Rodent 6 Handle Ergonomics

Kels73

Kels73

Joined
Feb 20, 2012
Messages
1,347
The Rodent 6 has really caught my eye, so I've been doing some research on it. I found a YouTube video by Gideon's Tactical and was surprised by some of his comments. He marked the Rodent 6 down for handle ergonomics, saying that it has significant hot spots. This surprised me, because most of the comments I've encountered on this forum have given high marks for handle ergonomics. Some wish the handle was bigger, but no one else has complained about hot spots, at least not that I'm aware of.

How do those of you who own, or have owned, a Rodent 6 feel about this? No two hands are alike, so is the Rodent 6 just a poor fit for him, or have others had this problem too?

Here's a link to the video.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=swamp+rat+rodent+6
 
It fit my hand well, it has a large enough grip to accommodate different sizes.
The main thing I think he had a problem with was the top guard getting in the way.
The weight was the main detractor for me, my RMD would do everything the R6 would, while being easier to handle.

If you like the design, steel, and the feeling of holding a sharpened jackhammer, then go for it.
Worst case just sell it on the exchange.
 
No issues with the R6 handle here, quite the opposite.
If the thickness is an issue for you, contact Trissy at Swamp Custom Shop and order a full flat grind. Some folks here did and they love the sliciness that configuration.

I did let go of a stock version in favor of one without the top guard though.
 
elof_alv said:
If the thickness is an issue for you, contact Trissy at Swamp Custom Shop and order a full flat grind.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, that is not currently an option. The Custom Shop is closed to be ordered until further notice.
Knives can still be purchased; but the options are limited to those offered on the website.
 
I saw the same video when I was tossing up whether to jump at a Rodent 6 that came up on the Exchange. He did make the point that it was just his experience/opinion, so I grabbed it, and I'm really glad that I did. It's great in the hand, I don't find the top guard gets in the way, and I love the weight of it. I got an order in with the Custom Shop just before it closed, getting another with liners to thicken the handle out just a touch. But other than that I think it's great.

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ozgooner said:
I saw the same video when I was tossing up whether to jump at a Rodent 6 that came up on the Exchange. He did make the point that it was just his experience/opinion, so I grabbed it, and I'm really glad that I did. It's great in the hand, I don't find the top guard gets in the way, and I love the weight of it. I got an order in with the Custom Shop just before it closed, getting another with liners to thicken the handle out just a touch. But other than that I think it's great.

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Rodent_6_hand_04.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks, Ozgooner. That's what I needed to hear. I don't have a problem with upper guards, but I was concerned about the other hot spot that he mentioned. It sounds like it's just a problem for him though. Again, no two hands are alike.
 
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Hot spot, how about a pair of gloves if his hands hurt so bad.
That Gideon dude loves Becker and Becker handles are hard to beat, especially if you dump the tacky plastic/grivory and get some nice micarta on there.
 
One of my favorite Bussekin. Love the top guard. I think it looks cool and it doesn't in my way choking up. Went on a scout survival trip this summer and after a lot of thought on what cutlery to use I took the R6, a Swamp Warden and a mutitool. They worked out perfectly. One of the things the boys had to do was each process a live chicken into dinner. After watching a few less than satisfactory decapitations with a hatchet I handed over the R6 with much more humane results. Warden was used to dress some of the birds. Most of the boys are city kids without a lot of outdoor experience and brought the usual assortment of junk knives. The look in their eyes when they picked up the R6 was worth the trip alone.
Someday I may have liners added to mine as I would like just a bit more thickness to the handles but that is really the only thing I can think of to improve it for my personel taste. If you don't like the top guard after trying it out it would be easy to remove yourself. Hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
 
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It's been my experience on the Internet if you look long you can find just about any comment you want to find (or don't) on just about anything there is to possibly comment on.
So many haters so little time. :cool::D
 
dman...great story. I was looking at busse table in Columbus. when I picked up the r6. I said, this ones coming home. Not everyone has to like em. I do.
 
I wear a large glove not xl don't have bannana hands the 6 is probly my fav and most used weight and balance is really good and I find the handle great with or without gloves high choke on blade with the choil seems to fit perfect and I like the top guard fits between my thumb and finger makes the blade very snug in hand when choked up
 
I just placed my order for a Rodent 6. Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments.

Now the wait begins...
 
The double handguarded blades is what brought me to Busse/Kin.....own two TGs, a RMD and have been eyeing a R6 for some time....might grab a Rucki first though.
 
I wonder how much longer they will last on the site. They are kinda last man standing. although with all the new ones coming out, they might last longer.
zombieassassin said:
The double handguarded blades is what brought me to Busse/Kin.....own two TGs, a RMD and have been eyeing a R6 for some time....might grab a Rucki first though.
Click to expand...
 
boring said:
I wonder how much longer they will last on the site. They are kinda last man standing. although with all the new ones coming out, they might last longer.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's one of the reasons I didn't wait any longer to order the Rodent 6. I might order a KDSH too.
 
I took a Rodent 6 on trade. Trissy graciously allowed me to change my order to a KDSH.

It's a user, so I spent some time putting a new edge on it tonight. I love the way this knife feels in hand and look forward to putting it through its paces.

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