Ratmandu or SAR5

high desert

high desert

Gold Member
Joined
May 20, 2009
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Looking for a camp knife in the 5 to 6 inch range. I read a lot of praise for the ratmandu. It seems that the sar5 isn't popular (I think it lacks some style that busses are known for), but buy looking at the rounded straight handle design it looks to be a very comfortable all around knife. As I have never held either and I welcome your comments.
 
I would take a look at the BOSS Street, cost wise it would be about the same as an RMD on the secondary market and it is INFI, it is about the same size (tad smaller) but would serve you well. :thumbup:
 
Boss street is only 4.25" but should be nice.

I had a Ratmandu for a while and it looked like it would be an excellent camp knife. I only sold it because I knew it wouldn't replace my Skinny ASH as my go to camp knife and the blade length was too long to legally carry here. The Ratmandu is a VERY nice knife though.
 
high desert said:
Looking for a camp knife in the 5 to 6 inch range. I read a lot of praise for the ratmandu. It seems that the sar5 isn't popular (I think it lacks some style that busses are known for), but buy looking at the rounded straight handle design it looks to be a very comfortable all around knife. As I have never held either and I welcome your comments.
Click to expand...

I think the Ratmandu is one the most attractive and functional knives that's ever left the Busse shop:thumbup: That said, I sold mine and kept the Sar5:foot: The thicker handles and the more usable blade length just made it a winner for me. Realistically, you can't go wrong with either one.
 
I LOVE the Ratmandu. If you're looking for a similar blade in the smaller profile, the BOSS Street is another excellent option as suggested. The SAR5 was interesting but not as comfortable for me.
 
I cant say anything bad about the Ratmandu ,,don't have one,Do have the Sar5 i love it it a great hunting and fishing knife,and it does the trick for cutting up small fire wood.Its my 16 year olds favorite knife,,As for the swamprat im sure its just as good.I own a few,,safe queens so far, Planning on useing one of my waki's as my new Brush HOG,,Probley its going to be more of a personal thing on your part .Either knife you deside on you got a winner.
 
I have both but the RMD is my all time fav. blade. it goes on all my camping/fishing trips:thumbup: id go for the RMD and give Chuddy Bear a call for a great sheath for it
 
Go with the RMD...

DSC_0019.jpg
 
I recommend the Ratmandu, unless you like a knife grip like a hammer handle. I like the SAR 5, but the thickness & roundness of the scales were a deal breaker for me. If I got one, I'd have to have the scales modified.

GregB
BaconBeavers
 
I found the g10 on the RMD, I owned briefly, to be a bit too slick. I did not try the micarta version so cannot comment on it except to say it looks more grippy. The S5 cg, in SR101 seems to be a very very close relative to the RMD. They have the same steel, the same stock thickness, same coatings and are about the same length and have similar grinds. The S5 has res-C grips, a differently shaped choil, and a thump ramp. The Res-C is quite a bit more grippy then the g10 on my RMD. If you do not have a knife with this grip type you should try it out, it really is something special. There are a number of people who prefer the Res-C as the ultimate handle material, especially in the mudder configuration that the S5 has.

The Scrapper 5 will be lighter overall which might make it a better knife for hiking and backpacking if weight is critical. The RMD is handle heavy and the S5 is blade heavy. The RMD has an exposed spine which might be advantageous if you are going to be using it as a hammer but the exposed steel will get cold in the winter etc. The S5 can currently be had for less on the exchange then the RMD as it has been out of production longer and has pricier handle materials.

The SAR-5 seems to be a best buy Busse. It really has a lot going for it. The steel is INFI, mostly seen as an upgrade to SR101. Though its questionable how much of a benefit it gives in knives that size. At a minimum it has better corrosion resistance. INFI is also more likely to dent then to chip and the dents can be amazingly easy to remove without having to grind down the edge and seemingly leaving no lasting damage. The SAR-5 has a full flat grind as opposed to the saber on the RMD or the S5. It does not have a choil integral with the edge and provides more edge for its overall blade length. With its transition between the handle and edge it would be easier to use for fine work and it has a narrower tip. The two biggest potential drawbacks of the design are the shape of the grips and the less effectiveness for finger protection from riding up onto the blade. With a non-standard shape and 'mistaken' release they do not seem to be increasing in cost as much on the exchange as most other Busse designs.
 
I believe the specs on the RMD are:

5.5" blade length
3/16" stock
SR101 (busse heat treated and possibly other modifications to 52-100)
Crinkle coated blades in various colors
Black G10 or black or tan micarta grips.
 
Anyone carry their RMD in a Spec Ops Combat Master?

How's it fit? I've heard those sheaths are great for 1/4 inch knives... is the RMD too thin for that sheath?
 
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