In search of an upgrade from the R.A.M.

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kennyj

Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Messages
139
I've had a few good knives in the past, including a Classic Sebenza, Spyderco Native, and most recently a Kershaw R.A.M. While I wasn't terribly impressed with the RAM's edge holding or the funny one-sided bevel the edge came with, nor was I fond of the textured G10 scales, I've still enjoyed the knife even more than the Sebenza. The reason why, I've come to realize, is simple - the tang itself becomes part of the grip, in such a way that my thumb and forefinger are actually grasping the tang while the rest of my hand holds the handle. The design also puts the blade within minimal distance of my finger while still guarding my finger from it. I've found that I feel vastly more in control of this knife, and the proximity of my fingers to the blade makes it easier for me to do harder tasks with precision. After growing accustomed to the RAM, nothing else really feels adequate. Even the Sebenza didn't feel this good.

So, having a bigger budget than I did when I bought the RAM, I'm looking for an upgrade. My main goal is to get something that shares what I consider the one key design feature for me - a grip that incorporates the tang between the thumb and forefinger - and is composed of nicer materials. I have a hard-on for S30V and for nicer handle construction, like titanium or wood. As for pricerange, I'm willing to consider anything up to about $400, but I'd prefer to keep it lower of course.

Any suggestions?
 
kennyj said:
I've had a few good knives in the past, including a Classic Sebenza, Spyderco Native, and most recently a Kershaw R.A.M. While I wasn't terribly impressed with the RAM's edge holding or the funny one-sided bevel the edge came with, nor was I fond of the textured G10 scales, I've still enjoyed the knife even more than the Sebenza. The reason why, I've come to realize, is simple - the tang itself becomes part of the grip, in such a way that my thumb and forefinger are actually grasping the tang while the rest of my hand holds the handle. The design also puts the blade within minimal distance of my finger while still guarding my finger from it. I've found that I feel vastly more in control of this knife, and the proximity of my fingers to the blade makes it easier for me to do harder tasks with precision. After growing accustomed to the RAM, nothing else really feels adequate. Even the Sebenza didn't feel this good.

So, having a bigger budget than I did when I bought the RAM, I'm looking for an upgrade. My main goal is to get something that shares what I consider the one key design feature for me - a grip that incorporates the tang between the thumb and forefinger - and is composed of nicer materials. I have a hard-on for S30V and for nicer handle construction, like titanium or wood. As for pricerange, I'm willing to consider anything up to about $400, but I'd prefer to keep it lower of course.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...


J is right. At the moment the only way to do better is to get a RAM custom.

For a short term fix a Krein regrind on your blade and a set of the, ever so lovely, replacement wood scales by firebert should get you all set for the grand sum of about 80 bucks. If you need any guidance as to the who, what, when and where shoot me a PM or email.
 
Wow, I forgot all about firebert's custom scales. I was even talking to him about it back when I first got the RAM, but I got swallowed by work and forgot to resurface.

I'll have to sit down later and look into the Krein regrind. Think I might as well upgrade to the new upgraded steel in the meantime (the FL humidity, combined with my salty sweat, hasn't been very kind to it.)

Well, in the meantime, any other recommendations that simply offer a very good, strong grip, and still look and work great?

I'm tempted to try out something with D2, but given the fun I'm already having with Sandvik 13c26 and corrosion, I'm not sure it'd be a great idea.
 
kennyj said:
I've had a few good knives in the past, including a Classic Sebenza, Spyderco Native, and most recently a Kershaw R.A.M. While I wasn't terribly impressed with the RAM's edge holding or the funny one-sided bevel the edge came with, nor was I fond of the textured G10 scales, I've still enjoyed the knife even more than the Sebenza. The reason why, I've come to realize, is simple - the tang itself becomes part of the grip, in such a way that my thumb and forefinger are actually grasping the tang while the rest of my hand holds the handle. The design also puts the blade within minimal distance of my finger while still guarding my finger from it. I've found that I feel vastly more in control of this knife, and the proximity of my fingers to the blade makes it easier for me to do harder tasks with precision. After growing accustomed to the RAM, nothing else really feels adequate. Even the Sebenza didn't feel this good.

So, having a bigger budget than I did when I bought the RAM, I'm looking for an upgrade. My main goal is to get something that shares what I consider the one key design feature for me - a grip that incorporates the tang between the thumb and forefinger - and is composed of nicer materials. I have a hard-on for S30V and for nicer handle construction, like titanium or wood. As for pricerange, I'm willing to consider anything up to about $400, but I'd prefer to keep it lower of course.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

How about the RAM's BIG brother - the ZT0500 MuDD..? :)

2r7y6gn.jpg
 
Get the new aftermarket clip from Gavin as well. His username here is blademaker. The clips are super economical and really dress up the RAM...I am doing a review soon.
 
Like the other's have said, you really can't top the RAM unless you go
custom or get fireberts scales and a G&G grip clip. The PackRat is also
an amazing knife.

RAM in cocobolo with grip clip:

6e14.jpg


Kreined PackRat:

krienpackrat001-1.jpg
 
After reading your first post, it seems like what you like about the RAM is the finger choil. It allows you to choke up on the blade for more detailed work. Spyderco has a range of knives with finger coils.

Also, I have modified a few cheaper knives to incorporate a finger choil by grinding a little of the blade. You could grind a little of the handle material away too to put the choil exactly where you want it. Some knives lend themselves better to this mod than others.

If you are looking for really top shelf materials, Rick Hinderer's XM-18 has a nice finger choil and is an amazing knife.
 
I know others have already said this. .. but i'd go for some firebert scales and a grip clip. . .
The scales definitely make the knife look nice. . .and the grip clip makes the knife super easy to get in and out of the pocket, but when it's in the pocket it's secure.

Gavin
 
blademaker said:
I know others have already said this. .. but i'd go for some firebert scales and a grip clip. . .
The scales definitely make the knife look nice. . .and the grip clip makes the knife super easy to get in and out of the pocket, but when it's in the pocket it's secure.

Gavin
Click to expand...

The picture of the grip clip just made me anticipate the RAM I'm getting even more. How much do you sell them for?
 
This one doesn't have the new Hawk clip but does have Philip's scales.
Amboyna wood. Very hard and pretty. :D
My next one will have the clip from Gavin, scales from Philip and be reground by Tom.

KS1910Amboyna-1.jpg

KS1910Amboyna-3.jpg

KS1910Amboyna-2.jpg


mike
 
I love those scales! Can someone post a link? Does anyone have a Kreined RAM they could post a pic of?

I, too, really like the ergos of this knife. Dressing it up a bit would make me much more comfortable EDCing it (office environment).

2brothers- that Amboynia looks GREAT on that knife!
 
I think I'm definitely going to have to take a crack at upgrading the RAM. I guess I'll be ordering in a new one with the new steel, and I'll be inquiring about the scales and clip sometime soon. Was planning on doing that all this weekend, but as it goes, some things have come up.

I'll also consider the regrind... I've heard very good things about this steel being ground thin, and that it takes a harder heat treat very well, but I'm not sure I want to risk the loss of toughness. Then again, I also tend to carry a Leatherman with a 154CM part-serrated blade, and the main reason I prefer a dedicated knife is for comfort, precision and control. The LM is well-suited as a beater for things I know will put a more delicate blade at risk, and since the reason I carry it is for the pliers/screwdrivers/etc, I won't cry if I damage the blade and have to grind the edge down or send it in for service. It's also good for aggressive slicing, thanks to the serrations, whereas push-cutting is one thing that a thinner and harder Sandvik steel is exceptionally good at.

I still wish I could seriously improve on the steel being used. Not that I'm really complaining - aside from the corrosion resistance, which the new version supposedly improves on, it performs well for me and sharpens up on a strop with amazing ease (especially the new HandAmerican Scrubbed Bull loaded with diamond spray... Mmm.) Still, I'd like it to stay hair-popping sharp a bit longer when I'm cutting through hard plastic or cardboard, and as my lucks goes, that seems to be what I use it for most often.
 
Hang in there, bro. The Kershaw nuts have sorta adopted the the RAM as their unofficial group knife, and remind ThomasW (Kershaw's national sales manager) that this knife needs sprint runs with better steel every chance they get. As soon as someone is willing to step up and pay for said sprint run it will happen.........patience grasshopper....patience :D
 
LOL, I'm really not surprised. The RAM seems to have gained a cult following in general, and it's not hard to see why. Everyone I show mine to is thoroughly impressed, and I've even gotten a number of knife knoobs interested in going beyond their flea market specials after they tried it out. I think it's one of the best overall designs ever conceived, and I expect that years down the road, we'll be able to trace a good number of newer designs back to this one. Hell, if I ever get around to learning how to make my own, the RAM will probably be the first complex design I imitate.

I'm also interested in seeing how some of the design concepts would work out if done by other knifemakers. An AXIS or framelock version would be interesting, as would some variation of a Tanto grind or a thinner handle made from Titanium. The Hawk lock is damn cool but I'd like to see it in a more thumb-accessible position, or have the switch in a form that's easier to grab onto. I've thought about taking a shot at making a new one that protrudes further and at a complimentary angle, but I'm not sure my meager Dremel skills are up to the task.
 
There has been a small amount of discussion about Kershaw producing a version of the RAM 3 which has the lock button on the spine. I'd be really interested to see it happen. I like the cleaner looks of the RAM 3. It would be really awesome to see a USA made RAM 3 with polished G10 scales and CPM 154. Just my little wish though :o
 
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