In my mind, the ballance is very similar, but overall the Desert Jack is lighter.
The desert Jack also has a longer blade.
I like the Desert Jack handle better but that's just me.
The best part about the Ratmandu is that I bought two of them for only a little more than I paid for one Desert Jack.
To be honest all of those little things I like better about the Desert Jack don't add up to much.
The Ratmandu is pretty awesome.