only advice I can offer is this - if you want to come close to a Rat, be sure you get both the Ka-bars. :D
 
I would get the swamp rat any day before the Ka-bar, better everything. Another alternative to the SR is the Ranger knife RD series, a little cheaper, but just as good IMO. Same warranty and they are made by a former Ranger. I have the RD7 nothing I can do to hurt it it seems, anyhow just another option. The SR would be just as good.

TBG
 
Another vote for the Swamp Rat. The Ka-Bar has a great history, as someone mentioned above, but the Rats are a couple of levels above them. Even apart from the warranty, they are just the toughest buggers out there, as well as maintaining an excellent edge in the face of all kinds of abuse. Your description of what you want the knife for sounds like breakfast for a Rat!
 
Spend a bit more and get the Swamp Rat. You'll be glad you did. Nothing against Kabars; I love them and own several. It's just that the Swamp Rat is a better knife for not a lot more money.
 
Your hands will definately thank you for buying a SR if you do any kind of serious cutting chores. The handles on Kabars should come with a blister warning from the surgeon general.
 
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