How does the Ratmandu compare to the M6? Is it just a size difference? I don't know much about Rats (I've read there website, and the usual chatter around here), so tell me a little about them.
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Based on your description for what you are looking for, I HIGHLY recommend the Ratmandu (RMD) and the HRLM (HRLM = Howling Rat Little Mischief).
The Scrap Yard Yard Keeper LE and earlier Res-C Holwers would be comparable options to the HRLM. They are all very nice and would have similar function, but with all having slightly different feel in the hand.
You mentioned: "looking for something with around a 6" blade, good for hiking use and general outdoor carry. I may also be interested in something smaller (4" thin blade) for hunting."
As you stated: "the Ratmandu looks awesome" - IT IS AWESOME!
I love this picture:
Ratmandu with Black G10!!!!
Ratmandu black G10 and Tan micarta:
Ratmandu G10 with HRLM:
I am very partial to the handles on the RMD and the HRLM. I also love the mudder grips on the SS4 and Bog Dog... but that might be another story.
* side note on handles: I can't quite figure this out. side by side the DM and Yard Keeper have Res-C handles that appear to have the same size and shape. The only real difference in the handles is the DM has the grooves at the front and the raised panel on the sides (if you have a DM, you know what I am taling about). But, generally, the size and shape is the same. To me, the handle on the DM is just too small. My hand feels cramped. And yet, somehow, on the Yard Keeper, the handle feels decent.
The Ratmandu does not have a 6" blade. It has about a 5.3" blade. But, I consider the RMD a GREAT hiking, camping and all around use knife. The blade on the RMD is much better suited for cutting than the DM's blade. Although, and argument could be made for the DM. The DM is a heavy crowbar/spike of a knife, but with some edge profiling, it could cut pretty well and handle most tasks. I can appreciate your comment: "it's very cool even if I can't use it". I don't think the DM is everything I personally look for in a knife, but it could be a functional tool (even for cutting) and it is just somehow cool. But, the RMD is very cool AND functional as a "knife".
I know there are "some" others who might prefer the M6 or S6 over the RMD. Some people might want more size and strength in a knife. The M6 and S6 are definately heavier duty knives - no question. But, for me, the RMD will do what I want a knife to do and do it VERY well. The RMD is just better suited for my personal uses and preference. But, there are LOTS of opinions out there.
The M6 and S6 have the 6" blade. Even though the M6 and S6 are less than an inch longer than the RMD, there are significant differences in blade thickness and weight. If you compare the M6 to the RMD, it is a more straightforward fair comparison - longer and thicker = more weight.
But, it is more of an apples and oranges comparison if trying to compare the RMD to the S6 because of so many difference including handle materials, full tang vs hidden tang size, thickness, etc.
The HRLM, Howler and Yard Keeper would all be good options for your 4" request. (as would the SS4 - awesome knife!)
Too me, the M6, the Ratmandu, HRLM and the SS4 are all very different.
Size does have a lot to do with it, but I am not just talking about length. Thickness and weight are relevant as well.
Here are some some size and weight comparisons. I have grouped together knives I consider to be reasonably comparable:
M6..........................= 16.5 ounces; .234" thick; 6" blade; 11.68" oal
Scrapper 6 LE............= 12.5 ounces; .268" thick; 6.25" blade; 11.44" oal
Ratmandu (G10).........= 11.0 ounces; .190" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .190" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
DM..........................= 9.0 ounces; .268" thick; 5.25" blade; 9.75" oal
HRLM.......................= 9.0 ounces; .190" thick; 4.13" blade; 9.3" oal
Yard Keeper LE..........= 7.5 ounces; .268" thick; 4.5" blade; 9" oal
Howler (Res-C)..........= 6.0 ounces; .188" thick; 4.5" blade; 9" oal
SS4........................= 5.5 ounces; .200" thick ; 4.25" blade; 9" oal
Bog Dog..................= 5.0 ounces; .140" thick ; 4.75" blade; 9.56" oal
Yard Guard..............= 16.0 ounces; .277" thick; 7.25" blade; 12.4" oal
Camp Tramp............= 14.5 ounces; .235" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal
The RMD and DM arguably have some similarities in size, but they have a fair number of differences as well.
To me, the M6 and S6 are a complete size up from the DM and RMD.
Similarly, the HRLM, Yard Keeper LE and Howler with Res-C are (to me) and noticable size down from the RMD and DM.
I don't have a side-by-side comparision right now with the M6 next to an RMD or similar, but here are a couple of M6 pics:
And my polished M6 - polished might be a bit much for me - I prefer satin :thumbup: But, this looks good anyway!
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The Scrapper 6 and the M6 have pretty much the same size: blade length and thickness and oal. My S6 is actually thicker than the M6 at the thickest part of the spine and at the guard, but the M6 has a 2/3 height flat saber grind and the S6 has a full height grind. The full height grind will have a slightly thinner bevel angle and the 2/3 height saber has a little more steel. With the S6 having a full height grind, there really isn't much of the blade with the full .268" thickness. So, the M6 has a slightly heavier blade. Also, the M6 has a full tang with micarta scales. The S6 has a hidden tang and Res-C handle. The full tang is heavier (more steel) and micarta is heavier than Res-C. Altogether, the M6 weighs 4 ounces more than the pretty much same sized S6. The blade lengths above show about .25" difference, but they are really the same. Traditionally, everyone measures blade length from blade tip to guard. The handles on the two knives just have different shaped guard areas. The blade are pretty much the same except for grind. The oal is slightly different because of the handles.
Similarly, the DM has a 2/3 height saber grind compared to the Yard Keeper LE having a full height grind. Both knives have the same thickness at the spine. The DM is about .75" longer, but a lot of weight comes from extra steel in the spine.
The S6 feels much lighter and quicker in the hand. The M6 feels very stout and heavy duty.
There are a lot of opinions out there as to what makes a good: hiking, camping, etc. whatever knife.
Some people think a Rat Daddy makes the perfect hiking and camping knife. Some people like little 3" bladed Moras.
I am just trying to help describe the differences a little.
Ultimately, you probably will want to search through this forum some more and do some searching over at Swamp Rat's home forum "Rat Chat":
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=10
I hope this helps some.
But, generally, what has become a good rule of thumb for many of us Busse, Rat and Scrap followers is to buy all that may have potential appeal to you and sell if you aren't blown away. Generally, you won't loose any money.
Just be carefull. Once you have in your hand, they can be very hard to sell. :thumbup:
Good luck.
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