Swamp Rat Battle Rat or CS Trailmaster?

A

ayz

Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Messages
685
Trying to decide which one to give as a gift.

I own a trailmaster in carbon V, i like the steel but the amount of maintenance it requires is a bit of a hassle.

Not sure about SR101, haven't heard anything about that type of steel.

Suggestions and info appreciated.

and please, do more than just pick one brand over the other. tell me why.


also, if anyone has any experience with the cold steel outdoorsman, please do share.
 
my humble opinion:
Both are excellent blades. As a gift I would prefer the Swamp Rat unless the recipient is a die-hard Cold Steel fan. The Swamp Rat steel is top quality for edge holding and strength, the balance of the knives is impressive and the customer support from the company is first rate. Also, the Swamp Rat Battle Rat is closer to a custom knife, so as a gift it says a lot.
I wish someone would give me one!
 
Both the steel and the handle on the Rat are better than the CS. I have a SRK, and the handle is miles behind SRKW Resiprene-C.
 
I'd recommend the Swamprat BattleRat. I've owned both and I find the SwampRat much more usable. The BattleRat is blade heavy which will lend itself to chopping chores and the choil is very useful when performing tasks which would best be done with a shorter blade. The handle is much more comfortable which is the most important thing.

The Cold Steel Trailmaster is a combat bowie more suited towards the fighting knife arts than outdoors chores. The ergonomics aren't as friendly with the handle straight in line with the blade. It doesn't chop nearly as well as a BattleRat due to the balance of the handle to blade.

I also believe the SRK knives have a superior steel which holds an edge longer than the Carbon V steel. My personal and largest complaint with my Trail Master bowie is that after about a year of using it for camping, hiking and brush clearing the kraton handle began to work loose which became a great liability as far as grip retention, especially when your hands are wet. I also found the brass guard gets in the way when using the knife for camp chores. Once again it is a "combat" knife and the gurd is suited as such.

Go with the BattleRat...you won't be disappointed. The SwampRat warranty is top notch too.
 
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