Rat Tails: Who Has Theirs Aready ?

R

Ronin Ichi

Joined
Mar 15, 2002
Messages
212
Greetings,

I had never heard of this line, until I saw the Rat Tail ad in the April Edition of Blade. I immediately ordered one. I have some questions (I only placed my order Friday). What's the weight ? Over 5 oz. ? I assume black is the standard finish ? Who has theirs yet ? Pictures ? Feedback?

One more thing, what's the grind and what's the edge's angle ? Can I take it down to 30% (compound) or would it be better with SR-101 to re-sharpen at 40% (compound). I ask 'cause these are some of the few angles that I have pre-set for ceramic/alumina rods. I don't trust my sharpening skills freehand.
 
Afraid we don't know yet (except for Wally Hayes). I, at least, have not received one yet, and I haven't seen any "GOT MY RAT TAIL!!!!!" posts, so I don't think they're in hand. Wally is doing the final edge setting/sharpening, and the comment from him was that they're VERY sharp. Certainly looking forward to mine! :)


Edit to add: Okay, I do know one answer. Black is the standard finish. Other colors have been hinted at as possibilities, but it won't be all that soon, I don't think.
 
Well, I ordered two as part of a larger order along with howling rat and swamp dog, and I have not seen them yet, so not sure if anyone else has seen theirs, but it doesn't appear so. Eric said he was sending me the green prototype, because I made a large order.
Thanks Eric, you da man:)
 
Hello and welcome to the Swamp Ronin Ichi!;) I am sure that Eric will chime in eventually on the sharpening angle on the swampers. With the Rat Tail in particular they are hand sharpened so there could be slight variations in the angle, but knowing Wally theres not enough to make any big difference.

You can dig out the thread Eric started about the Rat Tail, I think all the particulars are given there, I think:p They're going to be a great little utility! :D
 
I love Mine:D
They are great, kind of like a big Skeleton Key. I have a Green one but I think standard color is Black.
They are hollow ground like the SK's & are very sharp:eek:
The cord wrap gives you a very good grip on the knife when using it.
I think the 40 degree angle would work fine the blade is a little thin & I think 30 would be to thin, if that makes sense?
Neck carry seams best for this little knife but it would make a nice back up for a bigger blade on a piggy back rig.
If you have any other questions feel free to e-mail me.
 
I notice that besides not being included, a sheath is not offered at all! Does Swamp Rat plan to offer one?
 
Nope, because there's always complaint and dissention no matter what sheath is released, so they're just skipping the headache on this one. David (who posted right above you) has a kydex pattern ready to go for it, as does Brian Wagner. Contact info for them, and for other Swamp sheath makers can be found here.

:)
 
Originally posted by biogon
*sigh*

Two weeks and no sign of the RT shipping.

-j
Click to expand...

We had a very minor delay and most of the RT's should start shipping next week. You are going to quickly forget about the wait once you have this thing in your hand...

:D:D
 
Originally posted by Eric Isaacson
You are going to quickly forget about the wait once you have this thing in your hand...
Click to expand...

Sharp enough to perform frontal lobotomies and medial temporal lobe resections, huh?

;)

Sounds good. Thanks for the update, Eric.

-j
 
I'd rather have a free bottle in front of me than a pre-frontal lobotomy!
 
That means I should quit looking for a box containing two Rat Tails at my house when I return home from work each day.

Maybe next week!:D
 
Originally posted by David Brown
I think the 40 degree angle would work fine the blade is a little thin & I think 30 would be to thin, if that makes sense?
Click to expand...

David,

Yes, now that you mention it, it does make sense. Now I know why my 1/4" fixed blades can use a 30 degree edge and why the 3/16th" Rat Tail can't. Thanks David, and by the way, I can wait a few months for you to develop a pocket sheath. I think the kydex pocket sheath ( like the kydex pocket holster for the Seecamp/North American Arms Guardian )is an idea whose time is about to come. I think you might be the first to offer such a thing, at least your the only guy that has gotten back in touch with me. Thanks Again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top