Which Rat for Me?

Q

Quirt

Joined
Oct 10, 2005
Messages
1,030
Help! I'm new to blades . . .so please excuse my ignorance. . .

I've been doing a lot of research and have come to the conclusion for the money the Rat line of blades may fit my needs perfectly. However, I'm uncertain which Rat I need for my needs - there are so many to choose from! They are all similar but have some sutle differences of which I'm ignorant about the "whys" . . .why for example is the Howling Rat and the Bandicoot so simiilar in size and shape but one is thinner in the blade . . .and then there is the Bog Dog . . .so which one will meet my needs?

I travel extensively for my work and want to have a quality blade or two to accompany me everywhere I go . . . I'm looking for the following:

Smaller Fixed Rat in the 4 to 4.5" range for EDC in my "man purse" and/or on my belt that I carry with me everywhere I go.

This knife will serve the following purposes -

1. Be an emergency knife if I need to bug out and live off the land or in an urban survival situations (like those poor souls stuck in New Orleans!) This is intended as a utility knife, emergency knife, camp knife, skinning game, making fuzzy sticks, sharpening tent pegs, making a gig spear, cutting onions etc. I will use this knife as my primary hunting knife for deer, elk, and bison.

2. Be a secondary self defense -- I carry a primary handgun and a back up hangun plus two Griptillians everyday so I always have them for this task - However, I would like to have every blade be suitable for self defense but in this case this is not the primary purpose of this tool.

Larger Fixed Rat - 7.5" or longer for my Bug Out Bag which is different than my everyday carry Man Purse. This is a second bag I travel with but I don't alway carry it with me personally like I do my "man purse." This bag is always with me but not always at my side (in the house or in the vehicle sitting outside). This bag is for more extended emergencies/situations.

The purpose of this knife is . . .

1. To take off from where the smaller knife left off . . . cutting brush, hacking ridge poles, splitting kindling, cutting items for firewood, making shelter, cutting through heavy bone (deer/elk pelvis), using as an improve hammer to drive tent pegs into heavy soil. However, it needs to be capable of doing chores of a smaller knife in the event I lose or didn't have my shorter fixed blade knife.

2. As a self defense tool - large but not so unweldy so I can still use it for snap cuts, back cuts, reverse grip, punyo . . .etc.

I'm really needing some guidence here gang! What do you suggest?

Q
 
Quirt said:
Help!...please excuse my ignorance. . .

I've been doing a lot of research and have come to the conclusion for the money the Rat line of blades may fit my needs perfectly.
Click to expand...

Bro, those are two sentences that should never be connected...for several reasons. ;)

Welcome to the Rats Nest! You are definitely in the right place. :thumbup:

First off I'll give you my short answer...Howling Rat and Ratweiler. 'course, I tend to minimize emphasis on the self defense aspects.

Here's my long answer:

With the smaller blades, I'd say that you've described the HR to a "t". The thinner profile of the Bandicoot does lend itself more toward finer tasks like slicing meat or poking etc, for a knife to split, bash, pry with I have always leaned toward the Howler. Both of these blades are super lightweight, but the HR has a much more usable blade IMO. Check out this site for a great thread on firestarting with the HR and this video shows the lateral strength of the 3/16" thick HR. If you hadn't noticed...I absolutely love this blade.

For a larger blade, I'm a little more unsure. Everyone has their reasons for picking the blade that they do. Regardless of if you get Micarta or Res C handles, you will be able to bash on the handle just as well. However, the Micarta handle of the Ratweiler provides more of a "hammering" surface. The back end can even be filed flat for a better striking surface. The Ratweiler chops extremely well - better than the Camp Tramp but maybe not as well as the Battle Rat - but weighs more than either.

Don't get me wrong, the Camp Tramp is an excellent chopper as well and will easily get anything you need done. The Camp Tramp and Battle Rat are also excellent choices. I mentioned that they both weigh less than the RW. The weight loss is mainly in the handle, which moves the center of balance toward the blade. The BR is an amazing chopper but may be a bit longer that you would desire for smaller tasks, though it is amazing how nimble such a large blade can get once you "choke up" your grip and use the choil.

Hope this helps out. These blades are definitely capable of anything that you might need them for.

Again, welcome aboard!!

:D -360
 
360 summed it up pretty well.

My vote would be for the Howling Rat/Ratweiler combo as well.

Howling Rat for an EDC is great. It's the toughest, usable small knife I think you'll find. Good shape for skinning, not too thick and tough as nails.

Personally I like the weight and balance of the Ratweiler. Nothing against the Camp Tramp and the BattleRat--they are great knives as well. You really can't go wrong with any of the swamp offerings.

BruceW
 
I can recommend several options based on what I have bought and used thus far.

For EDC in which you have the blade on your person or carry bag you have several good options. I would highly recommend going with the Res C handled models simply b/c they are less expensive, and easily explained size, "catalog" items, and easily acquired used. Keep in mind that the word easy is a relative term.

For camp and utility tasks where you will need a little more belly you cannot go wrong with the HR. For a thinner profile, but with a little less cutting ability you can go with the Bandicoot.

If you want to go with a little more steel the Howling Fat will give you a stronger blade, but they are a little more costly, and harder to come by.

If you like the Micarta scales, and don't mind the added expense you can go wtih the other side of things. I can only comment on the SAR model at this point, as the only Micarta I have are the SAR and Safari Skinner. The Skinner has never been used, and will not be.

The SAR, on the other hand, has been in the EDC rotation since it arrived. While larger than the others, the amount of steel you have in your hand is impressive.

As far as the BOB bag, 360 is right when he says the RW is a good choice. However, you can get a blade that is almost as effective, and certainly no slouch, in the Camp Tramp.

We beat the snot out of the SAR and CT today. They both performed well.

An HR and CT would set you back a little over $200 if you bought both new. I cannot help but think that any two of these would be a great combination.

Let us know what you wind up getting. Welcome to the world of the Rats.

BTW, you raised an interesting point in that you do get a lot of custom knife for the money. Another excellent point to these knifes is that if you needed to, you could sell one at a very quick rat right here on this forum.
 
Great timing- I was going to ask the same question here today!

From what I'm reading, the votes seem to be going to the HR over the Bandicoot, right? Do you really give up that much for the narrower blade? Coots seem to have apretty good following on the forums, thats why I was surprised at this.

How about some feedback on the Bog Dog?? Anyone??

I've already got an FSH, and plan to get a Camp Tramp, but am having the same thoughts/dilema as Quirt when it comes to a smaller blade.

(And like Quirt, I still feel ignorant after much research! :D )
 
Hey Guys I really apprecate all this help! Keep the info/recommendations coming! I've got a lot to learn!!!!

So far what I'm hearing you all say is the HR is probably my best choice for my EDC and my taskings. From what I'm reading that make sense.

Terry mentioned something about a SAR? (Which I assume stands for Search & Rescue Knife?). Am I missing something by not locating that particular knife on the Swamp's website?

Regardless, I think I have my mind about 97% made up on the HR.

After I started reading your comments and doing more research I soon realized that the blade angle is different on these Swamp Rats than on a traditional Buck knife or other run-of-the-mill production knife and requires some different shapening techniques and tools. A standard whetstone or Spyderco Sharpmaster (which I carry in my BOB) doesn't seem to work on these knives - or do they? Therefore, is it reasonable to carry around a used mouse pad and 400 grit sand paper in my BOB? I suppose it is just as easy and light as a whetstone. Any comments on "field" sharpening techniques is also apprecated.

Terry indicated I might be able to find one used - but I don't know where to even begin to find one? Suggestions for sources is apprecated. If I buy a used one will the factory still warrenty it?

My selection of a larger blade seems to be a toss up between the CT or the RW with an edge on the RW . . .any particular reason why? Looking at the web site catolog it appears they are identical except the RW has a palm swell for the handle and a protruding or extend tang (I hope I'm getting my nomenclature correct) which allows a bit more flexibilty in using the knife . . .is this correct?

I'm not going to turn into a blade aholic so my intent is to make a wise and lifetime investment here - - your help is very much apprecated.

Q
 
MVF said:
Great timing- I was going to ask the same question here today!

From what I'm reading, the votes seem to be going to the HR over the Bandicoot, right? Do you really give up that much for the narrower blade? Coots seem to have apretty good following on the forums, thats why I was surprised at this.

How about some feedback on the Bog Dog?? Anyone??

I've already got an FSH, and plan to get a Camp Tramp, but am having the same thoughts/dilema as Quirt when it comes to a smaller blade.

(And like Quirt, I still feel ignorant after much research! :D )
Click to expand...

For the use that was mentioned the HR is a better choice. The Bandicoot to me makes a better every day general use blade. It's also a great shape for defense if for some reason you don't have a firearm. I don't know how well that Bandicoot would skin but a Howling Rat does just fine.
I carry one or the other depending on what I'm doing. I also have a Howling Fat and even though it's a great blade for general use the regular HR would be more than enough. I think the HR is just less specialized than the coot is. That doesn't mean that my Bandicoot hasn't taken a beating. It certainly has.
As far as the Bog Dog goes I only have experience with the SR101 version. It's a tough little blade. Larger than the HR but still handy. I would actually choose the HR over it but that's just me. Just personal preference.
The HR is also a current offering where the BD isn't.
 
For the uses you describe, I would vote for the HR/RW combo as well. I love my Bog Dog (older D2) and it is a great slicer, but my EDC man-bag knife is a Howling Rat. While the BD is very, very tough, there I things I've done with my Howling Rat that I wouldn't do to my BD. :cool:

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them and, if you feel that you did, you can sell it very quickly. :eek:
 
There is not that much difference between the HR and the Coot. Some, but not a lot, IMHO. Both will serve you well, but they are similar to a Dodge Cummins with the flat bed, and a Dodge Cummins with the pick up bed. You still get a lot of Truck!

I love my Bog Dog, but have not used it outside of the Kitchen as they are not exactly flying all over the place right now. Great knife if you can find one for sale, though.

Terry mentioned something about a SAR?
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The SAR is the latest model that came out. Go to the Swamp Shack and run a search there. You will find some great pics.

blade angle is different
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Eric Isaacson, the gentleman at the helm of Swamp Rat under Mrs. Busse, pointed out that you can talk with him and the factory about changing the angle of the edge on your knife. You pick what works best for you, and just let them know.

"field" sharpening techniques
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People think deciding on a knife is the difficult part. That is a joke. Mastering the art of maintaining your knife and its edge is what separates the adults from the novices. If you have something that works for you then stick with it, unless you have the time to devote to learning a new system.

I have thought long and hard about going to the convex edge with the sandpaper, but in the last few weeks have been having good luck using the v grind edge, a coarse, and a smooth stone.

As with the knife, it is not "what is best," but "what is best for you." Period. Anyone tells you different, they are either extremely biased, or know no more than you know.

find one used
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On this website there is a forum titled "Want to Buy." Post your wants there. You would be surprised at the number of responses you will receive. Name specific model names. However, you might say something at the end like "If you have anything different please let me know." You might get some interesting ideas that way as well.

CT or the RW
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Your comparison of the two models is fairly accurate. I promise, you will not go wrong with either model. One has the better price, the other has slightly better performance and Micarta.

I have to admit that you are probably leaning towards the RW b/c of the very nice look. I do love the knife, and the only reason for not owning one already is cash flow. I promise, I will own one or two RW's before it is over.

You are correct on the nomenclature and higher performance of the exposed tang. However, I was just hammering on the hidden tang on my CT this afternoon with no damage to the knife.

wise and lifetime investment
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I give my word that you cannot make a wiser investment here on knives. Your selections, as 360 pointed out, fit your needs, and are very good choices.

1. You pay a price, but in return you get a warranty that will hold no matter whether you are the 50th owner, or cut it up with a torch. (I am serious, we have already discussed this matter over at the swamp.)

2. You get the performance that will always be there. I have beat the heck out of mine, and they just keep performing.

3. These knives DO NOT lose value. Many models go up $20 or so just by changing owners one time after they came out for the first time last week.

4. These knives have THE FASTEST turn over time of anything made today when it comes to reselling the knife. I give you my word that if you buy a model, use it a while and just cannot warm up to it, you can sell it on the forums for what you have in it.

If you cannot sell it call me, and I will buy it. :D The RW and HR are especially quick sellers, as they work that well.
 
Thanks Terry! Wow, what an awsome reply!!!

I'm emailing SW early Monday to see what is the turnaround on my choices. If I bomb there I'll start persusing the for sale section for a used knife.

Q
 
Thanks to both of you. I have been learning how to respond so eloquently by watching that master, 360 Joules!

BTW, Jerry Busse just sent me a PM saying they have 1 black on black HR for 88.05 left, and some different kinds of RW's left. These would ship in a week or so if you told him you wanted to buy one right now.

Now is your chance. Let us know how it goes.

T
 
I send the email today asking for a HR and the availablity of a CT. I know you recommended a RW but I was trying to save a few bucks. . . .I may have to re-think this.

Anyway, I sent it to info@ so hopefully someone will get back with me.

Terry if you're on a first name basis with the folks at the shop then let them know I'm ready to place an order on the HR for sure and either the CT or RW depending upon their inventory etc. I'm leaving out of state to conduct my work so I hope I don't miss this chance!

Q
 
Quirt
Welcome to the Swamp Rat forum, I'm glad that you stopped by.

Regarding inventory, it varies greatly from week to week. While some of the knives may be on the shelves it may only be because all of the outstanding orders have not been filled. If you know what you want you might want to order both of them and we'll ship each of them as soon as they are ready. If you order one and want to wait until you get it before ordering the other the real problem arises that you may end up waiting longer for both.

You can always change the order later, but either way you won't be charged until your knife is preparing to ship


:D:D
 
Thanks for the advice all- guess I'll be ordering a CT and an HR. D@mn acronyms- thought I got enough of them at work, but between here and Busse, I'm surprised I can even speak english anymore!
 
That pair was just made for each other. ;)

cthfpct2.jpg


Dang, that pic brings back memories. How's this pair treatin ya TN?

:D -360
 
The CT goes everywhere with me. The HF has not left the safe, yet. It has not made it into the rotation, but it will.

The HR and SAR are swapping up now, with the Coot making it sometimes. :D
 
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