Rmj tactical vs swamprat

rodriguez7

rodriguez7

Gila wilderness knife works
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Feb 1, 2009
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Well im looking for a really durable breaching type shtf hawk. Something I could use for anything, from skinning, to cutting my way into or out of a vehicle or building if I ever had to. Its between these two companies for sure. Im just wondering which would be the better choice as far as all out toughness and durability. I have done my share of research on rmj tactical. And I own my share of swamprat knives. But I could use a little bit of help with this decision. Thanks for the help.
 
I would say the RMJ is better. You can see the thought that went into the design. The swamprat looks like a very basic chopping device. If the swamprat is a lot cheaper then that may be a reason to buy it but to me I think RMJ is a much better tool
 
Not sure you could go wrong with either re: toughness and durabillity. Which SR axe are we referring to also? KD Sniper hawk or the RH? Both RMJ and Swamp Rat are great tools that could do whatever you throw at it. I would go with the one you like the most.
 
I like both swamprats, I have always liked the look of the rattlehawk though. The swamprats are cheaper, but im thinking the rmj may be a little more durable. I really like the jenny wren and shrike.
 
I also really like the sheath system the rmj's come with. The shoulder strap looks ideal.
 
I have both KD and RH and really love them. A dude from the Busse/Swamprat forum (OGE) chopped directly through a car in a junk yard with his KD sniper hawk, so I am not sure I would say they are less durable. You can search for that thread. I really like the RMJ's too, but not sure I have seen a vid or photos of something similar. Again, not sure you can go wrong with your decision if they are between the two companies.
 
I like the shoulder strap rig as well on my RMJ Shrike S13. I can carry it on hikes without it interfering with my HPG kit bag and small daypack, sling it on with a plate carrier at work, or just toss it in the truck w/o having to dedicate the sheath to a single piece of gear (body armor,pack,whatever).
 
If I may suggest you look at Storm Crow's new hawks he just started. I received mine on Thursday and allready I have cut down 6 juniper trees chopped an split an 8 ft long 2 x8 I've Doug with it I smashed cement blocks with the pry spike and other than the paint coming off there are no chips dings or Knicks to the blade or spike. And the great part it is the base price for the hmmer pole is 200 and 225 for spike and 250 for the beard sharpened pry bar. It is great and just my 2 cents
 
I have not used my Jenny Wren for breaching, but I do carry it. I even went bowling with it slung under my button down shirt, nobody noticed I had it on. If the SHTF, I would want a hawk that I could carry, conceal, fight with, breach, and chop wood. Although small, the Jenny Wren can cut above it's weight class. Ryan said he let some Marines test out some hawks. They chose the JW over the larger models because it's small and light, yet can still breach.
If it's important to you, my JW came shaving sharp. I could easily skin game with the main edge. The sharpened beard is pretty sharp, yet thicker for it's purpose. The spike's edges are also very sharp, very precise grinding and sharpening. I have not thrown mine, but it feels like it wants to fly. Ryan has made a few statements about how well it throws, if that's something you are interested in.
 
Thanks for the info. I love the looks of the J.W. And yes I do love to throw my hawks. So you think the jenny wren is enough to be able to tear through a metal door? Or breach a brick wall if I ever had to? I mean is it built stout enough?
 
OK, I just realized that not only does Helm Forge/Storm Crow make some sweet looking hawks...but he's also local to me!
Excellent news!
:)

B.
 
Like most things in life, there's few that can do everything well. For hawks, I've found that there is going to be some trade off in order to cover as many bases as possible. The toughest indestructible breacher is not going to be the best game skinner ... If you need to break windshield glass and crush concrete, there's several excellent choices to pick from. If you want to dice, slice, and skin, get a designated hunting knife to pair with the hawk. For fighting, you go in the middle somewhere. If I had an unlimited budget, I contact Daniel Winkler and invest in his breaching tool, a fighting hawk, and a camp knife. Since $ is limited however, my choices will be more modest.
 
Cool, thanks for all the feedback. I do carry knives for specific purposes. Usually a swamprat or busse of some sort and a couple spydercos. I just think a good all around hawk is a valuable tool, something to carry in my truck, and on all my hikes. Im usually out in the middle of the mountains here in new mexico. Hunting, hiking, or riding my quads. I have heard of rmj being the busse of the hawk world. But man those winklers are nice too. Tough decision, and a lot of great choices.
 
I would think Swamp Rat would be more Busse than RMJ.

I would be happy to own any of the hawks mentioned in this thread.
 
rodriguez7 said:
Thanks for the info. I love the looks of the J.W. And yes I do love to throw my hawks. So you think the jenny wren is enough to be able to tear through a metal door? Or breach a brick wall if I ever had to? I mean is it built stout enough?
Click to expand...

I have not done those things with mine. Ryan said the Marines did, and it held up fine. OTOH, it is very light, so compared to a heavier hawk, you'll be doing most of the hard work. The weight and length of axes/hatchets/hawks help determine their swing power. The JW is short and light, so each swing will not produce the same power as a longer and heavier hawk. Again, it's sharp and easy to carry, but the thinner edge is not the same as a dedicated breacher. I like it as a backup to a pistol, not a primary wood chopper or a breacher. I could use it for fighting or breaching if I had to get in or out of a vehicle, but maybe not a cinderblock wall(at least not fast). A 20" Hudson bay or a longer boy's axe is much better for chopping trough wood.
You just have to imagine having to carry a particular hawk, it's size and weight. If the SHTF, will you be on foot, what other gear will you have, and how fast can you deploy the hawk? I can carry the JW on it's strap for part of a day, just under a button down shirt. If I had to carry it for longer periods, I'd rather strap it to a backpack or MOLLE gear. After a while the strap is pulling on my neck and gets uncomfortable.
 
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