Swamp Rat Folding Knife

G

Guilo

Joined
Aug 30, 2007
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I have been researching Swamp Rat Knives, and I think I want either a knife from Swamp Rat or Kershaw, however, at this point, I just want a folding knife. At first, I found the Rat Trap, and then I learned it is discontinued. So my question is, does Swamp Rat make a different folder, or are they just making fixed blades?

Thanks,
Guilo
 
The ZT series looks really nice, but it is $300. Is there anything about them that makes them better than an Emerson Karambit that I can get on Ebay for around $160 new? I have been researching more, and found out about Emerson just a 2 days ago.
 
My excoworker had an emerson kerambit, and I can't even directly compare the two :). One is an excellent folding slicer, it's so thin you'd think it was hollow ground. The other one is used to destroy an opponent. One has a a blunt, shovel-like point, the other is a talon.

You see where I'm going here. :) If you need to keep prices down, take a look at the full size benchmade griptillian? The Benchmade 610 is around $160 as well.
 
Comparing a Rat Trap and ANY karambit is really comparing apples to oranges. Style, blade shape, use and price are completely different. If you are looking for a self-defense blade first be sure to see if it is legal to carry a karambit in you state or municipality. They are essentially designed for a specific use, i.e. gutting your enemy. Sure you can cut boxes up with it, but it serves very little utilitarian use.

If you are looking for an all-around quality folder, from what I've read the Rat Trap is top notch. CPM S30V steel is good stuff that can be honed to a razor edge. This steel is employed by several other manufacturers that have currently available knives in their lineups. VG-10 steel is another great one that many others use regularly.

That said, I would urge you to decide what your main use of the knife will be. That will pare down your choices. If it's a big folder you want try to find a Rat Trap on the secondary market. You won't likely find one for less than $200 USD. As an alternative you should look at Spyderco's Military and Paramilitary. The Milie is bigger and has a liner lock, while the Paramil is slightly shorter and has a compression lock which is essentially a liner lock moved to the spine of the handle. Go to their website or the Spyderco forum here. The guys and gals on both are very cool and extremely knowledgeable. They will point you in the right direction.

Good luck with your search.
 
If you want a mid to large sized folder, thin in profile like a Rat Trap, consider a Kershaw Cyclone. I've been carrying one for a year or so and have really enjoyed it. Sandvik steel - sharpens easily and holds a good edge. Not one-hundred percent corrosion proof but resistant enough that it cleans up well.

I enjoyed the Sandvik folder enough that I bought a Junk Yard Dog II (also from Kershaw) that has performed well. A very different blade outline though.

I agree regarding the ZT0300. I like them a lot ( a tad big for my carry - pardon the pun) but haven't coughed up the $$$ when I've found other offerings that I like as well.

Check out the Cyclone in person. You may find it works well for you and is a bargain at ~$50.
 
The problem with the cyclone is that it has SpeedSafe, so it is opened by a spring. In Washington, it is illegal to have a knife opened by a spring. At least, that is what I understood by reading the laws.
 
As long as kershaw included a ball detent hole (they don't always) the torsion bar can be removed easily. Each knife is a little different, but here is my ZT0300 all blown up:
485600565_ab854d2c85.jpg


If I remove the torsion bar (on the left), nothing really keeps the knife closed. There is a ball on the interior handle, but kershaw didn't drill the necessary detent hole.
 
This is the RCW that I think says Action Open is illegal:

RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons — Penalty.

Every person who:

(1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;

(2) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or

(3) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm,

is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
 
I was doing some work tonight so lined up a few. Sorry for the quality, I was on the run.

BM 610 CE
ZT 0300
Spyderco Endura4
HRLM with newly modified choil

afj.sized.jpg
 
Just bought the KAI Lahar last night. Like the KAI JYDII, it does not use the SpeedSafe system. It is VG10. I like it a lot, so far!

phpd1BA9N.jpg
 
diversionmary said:
As long as kershaw included a ball detent hole (they don't always) the torsion bar can be removed easily.
If I remove the torsion bar (on the left), nothing really keeps the knife closed. There is a ball on the interior handle, but kershaw didn't drill the necessary detent hole.
Click to expand...

Removed the image to save bandwidth.

If you don't want the Kershaw AO system and the 301/2 are too expensive besides, you can always go for the ZT 200. Pretty nice knife, non-assisted and you can find it for $120-ish online. I have one and I'm pretty happy.
 
Well, if I got a knife without a ball detent hole, could I just send it back to Kershaw and have one added so I can take the torsion bar? I am also looking into the laws more to see if they might be legal. I may ask about this in the Knife Laws section. Also, are the ZT 0400's as good as the 0300's? I have always liked the looks of a tanto blade.
 
Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind...
Click to expand...

So, it's illegal to possess, but if you happen to have one(inherited perhaps?) it's illegal to keep, illegal to dispose of, and illegal to sell what do you do with it? Laws are kinda funny sometimes.
 
GregY said:
Removed the image to save bandwidth.

If you don't want the Kershaw AO system and the 301/2 are too expensive besides, you can always go for the ZT 200. Pretty nice knife, non-assisted and you can find it for $120-ish online. I have one and I'm pretty happy.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. It seems like many people prefer the ZT200 to the 300 even if they have the budget and don't care about AO.

The 400 seems fine, it's not my cup of tea. Can't offer an opinion on a knife I haven't handled or used. It is an assisted opener...
 
I know it is an assisted opener, however, if it has the ball detent hole, couldn't I just take out the torsion bar? Also, if it didn't come with a detent hole, could I send it back to Kershaw and have them add one?
 
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