Just ordered:

1 - Ratmandu - Tanker Gray Blade, Black Canvas Handle
1 - Swamp Warden - Tanker Gray

Still thinking about the HRLM...

Went over the "edge" yesterday, 4 regs, 1RMD, 2HR, 4 wardens (had to have one of each to see what looked the best. Now I'm wondering if I should have ordered another RMD.

If you can afford it, I'd say you won't go wrong with another RMD. My impression is that most people prefer the RMD slightly over the HRLM, but they're both great knives and I can't recall anyone not liking either. The common complaints I've read (about them and the Swamp Warden) are that they're hard to find and prices tend to be high (relative to their release prices) in the secondary market.

yah i was afraid at first of ordering my warden in moss but for some reason my eye just kept on gravitating to that color. i prefer sage, tanker grey, or muddy for my full size blades.

Sweet knives and a good selection too. Can't decide which colors to get.

That black paper is eating at me...ordered a sage/tan RMD but...black paper looks good!!

im thinking about getting another warden but in sage to match my RMD, S5, and SOD.

if i did decide to order another one would i just send a whole new email to eric or update my existing order?

Over a year ago, Garth and I had a discussion about black paper Micarta. At the time, he said that black G10 gave the same look and was a bit tougher, so he didn't expect paper Micarta to make a comeback. Since a few recent releases have not only offered paper Micarta as a handle option, but it's been priced as a basic option, I suspect that a well-priced supply black paper has been found.

I ordered black paper with all the RMDs and most of the HRLMs, but I went with black canvas on a couple of the HRLMs (with Moss blades). I like the look of paper much better, but have a slight preference for the feel of canvas Micarta.


I'd probably ask if he could update your order in a reply containing your original pre-order request. If he can it'll probably save you a little in shipping, but he may have to handle the orders separately -- it never hurts to ask though.

OK guys I need some advice. Until 3 days ago I did not own any bussekin knives. I bought 3 regulators, 1 RMD, 1 warden. I am wondering if I should buy some more swamp rat steel. I have some extra money right now. But, I really dont need anymore knives. They would bassically be safe queens. I dont want to miss the boat when there available. But, I dont want to just buy a bunch for no reason. AHHHHHH, I am going cray!

Wanting them is enough reason for me.

I just saw this excellent RMD/HRLM comparison picture posted by Jaxx over on BladeForums (I assume he won't mind me linking it here):
Ratganza Pre-order here... (Wardens, HRLMs, and RMDs) - Page 6



It illustrates that the handles are almost identical; choils and blades lengths are the significant differences.

Raisin, looks like there's something brewing over at Busse. Might be a good idea to just hold on to your "extra" money. Unless you see something else at the swamp you just have to have. But it sounds like you have everything you were looking for.

i cant afford those high dollar blades over at busse