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Busse Team Gemini LB vs. SR Ratweiler LE vs. Rodent 7

Ptman2000

Ptman2000

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2014
Messages
551
Hello,

I'm new to the forum and to knife collecting in general but my research on BF has led me to want to purchase a Busse/Swamp Rat knife. I had put an order in for a RMD but then received the email about the new Ratweiler LE which got me thinking........ I'm looking in the 7" to 9" range to use in the woods for some light woods use and possible SHTF scenario.

There are just too many similar choices out there for me to pick, so I'm looking for some help. Out of the three listed above. Which would you go with? And should I consider a 9+ size blade instead, ie Rodent 9 or Scrapyard 1111?

Thanks!!
 
A 9-inch blade of any kind is a lot to carry around, which is something to consider if you're thinking SHTF scenario. For me (I'm not tall nor very heavy or muscular), a 5 to 7 inch blade between 3- and 5-sixteenths inch thick seems to be a sweet spot for me. Thickness 0.25 to 0.265 for 5 to 6 inch long, 0.187 to 0.25 for 6 to 7 inch long. Probably doesn't help much, but maybe gives you something to consider.
 
If you decide on the ratweiler, consider waiting for the Combat Grade. SR101 rusts if you just look at it funny. I absolutely love the steel but I will only get it coated.
 
That was another question that I had as well. I love the look of satin but heard it would rust if not cared for correctly. Thx!
 
I would definitely go with the Team Gemini LB out of those three, INFI is second to none for applications where durability is required..... ;)

Also, it is a great design to boot and one heck of a cool knife..... ;) :)
 
As far as rust - I think it really depends where you live. In Arizona my stripped RMD has zero rust and I haven't put anything on the blade for 3 weeks - I will once I find some mineral oil. I have washed it, dried it and let it sit out for a few hours before sheathing. Our humidity here is very low year round so......

I picked up an older Busse Steel Heart ergo on the exchange and so far it feels perfect for me - 7.5" blade - 13.5" overall. I wouldn't want to carry anything larger for a period of time. The used market is awesome.
 
I was hoping that swamprat would offer the ratweiler LE in a coated version so the price would go down a little.
 
I like the gemini,One day they might release the Team Gemini Mini,it has a 5.5 inch blade.I will get one of those.My next choice would be the ratweiler LE.
 
I'd go with the R6 before the R7(Funky Handle shape) Or Ratweiler LE(Too thin). Act quick and get an 711, awesome knife.
 
aaaa_cccc said:
I would definitely go with the Team Gemini LB out of those three, INFI is second to none for applications where durability is required..... ;)

Also, it is a great design to boot and one heck of a cool knife..... ;) :)
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I love my TGLB but the Rodent 6 is also a great knife if funds are tight.
 
If it were me...
If this is going to be the only knife you have, nothing else to chop trees, limbs, food, and anything else you're likely to run into, your funds are limited, I'd go SRKW R-9 or SYKCO 1111.

If you have something else to chop with and a smaller knife for skinning/butchering fine work, then I'd go SRKW R7, TGLB (if you have the money) or a SYKCO 711.
 
Thx for all the good advice!!! How does the Rodent 6/9 compare with the SYKCO 711/1111? I think I'm going to get the TGLB but also thinking of getting another blade as well.
 
al g blenny said:
If you decide on the ratweiler, consider waiting for the Combat Grade. SR101 rusts if you just look at it funny. I absolutely love the steel but I will only get it coated.
Click to expand...


You are assuming that there will be a CG? What, in "two weeks"?
 
Ptman2000 said:
Thx for all the good advice!!! How does the Rodent 6/9 compare with the SYKCO 711/1111? I think I'm going to get the TGLB but also thinking of getting another blade as well.
Click to expand...

Here's an M9 and 711 with RMD for comparison. Sorry, no R-series or 1111.

7j1n8Iv.jpg
 
resinguy said:
You are assuming that there will be a CG? What, in "two weeks"?
Click to expand...

It will be 'two weeks', but there was a whole bunch of orders placed for CG version during the website 'glitch' and we were promised that the orders will be valid when the knifes were made. So yes, there will be CG version of Ratweiler coming.
 
elof_alv said:
It will be 'two weeks', but there was a whole bunch of orders placed for CG version during the website 'glitch' and we were promised that the orders will be valid when the knifes were made. So yes, there will be CG version of Ratweiler coming.
Click to expand...

That's good news, IMO. Hopefully they will continue with a CG version of the Ratweiler.
 
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