Howling Rat alternative?

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pit man

Joined
Nov 2, 2005
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Any suggestions what blade would be the nearest in size,shape and toughness to a SRKW Howling Rat?
Before anybody jumps in and says an Ontario Rat 3 this knife does not match up to the thickness of the Howler so any other thoughts?:confused:
 
Spyderco Dayhiker, Fallkniven H1, Kershaw Bear hunter, I don't know about toughness, but size and shape are pretty close. For size, you could also look at BM fixed Griptillian. Rat-5 is a little larger, but basically same shape. Of course, around here anyway, you will undoubtedly get posts from the Rats and Hogs that nothing is as tough. I have all of the above knives (except the Dayhiker as it is not out yet) as well as a howling rat, and haven't had problems with any of them. I have done some pretty rough things with the howling rat and the rat 5, and I can say that both are pretty darn tough blades, but since I haven't broken either yet, I can't say which is tougher. From other's experience, I would guess the howler is tougher, but can't say from personal experience.
 
are you looking for a less expensive alternative?

the hr's sell on the forum for only about 150 with sheath. i say get the rat.
 
I won't be getting anything for a while as I already have two new ones coming,but I was just thinking ahead!!!
Bigbcustom is your Rat 5 made from 1095?I do like that blade but have heard negative comments on this site about quality inconsistencies......though I have never heard of anybody breaking or even chipping one!
Any chance of posting a photo of your Howler and Rat5 together for comparison?
 
I have a personal Rat-5, and have sold five or six others. The only quality issues I have seen are the bevel grinds. The bevels on every single one of them were unevenly ground. A little time with a stone fixed them all up. That being said, I have seen the same problem with my howling rat, battle rat, and my scrapper 6. As for the comparison picture, I will post one a little later when I get the time....be warned, my photography skills when it comes to knives leave a little to be desired lol.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
the new Howler is the blade due to come out next.
Click to expand...

... in two weeks.

But seriously, maybe one of the Tridents .

If thickness is a concern... how about an RD4/RD3.75 or contact Justin at RangerKnives.

I've an RD4 and it's THICK, having had a Howling Fat, and it made the HF seem small - granted not the same blade shape.

Whatcha thinking about doin' with it?

Given the limited available, I'd also suggest the Lil' Chute by Bark River.
 
The SRKW Howling Rat LM and Howling (...) from ScrapYard will arrive in some months!

Btu if you want a good knife like the HR take a look at the Ontatio-RAT line. The RAT3, TAK an RAT5 come into my mind. A have a TAK and a Howling Rat and like them both!
 
I must admit I did think about a Ranger but as the 4" is not one of the standard line I thought it might be expensive.Saying that it would probably still be cheaper than the new Howler right ?
 
I got this one from Nick Allen. It cost me about the same as a new HR. I prefer it to my HR. SRKW and Nick Allen are both great to deal with. I waited less with Nick, though.
 
you might be overlooking MMHW. They have a rancher 31/2" blade 1/4" stock 1095 steel. Love mine and can't seem to hurt it. Sharpens in the field with ease.
One of my favorites also for the way it fits my hand.
 
knives.jpg
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Rat-5
Howling Rat
Fixed Griptillian
Fallkniven H1

Except for the Howler (which is the nicer of the two I own), the three other knives are from stock, new in box...I figured they would look better than the used versions would.
 
I have looked at MMHW in the past and really like his work,however they all seem to have a false edge on the top of the blades and so are not ideal for battoning work!
Bigbcustom thanks for the pic I do think the Rat 5 would be a good all round knife and the more I see of it the more I like it.
Have you used the Griptillian much and how have you found that?
 
I like the fixed grip (lol I like most knives though). I haven't done more than shave some fuzz sticks and cut rope with it so far though. Holds an edge well, but I can't speak to toughness yet. Feels good in the hand though. Take a look at the Kershaw Bear hunter (wish I would have thought to put it in the pic) you can get one for $20.00 or so and it has a stout blade of aus-8 and an extremely ergonomic handle.
 
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