I've never broken a knife.
As far as waiting a year for the Swamp to send you a RatTrap, did you check Shomer-Tec's availability ? Perhaps you could get one from them and cancel your order at the Swamp.
I don't think they sell them any more. I checked their page a while back and couldn't find them. Are you sure the Swamp is still filling back orders for them? Have you contacted Eric about it?