Tops vs. SRKW steel

T

Teancum

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Oct 20, 2002
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I can't do any searches, so here are the questions: I've heard many positive comments on the Swamp Rats. How does the Swam Rat SR-101 steel compare with Tops 1095? I'm looking at either the Tops 107E or the Operation Badger and the SRKW Camp Tramp.

Both the 107E and the Camp Tramp have 1/4" blades, while the Badger is 3/16", but the Badger has a more canted blade. Any comments on Chopping abilities? I know the Tops knives are some $70 more, but ...
 
I think you'll find the steel in the Swamp Rats superior for most applications.

I'm a big fan of 1095 for general purpose blades. But the steel in the Rats is awfully close to 52100, and that trumps 1095 in my book.
 
SR-101 is modified 52-100 and shows even better performance than this excellent carbon steel. 1095 is...well...a simple low alloy steel. Not bad, but not too great either IMO.

The Battle Rat is an awesome chopper and even my smaller Camp Tramp is a great chopper, blade heavy, convex edge, comfortable handle. I can´t comment on the TOPS though.
 
I can't comment on the Tops knives. I have all the SRKW models and I can't say enough good things about them. The Camp Tramp is a very useful knife around camp. It chops well and it works well in the mess tent. Edge retention and resharpenability (is that word?) is excellent. Hard to beat for the money is all I can say.
 
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