Just got mine yesterday. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!
That thick stock just fills the hand in a natural way. The shaped, contoured grips and the rounded edges make it just a pleasure to hold. I got the competition finish with maroon micarta, and I must say that was an excellent choice (since pumpkin G10 wasn't an option, and I couldn't have afforded it if it had been
).
It came with a generous layer of grease or cosmoline on all exposed metal surfaces. I am debating whether to force q patina or try to keep it oiled and shiny. Anyone figure out what they intend to do with theirs? Looking for suggestions!
I bought my Chopweiler with a forced patina pre-installed. With the differential heat treat, that really made the hamon POP! Serious no-brainer. Now if they had differentially heat treated THIS one, it would also be a no-brainer...but, sadly, they did not
Those days are in the past though on a blade like this or the SR-101 BWM, it seems like it would have been functional and amazing
It has a NICE heft to it, though I almost wish this was a flat/convex combo without the hollow grind aspect, but as is it's nicely balanced. This is about an inch longer than the Chopweiler, which WAS my all-time favorite mid-sized chopper, giving it a bit more heft; frankly, with the stock thickness, I don't think it could have been shorter and still looked natural. The grind was solid and came shaving sharp it off the box
I'll be honest, I've had a couple of Ratweilers in the past, but just never could warm to them. That little grip protrusion on the bottom always felt awkward and uncomfortable to me. THIS one, however, is a whole new animal! Not only does that grip NOT hurt, but with the thickness and the nuclear treatment, the protrusion feels like a natural part of the construction, and useful for controlling the swing.
The only thing that NEEDS work is the micarta around the rivet holes. It's a bit sharp and could use a minute or so with some sandpaper to smooth it out.
As for sheaths, I just couldn't see this in a leather pouch sheath, so I decided to forego that option. I think Kydex is out, unless it were a dangler. I think a nice leather dangler sheath might be the way to go. Maybe all black, or black with dark brown highlights?
Now I'm kinda wishing is ordered a
Mega Swamp Warren in comp finish silver, or something close in color to the maroon micarta. That would be nice to piggyback on top on this beast.
This was definitely more than I am comfortable spending on a blade (I can get a quality handgun for the price--I bought an S&W M&P 9C, M&P 40SW, FN 40, and XD Mod 2, each for less brand new than this knife). I've taken myself offline from knives for a couple years for just that reason. Knives are getting pricier, while guns have been getting cheaper. Guns will be outlawed sooner than knives, and I still have a few gun "needs" to fill: scopes; 2-3 pistols; mags; spare parts; ammo & components; and a couple unfinished projects... Clock's ticking on this... but I've reached the point where I almost feel like I've got what I need. Never really thought I'd see THAT day
Sometimes the stars align and you scrap your plans I had the money; saw this big, beautiful, shiny blade; remembered I still have a few holes in my knife drawer (mainly for my kids to inherit someday); and decided to pull the trigger. I figured if nothing else, I could always sell it off if I didn't like it. I am glad I pulled the trigger. This is one NICE Rat, even if it's there price of a gun. No regrets
Bottom line: I have a new favorite mid-size chopper. I was a little hesitant to buy this based on past experience with the regular Ratweiler and the price, but any anxieties were immediately dispelled once I got my hands on it. This is one truly amazing cheese-feasting little behemoth! If you haven't for one yet, now's the time!
This one gets two tiny little squirrel thumbs way, WAY up!!
