Can't have either. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


I have to admit.... As much as I LOVE the S5, after modding both, about the only thing the S5 has over the RMD is mega-light-weight.

I love mudders. But, the RMD's handle is VERY nice to me. I have done some VERY minor re-shaping of my RMD's handle to fit my hand a bit better and will probably do just a bit more. But, it is a VERY good handle design. And as much as I love Mudders and like Res-C for many things. I honestly think micarta is nicer in many cases.

The RMD now balances perfectly on my index finger and feels very good. But, I still want to take about 1 to 1.5 ounces of weight out of the handle.
I am looking into water jet cutting to skeletonize my RMD and HRLM's tangs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I found someone who will do it, but they have a minimum charge that would probably cut 6-10 knives or so. I don't have that many knives to cut and don't want to pay the minimum. So, I will see if I can find somebody to cut 2 (my RMD and HRLM) for a better price. We'll see.

I also have to pick up some hollow tubing and gear up to flare some tubing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I prefered the S5's original blade shape compared to the RMD's original blade shape. And obviously I didn't change the S5's blade shape as much as I modified the RMD's blade. But, now, the two have almost identical blades. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I came up with a concept Bog Dog II based on the RMD's handle a long time ago. My Bog Dog II's blade shape is essentially like the S5's or a mini SJTAC's blade. I actually photo-chopped and scaled down my SJTAC's blade onto the RMD's handle.

I don't know WHY I never thought to just modify my RMD's handle. Again, just a personal preference. For MANY applications, the RMD's blade is VERY good.

I had mostly satin finished my RMD a long time ago and just now modified the blade shape.

I dropped the point on S5 and shallowed it's belly just a hair.

Then I reshaped the RMD into what I wanted. The two are VERY close in blade shape and size right now. And I like them both a LOT.

I weigh my coated S5CG at about 6.5 ounces.
My stripped, satin, modified S5CG is about 6.25 ounces (I don't have a digital gram scale, but, a cheap spring scale. So, best estimate.

My modified RMD weighs about 9.5 ounces. My micarta RMD was about 10.0 ounces before modifications. I hope to get my RMD down to 8 - 8.5 ounces while maintaining it's current shape by skeletonizing the tang. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Either way, as is or lighter, the RMD is just AWESOME right now for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, so is the S5.

They are BOTH awesome to me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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