Ratmandu for hiking/survival

S

Silverbullet951

Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
94
Hi,
I am looking for a smaller fixed blade for hiking and general survival. I had been considering the ESEE 4/5/6 line but recently I've been thinking about trying a Busse family knife. The Ratmandu seems like a good and relatively inexpensive way to try out a high performance blade.

From what I understand, the Ratmandu is currently available and features the SR101 which should be very similar to 52100. For a hiking and survival knife, how does the SR-101 stand up in regards to chopping, battoning (not that I plan on doing much of that), and general edgeholding. I have only really used 1095 blades, and am wondering if the SR-101 is as tough in impacts or tougher. Will SR-100 be noticebly better than 1095 in every way?

Or should I really be looking at something using INFI? Basically, I want something that with a 5-6" blade length that is damn near impossible to break when used in the woods and not abused. Thanks!
 
Get the RMD. I've owned 5 or 6 of them and its my all time favortie blade. SR 101 is tough as nails and will hold an edge a lot longer than Rowen's 1095, which is a great steel BTW.

I've used a lot of knives including ESEE's and the ratmandu is the most comfortable for my hands and even though it costs more I think its worth the price.

If you pass on the RMD the ESEE 6 is the next best thing. Its an awesome knife but not quite as comfortable for extended use.
 
Get one. You will not regret it. It is one of the most useable/ergonomic knives I own. Here is a review I did a while back, batoning hard, dry mesquite wood. For those not familiar with mesquite it is much harder than hickory and even harder than ironwood. Anyway... follow the link for it my review.

It still shaved just fine after all that abuse. Infi is also very good, but Busse's sr101 (52100) is an excellent value. The biggest difference in performance is that infi is far more rust resistant. 52100 is similar to 1095 with regard to rust but is superior with regard to edge-retention and toughness. It does require a bit of oil after use if surface rust bothers you. Buy one, or better... two. You will not regret it.

Here is the link: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Ratmandu-use-and-abuse...?highlight=ratmandu

EDIT TO ADD: One other consideration is the Scrap Yard Knives 511 for sale now $89.95. It is similar to the RMD (same steel), but with a resperine handle. A better bargain cannot be found in my opinion.
here is the link... http://shop.scrapyardknives.com/product.sc?productId=58&categoryId=4
 
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The RMD is outstanding and is even a pretty good skinner. The HRLM is a must have also IMO and have just aquired my second one. It will be sent to Nate for convex/polishing job. The RMD and the HRLM Nate did and posted are a must see.
 
Get the Ratmandu! It is great and better than the 511 from Scrap Yard in my opinion. You will not be disappointed.
 
I would also say grab one, very comfortable, good size for what your looking for, rust won't be an issue as long as you do simple maintenance, I also agree that it's better than the 511 just released, edge holding is very good, better than the 1095 series offered, and Infi, toughness also very good. You will need to purchase a sheath separately.
 
I've got both companies knives and neither one will disappoint you.

That said,

The ESEE small knives, 3 and 4 have small handles, if you have big hands you will probably like the RMD better. The 5 and 6 have larger handles but they are a little blocky, but comfortable.

The RMD is also a bit more robust and the SR101 steel has better edge holding, and the RMD comes in lots of different color and handle material combo's.

But, I like them both and will continue to buy both when I can, especially the ESEE Laser Strike when it comes out, I've wanted one since they were first made by TOPS. :)
 
I have a LOT of knives (though not nearly as many as some here) and the RMD is my all time favorite so far. I will be getting at least one extra if not more, and I may even replace the Camp Tramps in my car and truck with them. Great, well designed knife- you will not be sorry!
 
The Ratmandu is better than the ESEE-4 is just about every way other than the lack of sheath issue.
 
Thanks everyone! Sounds like the RMD is just about perfect, especially for the money. I'll be sure to post some pics of it once it's mine!

Does anyone know what production sheaths will fit this thing? Doesn't matter what company, just wondering what people have been using for the RMD...
 
You want leather, kydex, or nylon? Crucial information..... :)
 
The RMD is a fantastic choice. I thinned out and convexed the edge of mine and it cuts like a laser.

The only thing I don't like about the knife is the choil.
 
Probably looking for some sort of synthetic sheath at this time and hopefully less then....say $30? I would think that some of the production sheaths from SOG, Kabar, and other should work....

The sheath thing is one of the biggest draws for me to the ESEE line....love their kydex systems. But really any good synthetic one will do for me. What have you guys been using?

@Leatherman - BTW, your leatherwork looks fantastic!
 
I carried mine in the smaller spec ops sheath (which it never fit into great) for quite a while and finally broke down and got a handmade kydex from steelnut which fits it perfect :)
Most of the kydex makers on the forums will get you a sheath for $30-40 within a week or so, it's worth it... Good luck!! :)
 
Get a Ratmandu ASAP
Here are some pics of mine being used, it gets used a lot.
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Silverbullet951 said:
Probably looking for some sort of synthetic sheath at this time and hopefully less then....say $30? I would think that some of the production sheaths from SOG, Kabar, and other should work....

The sheath thing is one of the biggest draws for me to the ESEE line....love their kydex systems. But really any good synthetic one will do for me. What have you guys been using?

@Leatherman - BTW, your leatherwork looks fantastic!
Click to expand...
Thank you! :D

As far as kydex goes there's a ton of makers out there bending the plastic, its a good time to be a fan of the stuff. :)
 
MAX ~ What color combo is that, black blade and black canvas micarta? I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going with....looks awesome!
 
Ordered it! Black canvas with black blade.....hope they have that color and can't wait for it to arrive! Pics will follow as soon as it's here :-)
 
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