M6 vs Camp Tramp

[mike biz]

With all this bickering going on all you're concerned about is your middle finger? Selfish, I'll tell ya

 

[Cutshaw]

Gentlemen:

You are all entitled to your opinions. In fact, to the two or three posters in question, I've come to value your opinion greatly.

That said, your opinions must be presented civilly and with respect shown to all.

It is ok to disagree but let's do so without making it personal.

 

[Guyon]

Whoa. I was responding to p. 1 and didn't even read p. 2.

That said, you durn tootin' I'm concerned with my middle finger. That's a crucial finger!!!

For me, it's not so much a question of the appearance of the late-run RW. The scales look fine--different but fine--but I do like the tube connectors to be recessed.

 

[Cutshaw]

That's guyon... too serious.

 

[DWRW]

Dude, CAAAAAAAAAAALM DOWN. I think you're beginning to take offense to EVERY comment here. I'm not sure if you know this or not, but it is possible for you, and someone else (in this case me) to be constructing a reply at the same time. I was attempting to be helpful, just like you, by posting the specs that I have for the CT and BR. I was not trying to repeat your info, or force you to defend your data. It was just a timing issue. Nothing more, nothing less. I've seen you post here fairly often, usually with extensive information that is very helpful. That said, you should be aware of the often EXTREME loyalty that Busse/Rat/Scrap fans show for these blades. Nobody is questioning your loyalty or knowledge or how long you've been a member of the forum. We all have our own opinions and are entitled to them equally. Sure we rib each other a bunch, but in the end this forum is all about our interest in Busse family knives. Sure there are folks that chime in from time to time to bash us or Jerry's knives. That's their prerogative. It's the essence of fanatacism. We like ours, they like theirs, and sometimes that causes arguments even between camps. Let's all take a step back and continue this thread as it is extremely informative. That's what it's all about. Thanks for indulging me.

O.K.

No problem. I respect that it may have been a timing thing.

I wasn't trying to bicker or get personal.... Not my intent at all.

....I was just apparently confused by my fairly simple and factual comment in regards to the similarities between the CT and BR except for length could be quoted and then followed with "Not really....etc." (?????)

I felt I had to re-clarify ....

And my earlier rant was probably initiated by what appeared to be a clear understanding and acceptance of a down-grade in finish quality of micarta - that I just don't understand (???????).

I am not looking for arguments. I generally just prefer discussions and sharing info. But, I do try to post facts or use my words carefully when opinion.

"I" have without-doubt, turned this into too much of a rant. Maybe I was holding that rant in too long (??????)
So, I guess the fact that I had a little rant moment about a certain aspect that has bugged me for a couple of years has made it appear that I am freaking out (????).

I don't think so. .... (?????)

But, I am not really sorry for hoping for better finish quality on Swamp Rat Micarta.
I guess I should apologize just for ranting in general.....
And, I must have ruffled some feathers - so sorry for that too.


But, don't get me wrong, I do LOVE my Chopweiler and MANY Swamp Rat knives.

My only real issue here is "Wishing" for Swamp Rat to finish micarta up to industry par - like they used to with earlier runs of the Ratweiler, Rat Mastiff and Rat Daddy.

It just seems pretty clear to me that the prices are higher than they used to be, significantly higher than Res-C options and the quality of finish on the micarta handles including: shaping and final finish/buffing is lower than it used to be and lower than industry standards.

The lower finish quality does cause me grief as I like micarta and I feel the finish quality is lower than I care for on knives that I want.
I like both Res-C and micarta. So, "I" have to deal with it. But, the micarta is a pain to try to fix to what I consider acceptable.

Maybe it is just me and maybe most are fine with very rough finished and fuzzy micarta (????).

Maybe I have just been unlucky and I have received much fuzzier micarta than most (?????)

Anyway, while I appreciate loyalty and believe I have been a Loyal follower and supporter of many Busse kin of knives, I don't like to let that prevent me from expressing my hope for improvements or concerns at a certain drop in quality. I am not one to have blind loyalty.

I justify my loyalty and critique as I see needed.


Maybe everyone is more tolerant to down-grading while increasing prices than I am ??????????????????

Maybe, it's just me......


.

 

[charger02]

If you want a "larger" bladed Rat, and a Camp Tramp is an option, GET it.

Otherwise, - RUN and get a "CHOPWEILER" at list price WHILE YOU CAN!!!!!!!

Too late!!!!! I just bought one and a day later saw they were sold out. Maybe I bought the last one:thumbup:

 

[leatherman]

wow, all I did was explain why the scales are different and I get a book about knife making, and a critique of my craft all in one thread! sweet! Was a good read, no upset emotions from me.

I just dont type well enough to be that elaborate I'm way to blunt anyhow. Sorry if you took my shortness for critisism DWRW, you asked for a reason and I gave it to you, like it or not. I am just the messenger. I have no issues with the handle finish, I have been into Busse knives since before the E handles, I expect performance over looks. Form follows function in my world. I make my sheaths with the same philosophy, if it doesnt perform well what good is a pretty sheath?

nuff said?

 

[tenman]

Well, I had to make a tough choice- settled (settled?) on a Battle Rat. What sold me was it s similarities to the CT, which also makes it very similar in profile to the original RW. I also suspect I'll be selling off some of my folders to make room for a few more Rats Kind of funny, didn't start out looking for a BR, it wasn't even on my top three list a few posts ago- it's just kind of where the search led me.

All of the opinions and information shared has been helpful- thanks!

 

[Guyon]

Can't go wrong with a Battle Rat. :thumbup:

 

[tenman]

Battle Rat arrived yesterday- awesome blade, can't wait to get out and use it. First thing that struck me was that it weighs much less than it appears- for such a large knife it handles very well. The choil is great, makes the knife much more usable for tasks normally reserved for smaller blades. This is my first large, Res-c Rat, I better understand why so many like it as a handle material. I'll try to get a few shots of it in use over the next month, maybe post a small review of how the knife feels and performs to a relative newcomer.

Thanks again for all the input. I suspect that there was not a wrong or bad choice in the entire bunch uder consideration, but the BR is a great place to start

 

[texastonydobbs]

Short answer:

If you want a "larger" bladed Rat, and a Camp Tramp is an option, GET it.

Otherwise, - RUN and get a "CHOPWEILER" at list price WHILE YOU CAN!!!!!!!

http://www.shop.ratknives.com/main.sc



------------------------------------------------

Long answer:


Honestly..... I don't think the M6 compares to the Camp Tramp at all.

M6..........................= 16.2 ounces; .235" thick; 6" blade; 11.68" oal

Camp Tramp............= 14.5 ounces; .236" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal


By the numbers, they may seem similar, but balance and feel in the hand is VERY different.

1.5" in blade length is a big difference for knives this size, but the main difference is the feel and balance. The Camp Tramp is lighter in the handle and has a nice balance for many types of uses including light chopping. The Camp Tramp is one of the Great mid-sized all around camp knives of all time.

The M6 is almost 2 ounces heavier than the Camp Tramp, 1.5" shorter and still not nearly as nice to use as the Camp Tramp and not nearly as versatile either! The Camp Tramp even though noticeably lighter, will chop circles around the M6. The Camp Tramp is also much more nimble and agile in the hand for task use than the M6.

No doubt the M6 is plenty tough and can be made very sharp, but the weight balance and feel just don't do it for me on the M6.

The M6 is VERY handle heavy. I have a hard time using the terms balance and feel in a positive way in regards to the M6, but again that is my opinion and again lots of people like the M6. It is a brute of a knife - especially in the handle.


------

The Chopweiler is a MUCH different story.

If you want to compare a knife to the GREAT Camp Tramp, the Chopweiler is the one to compare. The Chopweiler is basically the new version of the old Ratweiler. The old Ratweiler was basically a micarta version of the Camp Tramp!

Camp Tramp............= 14.5 ounces; .236" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal
Chopweiler - Micarta = 19.1 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5625” blade; 13.1875” oal
Ratweiler (orig.)……. = 20.1 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5” blade; 13” oal


The difference in weight is the full tang and micarta.
The difference in oal is mostly in the extended pommels of the micarta versions. Other than handles, and handle weight, the above three are very similar.


The Chopweiler is heavier than than the Camp Tramp, but the Chopweiler has a very nice feel and balance and is a VERY nice mid-sized chopper that still makes a great all-around use albiet fairly large knife. The Chopweiler's handle "looks" different, but it is VERY well suited for chopping!

For mor Chopweiler info: http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=005963

IMO, the M6, Camp Tramp and Chopweiler are all knives that are best suited to be paired with a companion smaller knife. The M6 (IMO) falls in no-man's-land. Some might try to say it is a knife to do it all. I would disagree, but again, different opinions.
The Camp Tramp is a larger knife than the M6 and the RMD is smaller and I think both would be better suited for doing much broader range of tasks than the M6.


I would MUCH rather have a RMD by itself over the M6 or a Camp Tramp over the M6, but the Camp Tramp or Chopweiler paired with a HRLM or similar nice 3.5" - 4.5" fixed blade would make a GREAT duo.

Sorry if it sounds like I am bashing the M6. But, I tend to call things like I see them. The M6 might be a great knife, but I guess I am jaded now because the M6 just doesn't hold a candle IMO to the Camp Tramp, Chopweiler or smaller RMD. :thumbup:

And for the record, I am NOT bashing Swamp Rat. The Camp Tramp, Chopweiler, RMD, HRLM, Battle Rat and Bog Dog are 6 of my favorite Swamp Rat knives and rank among the highest of hundreds of knives I own and have owned. But, the M6 isn't very high on my list.

That said, I am certain someone will come along and defend the M6.

But, I am VERY confident, those who have had both the Camp Tramp and the M6 will recommend the Camp Tramp if you can find one.

ALSO, those who own the CHOPWIELER and have handled the M6 will VERY likely recommend the Chopweiler.

Since the Chopweiler is available at the Company Store: http://www.shop.ratknives.com/main.sc , I have to recommend you GET a Chopweiler while you can still get one at a reasonable price.
The Chopweiler will ultimately go up in price.

And Camp Tramps are just hard to come by.... and expensive when you do.


If you think you must have a 6" bladed knife, I recommend the Scrap Yard S6 over the M6 - personally.

And as I stated above, I would HIGHLY recommend the RMD over the M6 as well! :thumbup: But, I am not comparing the RMD to the Camp Tramp or Chopweiler - that gets to be too big a stretch in size and uses.
The M6 just falls between a Chopweiler and RMD.
But, I will say the RMD is a WAY nicer knife than the M6 IMO and will probably do about anything the M6 could do while being much lighter, balanced and much nicer feeling in the hand - IMO. :thumbup:

.

:thumbup: EXcellent job man ! I have the chopweiler now I hafta buy a RMD,Thank you fine sir....