So I discovered Swamp Rat and now I may have to have one

NjHart

NjHart

Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
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I've managed to spend quite a lot of time around the forums in the last couple of months without really stopping by here somehow or another. As I've posted around in various other sections of the forums, I've been on the hunt for a fixed blade. I'm rather minimalist, and I'm looking for a single fixed blade that can fit most of my needs to an average to above average level and enter the swamp rat knives! I should start by saying, I started by looking into the Busse's and I've been strongly considering the ESEE's as well. The Busse knives are great- in fact maybe perfect, but I just cannot bring myself to spend that much on a fixed blade yet (despite trying). My folders get daily use, and I'm just not sure any fixed blade will get quite enough use just yet to go all out. The ESEE's are great, but I'm not sure they have quite enough style for me.

The Rodent Solution and Ratmandu both have quite a lot of appeal to me, they have that great Busse style and a price range that I'm significantly more comfortable with right now. I'll primarily be using my knife for fishing, BBQ, some ranching chores, and plenty of general outside fun. My questions to yall are pretty basic beginner stuff I think-

Which would you choose between the two?
What can you tell me about SR-101?
Where can I buy them (any where other than the site, and how long does it take to have an order processed)?
Does either come with a sheath or am I on my own?
Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance for all the help! I'm not 100% committed here yet, but I really love the Busse and Bussekin knives looks and want something to partner with my Sebenza as my go anywhere do anything duo. I look forward to reading all of yalls input and advice!
 
Well first, Welcome!

I'm sure you will find all your knifing needs filled here.

I've always wanted a Rodent Solution, they look prefect for small task and the Ratmandu, well that thing just gets praises left and right. I had one....and would have liked to keep it and look forward to getting another....just too many knives without enough reasons to keep them all. Check here http://shop.swampratknives.com/ for ordering

As far as time, depends what is ready to ship. Email them and they could give you a better idea.

I would go for the larger, just my preference. For sr 101, you are picking the perfect steel for that size knife. Keen edge, excellent retention, great blade steel and top notch heat treat. Sheaths are sometimes offered for sale at the time of purchase, but there are many talented makers on the boards to fill any special request in leather or Kydex
Amoralleather, Rainwalker, Chuddybear, David Brown, Okuden, Mashed Cat....just to name a few

Anything to consider.....yes, watch the Exchange and look for some older gems, 1st generation Howling Rat, Desert Jack. Also Scrapyard releases a few models in Sr101 , so to save more money....check those out
 
Welcome to the Swamp Madness!

Doesn't really matter which one you will get first... You're going to get the other one soon after! :D

You might get just a little bit more utility out of RMD. A great mid size knife!

Not the best photo, but should give you idea how they compare in size:
DSC04528.jpg
 
I ordered an RMD (my first Busse-kin) last week and was quoted 5-7 weeks. Lots of good color choices available right now!!
 
As far as sheaths go, your never alone as long as I am residing in the Lone Star State. :)

ESEE is great stuff, I have a lot of their knives, but yes they are utility not so much looks. The Swamp as it all over them on style. :D

A good companion for the Sebbie would be a Solution, they have a similar sense of style.
 
I actually started looking at the Rodent series last night too after I posted here. One of my biggest fixed blade issues is size, If we are talking anything under 4 inches I have a hard time not using the large Sebenza that permanently resides in my pocket, but anything over 5 is illegal to carry in Texas, and though I certainly wouldn't be EDCing any of these guys I'd certainly rather avoid any questions of legality. I know that I would certainly enjoy any number of blades and various sizes, but for my first and original go to I want something that is bigger and tougher than my Sebenza, carry friendly (I don't make a habit of breaking laws when I don't have to), and it has to look good. I really think the Rodent 4 may be the ideal in between size, but do they offer different handle colors and finishes? Black never was my style!
 
I would go with the RMD simply because you have more blade length to work with... comes in handy when cutting brisket :)
 
Is the RMD legal in Texas?! I thought it 5.25 inches and the law was 5, but I'm far from certain on either. If that's the case I'll be putting in an order ASAP. I want something that I could carry on my belt without any question, and you're absolutely right on the length being helpful. Certain nameless other people who use kitchen knives around my house are afraid of sharpness, so I like to have my own that can do the job.
 
Texas law states, rather fuzzily but I found the concrete definition, measurement of blade length starts at the end of the handle to the tip of the blade. This counts the ricasso and choil, BUT Texas states that 5.5 inches not 5 is the legal length.

I dont have my RMD in hand, but will soon and I'll measure it. That definition has thrown several knives out of my EDC rotation simply because they have insane lengths between the handle and actual cutting edge.
 
If the law in Texas is 5.5 inches then you will be good to go. The RMD would be my choice for an all around blade. The lead times for orders right now are 5-7 weeks as stated earlier. Good luck with your pick and let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Texas penal code 46.6

(6)**"Illegal knife" means a:
(A)**knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B)**hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
(C)**dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard;
(D)**bowie knife;
(E)**sword; or
(F)**spear.
 
Awesome! I just looked up the law and confirmed its 5.5- my memory was mistaken. I definitely want a RMD. Thanks for all the help and input. I'm not the most patient person in the world, is there any reputable dealer or other source of more instant gratification? If not I'll have to put in my order and buy lots of scotch to pass the time. I'm very excited to find such a good looking knife that fits my size requirements.
 
I am fixin to get my War Dog some new pants within the next week or two.... That's my favorite "small" outdoors knife. BTW, Texas law defines a bowie as any knife with blade over 5.5'' AND/OR with a double guard.... the interpretation is not clear, you get into murky waters on that one.
 
RMD Bro is the way to go!!! Oh and welcome to the madness. I was thinking about moving back down to TX and when I read there laws I think I am changing my mind. I have been up here so long that I will leave a FBM in the back of the Jeep and think nothing about it. In TX that is cause for arrest and being charged a felon and loose any other RIGHTs. So I'm looking else where!!! Might head over to Jason's neck of the woods cause that's where my blood is from anyway, LOUISIANA:thumbup:
 
I'm going to give the exchange a few days scout and see what pops up because I'm ridiculously impatient, but yeah I'm way to excited. I'm drinking and already feeling impatient!
 
RMD is an awesome all-around knife, SR-101 takes and holds a great edge.
I'm not sure what the current wait time is, but you can order through the store on their site.
When I got mine last year I was expecting 5-6 weeks and got it in less than 2. Obviously, YMMV.
 
Louisiana does have a few perks, no state regulated knife length laws. Hell, only time I ever ran into one was at my local college, and it was either 5.5" or 6" max fixed blade length for carry while on campus.

Spent a good 4 years in Texas though.....Copperas Cove, Lampasas. Spent countless weekends in Austin, Fredricksburg, Burnet, A few trips to Dallas area. But one day, I NEED to make a trip to Alaska though. Seems like a good time could be had!!!
 
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