Ratweiler le

Pretty sure the Rucki's are through hardened as well. It'd be news to me if they weren't. It's been awhile since the Swamp released any DHT. ETA - I think the M9 might have been the last one. 2008 / 2009?
 
Yay! Idk why, but differentially heat treated just doesn't sit well with me. Like I said. Idk why. I guess I like the thought of being able to sharpen it to a nub if my great great great grandchillins need to do so.
 
That's interesting information. I have a '2009 SRKW M9 LE Satin with a very prominent Hamon line (BTW, I may be selling). It was also my understanding a benefit of Differential Heat-Treating is to allow for a flexible and tough spine with a hardened edge. Like the legendary Japanese Katana. I'm sure the 'through hardening' doesn't make the knife brittle, but what was the reason for the change? Probably $$. I'd imagine it's easier and less costly to 'through harden' a batch of blades, instead of the trickier process of Differential Heat-Treat.

SJ
 
ScooterJammer said:
That's interesting information. I have a '2009 SRKW M9 LE Satin with a very prominent Hamon line (BTW, I may be selling). It was also my understanding a benefit of Differential Heat-Treating is to allow for a flexible and tough spine with a hardened edge. Like the legendary Japanese Katana. I'm sure the 'through hardening' doesn't make the knife brittle, but what was the reason for the change? Probably $$. I'd imagine it's easier and less costly to 'through harden' a batch of blades, instead of the trickier process of Differential Heat-Treat.

SJ
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SpyderPhreak said:
Pretty sure the Rucki's are through hardened as well. It'd be news to me if they weren't. It's been awhile since the Swamp released any DHT. ETA - I think the M9 might have been the last one. 2008 / 2009?
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Yep, M9 is DHT. I think the last one. Busse decided that SR-101 was still tough enough when through-hardened that the added cost for DHT wasn't necessary.

tinfoil hat timmy said:
Yay! Idk why, but differentially heat treated just doesn't sit well with me. Like I said. Idk why. I guess I like the thought of being able to sharpen it to a nub if my great great great grandchillins need to do so.
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You're SO missing out! Some of the best Swamp blades ever were DHT.
 
Mr. SpyderPhreak...thank you for the information. I appreciate it. IMHO, DHT is a better Heat-Treat process, but I don't have any data to prove it. As long as the ST101 doesn't get brittle, I'm sure 'through heat-treat' is an acceptable process.

BTW, I'm a 'former Rocketman'. 30 years at the Kennedy Space Center working the Shuttle Program.

SJ
 
No problem! I agree, DHT is better all other things being equal. Most through-hardened Busse and kin are run at 58 - 60 Rc, so not super hard, but not really soft either.

So far, since moving from 5 years of aeronautics about 8 years ago, I've done engineering work on Orion, the Atlas and Delta rocket families, and two of the three contenders for the NASA commercial crew vehicle contract. Unfortunately, I'm looking for work right now...
 
Unfortunately, I'm looking for work right now...
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Unfortunately, a lot of folks in Aerospace are. :mad: The 'Administration' has basically gutted the entire Space Program for entitlement programs. My entire career was on the 'Man-Rated' programs. I would have liked to work on the 'other-side of the river'. CCAFS.

Good luck with your search.

SJ
 
I'm not very good at technical reviews, but I did get to put some use on mine since those pics of when it was new. Mine came with liners and the handle is contoured nicely. Also, the previous owner ordered it in black canvas instead of the black G10 the LEs were listed with. Perfect for a user :thumbup:



As you said, it's a skinny rat. I like the thin stock, and it bites pretty deep for its size. Most of this work was done with the M9 (a very under-rated blade IMO) but the LE held its own and was a pleasure in use.



The handle is darkening up a bit with use, and the naked SR101 is starting to take a natural patina from the use. Still, I like it just the way it is. It is very handy around camp and I think you'll enjoy the one you've got coming.
 
Wasn't the first batch of Waki's DHT? I thought they were the last of it. The hamon does look neat, but I too prefer the peace of mind of knowing the whole blade could be used up until it was just an ice pick. :D

Congrats on the Ratweiler LE score THT!
 
AZTimT said:
Wasn't the first batch of Waki's DHT? I thought they were the last of it. The hamon does look neat, but I too prefer the peace of mind of knowing the whole blade could be used up until it was just an ice pick. :D

Congrats on the Ratweiler LE score THT!
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I've seen that before about the first batch of Waki's being DHT, but have never found anything officially supporting it. Never seen a hamon on a Waki either. Would be pretty cool if true!
 
The RAT has landed. I have to say, this is one of the only blades that I've been in awe of out of the box. Don't get me wrong, my collection if keepers are keepers for a reason. But... I mean... WOW. This beast will have twins soon enough I'm sure. Enough small talk. Time to drop some.....
 
I think you have to go old school to get differential.

RWstripped.jpg
 
I'd rather not thanks. It severely limited the lifespan of the blade. Say a piece chips out, or you sharpen to the hamon line. What then?

I'm a fan of through hardened. This blade will be used until I decide to pass it along to the next generation of parinoid CRAZIES.
 
More love for this mutant RAT


I wish the lighting didn't suck so hard. Oh well. It's still a monster. Who needs a tglb battle grade?
 
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