Help with my first Rat.

U

USSR

Joined
Dec 23, 2005
Messages
752
Hey folks. Been looking for a new fixed blade for a while now, mainly oriented toward outdoors and occasional heavy use. I've been looking at Bark Rivers, and more recently the Nemesis Knives Equalizer. A few days ago, I remembered SRKW and for some reason it seemed like the best idea (something to do with that guy, what's his name.... Busse?) Problem is, I'm lost when it comes to models. Looking for a blade between 6.5 and 10 inches in length. Flat ground is best, but a high saber or hollow would be fine as well. Micarta handles. Looking to spend between $150-$200. I may be able to do more, but you'd really have to convince me. I know SR101 will do everything I need, so I'm not worried about steel. Thanks.
 
Maybe try a Ratmandu or a Camp Tramp. You could also check out the Scrap Yard knife line.
 
You are talking about a Ratweiler! Er... Chopweiler!

Outstanding camp knives!
This is the Swamp Rat Knife Works Ratweiler Chopper- -Lengths are approx- - 7.5" SR101 blade (tip to edge of micarta)- - .25" thick at the spine- -Differentially hardened- -Sage Blade Coating- -Tan canvas Micarta Handle- -Overall length-13.25" - - Logo- -No sheath- -optional cordura sheath available-
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$198.95


11934306978261775372620.jpeg
 
Res-C is untouchable!!! Comfy and sure grip......doesn't slip get cold like micarta and provides a touch of shock absorbing.

Go with what you can get....just watch the market and play the game and all things will come to you.....except maybe a 1/300 SHBM..........that's another story~!
 
Res-C is a superb handle material. Soft but tough. I've seen pics of it lit on fire with no damage. If you happen to get a nick or cut it in it, heat it up with a lighter and press the material back together good as new. Takes shocks real well when chopping.

I have attached a pic of some of the Swamp Rat knives in that range.

Mini Uncle Mojo, Camp Tramp, Chopweiler, Battle Rat

attachment.php



I think you should look for a Camp Tramp on the exchange. This one is available and T-dog is a great guy to deal with. I don't think you'll find a new one for much less than $250.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513594&highlight=tramp

I don't benefit in any way from this sale. I just like to recommend folks that are good to deal with.

If not wait for a better price or look for a used one. Should be in the $200 range.

This is an AWESOME knife. I'm sure you can search the Swamp Rat forum for posts on this model. I don't think you can go wrong.

If you want micarta than definitely get the Chopweiler while you can. Micarta is virtually indestructable, but it isn't as comfy as Res-C. Excellent blade that you can literally beat the snot out of. At !98.95 you just can't beat it for the quality.

Good luck with the search.
 
I would reccomend a swamp rat mini mojo, it was my first rat. They are currently avalable on the swkw company shop. I ued mine camping last summer and it performed like a champ. It is a great chopper.One of thebest looking recurves IMO too. The handle is really comfortable and it accomadates for a secure grip weather you choke up, or hold it down near the pommell for chopping. Chopweilers are now gone from the shop(i got one) but you may be able to score one on the exchange for little mark up. I think there is a muddy and maybe a sage avalable right now. Good luck

P.S. If you want a smaller blade keep your eye on the swamp rat shop cuz rumor has it swamp wardens will be avalable soon.
 
I'm pretty sure that there will be more Chopweilers available at the store soon. Two weeks probably:p. I have a Mini Uncle Mojo (top knife in photo above). I bought it to see what a recurve was like, but I've never used it. It may be a sweet chopper, but I'd rather have a straight blade. Either way if it's Swamp Rat it has to be good.
 
I do think a recurved blade will be useful...hmm. Do you think the Mini Mojos will be around long enough for me to get up the money for them? Also, what type of sheath would you recommend?
 
The recurve lengthens "the sweet spot" on the knife you use for most chopping. It also held its edge extreamly well for a 4 day camping trip of non stop chopping. It was the biggest knife among my three friends and I (next one up was a 4" fixed blade) , so if i wasn't using it one of my friends was. The coating on the whole knife was smoothed by the end and had completely worn away on the very tip and a bit near the edge, but it was still pretty sharp
Do you think the Mini Mojos will be around long enough for me to get up the money for them?
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Well it depends, but they have been up there since July, so for now I doubt they are going anywhere... but you never know. This was my first rat and at first I was apprehensive about paying that kind of $$$ for a knife, but now I have two rats and a third on its way, and I just bought my first Busse.

I got a kydex sheath off the company store. It was made by David Brown. It fits perfectly and is pretty comfy. You could probably just order one from him. I'll post some pics in a bit. I kinda want a leather sheath for it though.
 
mike biz said:
Res-C is a superb handle material. Soft but tough. I've seen pics of it lit on fire with no damage. If you happen to get a nick or cut it in it, heat it up with a lighter and press the material back together good as new. Takes shocks real well when chopping.

I have attached a pic of some of the Swamp Rat knives in that range.

Mini Uncle Mojo, Camp Tramp, Chopweiler, Battle Rat

attachment.php



I think you should look for a Camp Tramp on the exchange. This one is available and T-dog is a great guy to deal with. I don't think you'll find a new one for much less than $250.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513594&highlight=tramp

I don't benefit in any way from this sale. I just like to recommend folks that are good to deal with.

If not wait for a better price or look for a used one. Should be in the $200 range.

This is an AWESOME knife. I'm sure you can search the Swamp Rat forum for posts on this model. I don't think you can go wrong.

If you want micarta than definitely get the Chopweiler while you can. Micarta is virtually indestructable, but it isn't as comfy as Res-C. Excellent blade that you can literally beat the snot out of. At !98.95 you just can't beat it for the quality.

Good luck with the search.
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Mike you not a Rat, your a buzzard, Where did you get that Tan/Tan CT. That's a beauty.

My Mini Uncle Mojo, MH3, is inbound right now:thumbup:;), so I can't say anything about the SRKW Mojo's. I bet my bottom dollar I will NOT be disappointed:D. I do have the Scrap Yard- Yard Hook and Yard Guard, and both have been great.:thumbup: Plus I have other recurves, just military stuff from 1866 thru 1918. Good stuff, and a good blade design. Look up a Swiss 1914 Bayonet.
 
What is everybody's opinion on the blade catch? Does it have a purpose outside of combat?
 
Oh, if you need to throw an eye in a piece of wire, it's easy. My favorite is, if you hold it just right you can open a beer bootle, at least my YH can.
 
I just don't really like how it looks. I put my thumb just forward of the thumb ramp when i choke up, and I think the hook would get in the way.
 
Well, I have an Atwood Prybaby for bottles, and I do like choking up for grip, so I'll go without the catcher. I've settled on the Mini Mojo. I'll order one with a basic kydex sheath as soon as funds allow. Thanks for helping me pick this one, everybody!
 
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