Talk Me Out of a RatManDu

Insipid Moniker

Insipid Moniker

Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
27,509
I've been looking for a good, strong knife with an, approximately, 5 inch blade that's not overly thick. I'm itching to pull the trigger on a RatManDu and I've read almost overwhelmingly positive things about it and Bussekin in general (it would be my first Bussekin). Anyone with real negative experiences/major criticisms of the blade? I'm open to suggestions for an alternative, but keep in mind about 4.5-5.5 inch blade, not too thick, with fairly acute tip. Thank you all for the help.
 
RMD is a great knife. Buy one from the store or try to pick one up here, though here they go quick, especially under $150 w/sheath! Grab those up! For a shorter blade, the rodent solution is awesome..
 
It sounds like the RMD is exactly what you are looking for, and you can currently order it from their company store. For its price you can't do any better IMO. Once you try one of their knives you will know why they are held in such high regard.

The only possible alternative I would offer would be a Scrapyard Scrapper 5. Same steel and similar blade length, but it is lighter and has a thinner tip. However you can't order it directly from the store like you can with the RMD.
 
Get an RMD. I have one, and it's my favorite fixed blade in that size range. I believe the Swamp Rat store has them in stock, ready to ship. If you wait until they're gone, you'll end up paying more for one on the secondary market. It does not come with a sheath, but there are many good sheathmakers on these forums who can make you a leather or kydex sheath for an RMD.

ESSE 4 is a fine knife. I had one, but sold it because the handle felt small for my hands. But ESEE 4s will likely still be available from retailers for years to come. The same is not true of the RMD.
 
I have two RMDs and I love them both. Sorry, i cant say many bad things about them.
If you want to hear some criticism it will be a short list from me.

-Paper Micarta isn't very grippy (that is why I favor my canvas micarta RMD.)
-the edge on one of them wasn't to sharp from the factory (i sharpened it)
 
Sorry, I don't think anyone will be able to talk you out of a RMD. They are simply the best knife in that size range for the money - hands down!! Just go order one from the company store now and get canvas micarta handles if you want the best grip. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you'll probably want another one and another and another and another. :) Jump into the Swamp, that's how I got started with this addiction.
 
I was in the same exact position two weeks ago. I have an esee 6 and wanted something a bit smaller. Just got my RMD in the mail, and it seems like one hell of a knife. Its my first experience with a Bussekin and I cant wait to get some use on it.
 
For its class, the RMD is the best knife out there. I wouldn't get an ESEE 4 for what you described. Its a really small knife. The RMD has a much more comfortable handle and a bigger blade with better steel and ergos. Its my favorite knife of all time for its blad length and I've tried the scrapper 5, ESEE 4, 5, and 6, various cold steels and sogs and the RMD is the best. The only alternative I would mention is a fallkniven S1 or A1. But for the price your better off with the RMD
 
Forum member "Azwelke" makes good kydex sheaths at very reasonable prices. He lists on the Busse exchange.
 
Keep checking the exchange daily. I bought mine from the store but have seen some killer prices recently in the exchange and those usually come with a sheath.
 
RMDs suck....you should let me take it off your hands for free....




.....oh wait, you meant talk you out of BUYING one!
 
Scrap Yard S5 is very nice too. Same steel with res c handle. I like it better than RMD, but I'm in the minority!
 
The only thing I didn't like about the RMD is the pointy spot on the spine. It was too far back to work for me as a thumb-ramp, and my hands are just a wee bit too small for my thumb to be comfortable out in front of it. I usually like having my thumb on the spine, so the RMD just didn't work out for me. Loved pretty much everything else about it though :)
 
The only downside in my opinion, is that far more people recommended them then could possibly have extensive, hands on, hard use experience with them. Thats entirely my opinion from searching through pictures, reviews, and videos that highly reccomend the knife, yet have zero signs of wear. I know someone is going to jump on me and post a bunch of hard use reviews but I know they exist and the knife does great, there is just a lot more talk then actual proof. Again just my opinion based on personal observations, feel free to entirly ignore it.

That said I have also been looking into one, they look amazing, are competitively prices, and slightly more 'exclusive' which I like. I'm torn between getting a RMD or the Swamp Warden which would serve as my 'tester' with swamprat products.
 
Only negative thing I can think of about the RMD is they came dull from the factory. That may have well been changed however. Great knife with a price that is warranted.
 
I received mine a day ago and am very pleased. It is not as sharp as I thought it would be from the factory, but should do well for my intended uses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top