CS Trail Master VS. SR Battle Rat - Which one?

Just my take on it but I think "rubberized" handles are the latest / greatest innovation in knife design to come along in the last 2 decades - I think the first one was the Gerber BMF & LMF (which left alot to be desired in the way of durability). Thus, while the Becker series are probably fine knives, I would be inclined to choose one of the two knives listed in the thread title.

As for Kraton, I have had my Trail Master since 1988 - there is no more "abrasive checkering" left in the handle. Rather, it has actually 'worn' to my hand shape in a very comfortable fashion.

I'll have to wait to give my impression of Resperene C (sp?) :D
 
Danbo said:
Mutt, have you ever done much chopping with a Trailmaster? I did. Once. Blisters on my hand from the rubber handle and the semi sharp inside edge of that oval guard. I love the Trailmaster, but I would modify it some if I ever planned on doing heavy chopping again.
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Why would I wanna chop with a Trailmaster? I have a selection of Wetterlings for that...

On a side note, don't anyone wear work gloves? they're about 10 bucks a pair for the good ones at Home depot...
 
"On a side note, don't anyone wear work gloves? they're about 10 bucks a pair for the good ones at Home depot..."

Very good point. When out in the wilderness, I believe it's of tantamount importance to keep your hands in good shape - they are what you will use to live and survive, whether the trip go well or poorly...

As for the original question, I think that either knife would be a perfectly good choice. Here's a good reference site for outdoor knives: http://us-rsog.org
Enter the site then go to the "Blades" section on the side of the screen and click on it. This website is ran and maintained by former or current Special Forces/Rescue soldiers who have extensive field survival training and abilities. The site is dedicated to passing on wilderness survival information. One VERY important tool in the wilderness is a reliable, fixed blade knife. The men of this web site really like CS Carbon V fixed blades. Read the info they present and you'll probably come away better-informed about survival knives.

Again, I think that either knife will work well. I would base the choice on which one feels better (if you can get your hands on both) and which one you just like the looks and thought of better. Often, your first reaction is your more accurate reaction.

Good luck and let us know what you choose! :)
 
I have a CS with a Kraton handle, and SRKW with the resiprene handle. The Rat fits my hand like a glove, nd is not abrasive at all. The CS on the other hand, is very abrasive and hurts my hand. As others have said, it all comes down to which handle you like. Oh, and remember, the SRKW warrenty is way better than the CS one.
 
I have a cold steel trail master and recon scout, the recon scout is a whole lot more carry-able. If you want cold steel the best price seems to be from http://stores.ebay.com/Razorsharpknife on ebay, I have bought 2 sydercos from him, found him through here, good seller, most have great buy it now price, better prices on first than you can get for the CS seconds!

I would get the Becker 9 or the Swamp rat, unless I wanted the narrow tip of the cold steel for stabbing, but they are not needle sharp, to preserve strength they are still thick at the tip, if you look down on the spine.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Why would I wanna chop with a Trailmaster?
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Because that is the primary reason you get a knife that thick and that heavy. If you are not chopping with it there are far more effective knives for utility use.

-Cliff
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Why would I wanna chop with a Trailmaster? I have a selection of Wetterlings for that...

On a side note, don't anyone wear work gloves? they're about 10 bucks a pair for the good ones at Home depot...
Click to expand...

Because the tree was there, and I had the knife. Good point about the gloves though. ;) :)
 
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