What kind of edge geometry on the HR?

L

Lukers

Joined
Jul 17, 1999
Messages
571
Eric or anyone,
What kind of edge geometry on the Howling Rat. Is it similar to the Ba-3s NIB edge? Also what are the options on the sheath? I didn't like the Ba3 sheath from a style and function stand point. I also disliked the edge geomtry. Is the HR an economically priced counter part of the ba3? The reason I ask is because I don't mind regrinding the edge on a knife, but when some "knife users" see that the perty little coating is marred, they want to pay about 50% of the cost(assuming for some reason I sold it).
Many thanks,
Luke
 
Hello Luke,
The Howling Rat comes with a Kydex lined cordura sheath similar to the one for the Badger 3. It has a slightly thinner edge than the Badger 3. I've never had much need for re-profiling the edge but that is up to you.


Here are some pics of what it can do with the standard edge.
I hope this helps :D:D

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Eric, Nice pics. I really like the way the Rat shows through the thinly sliced tomatoe. Very nice touch.:cool:
 
Johnny
Thanks but I stole...I mean borrowed that pic from Guy ;):D:D

Guy takes some great looking pics :D
 
...and still having a hard time getting it back from Leanne Eric...:grumpy:

Ahh bugger it, I think I will just order another...BTW, I agree on the original edge geometry, for most cases, I think it is the perfect mix and would not dare touch or change mine.
 
Eric and Guy,
Thanks for the pics. It looks like it works well. I guess maybe I have unrealistic expectations of knives. I want them to be able to do every really well and when they can't cut like an SAK and pry/chop like a BM-e, I get frustrated. That said, I guess I should just carry an SAK and BM-e, and of course a Howling Rat when I get one(boy don't I sound like a red neck freak):) How does the "Coot" fit into the picture here? The blade resembles the MS and KB a little bit. I really like the Coots sheath also. How does the HR and Coot compare in cutting ability?
Thanks
Luke
 
I don't have a HR, but my Coot cuts great. The Coot has a narrower blade than the HR. Makes for a great utility knife. Should be able to do any camp chores, short of chopping, if you use a knife for that. I'm one of the oddballs that still likes to use a hatchet. What can I say? The Coot would make for a good self defense knife as well. Nice slim design and Swamp Rat's Penetrator Tip. Strong. Sharp. Very comfortable grip. Guess you can tell I like mine.:)
 
I agree with JohnnyO,
The Bandicoot is one of the "quickest" medium sized blades I've ever handled. I think it has a great sheath, great ergonomics, and a very reasonable price for a knife this well constructed, It is at the top of my list for quality, construction and value. I think it is a really special piece of work, and the best value in the Swamprat lineup, in my opinion.

El Lobo :)
 
El lobo and JohnnyO
I do like the way the choil transitions in to the blade a bit more than the HR. To get more specific though, does the Coot cut cardboard well? In other words, does it bind up some? It is understandable that it would, being 3/16" like it is. Does it cut tomatos like a HR? Does the Coot have the Busse asym. edge or is it symetrical. Could I request a factory ground "zero style" edge?
Thanks again
Luke
P.S. Eric, I know this is a lot to ask, but could you take a picture looking from the tip down(closest to the camera) the rest of the knife. In other words, so I could see how thick the edge would actually be. And maybe a few other shots of it too next to the HR. Thanks!!
 
Lukers,
All the Rat's are symmetrically convex ground. It really isn't possible to have a "zero edge" as that edge is a special order and we just don't have the staff for any special orders. Also it isn't commonly done with Coated knives.

For more pics of the HR and Coot together check the pic archive at the top of the page there are several. My HR is currently out on loan to a friend in the Military so I don't have one to snap any pics of. Maybe someone else can help you out.

Thanks
 
I put my Coot to work in the kitchen and it performed admirably. Have also used it to cut cardboard. I didn't experience any hanging up. Sliced nicely. Have used it to make walking sticks and it shaves bark with ease. Hard for me to explain, but some knives feel real sharp just when you touch the edge. My Coot does not feel that way. Yet, it cuts like the dickens....I'm sure if I knew more about edges I could explain it better than that.

It's really a handy little knife. Since my state hasn't seen it fit to offer CCW permits yet, I sometimes take my Coot for late night walks. ;)

As Eric has said, it's convex ground. Makes for a sharp, but strong edge, and easy to sharpen. Just had a knife (Satin Jack) from that other maker ground with a convex edge. Sharp as h*ll....
 
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Originally posted by JohnnyO
Since my state hasn't seen it fit to offer CCW permits yet, I sometimes take my Coot for late night walks. ;)
-------------------------

A common misconception is that CCW (or CPL or ???) licenses allow concealed carry of knives as well as firearms. For many states in the USA this is not true. Check the laws and regulations of the state, county, and city where you reside to find the limits that will apply to your circumstances. Check the link below for CPL summary info for your state.
http://www.packing.org/states.jsp
 
I wasn't getting at the legality of carrying a knife with a CCW permit. I was getting at the fact that, my county will not offer CCWs - period. That made a knife another option. It is legal to carry a knife concealed, but has to be under 3.5". Otherwise, it has to be worn on the outside.

When they conform our CCW laws to a statewide standand and move towards a "must issue" policy, I'll be carrying a .45acp - 1911.;)
 
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