I just checked the Swamp Rat Company Store. They show a Hairy Carry LE available for sale. I don't know if that's for real, or a clerical error, or what. But this is fair warning for anyone who wants the Harry Carry.

been that way for months. the swamp is dead.

Alas.

That's what I understood, too. Until I saw that Hairy Carry apparently for sale.

If they are dead, they ought not to pretend to be alive. Offering a knife for sale that is really unavailable is bad business practice. That sort of thing can sully a company’s reputation and help kill it for real.

implume, the swamp is dead in terms of activity. the hairy carry is available as offered to my knowledge. however, they havent had any movement or talk of a new blade in forever. its sad. then again, nothing is like home here on the Yard so it is what it is.

i think jerry might be phasing out the swamp, who knows. i've heard it all.

yeah,i worry about the swamp.

its that perfect area of blade types and material that fits right in perfect between busse and scrapyard.

they said they where going to come out with the "rodent" line and eric pretty much hinted that they would be smaller EDC type pieces as opposed to the larger camp knives and choppers.

i would bet money that the rodent line will mainly be a bunch of that 154CM they used on the HC,MPLE & BDLE which is fine with me but i pray that swamprat still makes high carbon fixed blades with micarta slab handles.

the CW,RMD & HRLM are just about perfect imo.

if they stop doing it hopefully the yard will pick up on some extended tang slab handle pieces because res-c isnt my first choice and i dont and cant pay busse prices every time to get something without res-c.

SEND SMOKE FOR SWAMPRAT....{the old swamprat}

northnern1 - that post about made me cry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

smoke sent <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />


RIP old SR. long live the days of the CW, HR, BR, etc...

me too.

I never heard about the Rodent being a line of small stainless knives, either. But if it is true, maybe the Yard can get some SR101 for some offerings. Maybe it's nothing, but it seems like something has happened to the Swamp.

Maybe Dan and Jerry can offer some insight into this mystery concerning thier sister company.

I, for one, have fallen in love with their blades from just playing with the Crash Axe and HCLE I managed to get my grubby hands on. I would truly be saddened to hear a company I've just come to appreciate is relegated to the annals of knife history before I had truly had a chance to become properly familiarized with them.

Smoke sent in the hopes they continue to play an integral part in my love of all things sharp and pointy.

I'm personally thinking family issues on the SR end,and I won't go any deeper than that. Will it survive..who knows, but it will be a sad day if it does not.

You might be right Bruce. At least for us newbies as I for one haven't seen any life over there so never bothered to register.And- not even making that steel an option on my " want to buy list" except on something like the CT on the secondary market. With that being said I now plan my purchases around the SY and perhaps the the Busse knives. Up to now I have stayed away from the Busse as it just doesn't fit my needs. Or- maybe I should say it is overkill for me. Swamprat on the other hand would fit very nicely with my SY knives and I would welcome each release I am sure. At this point I have faced reality and moved my want list over and looking at some other steel to feed my addiction. In the future-I might just go ahaed and start buying and collecting the Busse- but for now I am in a holding pattern. In my opinion all the Busse steel-INFI-77-101 is great. Just my thoughts <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

what pisses me off the most is the lack of word from Eric or SR and just kinda letting us Rats kinda wonder into the darkness. dont just lead me off a cliff, tell me its coming. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Might also be the case where folks were buying Rat and SY and that took care of their addiction. In other words - pull the Rat stuff and folks buy Busse.On the other hand I have heard that they have massive amounts of military contracts and the SY and Rat is just a hobby ? That being the case I can well understand their position and am happy with whatever I get from the yard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. For you guys that have been here a long time it is the feeling like you were loyal and now it is gone <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. Us newer guys never had this- but can sure understand where you are coming from. Thanks

you might be right ord.

i was here when the swamp was alive and wonderful. hell, i remember having the chopweiler, mini mojo, rat ice pick, wardens, and tons of sheaths SITTING in the store!!!!!!!!!!

i dont care though. i loved the swamp, but i feel they have let us down not by not putting out anything but by NOT telling its loyal customers what the _____ is going on. ya know.

Dan and SY are it for me. they talk, then they walk! and of course, theres always busse combat. im perfectly fine with SY and BC to be honest. i just hate to see the swamp absolve itself in such a disgraced way.

I'm going to be optimistic... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I look forward to some cool SR101 blades in the future... hopefully near future! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

I would love to see a re-release of the Ratweiler! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Matter fact that's worth saying twice!

I would love to see a re-release of the Ratweiler! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How about some of the SR favorites re-released in INFI?? How's that for a thought?

INFI RMD? Interesting!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

ANYthing in SR101 (52100) would be awesome!!! I've beaten the heck out of my CW and it still begs for more. I can't afford INFI, but I may be able to squeeze SR101 into the budget if it ever comes.

Actually, I wouldn't mind a Ratmandu in 154CM. I think the grind of the tip is robust enough to be fairly strong. It would be pretty, for sure.

A satin 'mandu would be sweet! Probably wouldn't want to go much larger than though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

the swamp as a business can do whatever it wants...im sure they will loose a few customers, but im sure if they were to say they had a NEW knife for sale right now in limited quantities that they would sell out very quickly. it seems the busse family knows knife making and business. as long as there is demand they will always "have" business. and it looks like demand is VERY high.

personally i just hope that the next BC/SR/SY is something exotic and not another camp knife or edc.

my 2 cents. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree. We are practically sitting here begging them to take our money.

I'm gunna hang in there and see what comes of SRKW. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I haven't heard taps being played over at Swamprat yet,but it would be a shame to lose one of the 3 kings.I bought my CT and HR gen2 way back when and The Swamp holds a special place in my heart...tear.Seriously though I guess people really are drawn to res-c handles,I like them too and it seems to keep the price of the knives down too.I still want a Battle Rat!!

The miltary excuse always pops up when they have shortages. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If your business runs well you expand capacities, no big deal. Will see if the swamp survives but even if it does, if there is no love behind what they produce what's the point.

They have relegated the swamp for occasional runs, doubt that with all the knives that they sold in 08 that the they could've paid a single employee. Frankly the margins are higher on Busse and you have the Yard on the entry level to start the addiction. I'm afraid there is no need for Rats. We will see if & what happens with the rodent line. The forum has been kept alive by the fans, seriously no input from the company, I think Eric posted maybe 7 or 8 times in a year. Compare this with his continuous stream of postings on the Busse forum.

The idea that Rats may in the future represent the stainless steel business of the Busse group is actually quite good. It would not be the same Swamp from years ago but it would differentiate itself from the more upmarket blades and at the same time give it a unique character.

What annoys me is the complete lack of communication to their customers. In a sense the Busse group lives of word of mouth in the internet (in this case it might be word of keyboard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ). They take pride in being close to their fans and suddenly the Swamp goes silent.

Good points Bodhi. The other thing to look at is " price" . It will be very interesting to see if they can hold the price down on the SY steel. If you watch the secondary market you will notice things overpriced usually sit- or is grabbed by an excited newbie.The demand is there ONLY if the " price is right" .If they are not making a really good profit- why should they produce at all ? They also have to keep their eyes on the other guys like Ranger-Becker and others putting out some really good steel at pretty darn good pricing. In my business if I can't make good money I just don't do it and who would blame us ? So............. price is a huge factor as is quality. Just some other thoughts. Thank You

i never said they would be stainless.i said that i'd bet money they'll be stainless.its only a guess of mine,not a fact.

eric has been vague about the rodent line details as we all know and is why i used the word "hinted" when i was referring to what he said.

he pretty much said in the original post on the swamp forum that it wasnt going to be camp knives so that eliminates them and something in the name "rodent line" makes me think its not a line of choppers and while a folder could technically pop up at any busse kin i doubt a whole line of them.

something about EDC was mentioned in a post somewhere and it wasnt in erics original "the rodents are coming" thread,it was in a different one and no i dont know when or which post and no i'm not hunting it down,i leave that up to someone else more curious than me.

this right here is probably a loooong stretch but i wondered if eric was trying to do the riddler thing jerry does sometimes when he said
"not your EveryDay Camp knife......E-veryD-ay C-amp......EDC????

we'll have to wait and see.

its "MY GUESS" its going to be a stainless EDC line of knives based on the way i interpreted erics vague description.

bushcraft is popular right now in the knife community.i wouldnt be surprised to see thin bushcraft knives like little nessie's like the busmuk jerry showed us.
something to appeal to the wilderness & survival forums groups on the other knife forums.

i love what swamp and the yard did with the stainless.its the best i've ever had stainless perform for me,period.

That’s nothing new. I found Swamp Rat back when they sold the Battle Rat, Camp Tramp, and the rest. I sent multiple emails to ask a simple question. When I got no response, I refused to risk my money on knives that might or might not be delivered. If Eric—or whoever—had been on the ball, I’d have owned at least one set of the original line.

I’ve bought from Swamp Rat since. But I’m never surprised by failure to communicate on their part.

At least things are somewhat better over here coms wise..

I understand implume's disdain. I do. However, every time i have bought from SR at the company store, CS has been top notch. However, they had stock sitting in the store, mind you. everytime i emailed, Eric responded. SR is what got me started on busse kin knives. I hate to see them go but I think they are done in comparison to SY and BC. I think Jerry is going for a 2 tier knife collective project with SY and BC.

SY is entry level but of same quality in terms of hard use/abuse knives.
BC is the top of the line and cream of the crop.

Both SY and BC are the same in terms of toughness, lateral strength and thats what i love about the 2. No matter what you pick or can afford, you arent sacrificing toughness. (laterally) and SR77 is comparable to INFI in many ways, INFI just is better in other areas, toughness aside.

as someone posted above, im not so sure SR has a place anymore. And as much as I love 52100 (SR101), I HATE to say it. I wish BC would use some SR101 and make a line of just SR101 knives like the swamp used to. None of this 154cm crap for me. i know the edge retention is good, etc.. but when your company is built on 52100, STAY WITH IT AS LONG AS IT WORKS! and it has PROVEN to work. its a helluva steel and people love it. better edge retention than beloved sr77 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> yet not as tough <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> so i guess it evens out. I say SR will go under in time, SY will blow up with business (rivaling Busse), and BC will forever hold its place at the top because of what it produces and the quality of steel INFI is.

I would love it if BC ran a line of SR101 knives like spyderco has a Byrd line. (byrd line = cheaper knives) BC could run a few hundred knives of SR101 and offer a lot of people a Busse blade in Sr101. but this is wishful thinking bc it will be a cold day in hell when Jerry uses anything but INFI but then again, why would you. i dont blame him.

You don't see ant nitch for 154 Rec ?? I like it in a smaller blade but for sure not a chopper etc <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

I think a line of stainless knives makes sense, especially if you have a pile of good steel lying around. Busse's 154CM holds a super edge and is very corrosion resistant. It is ideal for smaller slicers. It's not like he doesn't still have INFI, SR77 and SR101 for the hard use beaters.

So when did anyone from SRKW announce the end of SR101? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I don't know.

Yup <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

They downscaled the company 2 years ago when they didn't even invest in updating the website, common this is peanuts. They had already stopped investements back then.

The Swamp is dead, long live the Swamp.

I am with HD on this...if SR have'nt announced any problems let's not create them.

If we like and respect the knives we should do the same for the people who make them. "Bitching" just ends up in coming to a "head" with casualties....

SR being eagerly awaited is perhaps a better way to approach wanting to see a new knife from them....everyones mileage may vary though...just my view... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Lots of companies reconfigure and reorganize to meet the market and cut costs. I suspect that Busse is doing this now. I also like the SR101 blades. If SRKW goes all stainless maybe the Yard will do some in SR101, or maybe not. I guess we will find out when the new Rodent line is introduced.

Bruce and I are not "bitching." I am merely expressing disdain for a lack of word from the guys running SR. I've purchased well over $1000 of steel from them. Bruce was merely stating a FACT. That the Swamp released ONE knife last year and they didnt even sell em well, or sell out of them.

I think I can speak for Bruce when i say this along with myself... We love the Swamp and 52100. We dont love the lack of communication from a co. we have so adamantly and loyally purchased from.

Would I ever do that to you, Bruce? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If you simply must have more knives in 52-100 right away, Bark River makes a few in that steel, like the Mountain Man and Mountain Man Dag.

That would be a pretty decent poll Bruce. Being as you mentioned it -I will ask you to do it rather than me stepping in and being rude. I would ask that you mention several kinds of steel and maybe have folks pick them in the order they like best. Maybe even add some that other knife makers use as " might" help Bussekin see what the Dawgs/ Rats/Hogs are seeking and willing to to fork out their bucks for.Make for an pretty interesting thread and the new dawgs ( including me) can learn something about steel from you more knowlegeable guys <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

Busse's plans and production have always been a bit mysterious to me. I just see what comes and take it as it is. If I like it, I buy it. I have no real loyalty to any company at all unless I'm working for them, not even the iconic Harley-Davidson. I never got into the Ford Vs Chevy thing either. Communications here in the Yard have improved a lot since Renee was hired. I am glad about that, but there are plenty of other good knife makers out there.

Sounds good Bruce- I am just trying to pick the brains of some of the more knowledgeable here like you-Vic-Jeff-Tolly-Momaw and others. The steel on these knives and others surely is a deciding factor in our selections of blades I would think. I have spent much time studying this- but always nice to gain knowlege from others as to make intelligent purchases.I am also aware that there are other considerations when purchasing a knife- but the steel I find most interesting relating to performance-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

i only learned about bussekin knives very recently, i only learned about them from my desire to buy the best. id say a majority of busses marketing comes from word of mouth which lowers their overhead and also means WE are the ones working for them in a way. so when a company cuts off almost all communication with its clients then i can see why clients would be upset.

personally i wouldnt buy anything in 154cm id just assume go buy a cheapo kitchen knife.

i am sad i never got to buy a SR knife. i cant justify spending 2ndry market prices.

on a side note if SR does close shop what happens to their lifetime guarantee on knives? will busse take the guarantee?

Personally,...... I LOVE SR-101 steel and I am quite sad to see the lack of Swamp production, use of SR-101 and lack of Swamp communication. I can only assume that if Eric CAN'T offer info and input (for whatever possible reason of quite a few possibilities), that he has chosen to not create potentially false hopes (????).

As Bodhi mentioned on the other Swamp Rat post, Eric (who seems like a nice guy when I have talked and dealt with him) has posted MANY more times on Busse forums in the last year than Swamp Rat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

With the exception of SR-101 being more prone to corrosion, almost nobody would realistically notice any advantages in INFI over SR-101 in most smaller knives.

Both INFI and SR-101 have MORE than sufficient toughness for smaller to mid sized knives for 99.9999% of the people and uses.
And in my experience, SR-101 has close enough edge qualities to INFI for my uses. I am not even sure which I think is better.

And in regards to larger knives, I have been active on Rat Chat long before Scrap Yard existed and with the exception of a single "Skinny" pick and a S30V folder that doesn't really count in my book since it wasn't SR-101 and since it was likely made by Blade Tech or Spyderco.... (Blade-Tech might actually be made by Spyderco ?????), I have YET to see a Swamp Rat SR-101 blade break.

And considering MANY Battle Rats were made (AND often shown to be HEAVILY used and abused!) in both differentially heat treated and through hardened blades at 9.5" length and a good number of Rat Daddy's with 10.5" blades have never been seen or known to be broken, I would say SR-101 seems to be holding PLENTY tough.

The only SR-101 "Blade" that I have seen take any significant damage was an M6's edge that chipped during chopping. BUT, that knife "MAY" (????) have had it's edge temper damaged from "Possible" improper belt sharpening. So, even that is an example that is not known to be a fair mark against SR-101's toughness.

I have other satin SR-101 blades and can keep them maintained from corrosion. I would love to own many more.

Personally, I wish Res-C had not been taken away from Swamp Rat. I think SR-101 had/has a HUGE market for many different sizes and designs with Res-C, micarta and G10.

I personally prefer the edge qualities of SR-101 even with higher corrosion over the UBER-Toughness of SR-77.

Obviously, there is a market for SR-77 as many people feel they need such toughness at the cost of edge quality - even if SR-77 holds a decent edge.

I also feel there are many blade designs that could benifit from SR-77. I just feel (for my uses) that SR-77 is best suited for heavy beater knives and tools like Kukris and Crash Axes and other blades over 10.5" in length or tools needed to take EXTREME abuse WAY beyond normal knife or even heavy chopper use.... Since SR-101 obviously handles SERIOUS Chopping VERY well!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> , I think Busse is missing a significant market by not producing more SR-101.

On the other hand, since SR-101 can do about 98%-99.9% of what INFI can do and is mainly only hindered by being more prone to corrosion, I guess one could argue that Jerry might want to drop SR-101 to keep SR-101 from taking away sales from INFI at MUCH higher profit margins. (?????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

.

+1 my thoughts EXACTLY!

bld- i dont see why the swamp couldnt shut down shop and just have BC. i thought the swamp was primarily afterhours work and managed/owned by Jennifer

ahhh! i think i understand <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

ill take the sr101!!!!

maybe some sr101 AKs? kuks? or even that sword that ted posted in the holy grail thread that looked SAAAAAAAAAAAAAWEET!!!

I think before you "make it easy" for Vic you might want to clarify that 1)you were referring to the number of SR101 knives produced last year that were offered to the general public when you said "NONE!", and 2)YOU, actually have NO idea how many SR101 blades were produced by SRKW last year.

Unless you have some inside information that the rest of us do not, how do you know that they stopped all of their military production?

The truth is that none of us know how many knives any of the three companies make. The fact that they didn't release any SR101 to the public doesn't mean anything as far as the rise and fall of the company.

Now, please do not think I am picking on you bld522, because I am not, and I too would like to see the Swamp come out with some new releases. I just think that some of us are jumping to conclusions a little to quickly here. Let's not dig SRKW's grave just yet.

I think the Swamp will be back stronger than ever. If you just stop and think about it for a minute, all of this is very Busseish. Jerry has always had rather unique/abnormal marketing strategies, and it would not surprise me a bit if this entire lapse was planned from the get go. Heck, I can see Jerry kicked back reading this thread and laughing his [censored] off!

Very true.

I really do miss getting some new SR101 every now and then. There sure were a few that I wanted in that Rodent line.

anyone wanna renounce SR and sell me their CT? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'll admit that the lack of knives out of the Rat Shop is disturbing but the lack of information is really more disturbing. Maybe three knife companies is one to many knife companies to sustain. Times is tough.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. That would be a bonus!

As far as the Rodent line goes, I would actually buy one or two of those knives if they were 154CM. While I am a huge fan of SR101, 154CM is an excellent steel for certain smaller blades. It might even be better than SR101 for some knives depending on their intended use.

I know the rats over on BF are upset. I hope Eric has some news soon. It would be sad if there were no more SR101 Swamp Rats, but I have not heard anything like that from Eric.

Yep, the natives are getting restless.

I'm confident that SR will be back and stronger than ever... at least I hope so. To quote Mark Twain, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated".

Maybe the Rodent line is a line of heavy duty tactical folders and the 154cm would fit the bill pretty well.These would sell like crazy to the soldiers,and its one area of the Busse-kin brands that hasn't been really been fully explored.The Swamprat brand may end up being strictly folders.Who really needs mid-priced busse kin blades,why not have the high end knives the bargain priced knives and a line of quality folders to compliment them.

The Swamp isn't dead, it's only sleeping! It's pining for the fjords I tell you.

Seriously tho, I suspect that given the economy not pushing 3 lines of blades in competition with each other for expensive production resources probably makes a lot of sense. You sell your high volume knives and sell your premium high margin knives and don't worry about the stuff in the middle of the line. Jerry, Dan, and Jennifer know their business...you have to give them some credit and benefit of the doubt. Yes, it would be nice if they communicated their (temporary?) change in strategy should that be the case.

I guess I'm like Vic, when the Swamp offers a new knife I look/buy, when they don't I spend my burning-a-hole-in-my-wallet dollars elsewhere. Otherwise, I just don't stress about it. This knife buying thing is supposed to be fun people.

As the song says "Don't worry, be happy" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

swamprat is my favorite among the 3 companies.i just love what they do with 52100 and i love their designs,the CW & CA are my two favorites and the HRLM & RMD are homeruns,i could go on and on.

it doesnt seem to me like anyone owns swamprat anymore.and also,they have their own version of a renee or amy-o,its eric isnt it??

i hate speculating but.............

if all 3 share the same shop sometimes someones gonna have to sit one out and warm the bench.

can dan just start producing knives whenever he wants or does it all have to be worked out between jerry and what BC & SR are currently doing??...i dont know.

it's always been MY GUESS that jerry decides what comes out,when and from who and if things are anything like this then family politics must come into play.

i mean since jerry and jennifer are a couple they get payed whether its BC or SR selling the knives right??again i'm speculating but most couple dont entirely split their incomes.

its 3 companies,2 families,jerry and jennifer & dan and patty and it might be hard to have all 3 actively running at once so they may take turns.

so if at least BC or SR is up and running both jerry and jennifer busse should be o.k. based on MY SPECULATION and the BC line probably brings in more $$ than the SR line so SR fans suffer.

it seems to me like swamprat really slowed down when scrapyard came around.

SY & SW seem to have dry spells for no apparent rhyme or reason in true busse style.i hope their not dead and i hope the days of high carbon,larger pieces arent over.

if they did a quick run for a year or so of neat little stainless pieces i wouldnt mind as long as its not permanent.

Well, KG's point about SR101 being very close to Infi for less money seems the case with my RMD...the edge on this cuts as well and lasts as well as you could ever want and is so close to Infi for me that I don't notice any difference. 52100 steel is the choice of steel of many knifesmiths over here for their own knives...guys who make a living churning out Bushcrafters in all types of steel.

Infi probably comes into it's own on the larger knives but even then it is a case of what do you use them for? To seperate them Concrete and Breeze Blocks probably have to be used as a chopping "medium" and I just don't do that.

Maybe now is the time to pick up secondary SR knives before they become rarer than the Busse's and start matching them on prices?

You know that I am not trying to be the Doomsayer of the Swamp, I just want someone official (the Bully?) to speak up and at least tell us everything is OK.

some are very rare, try to get a first generation howler with the smaller choil <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> took me about 6 months of reading the exchange a couple of times per week until I saw one offered, price was good too.

Haha! The swamp is dead, deceased, demised.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The Swamp will rise again! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, she needs to go to Congress and get a Federal bailout! The sub-prime mortgage crises was caused by people spending their monthly payments on knives. When the bubble bursted and gas prices went sky high, people could not afford Swamp Rats, so the smart money went to precious metals, like INFI. The "working poor" continued to throw their money away on Scrappers with their welfare, pension, and SSI checks. The entire combat knife monetary system is in chaos. Only a bail out to Swamp Rat can save it.

ROFL!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Which is more likely than Britain ever being "Great" again, Paul. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

HUGE +1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing more needs to be said.

Darn, I was just getting into the Dirge. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I keep pining for a new Swamp Rat in Norwegian Blue. Lovely plumage. Kraz caused me to go find that Monty Python episode. Silly stuff.

No, sir, please carry on. I was being an [censored] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Back on topic... I think its as simple and complicated as this..... SR is not needed anymore from a business standpoint. Think about it. Yes they can sell stuff. However, with SY, they can put less $ into the product, yet make a product that is TOUGHER and cheaper to sell and make. The Swamp forum has NEVER been as alive as the Yard (ive been there for a long time) and I think that Jerry has just decided this is whats going to happen. The economy may or may not have something to do with it. Busse will ALWAYS be. and Im going to venture as far as to say so with Scrap Yard. Its the brother to Busse <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I do not think Jerry calls all the shots for SY. Im not speaking for BOSS here but I know that Dan goes to the dump and gets whatever Jerry throws out. And I also know that they are 2 separate companies! Dan makes what he wants to my knowledge and Jerry does the Busse thing. But I think Dan is the shot-caller at SY the whole way. He just gets his steel from what his brother throws in the trash. Gah I love SCRAP YARD and SR-77!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

You may well be right, recon. Jerry surely has noticed that most who will spend $200 on a knife will just go ahead and spend $300 and get a Busse. But thank goodness we still have the Yard for those seeking great value for the money. I do like my Rats, though.

swamp rat is what got me started.my first busse kin was a howling rat. i hate the fact nothing is coming outta the pipeline

Guys,
If you realy think Dan uses what Jerry throws out, your are drinking something more than cool aid.
Jerry has never used S7. Nor has Busse ever made a knife in SR101. In the words of one of Jerry's competitors "Jerry Busse" is a genius. All of their business actions are well thought out and planned. All of their actions are designed to wet the appetite.
As I said on another forum, after the Swamps last drought (between Sept 2005 (SAR) and the HRLM) the swamp came out with the HRLM, Mini Mojo, Mini Uncle Mojo, RMD, Chopweiler, Crash RAT, and HC. Those are some very nice knives. In 2006 when I first found the Swamp Forum, I remember a lot of threads similar to this one. "The Swamp is Dead". "Why wont they maintain the website". Etc. Etc. I do not know what the future will bring, but would not knives similar to the last batch be nice?
If SR101 is gone, do we remember that Jerry split a huge batch of 0170-6C with Mike Stewart when Camilus went under? 0170-6C is tougher and holds a edge almost as well as SR101. Now throw in Jerry's heat treatment and voila. Knife Nurvana?
Guys, RATS Survive!
Ron Athay

0170-6C would be a sweet deal for sure. Will just sit back and order whatever comes along. Good post <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

Just for your amusement Ron, do a quick search on the Busse (As in Jerry Busse) made Tali Wacker... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> SR-77 right there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I can't comment on the SR-101, however I don't think the swamp claims to use leftovers.

Chris,

The Tali-Wacker was the first "Busse" knife made with "SR-101" (*not SR-77). The Tali-Wacker and it's use of SR-101 may have instigated the creation of Swamp Rat knives.


Similarly, the Crash Axe was a "Swamp Rat" blade and the first to use SR-77 - prior to the existance of Scrap Yard and possibly instigating the start up of Scrap Yard.

Thanks for the correct KG. Got my wiring crossed for some reason on that one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Not meaning to call you out here RS, but "Long Time" is a relative statement. In my mind, you haven't been around all that long. You were not around prior to the existance of Scrap Yard. And since your were NOT around to witness when the Rat Chat WAS active, ....... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

...... Maybe you meant to say "Never" since you have been on both forums.... that would be accurate.

Rat Chat used to be every bit as busy as Scrap Yard a year or two prior to the creation of Scrap Yard.

Andy can confirm, but I remember before Andy even showed up.
Some of the older Rats well prior to myself would include 360joules, Trumby, Dunner, Rat Finkenstein, and many others who are still (somewhat) active over on Rat Chat that would vouch for how active Rat Chat was about 4-5 years ago.

A few years ago Rat Chat was a great forum. The decline in Swamp Rat production and creation of Scrap Yard would both likely be attributed to the cause of scattering the old Rats and diluting the Rat Chat forum.






Some people apparently do believe these stories.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Dan may or may not actually use "stockpiles" of steel Jerry has bought for whatever reason. But, I am quite confident Dan doesn't dig through dumpsters in spite of his marketing nickname.

Digs through a warehouse stockpile of stuff... more plausible. But, I am not even convinced of that. As Ron stated, I am quite confident Jerry never used SR-77 for any Busse knife. Swamp Rat used the first SR-77 for the Crash Rat just a few months prior to the creation of Scrap Yard.

"Seperate Companies".... Hmmmm ..... maybe in some ways, but definitely tied together in many ways including production facilities. I would say more tied together than not.

.

No problem. I figured you knew what you were trying to say. I often catch myself typing either SR-77 or SR-101 and meaning the other.... I type the same for Scrap Yard and Swamp Rat and often have to correct my own typing because I meant the other.... heck I must be getting old because I actually do that on a LOT of things. I have to proof-read all the time.

you took the words out of my mouth,seriously.

you can tell a busse designed blade at first glance amd how would that be if one person didnt design them.whether SY,SR or BC all the blades are very similar from company to company.

again this is speculation but since we dont get many facts thats all we can do

i dont think that SR is done and quite honestly think its ridiculousness to say so.i dont know about production costs but we all know theirs no problem on the sales side when it comes to SR.

its a business owners dream.....if you make them they will come/sell....guaranteed,no ifs ands or buts,every single last one of them and like hot cakes.thses fricken busse boys cant loose.i tip my hat to them,more power to them and they must read these conspiracy theories and think we're either morons,wierdos or loosers,me included,probably first in line too.......

1.)
You took the very thought out of my beer soaked brain.

2.) My feelings were that when Jerry decided to drop the 'Basic' line Eric stepped in with the SRKW as sort of the 'B' grade Busse line. SY came in as the 'bargain basement' brand with yet another exceptional steel strengthened by Jerry's knowledge of heat treat magic. Getting rid of Swamp Rat doesn't make any sense to me because there are distinct markets for all three price levels of Busse products. It seemed to me that the Yard brought in a crowd that was just shy of nabbing a Swamp product and the Yard's price point put one within reach. All three brands are still upper end production knife products from my point of view and none would take the place of either of the remainder of the Busse family line. To me Busse was your Sunday-go-to-meeting knife, Swamp Rat your work knife and Scrap Yard came along to become your Knock-around knife for the rest of the time. I hope the Swamp comes back with some more SR-101 goodness but I sure don't understand there marketing tactics at this point. Ah. heck with it, Let's go chop the crap out of somethin'!!

Are we thinking that Jerry isn't fulfilling military orders? What do you think he is really doing? I don't profess to know but I haven't begun to doubt him.

Why did you cut my quote short? I said I don't profess to know. I just am not going to bash the man for what might or might not be.

Ok,ok, I don't know, you don't know, call it a draw.

KG - I havent been around for 4-5 years you are right. I think I regged in early 06 so about 3 years. EVen then, the forum was NOWHERE near as active as the Yard is ever since I regged here.

Im just going on what Dan and his website says. SY and BC are different companies. They are 2 different companies owned by 2 brothers.

These types of threads are great! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I love the opinions that are coming out.

For a relative noob to this forum and the
Swamp Rat forum, it's a great way to learn
the history and interactions of the three
companies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all the input guys. I've learned
things from reading this thread that I didn't
know previously. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am enjoying the premature funeral for Swamp Rat, too. Wouldn't it be a hoot if Eric announced a whole pile of new steel today? Just think how foolish that will make some of us feel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't feel foolish at all Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. I am a newbie here with a growing collection and learning from you guys every day <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. As soon as they release-I ORDER. I will not wait or think it over-I will simply order x 3. I truly think that all this talk is GREAT and during these hard time I am betting the Busse boyz are smiling just knowing they have much steel pre sold. It also keeps their women smiling as I don't know one single gal that doesn't like $$$$$$.I am betting we see some goodies from both places REAL soon and I am ready to spend my hard earned bucks for sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Heck- maybe they are also waiting for all of us to get our tax checks- SMART MOVE. Great thread for us newbies to learn from-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes, I get it, Bruce. This whole thread is like Deja Vu all over again! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Like Ordawg, I'm new here, and have the utmost confidence in the Busse crew. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

My inexperienced $0.02 adjusted for the exchange rate between our great
countries, says that the Swamp isn't dead, and that it will come out with
something that we will all want!!!<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Cheers

Maybe someone here can answer this.If I order a HC from Ratknives will I get it or is that just left on there from before?

I wonder if they are waiting for the last HC LE to sell before announcing the next knife. Quick, Someone buy it.
Ron Athay

I actually really like the design of the HC and would pick one up if they offered the micarta one (not a big fan of g-10).

Now I need to wait around for cheap used one in the secondary market.

Hope they learn from the HC mistake:

1. Stupid name
2. Handle too big for the blade (think of the GW as ideal)
3. All the writing on it.

It is no worse than Howling Rat Little Mischief. THat has to be the dumbest name ever given to a knife. Good knife, though, as is the Hairy Carry.

Ratmandu: What you look for when tracking a Ratman.

I ordred a HC from Ratknives less then a month ago and I got it in about 3 days. So im sure it's still available.
Here is Mine. It's a sweet little knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

LOL Horn Dog!! I've been considering getting the Hairy Carry off the Swamprat site as well.. I am just worried as to how long it's gonna take to get to me. With the lack of updates and communication, i just wonder how long it's gonna be until they see that they have an order to fill..

I think that if you order it, the people that process it is pretty much the same as Busse, so you should be fine.

I think it's a great EDC knife, kind of like a smaller RMD, but wish they offered the micarta one through the store.

I'm just glad I picked up a Tan Camp Tramp last year off BF. It's been a belter of a blade. A Friend in Durham(UK) gave it a full convex edge (I'm crap at sharpening sadly) but she's been to South Africa last year & I plan on packing her on our Alaska adventure in May/June. She is one travelled knife but at least it'll be going back to the "Homeland" in May
JB

Sorry to disagree on the handle. I can't stand the handle on the GW and IMO the handle on the HC is even a tad small. I would prefer an extra 1/4" or so.

But, to each their own. My hands just are not that small.