I really like the S5 too.
The RMD has been in the drawer since I got this one, but I'm going to
have to really get the two out and check them out, side by side.

Has anyone tried that yet?

The G10 one I had, at least, seemed very smooth and did not seem to provide much traction. I have felt other manufacturers applications that provide much more grip.

I knew I was forgetting something. Why don't you do a little comparison for us?

yes, please! +1! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the review and great pictures HD. My entry into this addiction was CS. Master Hunter. After reading reviews on the then new Camp Tramp, I became a member of the Swamprat team. Feeding my addiction I then grabbed a few of Busse Combat. I watched Dan and Co grow now through the years and have many of his offerings.

I have almost sold my soul to the RMD. I look forward to getting my paws on the S5LE in infi. It will take one heck of a knife to bump the illustrious RMD from it's perch.

But, if someone like you, who so obviously tests his equipment can make such a claim, then the gauntlet is thrown back in Eric's court.

And we're all winners.

Yikes! A gauntlet thrown in Eric's court? Talk about mixed metaphors. Yeesh.

No gauntlet. The Ratmandu can do anything the Scrapper 5 can do and maybe a bit more with its full tang construction. It's just a matter of preference. The Scrapper's Res C handle is lighter, but you can beat on the Ratmandu's full tang handles without harming them. I like them both, but it's nice to have a lighter knife sometimes. And then there are those pesky squirrels who eat Res C.

I am like you on this S5 Vic. The S5 (now satin and convexed with some other minor tweaks) is at or near the TOP of my 4.5" - 5" heap right now. It just offers a GREAT blade shape, Incredible steel, awesome fit, feel, ergos (and balance after the Res-C mods) at a lighter weight comparable to most 4" bladed knives and can do about anything as well or better than most any knife in it's 5" bladed size catagory. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



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I agree with both of you on the RMD as well.

I actually prefer the blade "Shape" of the S5 more with it's arched spine and dropped point. I find this blade shape more versatile for task/chore type uses. I actually dropped the point on my S5 just a bit more.

The RMD is still an AWESOME knife and a worthy contender to the S5 and I DO like the fit/feel/ergos of the RMD's handle, but I also feel the S5 is just as comfortable and just as capable a knife at a lighter more carry friendly weight.

But, while I like the feel and function of Res-C, I do like the nicer looks and quality of micarta. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The two best improvments I feel that could be made to the RMD would be to "skeletonize" the RMD's handle/tang to cut weight and have it's blade shape a bit more like the S5's (Mini SJTAC shape) - arched spine/dropped point. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

* For the record, my favorite Bark River (although a shorter 4.0" Bravo length blade) is the Canadian Special:

With Vex:



The BRKT Canadian Special might look odd to some and some won't be able to deal with it's lack of a guard, but for me it works like a CHAMP and feels like a natural extension of my hand (nice satin/convex grind and sheath as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />)

In many ways, the S5 is like my Canadian Special (to me), but with choil, a larger/longer blade and Res-C.

The VEX is also VERY nice for it's size. But, I am REALLY liking this 5" blade on the S5 "WITH" it's light weight. Most 5" blades are just a bit heavy.
The S5 with it's 5" blade length on a knife that weighs comparable to most 4" bladed knives is AWESOME!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I have said it before and I will say again:



When I worked on my Bog Dog II concept, I was originally think about a 4.5" blade. But, I now I would rather have the Bog Dog II concept with about a 5.0" blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Concept Rats!!! - Rat Jack & Bog Dog II

I would still be VERY interested in the Rat Jack concept as well!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> .... and would also WISH for the Rat Jack concept to ALSO have the skeletonized tang! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

I am VERY willing to bet Jerry could make a LOT of sales on those two. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I WISH he would!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

.

+1

I have both and concure. My G10 feels narrower and is more rounded/radiused.
My micarta feel fatter and is more square.

But, the G10 still weighs about 1 ounce more.

Along with "Wishing" for a skeletonized tang on my RMD, I have always wanted to round/radius the scales a bit more.

It has been on my list of things to do for a long time. But, I just haven't spent much belt sander time in a while.

.

that's one of the better vex pics I've seen

Thanks.

I don't usually get good quality pics. But, sometimes get "Lucky".

This is my personal favorite of the Vex though:



I LOVE the linen micarta!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Gorgeous to me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I think I had a good outdoor lighting day. Outdoor (natural) lighting seems to work very well "sometimes"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Here are some others:

Various in hand angles:











Compared to HCLE with different grips aligned to show more handle and usable blade of Vex in a smaller smaller package vs. two grips of HCLE.

* Other than the HCLE's handle being a bit small for me, on a knife sized like the VEX and HCLE, I think NO choil is a much better option IMO.
I just don't need to choke up on a 4" blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />









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As much as I LOVE the S5 for it's little bit extra size and all-round abilities, the VEX is IMO probably the BEST smaller 4" or so knife from ALL Busse and kin choices I have handled. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

The S5 is probably better IMO for woods/trail/camping all-round use.

But, the Vex is probably a better choice for those looking to EDC a fixed blade or just want a little lighter and smaller blade.

Even with linen micarta, the Vex is lighter because of it's thinner steel and over-all size.

I haven't been able to use my Vex much. Just a bit around my house. But, it is a SLICER by design and came pretty sharp. I believe once I get a "Great" edge, the Vex will be a MEGA slicer!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

But, the S5 is much more robust and tougher steel. And SR-101 gets NICE and sharp!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

Between the S5, Vex, M9LE, Waki, NMSFNO, Regulator, re-release of DFCG in desert color and such, we have been given some GREAT knives in recent months. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I have to include the Killa Zilla. I couldn't afford nor justify with it's WAY high price. But, I was fortunate to see and handle in person and even if too high priced for me and IMO, it is still AMAZING! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Some of the new guys have come at an "Opportune" time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
And us older guys are lucky to still be around. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

"Classics" have been recently released. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

.