Well, I have 2 RMDs (OD & brown micarta and black & black G10) and I bought 4 S5s. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The RMD did not do much for me. I felt the choil was overly large and the G10 was way too slick. The S5 looks nicer to me and the mudders should provide a nicer grip texture. The price is also very respectable compared to the RMD on the exchange.

My guess is most people who have owned and used the RMD, and have build a history with that design, will like it better. Those who did not purchase, or keep, the RMD will likely think the S5 is better.

I love my RMD.

Well... unfortunately, technically no. But:









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In any event, the RMD ROCKS!!!!!!









Optional Non-Satin <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> finishes:




Borrowed Pics:







[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/SwampRat-HRLMRatmanduandScrapYar-1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/SwampRat-RatmanduHRLM-3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/SwampRat-RatmanduwithColt.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/SwampRat-RMDwithKimber.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/SwampRat-HRLMandRMDbothstrippedVics.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j183/DWRW/Ratmandu-Blackandgrayindirtandgrass.jpg[/img]


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As awesome as the RMD is, there is NO doubt in my mind the S5 will be VERY awesome as well. I just WISH (same as I wished with the RMD <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ) I could get the S5 in Satin SR-101 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

I guess we'll see about the LE someday.

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Good Lord knife guy! All those yours!!??

That "satin" one you have looks nice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd like to see S5 versus BATAC, personally <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Wow! Nice pics! I'm feeling an itch coming on. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

No. Not all mine.

Mine knives are just the ones with the red background (a piece of red wallpaper on a piece of 1/4" HDF board for pics).

I only have 2 RMD's. One with black micarta that I stripped to make satin. I have never taken the time to make it look sufficiently nice yet though. And I "Briefly" took my eye off of it when removing dimples and burned a mark in the side where the primary grind meets the flat side. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> - So, one day I will need to figure out how to fix it. And I will want to remove the scales to do it right. It is too hard to satin finish the areas around the handle at the ricasso and pommel. Honestly, I have gotten frustrated with stripping and satin finishing knives. I think it is a da#* shame I have to put that type of work into a knife I already paid high dollar for to just get a feakin' satin finish that every other knife company in the world offers standard. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ...

Anyway, those are older pics. The stripped one at least has a nicer convex edge now.
I have been holding off doing much more work on many of my knives till I get an upgraded belt-sander and some more belts. I still have an old 1"x30" that I have used for years. But, I need new belts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> - I don't want to keep buying new belts for my current belt sander since I will likely upgrade to 42"
I also want to round over the scales a bit more to be more contoured and svelt like my G10.

My other is the Black G10 with black blade. Gorgeous handle, but heavier than the micarta's handle.

Strangely, the G10 handle is slimmer and rounder than the micarta handle. I actually prefer the look and the slimmer and rounder shape of the G10 handle. But, I prefer the lighter weight of the micarta. Compromises. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I think when I get around to finishing my RMD I might do some very minor blade shape modifications. I tend to prefer a bit more shallower belly and a bit more dropped point in my knife blade for improved utility functions (for me anyway).

Here is an older pic of my RMD:



Here is a not so great photoshop of the general idea of some subtle shape changes I might make to my RMD's blade:



One thing I REALLY like about the S5 is the blades shape. The S5 and the SJTAC share generally my favorite blade shape. I can't duplicate the subtle rise in the spine of the SJTAC and the S5. So, my RMD mods won't be quite as I would prefer. But, I think the mods should still be decent. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

I like mudders, but the RMD has a VERY handle fit/feel. As mentioned above, my G10 is just a bit better being a bit more slender and slightly more round. So, I will probably round the scales a bit on my micarta scales when I finish modding my micarta RMD.


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The picture with all the different handle color options was posted a long time ago by Eric. That is technically a borrowed pic as well.

Under that, notice it says "Borrowed pics". All other pics below the ones with the red background are borrowed. I tend to "collect" other peoples pics for my archives. I don't take pretty creative pictures. I am doing good just to get focused pics. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

So, other peoples pics are more fun to post. And safe to assume more enjoyable for others to view. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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I don't have a BATAC. Can't help. However, I am sure the S5 and BATAC are considerably different in handling and weight. I am SURE I would prefer the S5. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

As much as I LOVE my SJTAC (after removing it's ramp and some other minor handle mods), I never really had much interest in the BATAC. I am not so sure I can explain. But, the RMD is WAY more of interest to me than the BATAC.


I am certain I would prefer the BA-E over the BATAC as well, but unfortunately I don't have a BA-E.

And even BETTER/BEST would be the SHBA, but without the choil and with a VERY small Talon Hole or no Talon Hole. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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Some itches should be scratched! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


IMO, the S5 will stand on it's own and be VERY worthy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, it will still be different enough from the RMD and the RMD will still be one of the great Busse and kin knives of all time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

One of the greatest features of the RMD is it's size. I mentioned this the other day on the Busse forum.

There are a LOT of very good knives that fall into the midsized range that IMO don't make worthy choppers. If it doesn't chop, then I want a GREAT task knife that can be battoned well AND still carries well/light AND is a great utility/task/chore knife. The RMD is that size AND that design. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Knives like the Skinny ASH, SJTAC, BATAC are all great, but all fall a bit into no-man's-land IMO. They are not good choppers and while they weigh about 5-6 ounces more than the RMD, they REALLY don't do much more. And many things like utility/chore type tasks they really don't do as well as the RMD IMO.

Also along with being a bit lighter, being a bit smaller makes it easier to carry as a GREAT have on you all the time trail/camp knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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