Ratmandu or Rodent 4

S

scalz

Joined
Jan 17, 2014
Messages
9
Hi All,
I'm new to this forum and and am very interested in purchasing a Swamp Rat knife to start my addiction.

I primarily want the knife for bushcraft work while overnight hiking/camping. After reading all I could in this forum along with other EDC and Bushcraft forums, I was sure I wanted a Ratmandu. but after posting in the want section of the classifieds a gold member suggested I skip the Ratmandu for a Rodent 4. Any thoughts from owners of these knives would help me make my decision.

Couple of question while on my search.
1. I noticed that most review videos didn't show these knives being used as a striker on a fire steel. Can you in fact do this with these knives?
2. Also I take it that the knives are made with the same blade steel. One review video showed the Ratmandu cutting paper and cardboard with ease, whereas the Rodent 4 had a little trouble. Was this just the need for sharpening? Or do you think one blade was modified in its grind?

Thanks in advance

John in CT
 
I think anyone interested in Swamp Rat Knives should own at least one RMD, that would be the one that I would buy first. I own both and they're both excellent. The larger blade on the RMD makes it a better all around camp knife, in my opinion.

I personally have never tried a fire steel on any of their knives, but I have no doubt it will throw sparks provided you have made a spot on the spine with nice square edges.

At present, SR101 is all that Swamp Rat uses in their knives. Any difference in cutting between knives is due to edge geometry and sharpness. SR101 takes a great edge.

If you want it to be more slicey you can order it through the custom shop with a full flat grind. I'm sure you could go full convex too if you wanted to go that route. Expect at least a a 3 month wait, though.

And if it were me, I would choose canvas micarta since it is a bit lighter and provides better grip when wet.
 
Last edited:
I'll add my preference for the RMD. :)


And to remind myself to get at least one more before Swamp Rat does something silly like discontinuing it.
 
leatherman said:
I'll add my preference for the RMD. :)


And to remind myself to get at least one more before Swamp Rat does something silly like discontinuing it.
Click to expand...

Dwayne... why put so much dread in our hearths? The Swamp would never disco the RMD, right?

RIGHT???

As for the matter at hand: RMD, it's a classic. Pair it with a R3 and "BAM" all bases covered.
 
Everyone needs a RMD. I have several. The 4 is good it you want something that is a bit smaller overall. It is also a very nice blade. You can't go wrong either way in my book.
 
Turbomammoth said:
Dwayne... why put so much dread in our hearths? The Swamp would never disco the RMD, right?

RIGHT???

As for the matter at hand: RMD, it's a classic. Pair it with a R3 and "BAM" all bases covered.
Click to expand...

I do sincerely hope not. :) But my all time favorite small knife in the Howler LM went the way of the dodo so I never say never.
 
I'd say both :D
They are both great knives, and as it has already been said, RMD will probably be the more able knife of the 2.
R4 might be a bit more adherent to the 'bushcrafty' trend though...
You could go half way, contact customer service and order a drop point RMD.
As to cutting performance, Swamp (Busse & Scrap Yard) knives usually come with quite sharp edge, but most models are quite thick close to the edge and cutting performance does suffer. You have two options, order FFG or reprofile the edge.

And since I've always said that threads like this one are worthless without pics:


And if you want a real recommendation, I'd say get a Dog Skinner (if you can) ;) :D
Bottom one in the pic


Yeah, yeah... I know some of you hate me... :D
 
I hate you for showing that dog skinner again LMAO

But that first knife in the top picture is quite sexy too :)
 
I've struck firesteels straight off of the blade and the SR101 throws sparks just fine. First one has to be a Ratmandu.

I hope SwampRat never, ever discontinues the RMD. Of course, just the threat of it leaving the production line would bury them in RMD orders.
 
I have a RMD Bowie, sold my RMD to fund other purchases and regret that move and am trying to get it back. Like the others said, everyone
should have a RMD, they are that good. You will not be disappointed.
 
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