Can't wait HD!

Ratmando bro


Of the TFI from Ranger knives

Can't wait to see your thoughts on these three as I'm trying to make the same determination of which knife will be my "all-around" knife.

I have my AD for slicing and small work
BATAC-LE or DM-LE or Ratmandu for my all-around
DF for chopping

Don't have a Batac. I'd echo Cold One's sentiments. Ratmandu would win in the bush. The DM would win in an urban area. But I would not feel bad at all wither either in any environment.

I dont have a RMD but I do like the DM for survival, given the choice I know what it will handle again if I had the choice I might take the Yard Keeper too.
Her is a pic to prove that I use mine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> [img][image]http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u10/stansbrew/kitsapmemorialpark038.jpg[/img][/image]

Well, VoxHog, I don't have the thicker LE model BATAC, so I'll just run what I brung as the Harley guys say. I was totally partial to the Ratmandu because of the handle fit and thinner blade, but with the new edges on my mutts, I have more confidence in their cutting ability. The BATAC is almost in S6 or M6 class in overall size. It just might be the king in chopping. We shall see. At this point, I have no idea which will come out oun top in my overall judgement, at the end of the comparison.

I like and prefer the RMD for most every task I would use a 5" knife for including "Urban". If I want an Urban "Entry" weapon, I will choose a gun. If I want a pry tool, there are better tools with better leverage. Although, the DM makes for a great 5" pry knife.... if that is what you want.

If I want a 5" bladed knife that is more than TOUGH enough, that is well designed for ergos and cutting and with an excellent steel for cutting, I choose the RMD. The RMD is great (after reprofiling and sharpening the edge and removing the coating!)

I think the DM is "unique" as a thick knife. But, I don't have much real world justification for a 5" x 0.285" thick knife. It is just cool in it's own way. I am glad I have a DM. I am sure I will keep it. But, I don't really view it as nearly my best 5" user knife. Sorry.

I feel SR-101 is a better steel for a 5" knife. Sorry.

I prefer SR77 on larger choppers.

I actually prefer the Blade shape of th BATAC. I don't have the BATAC, but I have the SJTAC. I don't like the handle on the SJTAC. But, I am tinkering with it and regrinding it to better suit my preferences. I think I am improving it (????). But, it will ultimately always be thinner than I prefer. I can't change that unless I completely rehandle the SJTAC.

If the BATAC had the RMD handle, I would easily choose the BATAC with a RMD handle. But, then there is the high price of INFI....

In all fairness, you should make sure the RMD has a comparable edge to your now customized DM. I don't feel it would be fair to use a RMD factory edge against a custom DM edge.


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I still don't view 5" blades as choppers much more than 4" bladed knives. So, chopping ability would rank pretty low on my consideration between these knives..... But, it is your test. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Battoning and other cutting chores seems more appropriate to me. I still view a 5" blade as just a larger than 4" blade that would do similar chores.

I don't see knives as much of choppers until at least 6.5" - 7" or more. But, that may just be me.

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My Ratmandu is the BEST feeling knife I have ever held, period. I would have to take it.

Because I love the HD tests so much, I'd love to see a side match (evening gown competition perhaps for the) between the DMLE and the Grohmann Survival (that I think has been in HD's posession for over a month with no report yet). Do the pretty keep up with the purposefull? OK, I know the Grohmann isn't in the same class, but it is a survival knife with classic lines!

I think any of the 3 you list would excel in a Survival situation and would not fail you however I think the res-c handle of the Mutt would be easier on your hands during prolonged use !!!

So Vic - how about you spend a week in the swamp with each of the three knives - with nothing but the knife, a flint, and a canteen. Get back to us in about 3 weeks with your report! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You're the man! (and no sleeping in the Jeep!)

The Yard will sponsor a camera crew. It'll be great!

Horn Dog Vs. Wild!!