Outbounder (D2) or Howling Rat (SR-101)

mathman

mathman

Joined
Jul 1, 2005
Messages
186
I've done some reading on this, but need some good advice.

As the title implies, I am trying to decide between a Benchmade Drop Point Hunter and a Swamp Rat Howling Rat. Both knives are similar in size, but very different in appearance and steel.

Can you guys give me some advice as to which would be a better overall knife. I know a little about D2, but not much about SR-101 (except that it is not stainless). Is SR-101 a lot tougher than D2? I'm pretty sure D2 is better in the corrosion resistance category, but how tough is it? And finally, the price...the Outbounder is a little less money than the Howling Rat, but not enough to sway me on price alone.

Thanks for the help! :)
 
Check out the Swamp Rat forum in the Manufacturer's area...you may be able to get better information from there.

From what I've seen, most Rat owners love them to death, and swear by them. I've been considering getting a Rat in the near future myself. :thumbup:
 
My vote goes for the Swamp Rat. I would take Deadhead Archer's advice, and check out the Swamp Rat Forum AND website as well.
 
Well, I just ordered a Howling Rat...seems like a heck of a knife. I'm going to give non-stainless a try as I think that stainless is somewhat overrated. I don't live in a humid or salty climate, so a non-stainless should be fine. But I do like the looks of the Drop Point Hunter, so I still might pick up one of those someday...:D .
 
You have chosen wisely!

I have both Benchmade and Swamp Rat knives, and both are great knives. You really couldn'tmake a bad decision between the two.

Differences:
The BM will be finished in a more "polished, refined" manner; the SR will scream "take me out and use me - HARD!"

Along this line are some specifics:
The BM has a polished blade, the SR a crinkle coat. The BM has a nice wood handle; the SR a Respirene C handle (wonderfully comfortable for a working knife). The BM has a dyed brown leather sheath with a snap retaining strap; the SR has an undyed leather drop-in sheath.

The other difference is time to delivery: The BM you can pick up immediately; the SRs are made to order, and it takes several months before they show up at your door.

My preference? The Rat, every time! Those Rats are tough, sharp, and have the world's best warranty. Welcome to the Rats!

Cheers!
Steve
 
Well, it seems that those who buy the Rats sure do like them...so I hope I will too...I bought it blindly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top