New to the Swamp - Best way to find a Rat <5.5"

[p220c]

I am not set on a particular design, but the Rat Trail seems to fit pretty well.

Where should I begin my quest to acquire something along these lines?

The blade shape has plenty of belly and I like the handles. It's damn sexy to boot. The length being 5 5/16" is perfect since in TX we are limited to 5.5" (seems kinda crazy, being the land of the Alamo and all that a Bowie is specifically disallowed, too)

Don't really have much of a use for it. Probably won't see anything much more exciting than yard chores and the like; camping, et al.

I carry a Benchmade De Ja Voo that serves me well for daily tasks.

 

[Dennis in MA]

Not issued yet. You could try a Howlin Rat LM or a Hairy Carry. Or perhaps an old-school Rat Hunter or Rat Skinner.

 

[tenman]

Where should I begin my quest to acquire something along these lines?

The Busse/Swamp Rat/Scrapyard for sale section of Blade Forums. Get an idea of the knife you are looking for, be patient, and check the boards frequently. The better deals don't stay around long, but you shouldn't have any trouble finding what it is you're looking for. There were a couple of 2nd Gen. Howlers up recently for a very fair price. I think the Ratmandu is also in the size range you want, very popular knife. HRLM and 1st Gen Howlers are a bit more scarce, but worth waiting for. Been a lot of Hairy Carry's for sale, 3.5 -4 " blades. Scrapyard also has a few models that would work for you.

 

[leatherman]

You in San Antonio?

I've got a buncha Rats if you want to handle one before you decide.

 

[iamtoast]

Te He, Houston here going through basically the same process. I re-read the statutes today looking for an exemption for camping and hiking but did not see anything.

 

[tenman]

You in San Antonio?

I've got a buncha Rats if you want to handle one before you decide.

If possible, accept such offers for help. This community has a lot of first-rate people who know their stuff, and are willing to help. I live in the middle TN area and was able to hook up with Guyon and handle several blades- was very helpful in learning about the styles, differences, etc. It should also be noted that (generally speaking) whatever you buy will retain its value well.

 

[p220c]

You in San Antonio?

I've got a buncha Rats if you want to handle one before you decide.

No sir, I live further south, but I will be passing through S.A. on Thursday.

That would be most appreciated. Where are you located? If I can work it out, I might be able to stop in for a quick look.



ETA: Also, iamtoast, tenman and dennis, thank you for your input.

Any recommendations for good shops on the northeast side of Dallas?

 

[DWRW]

I can't believe it hasn't yet been mentioned. But, it is generally believed (by many) that the Rat Trail was replaced by the Ratmandu. This is only a theory and has never been confirmed by Eric or Jerry, but the Ratmandu is very similar to the Rat Trail with just a few small changes.
The Rat Trail is one of many knives that are just proto/concept knives. Most of the knives that made it into production had slight changes for production from the proto/concept blades.
For some reason, the Rat Trail ("Apparently") had it's name changed.

Also, Busse and kin companies Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard tend to use acronyms for many knives. The Ratmandu is commonly referred to as RMD.



Here are all the known color variations:

Some other borrowed RMD pics:

RMD with HRLM and Scrap Yard Dumpster Mutt:

Ratmandu with HRLM (Howling Rat Little Mischief):

The HRLM and new Hairy Carry also make great smaller carry knives. The Hairy carry is a little smaller and lighter than the HRLM.


The Rat Chat forum at Swamp Rat knives is a more active forum than this one. I have slowed down checking here.

See: http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=10


.

 

[p220c]

I can't believe it hasn't yet been mentioned. But, it is generally believed (by many) that the Rat Trail was replaced by the Ratmandu. This is only a theory and has never been confirmed by Eric or Jerry, but the Ratmandu is very similar to the Rat Trail with just a few small changes. *snip*

Interesting stuff. The more I learn about these, the more I want them.

Ratmandu, huh? I like.

Thank you for the pics. Very very nice.

 

[DWRW]

Any recommendations for good shops on the northeast side of Dallas?

Good shops for what????


Swamp Rat knives are not sold in any retail shops.


It would take me more time than I have right now to explain how Swamp Rat, Busse and Scrap Yard knives are sold. There are many quirky nuances to that.


But, for general starters:

Most Swamp Rat knives are "Sometimes" (often) sold through the Company Store: http://www.shop.ratknives.com/main.sc

Availibility of knives through the Company Store is only in "Runs" until a given run is sold out.

Swamp Rats are sold through about 3-4 annual knife shows - But, NONE NEAR TEXAS...

And sometimes sold in Ganzaaaa's - hard to explain and I don't have time.

The other common option is the secondary market through ebay or bladeforums: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=804


It is very hard to find an option to handle many of the various knives without buying them and having them shipped to you. Leatherman's (Dwayne's) offer is a good opportunity.

Be fair warned of a new addiction.

.

 

[DWRW]

I meant to mention:

The RMD's (Ratmandu's) blade is 5.3125".

Many people consider the RMD to be one of the best do-it-all knives.

It is very comfortable in hand and very well balanced. :thumbup:

 

[DWRW]

Also, The glossy black handles are G10.

The fuzzy black and tan handles are micarta.

The G10 has a cleaner finish, but it is more expensive and heavier.

Micarta tends to be a little fuzzy, but many people like the lighter weight and some prefer the tactile feel of the micarta more.

I have mixed feelings, but tend to lean towards the feel of micarta. I don't care for the fuzzy finish, but I like the feel.

.

 

[p220c]

Good shops for what????
Swamp Rat knives are not sold in any retail shops.

*snip*

It is very hard to find an option to handle many of the various knives without buying them and having them shipped to you. Leatherman's (Dwayne's) offer is a good opportunity.

Be fair warned of a new addiction.

.

I see.

I am certainly going to expend every effort to take Dwayne up on his offer. The wife is on board with the detour and I am very excited to get to see his sheaths as well. I am a huge fan of quality leather. My grandparents made belts for years, and I dabbled a bit with an awl as a very young boy. I never made anything beyond a simple wallet and belt, but I do enjoy seeing nice work by a true master of the art.

Yes, this does appear to be a new addiction. I am currently a recovering Sig Sauer addict, and lately that pesky black rifle disease has crept in. The post man and UPS man are very welcome sights here lately.


ETA:

And can I say thank you so much for the amazing quantity and quality of information? I have spent over 20 hours researching and digging for exactly what will best fit my needs.

Your answers yielded more information than all of my efforts. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I am truly grateful for all of your help.

 

[leatherman]

We're on the north east side of San Antonio, in Live Oak. Just off I-35 so its convenient if your anywhere near it.

Send me a message at armoralleather"@"yahoo.com Just remove the quotes around the @ or call the phone number on our site, its the wifes phone. She takes all the calls.

 

[p220c]

We're on the north east side of San Antonio, in Live Oak. Just off I-35 so its convenient if your anywhere near it.

That is on my way. Thank you so much for the generous offer. I will be by that way on Thursday.

 

[iamtoast]

Ok, I found a site stating the following within the Texas knife laws:

(a) A person commits an offense if intentionally,
knowingly , or recklessly carries on or about his person a
handgun, illegal knife, or club. [Exceptions: official;
actor was own premises; was traveling; engaged in lawful
hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity; security
guard].

http://www.thebladeshop.com/Texas_s/487.htm

Perhaps this shows for allowing big blades for use in the great outdoors. I would make sure its packed until I get to the site of my outdoor usage (lol?) like already having a site picked out and possibly payed for etc, or permits in hand.

 

[p220c]

Interesting.

I know for a fact that the statute does allow one to carry a handgun openly, which would otherwise be illegal in TX, when engaged in those activities. I would be interested to know if the AG has rendered an opinion to the applicability of that statute to large hunting knives in the field.

Obviously, if you are on your deer lease, you are on private property, and there wouldn't be a problem anyway. Federal land would be a different story, and you would need to be within the law.

I also know that you can legally carry a "club" (baseball bat/9-iron) to a baseball/golf game, but if you get pulled over a midnight with one in your car you might get arrested for it nd written up on a weapons charge.

I also know that you can carry a machete to go work with it. One of my friends used to carry one all the time under the drivers seat. One night he drank a couple of beers, blew just over the legal limit.

He was arrested for DWI, and faced a weapons charge, which was actually more troublesome than the DWI as he is an avid hunter and fisherman and has plans on becoming a guide. The weapons charge could be prevented him from obtaining the permits to do so.

Thanks for the update, and let me know if you stuble upon any atty. gen. opinions on the issue.

 

[texastonydobbs]

Welcome to the Swamp,I suggest a HRLM ,I carry a fixed blade everyday w/o an issue and while camping SR Chopweiler ...no isssues...

 

[iamtoast]

There is actually some case law quoted in another copy of this I have that talks about baseball bats and gulf clubs specifically (along with some other oddities).

I was determined that what changes an 'illegal club' is that the item is primarily designed to cause bodily damage. Base ball bats are designed for sports so are exempt unless they are used in the commission of a crime. Same goes for gulf clubs. A sample of the reciprocal is training, but non-foam, martial arts training nun chucks. Even though this item is not used, or was not used, in a crime but for training, since it is a design that was originally designed to cause harm it is an illegal club.

The exception in my above post actually has 4 or 5 cases where what would usually be an illegally carried knife is ok, it does not have to fall into all 5 categories in order to be legal.

 

[kdstrick]

Due to Texas HB 1815 it is now legal to carry a pistol, large knife, club, tomahawk, etc... in your vehicle.

Like TexasTony said... I've never had any problems carrying my Busse FFBM, Chopweiler, machete or axe while camping. The parks and wildlife guys kinda turn a blind eye to it. Such implements are common on camping trips.

As an added bonus, it will keep the campers next door from coming into your campsite to borrow things they forgot to bring.