Swamp Rat Knife Questions

E

Ethan_Hardy

Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
350
I have been looking into the Swamp Rat Ratmandu and I really like it. I just got an Esee 4 and like the size and the RMD seems like a good step up. Can anyone tell me anything about the steel? I am familiar with the more common varieties but not the steel they use. When ordering a knife does this include a sheath? If so are they good; leather, kydex, cordura? If not where are some good places to purchase one? How are their fit and finish overall?
 
The steel is sr-101 which is 52100 with their special heat treat. Its amazing stuff. It takes an edge and holds it. I was batoning my Ratmandu through a piece of wood that ended up having a nail in it. I thought I was just stuck on a knot and kept pounding the heck out of it. I finally made it through and realized what I had done. Edge didn't chip and showed no sign of damage.

Fit and finish is top notch other than it could use a good sharpening upon receiving it. They do not come with a sheath. I contacted Dwayne Pucket and had him make me a custom leather sheath for well under 100 dollars. You can get kydex a lot cheaper and there are a few guys who make them on this forum or you can check ebay. If you can't afford the knife and a sheath I can make you a kydex sheath if you cover the cost of materials. Email or PM me if you'd like me to do this. I can use my knife as the mold so you don't have to send yours when/if you decide to get one.

Here is the links to the posts I've made regarding my Ratmandu:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/799014-Best-Ratmandu-Sheath-ive-ever-seen-plus-winter-fire-making
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/783420-Ratmandu-at-its-finest!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/784536-Ratmandu-Video
 
I have a Rodent Solution in SR-101, and it's awesome. Takes and holds an edge, tough as nails, patinas nicely with time and use, no rust problems to speak of, and works great. It replaced my old belt carry folder I used to carry that was a similar size when open. I say, go ahead and pull the trigger.
 
The 52100\sr101steel is a ball bearing steel. Exceptional stuff! Couple that with Busse's proprietary heat treat, and you wind up with a knife which takes an unbelievably crisp and sharp edge, holds that edge a long while, and yet reshapes easily. PLUS the blade is tremendously tough, allowing it to excellent at tasks which would easily destroy most other blades custom or commercial.
 
Thats great to hear! I am not a huge fan of having to have a sheath made or making one myself, so ordering one might have to wait until I have got the hang of leathercraft. It looks like for the price its hard to beat though. Are there any other reasonably priced semi-custom makers? I heard people talk about scrap yard knives, how do they compare? Why do makers like Swamp Rat only have three models for sale at a time? Is it because of their custom-like style?
 
There are several folks here on the forum who make kydex and leather sheaths for the ratmandu. Look in the Busse's,Swamprat and Scrapyard knives for sale subforum. One such maker is AZ Welke he does good work and is reasonably priced.

I've made sheaths from plywood, cardboard cartons, and duct tape before.

Order the RMD...then get creative.
 
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