Looking into an elmax ratmandu

K

knife chop

Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Messages
816
I emailed the custom shop 3 weeks ago but I have not heard anything. I was wondering if someone has inquired a similar custom or already has an elmax ratmandu. I hope they make it for me.
 
Never seen a Swamp Rat in Elmax, though it does peak my interest!
 
From what i have seen, read, and heard they will not make a knife in a different steel. They can customize the knife but not change the steel.

There is clip point, drop point, harpoon tipped, full on bowie, and many more variations of the RMD, but all of them are SR101 AKA 52100 as far as i know.

But a knife the size of the RMD, the way i use a knife that size anyway, i wouldnt want it to be elmax personally. If it was for just slicing or kitchen duties id be fine with it but i BEAT on knives this size. Including but not limited to chopping and batoning. So for my use SR101 is a much more suitable steel.

As far as im concerned the RMD already comes in the best steel possible. Some people long for an Infi version... Id be in for one but I personally prefer SR101 over Infi even.

I think id like to see a 3V RMD over an elmax or Infi RMD honestly. Of course everyone is different and likes different things so this is just my opinions.
 
Interesting, but I doubt they'd build it in elmax. I'd not be so crazy for it in an RMD, but a modified Rodent Trail would get ordered in a heartbeat.
 
worldwood said:
From what i have seen, read, and heard they will not make a knife in a different steel. They can customize the knife but not change the steel.

There is clip point, drop point, harpoon tipped, full on bowie, and many more variations of the RMD, but all of them are SR101 AKA 52100 as far as i know.

But a knife the size of the RMD, the way i use a knife that size anyway, i wouldnt want it to be elmax personally. If it was for just slicing or kitchen duties id be fine with it but i BEAT on knives this size. Including but not limited to chopping and batoning. So for my use SR101 is a much more suitable steel.

As far as im concerned the RMD already comes in the best steel possible. Some people long for an Infi version... Id be in for one but I personally prefer SR101 over Infi even.

I think id like to see a 3V RMD over an elmax or Infi RMD honestly. Of course everyone is different and likes different things so this is just my opinions.
Click to expand...


With the grind that swamprat usually does it shouldn't be a problem. Have you seen Nathan the machinists tests on a thin ground 3v and elmax? It was not a real world use but elmax is pretty tough
 
The way things are being done, I'd say that Swamp (Busse & Yard as well) have deliveries of most likely water jet cut blanks for models that are on sale that then get ground/CNC'd in batches.
That would explain the varying times on deliveries, some folks reported getting their knives after 3 weeks from ordering others wait up to 16 weeks.
For a knife to be ground entirely and from a different steel the cost would go up considerably, wait time as well.
 
knife chop said:
With the grind that swamprat usually does it shouldn't be a problem. Have you seen Nathan the machinists tests on a thin ground 3v and elmax? It was not a real world use but elmax is pretty tough
Click to expand...

I havent seen that test but would like to, links?

How many dedicated choppers have you seen in Elmax? Why do you think this is?

Elmax is a good steel dont get me wrong. Its tough and holds its edge extremely well.......But on a knife im going to beat on and need to TRUST, i wouldnt go with Elmax personally.

Here is a quote from the Boss Man himself... and there is so much more info available on the web, just google elmax VS hard use, elmax VS 3V, elmax vs 52100 ETC.
Jerry Busse said:
Elmax is NOT the new INFI nor INFI 2.0.

It's just a new steel that we decided to have some fun with that makes for a really good slicer.

I wouldn't beat on it though....Heavy impact is not its game.:eek:

Let's Drink!!! :thumbup:

Jerry:D
Click to expand...
 
worldwood said:
I havent seen that test but would like to, links?

How many dedicated choppers have you seen in Elmax? Why do you think this is?

Elmax is a good steel dont get me wrong. Its tough and holds its edge extremely well.......But on a knife im going to beat on and need to TRUST, i wouldnt go with Elmax personally.

Here is a quote from the Boss Man himself... and there is so much more info available on the web, just google elmax VS hard use, elmax VS 3V, elmax vs 52100 ETC.
Click to expand...

I don't really beat on a 5 inch knife. I have a lot of high end knives some are users and some are in the safe. Toughness doesn't really matter on a 5 and below inch knives. I've learned from Jeff Randall how to create a fire in a wet environment without batoning like what nuntfancy or other mall ninjas does.

Here's the link. I believe the video is on page 3

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-toughest-powdered-metallurgy-stainless-steel

Jerry's message is true but it's all about the marketing. I've seen someone beat the crap out of an entrek destroyer without any rolling and chips. 440C has been regarded as a brittle steel but if you heat treat it right you're good.

I never asked for anyone's opinion regarding elmax. I know what it is and what it can do.
 
Ok no worries, and no disrespect meant. On a public forum you have to expect some opinions though bud. No reason to get upset, this is a DISCUSSION board. i wasnt challenging you or your post. Calling people Mall Ninjas is not necessary at all. It will make others way less likely to help you with anything in the future.

Toughness DOES matter on a 5" blade... Toughness matters on a 1" blade if you need it to save your life. But to each their own.

To answer your question no one has an elmax RMD. And its not very likely the shop will make one for you. Sorry i shared opinions with you, it wont happen again.
 
Last edited:
So on the thread you linked you are specifically asking for a 6" SS knife that can baton and chop... But here your saying you dont beat on knives this size and people that baton are mall ninjas?
 
knife chop said:
I emailed the custom shop 3 weeks ago but I have not heard anything. I was wondering if someone has inquired a similar custom or already has an elmax ratmandu. I hope they make it for me.
Click to expand...

Someone once asked for an RMD made of INFI. Unfortunately we don't see him much, anymore. Coincidence ? I think not. The RMD is a Holy Relic on Sacred Ground. ;)
 
magoo48 said:
Someone once asked for an RMD made of INFI. Unfortunately we don't see him much, anymore. Coincidence ? I think not. The RMD is a Holy Relic on Sacred Ground. ;)
Click to expand...

Haha.

Wonder who? I never "officially" requested the N2K RMD and when comp finish went the way of the Dodo bird I shelved it for a bit. But haven't given up complete hope.
 
I want an N2K RMD simply because it would be for a select few of us, that being said I would prefer SR101 over any steel other than 3V. I really think people still underestimate what SR101 can do, other than corrosion resistance it really is an amazing all around steel, better even than INFI imo.
 
PatrickKnight said:
I want an N2K RMD simply because it would be for a select few of us, that being said I would prefer SR101 over any steel other than 3V. I really think people still underestimate what SR101 can do, other than corrosion resistance it really is an amazing all around steel, better even than INFI imo.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: For the price of 52100 its really hard to beat. It shows great performance all around and has great success in Tools, Knives, Swords, Straight razors and more. Add that to a unbeatable warranty with an amazing heat treat and its a no brainer to chose SR101.

On some larger hard use knives i might prefer 3V... I have choppers in both, but the increased cost of 3V over 52100 keeps 52100 my favorite steel. Its cost friendly and performs well beyond its price IMO.
 
worldwood said:
So on the thread you linked you are specifically asking for a 6" SS knife that can baton and chop... But here your saying you dont beat on knives this size and people that baton are mall ninjas?
Click to expand...

it depends on how you baton and chop. I've learned a few things talking with different custom knife makers when I started that thread and my perceptions has changed a bit.

BTW I just got an email from swamprat and they said it can't be done.
 
knife chop said:
I emailed the custom shop 3 weeks ago but I have not heard anything. I was wondering if someone has inquired a similar custom or already has an elmax ratmandu. I hope they make it for me.
Click to expand...

They won't.

I asked for a customized M9 - no blanks left.

Basic answer is if they don't have the blanks, they aren't going to make the knife. I ordered two RMD SE's instead. Great knife, and the thin FFG is awesome.
 
Turbo Tension said:
They won't.

I asked for a customized M9 - no blanks left.

Basic answer is if they don't have the blanks, they aren't going to make the knife. I ordered two RMD SE's instead. Great knife, and the thin FFG is awesome.
Click to expand...

One solution to this would be to purchase an M9 on the secondary market and send it in to have the custom work done to it. You might want to email them to confirm but I am pretty sure this can be done.
 
If you send them a knife they will customize it for you. They are doing some custom work on a couple knives I sent as I type this. Don't ask them to skeletonize a knife tang, though.
 
Turbo Tension said:
They won't.

I asked for a customized M9 - no blanks left.

Basic answer is if they don't have the blanks, they aren't going to make the knife. I ordered two RMD SE's instead. Great knife, and the thin FFG is awesome.
Click to expand...

Do you mind posting pictures? I'd like to see a ffg rmd
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top