ESEE vs Swamp rat

A

ASharpCanadian

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Sep 12, 2011
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Im looking at either the ratmandu which I can find used or the ESSEE 6. Just wondering, in general, how superior are the ratmandus to the ESSEEs? people seem
to love them, why? are the essees inferior?
 
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The steel in the rmd is probably a bit longer on edge holding, I personally can't tell alot of difference. The esee5 isn't really much like the rmd at all though its more like a shorter esee6 or a longer esee4. The scales on the rmd are more contoured than the esee's, the coating on the esee's seems to last better than swamprats do. Oh and the esee comes with a really well designed sheath system, you will have to get a sheath for the rmd. I do think that the busse infi steel would show a much larger difference over the swamp rat sr101.

take it easy
cricket
 
Higher grind and thinner blade stock on the RMD (3/16) will cut better than the RC5 (1/4), 52100 holds an edge longer, and may be tougher, though the thicker 1095 probably negates that. IMO the handle is more comfortable, not as blocky, but both are great knives, I just prefer the better edge holding and cutting ability of the RMD, though if you were comparing it to the RC6 the RC6(3/16") would probably pull ahead with its full flat grind in cutting ability, giving up toughness.
 
Heat treatment means a lot and both have done it well. ESEE 1095 is probably the best you will find and that's not exaggerating but swamp rat didn't slack either. The only difference you could really point out would be the edge holding which will be superior on the RMD, things like toughness would be difficult without a destruction test.

Steel aside it would be best to compare each by blade geometry. With that in mind the RMD will run circles around the RC5 and it uber thickness. That and the handle of the RMD fits like a glove... at least for me.
 
I was pondering the same thing.A friend came up with a couple Ratmandu's so I bought it.Can't say enough good about it,we convex them though which helps out alot,also we had to buy a sheath(45$ Kydex) ,but I believe for me it was the right choice!
 
Havent used either specific knife, but have used other knives from each manufacturer. I have also handled other brand knives of both steels in question. IMO, and experience, 1095 from any manufacturer has never had the edge holding ability of SR101.
 
Hard to find those RatManDu's though. Are there any BF sanctioned retailers that stock them regularly, or best to just browse and hope for the best in the sale forums?
 
Well- I screwed that thread up good. I wouldn't compare the rmd to the esee 5- I meant to say 6 and I will be going with the 6 due to sheath, cost, and its a bit bigger for chopping.

What I can't figure is why they quit making the rmd?
 
A lot of very knowledgeable people on this forum really love the EESE line of knives. I don't own one, but they have a great reputation and I'm certain they are great knives at a very fair price. I do own some swamp rat's including a couple of Ratmandu's. The ergos really work for me, and I am hard pressed to think of a steel that is as tough and holds an edge better. I'd place it alongside Fehrman's CPM3V... Excellent steel.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either... you might want to try to handle each of them and see which works better in your hand.

Here is a short review I did a while back on my RMD... batonned the hell out of it with no noticeable edge degradation. Note that mesquite wood is far harder than hickory. It scores a 2345 in Janka hardness vs. Hickory at 1820. Pretty tough on a knife edge... ;)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/731929-Swamp-Rat-Ratmandu-use-and-abuse...?highlight=ratmandu
 
Already been said.

The Sr101 is a better steel, and will hold an edge longer. Swamprat will have a more economical handle. Super warranty. Great company.

Absolutely nothing bad to be said about ESSE. They are quality all the way, and a real value. Absolutely the best warranty in the business. Great company. One complaint would be the handles are less ergonomic (and by that, I mean they are a bit block for some). That is easy to fix with any bit of skill with sandpaper.
 
I recently purchased the Esee 4. I was also debating a swamp rat RMD vs Esee 4. While I'm new to knives my opinion may be less regarded however I will share it. The RMD is probably the better knife as far as the better steel, this I've taken from what I've read on these forums. Also I've heard the RMD is more ergonomically fitting at the handle. While these facts may be true, you pay more for what you get. This being said the RMD is more expensive than the Esee 4. Also the Esee comes with the Kydex sheath and molley back. In my opinion I like the way the Esee looks over the RMD. Not to mention the history behind Randall's Adventure and Training. The Esee 4 is the perfect knife with sheath/molley back at it's price point. Randall/Perrin > Mrs. Busse
 
ESEE and swamp rat are my two favorite brands and I have alot of experience with both, especially with the RMD. You can't go wrong with either company.

First in terms of design when comparing the ESEE 5 to the RMD they are completely different designs but are pretty similar in size but not weight. The 5 is very heavy and does not slice well while the Ratmandu is thinner, lighter, faster and much more nimble in hand. For anything woods related i think the RMD is just a better knife. The 5 was designed for pilots to cut their way out of downed aircraft. The 5 is a beast of a blade but is extremely heavy for its size and its weight does not give it more ability.

A much fairer comparison is the ESEE 6 and RMD. Both of which I have and think very highly of. The 6 is bigger, has more cutting edge and has a wider blade. It is also heavier and chops much better than the RMD especially with the extra handle length. The RMD is better for bushcraft because of the shorter blade. It just feels alot more nimble in hand than the 6. So the 6 is better at bigger tasks like chopping and batoning and the RMD is better at finer ones like carving, skinning etc...

I may be biased but after lots and lots of use the RMD is my all time favorite blade. It feels like magic in hand and has a wonderful choil. THE most comfortable knife Ive ever used. You have to feel it to understand.

In terms of steel, SR 101 is a better steel than 1095 with any heat treat can ever be. 1095 is an awesome steel that is tough and holds a really good edge but through all of my usage SR101 continues to hold a better edge and though Im not sure it can be proven, I personally believe SR101 is a tougher steel than 1095. And this is not to say anything bad about Rowen's 1095, its really great stuff but Ive done head to head chopper comparisons with my Rat Daddy and Junglas and the Rat daddy will continue to shave long after the Junglas has stopped.

I think price is going to be the issue you want to look at. You will probably end up spending at least 60 more for an RMD and sheath than you would an ESEE 6. You can get an ESEE 6 and sheath for maybe $115 at any given time but an RMD is going to run you much more and doesn't come with a sheath.

Again you honestly can't go wrong with either. Another thing to consider though is that ESEE's ALWAYS come with a better factory edge than Swamp Rats. You may have to do some reprofiling to really get the RMD to cut well while anything ESEE has an awesome factory edge that doesn't need any work.

And just so you feel confidant in your choice, out of all the medium sized blades Ive ever owned the RMD is my favorite and the ESEE 6 is a close second :D If you have the funds buy both!

Ill put up some comparison pics for you. one sec.
 
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Ok here are some pics

this is the 6, RMD and 3. I havent used the 6 pictured yet. The rmd without scales is one that I have modded and beaten the ever living crap out of. Im making custom scales for it.

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And just to make you drool :P
P1020384.jpg
 
heheh thanks kalel. Now I just want em all. One day for sure Id like to have the RMD, esee 6 and a nice little fallkniven F1 to go along with it. For now though, based on what yall have said Ill prolly go with the Ratmandu,
prolly big enough to do everything I need and small enough to start fires. Its the middle of the road knife but I do want to have something a big bigger- and smaller. Within a year I have a feeling the others are gonna find their way into my garage.
 
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