Review Request: Swamp Rat Knife - any

Geode

Geode

Joined
May 12, 2001
Messages
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I just became aware of this replacement line for the Busse Basics. The knives have a fully convex edge and I am very interested in a new owner of any Swamp Rat knife posting a review of the knife put through its paces. What is the balance like and how does it handle? How does it cut? How easy to resharpen?

Thanks in advance.
 
geode,
what's a swamp rat? a replacement for the basics? that sounds cool, where would one find info (and maybe see a picture) on this knife? i checked the busse site and didn't see anything. i ask because i just decided i wanted a busse basic when they stopped making them...i know i'll eventually be able to find one, but a replacement line (especially one with a fully convex edge) would be of great interest to me.

i know it's a bit off topic, but any info you could give me would be much appreciated.

thanks,
e.
 
Try Swamp Rat Knife Works. They appear rather impressive to me. The blade thickness is not provided on the site itself, but there is a thread on their forum that indicates that the thickness is 1/4".
 
These things are great! For under $150, you can get any in the line from 9" Swamp Rat to 7 1/2" Camp Tramp on down to a small "Ratchet". There are pics of these at the site. Go check it out.

Since I have several Busse's already, looks like Swamp Rat Knife Works is going to get a lot of my business within the next year. If for nothing else but to have them in the collection.

These things might just replace the Steel Heart for my military Duties. Then again, maybe not...


Ed
 
The Swamp Rat knives were just introduced at the Blade Show and to say they are a replacement for the Basics is a little bit of a Misnomer. The Basics were made of Mod-INFI and were discontinued when the stock of Mod-INFI was used up.

The Swamp Rat line is made of SR101 a variation of 52100 with much better performance than you will ever see in any other 52100.

The knives can be seen here www.swamprat.com and we currently have a contest running here to give away a free knife. Contest for a Free Knife




Geode,
I'm sure there will be plenty of reviews appearing shortly however, since we just introduced the line it may take a while.
 
I was lucky enough to take a Battle Rat home from Blade. I had worked the booth the whole show, and Jerry appreciated that I think. I won both ways as I thoroughly enjoyed working the booth, and would not have preferred any other way to spend the show :D

I have used it in the woods for a few hours already. There will be a full review later, but let me suffice to say, it chops wonderfully, the handle is very friendly to your hands, and I am VERY impressed with it :D
 
Can't wait for your review! I'm interested in how long it takes to sharpen and edge-holding. Please hurry Andrew!!
 
Here are a couple of pics of the test we did at Blade on the Battle Rat.

The first one is the concrete block being chopped into.

The second one is the edge after it was completed, no nicks, rolls, or dents of the edge. :eek:

The whole thread with more info can be seen here http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000048#000008

115745concreteblockchop1.JPG


114535Nodamageoutside.JPG
 
Eric Isaacson - how would you compare it to the basic line?

Great link to the review. That is VERY impressive!
 
I am waiting impatiently for the two Rats that I have on order. Eric, do you have any idea about shipping dates?:confused:
 
Blilious,
Sorry for the delay in responding. My observations and usage of both a Battle Rat and Basic 9 is that the Swamp Rat knives will exceed the performance of the Basics. I no longer have the Basic 9 so I'm not able to do side by side testing but the Swamp Rat knives have shown great performance in the testing that has been done.

There have also been some improvements over the Basics especially where the handles are concerned. The Battle Rat and Camp Tramp have the Resiprene C handles but they are slightly thicker than the old Basics. They have also been hardened a little and a light texture has been added. The thumb pad, that was on the Basics has also been removed. All improvements as far as I'm concerned.


Aries59
I believe all knives have now shipped. If you don't receive yours sometime next week contact me and I'll look into it.
You also might want to check the Rat Chat forum for updates ;)
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=10
 
Eric

Thank you for your answer.

I have heard other opinions also - but would have to compare a basic 7 or a basic 5 to the Rat series head-to-head to find out which I like best...

Than get the one I do like - cause testing these would mean destroying both...the hard way...

it will be fun though...
 
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