R.J. Martin Manta

T

talrazar

Joined
Oct 27, 2003
Messages
3
Greetings and salutations to all,
I've been reading these posts for a couple of years and would like to thank everyone for the wealth of insight and humor. This is my first actual post and I'm looking for advice. Any thoughts/comments will be greatly appreciated.

I'm going to purchase an R.J. Martin for edc. The two models I'm considering are the Kozuka and the Manta. Has anyone had any experience with the Manta and can you please comment on the usefullness of such a design. I'm wondering if It's worth the extra kaching for an only slightly beefier blade. Also any comments on carry ability (kozuka vs. manta)would be great. Thanks in advance.
 
Hi,

Welcome new poster :)

I just purchased my first RJ last week (a Kwaiken) although I have been a fan of his for quite some time.

IMHO, the two knives you are considering are very different...two sheaths are available for the Kozuka (as I'm sure you know), both made of wood covered in carbon fiber and embedded with rare earth magnets..I have such a sheath for my Kwaiken and i think it's great! The belt sheath is also intersting because it is open on both sides to allow for inverted carry! Given the size of the Kozuka, I would consider it a "backup".

RJM3253.jpg


The Manta Ray is quite a bit bigger...while the difference in length is not huge, I find that the MR has a lot more girth. However, the Manta Ray is still a bit too short for my hand (the Kozuka probably is as well but given the intended use...) The Manta Ray comes with a kydex sheath.

RJM3796.jpg


If i had to choose between the two, I'd definitely go with the Kozuka. I prefer the feel and I really like the sheath system.

RL
 
Thanks for the quick reply RL.

Congratulations on your kwaiken. I too have been a fan of R.J.'s for quite some time. I do really love the sheath system for the kozuka. I will also buy a larger R.J. in the future when more funds are available. My biggest concern is which one I would be more likely to carry 24/7, vs. design advantages in the manta if there are any. The blade seems to be a kerambit/dagger/util.

Also given the size of your kwaiken dose it pose any carry issues? As I assume it isn't much bigger than the manta. Thanks again.

TM
 
Considering that my EDC for the past couple of months has been a Mad Dog Panther (10" blade) strapped to my back, no, it does not pose any carry issues :) I have found a great way to carry the Kwaiken...my Royal Robbins 5.11 tactical pants have a HUGE side/back pocket with a retention strap a couple of inches above the pocket..I simply clip the sheath to the strap and let the rest of the package fall into my pocket...

The Kwaiken is quite a bit bigger than the Manta...you can also see pics of the Kwaiken next to a Wasabi in my review of the last CKG show further down the board. (and if you look closely at the True North Knives Table, you can see a Kozuke, Manta, and the Wasabi for size comparison).


standard


RL
 
Those are great pics. Great blade. Most excellent review of what seems to have been a terrific show. After much thought I believe the Kozuka will be in order (soon to be followed by more). I really appreciate your help and the comparison pics RL. This place is a great resource full of quality folks.

Over and out.
 
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