Ratmandu and Infidu

J

JohnM

Joined
Oct 22, 2005
Messages
725
Fellow Hogs and Piglets,

I am seriously bummed at missing the Ganzaa last night. Also, had no idea that the Ratmandu had such HOG love. I've been a Busse guy for years, starting with the BATAC, whenever that was. Haven't paid all that much attention to Swamp Rat. But it looks like the Ratmandu is considered one of the classics and the Infidu is destined for the same.

What is it about this knife? Ergos, length, all of the above?

John
 
In the 5" blade range the RMD is quite agile as well as sturdy the SR 101 takes a great edge and BusseKin are known for hard use knives. If you plan a day trip or longer this is a great size for
camp duty the ergos are excellent and weight compared to its larger family choppers is minimal.
 
I think many were attracted by the price, at around $250 the infidu was a good deal, it's basically a 5" Busse LE at a Swamp rat price... I would have gone for one if I didn't take the BATAC from previous gannza, need to keep an eye for the coming up B8 so I decided to pass it this time
 
It's got an ergonomic handle and a traditional and versatile blade shape. Personally, I would prefer it without the large choil, but I still went for one last night (albeit a bit late). If you prefer conservative, utilitarian designs, swamp rats are perhaps a bit more appealing than Busses.
 
It isn't too late to turn in an email. You never know how many they'll produce. Good luck!
 
The ratmandu is a great blade. It can easily fill that mid size blade need. And coupled with the power of Infi it is amazing.

Garth
 
I'll second everything here, except that I really like the larger (i.e., useful) choil. You can use to to choke up for finer work or in tight spots. I have several RMD's. Been waiting for an INFI version for what seems forever. However, the standard SR101 version is fantastic and is a "must have" IMHO.
 
fromABACUStoPC said:
Unless they stated it in ordering thread all knives are built to order, it's the "models" of the blade being offered not necessarily the unsold knives.
Click to expand...

This.... which leads me to believe they are already built or that a limited number is planned or in process.

1) Some of the knives being offered are extremely limited in number. So, be sure to include second, third, and fourth choices in your email as the pieces you request might be sold out before you get your emails in!
 
Its a "Gateway" knife :)
 
JavaHog said:
This.... which leads me to believe they are already built or that a limited number is planned or in process.

1) Some of the knives being offered are extremely limited in number. So, be sure to include second, third, and fourth choices in your email as the pieces you request might be sold out before you get your emails in!
Click to expand...

I'm thinking it's not just the number of knives being made but also the handle options people choose. Let's say they're making 1000 of a specific model but only have enough handles for 100 of them. If you look carefully, each knife/handle combo is listed as a different knife. Also, based on past ganzas like for the NMFSH, if they have only 1000 knives planned but the order comes in at 1100, I don't think they've told the last 100 that they can't get their knives, they just had to wait until they made more of those blanks. Some people got them really fast, others had to wait months longer to get theirs. This isn't considering limited numbered knives. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

As for the RMD, it's a great handling knife, feels great in hand. I believe the BATAC's handles are the same as on the SJTAC which are similar to the RMDs, just bigger.
 
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fromABACUStoPC said:
I think many were attracted by the price, at around $250 the infidu was a good deal, it's basically a 5" Busse LE at a Swamp rat price... I would have gone for one if I didn't take the BATAC from previous gannza, need to keep an eye for the coming up B8 so I decided to pass it this time
Click to expand...

Since you mentioned the BATAC, a 5" Busse model relatively close to the 'Du, I'll toss in these 2 comparison pix of the BATAC with a Ratmandu here. :)

BATAC_Ratmandu1.jpg


BATAC_Ratmandu2.jpg
 
Thanks Jaxx. I had a couple of BATACs long ago and liked the feel in hand but thought it was a little big for the blade length. The 'Du looks like the ticket.
 
Nice comparison shot! It's interesting how both knives don't appear to be all that radically different until you pick them up. The BATAC is a much more heavily built knife. Larger in almost every dimension too. I was surprised the first time I picked one up.

The Ratmandu is a sleek and fast, while the BATAC is raw brute power.

IC
 
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