Rat Trap & Swamp Rat - first impression

How does the edge compare between the Rat Trap and the 710? I would like to get one or the other of these. What to you think of the two? When I say edge thickness, I mean the thickness between the primary and secondary bevels. Thanks.

Richard
 
G'day Richard,
Both knives, 710 and RT had to be extensively reprofiled to get a 30 degree primary edge, both were around the 40 degree mark, the 710 maybe a little more obtuse. Both took several hours on the brown rods of the sharpmaker to slim them down, but the increase in their slicing performance once complete, was very noticeable. They are both 3/16 thick, which makes the RT thinner at the edge due to the greater width of the blade.
They are two very different knives, both are extremely well made. My advise -if you lean towards tactical, buy the 710 - but if you want a more practical utility style knife - go the RT. Both are comfortable to carry.
I can justify to myself that owning both is acceptable, I will probably get more use from the RT, but everyone should own a 710.
 
Good info guys, thanks :D

I think the SR blade thickness is about 5/32", and I thought the 710 was 1/8", but I could be wrong.
 
NIce review Stockman. I'm still waiting for the Manix to return from Spyderco with it's edge ground. I leave for Kununurra this wednesday and am hoping it turns up before then. If not I'll havr o make do with the Millie and my RAT7. Anyway, that's me- I take it the Rattrap is winning out over the Manix for you?
 
G'day Ming, Hopefully your Manix will arrive on time, its such a good bush knife. I just spent the weekend in the Lowden Valley, walking around the bush, but didn't get to carry it - my old man, who lives down that way, borrowed it, and I never got it back, he fell in love with it.
The Rat trap being lighter and slimmer is more suited to EDC for this city slicker, but I will have to buy another Manix for myself for them outdoors activities.
 
this same issue was beat to death with the Buck Strider SBT. still haven't heard of anyone breaking one. I've been edc the RT since I got it last week. (also carried the Tarani for a while) For it's size & handle shape the RT is great. Very light & comfortable. Like others, just wish they had a black blade.
 
Anyone know what the liners are made of? Yes, I know they're steel, any specifics?
 
For me it is: Looking at that nice picture of the #63 open, shows a somehow bend over liner. That´s not what i would expect to be strong.

I had a look at my old Gerber AR 3.00 wich has a thin liner too, but that stands straight and hasn´t moved over the last years.

I would like to see more open Traps, to see if those bended liners are common or not.

On the one hand i would like to get a folder packed with an outstanding warranty and a nice design. But it has to be made well. That particular model #63 doesn´t impress me.

That´s all.
 
Blop, You probably have a valid point with regards to the curve in the liner. I have not owned a liner lock before #63 so I can't compare with another. If you push firmly on the spine, the liner does appear to flex, if this is an early sign that the lock will fail with additional pressure, I could not say. It does however lock up tight with no blade play and I can't see how it would fail during normal usage, ie using it as a knife, not a hammer.
I haven't seen or heard any feedback from others who have purchased the Rat Trap, not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but curious as to other owners views on this issue.
 
ALL things being equal, the larger lockbar=the stronger lockbar.
Again, ALL things being equal. Its a matter of bearing surface also.
 
I hope to see or read some more reviews. After all it´s an attracting folder.
 
Interesting review. Like your honest comment on shipping charges. Sadly, many companies behave this way.
 
I'm trying to decide what knife to buy between the Rat Trap and the Manix. They seem very similar except for the Spideys pocket clip mounting options. Since you own both, which would you recommend? Any advice would be helpful.
 
God Damn that Rat Trap is one Sexy knife. There I said it. I feel better now. That is on my Hot List for 2005 purchases.
 
Laceration said:
I'm trying to decide what knife to buy between the Rat Trap and the Manix. They seem very similar except for the Spideys pocket clip mounting options. Since you own both, which would you recommend? Any advice would be helpful.
Click to expand...

The Manix's lock makes the Rat Trap's lock look like a slipjoint! However, the Rat Trap is considerably lighter. Good luck with your decision! :)
 
Laceration said:
I'm trying to decide what knife to buy between the Rat Trap and the Manix. They seem very similar except for the Spideys pocket clip mounting options. Since you own both, which would you recommend? Any advice would be helpful.
Click to expand...

Do you have a knife that you like now? The RT and the Manix are actually very different animals, I have/had both. If you can express a "type" that you like, I'll do my best to describe which, in my opinion, may be a better fit.
 
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