Survival/Bushcraft/Work Fixed Blade

I've narrowed it down to the Ratmandu or the ESEE 6. I researched both so much, and my brain hurts from indecision. I got some more money so now I can afford a better sheath for the RMD if I got it. I like the price, warranty, and company of the Esee though.
 
Get used to that feeling. So many great knives, production and custom, aftermarket suppliers of kydex and leather goods, and opinions vary. I got into the habit of buying the things that interested me, and either selling or trading away here on the forum the ones that didn't quite make the cut after purchase. Perhaps not the most cost effective approach, but a good way to get hands on for knives you can't otherwise find in a local store.
 
zazoola said:
So how does the ratmandu compare to the bravo 1?
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They are VERY different knifes. The Ratmandu is longer, thinner, has a coated blade, and has a choil. I would say quality of both are pretty similar.
 
Just go to the for sale by individuals section, busse\swamp rat section and look around. Lots of RMD variants these days too...
 
Get a stack of Mora knives while you work out what it is you want.

When you have worked out what you want you can stash the left over Mora knives in places you are likely to need a knife.
 
rpn said:
Just go to the for sale by individuals section, busse\swamp rat section and look around. Lots of RMD variants these days too...
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I did, and all I saw was a Sykco and a expensive custom. I'll probably just go ESEE and buy a SR later.
 
Seriously, they're all over the exchange. Just go take a look. Or try Everybody's Buying And Yelling website.
 
Not to hijack the thread, but I have been eyeing a Ratmandu as well. I currently have a Becker Bk2 as my all purpose outdoors knife. How much different is the Ratmandu from a BK2? Worth the money to upgrade? I have a limited knife budget, so I am always trying to get the most bang for my buck and not buy "similar" knives if that makes sense.
 
I highly recommend ESEE knives. All models are very well designed, The handles are very comfortable. I think the Laser Strike would make a great fit for what you need. It's one of my personal favorites.
 
BobJones567 said:
Not to hijack the thread, but I have been eyeing a Ratmandu as well. I currently have a Becker Bk2 as my all purpose outdoors knife. How much different is the Ratmandu from a BK2? Worth the money to upgrade? I have a limited knife budget, so I am always trying to get the most bang for my buck and not buy "similar" knives if that makes sense.
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The difference between the 2 is night and day. The short answer is "yes. It's definitely worth upgrading to a Ratmandu".

The BK2 is a knife that manages to do a lot of functions adequately, in spite of itself. That's it. It doesn't excel at anything. It's too short to be a great chopper, too thick to be a great slicer, too heavy for it's size. About the best thing it has going for it is the things are indestructible. It's just a chunk!

The Ratmandu on the other hand, is an actual knife! It's got excellent ergonomics, perfect shape and size (IMO), and it's thinner than the BK2. Very sleek and sexy, but brutally tough at the same time. The things are testosterone with a handle. Once you get one in your hand, you'll gnome talmbout.

If you're directly comparing those two knives, I think the best way to sum it up is the Ratmandu is what BK2s dream about becoming when they sleep at night.

This is all strictly my opinion of course. I'm no knife expert, but I own both knives and those are my honest observations.



 
Thanks for the feedback. I really like the looks of the Ratmandu, but I didn't want to drop the money on it if it wasn't functionally better. Now i need to see if I can find a nice used ratmandu/sheath combo....
 
Is the weight of your knife a consideration? Some people prefer a lighter blade vs a thicker, heavier blade.
 
BobJones567 said:
Thanks for the feedback. I really like the looks of the Ratmandu, but I didn't want to drop the money on it if it wasn't functionally better. Now i need to see if I can find a nice used ratmandu/sheath combo....
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Not a problem. In my opinion, it is definitely functionally an improvement. Good luck man.
 
I'm still considering the RMD, what stopped me from buying the ESEE was that I stumbled across the SYKCO website, what are your guys thoughts on those?
 
zazoola said:
I'm still considering the RMD, what stopped me from buying the ESEE was that I stumbled across the SYKCO website, what are your guys thoughts on those?
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They are great knives too. They use the same steel as the Swamp Rats (SR101, which is 52100 ball bearing steel with an excellent proprietary heat treat). The designs are different from the Swamp Rats, and the handles are resiprene C (very comfortable, and nearly indestructible) instead of micarta. They are made by Busse group, same as Busse Combat and Swamp Rat, and they come with the same unconditional lifetime guarantee. You break it, they give you a new one. That even covers the handles, and the warranty is transferable. It is for the life of the knife, not the owner.

In the size you are looking at, I'd recommend the 511, the Safety Mutt, or the Mud Mutt from their current lineup, or one in a similar size that has been discontinued. They're out there. Check the exchange or the bay. You'll find one, available NOW, with no wait.

When you buy something, post an update with some pics. Good luck man!
 
AntDog said:
They are great knives too. They use the same steel as the Swamp Rats (SR101, which is 52100 ball bearing steel with an excellent proprietary heat treat). The designs are different from the Swamp Rats, and the handles are resiprene C (very comfortable, and nearly indestructible) instead of micarta. They are made by Busse group, same as Busse Combat and Swamp Rat, and they come with the same unconditional lifetime guarantee. You break it, they give you a new one. That even covers the handles, and the warranty is transferable. It is for the life of the knife, not the owner.

In the size you are looking at, I'd recommend the 511, the Safety Mutt, or the Mud Mutt from their current lineup, or one in a similar size that has been discontinued. They're out there. Check the exchange or the bay. You'll find one, available NOW, with no wait.

When you buy something, post an update with some pics. Good luck man!
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Thanks! I'll definitely let you guys know what I order, and I'll definitely put some pics up.
 
Coming in late to the party. Here are my thoughts. An Esse 4 or an Esse 6 depending on the blade size you want. Good heat treat, sheath and warranty. Of the two, I prefer my Esse 6 over my Esee 4 because the stock handle on the 4 is a little too short for me.

If you want something in the 5 inch range, then the TOPS Dragonfly, Ontario Blackbird SK5 or the KaBar Becker BK-10. Of those, definitely the BK 10 if you are going to be prying.

If you prefer a shorter blade in the 4 inch range, then the GSO 4.1 or the Ka-bar Becker BK16.

I have all of the above knives. I have heard a lot of good things about knives made by The Busse family (Scrapyard, Swamp Rat, etc.) but I don't have any of them so I can't speak about them from experience.

Good luck on your search.
 
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