well I just got the SwampRat 4 and its not a bad little blade. The edge was sharp by Alex. It is not hair shaving sharp but it will cut paper fairly well.

Here she is.



Here are the specs:

Name: Rodent 4
Blade Length: 4 5/8"
OAL: 9 1/2"
Steel: SR-101
Hardness: 58-60 RC
Thickness: 3/16"
Handles: Black Canvas Micarta
Blade Width: Approx 1 1/4"
Grind: Flat Saber

The handle has the new Swamprat bumb. I found it comfortable on the Swamprat Rodent 9 despite its looks. To me it really shines when you use the rounded choil for close work. I have large hands and the handle on the Swamprat 4 feels a little small at first, but then gets comfortable. I think its just getting used to a new design.

The fit and finish are classic Bussekin. No issues at all. the blade finish is black with the Swamp Rat logo on it and the canvas micarta handles held on with three three rivets. A laynard hole is at the pommel which is rounded off for a nice overall fit.

Overall just on a desktop review I like this little knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

We will see how it does outdoors.


Ill post some pics when I can

Ok here it is with some similar sized knives so you can get an idea of its size.

First is the Swamprat Rodent 9 and the Rodent 4, note the same design of the handle



Next from top to bottom are the Blind Horse Knives Woodsman Pro, The Becker BK 16, The Swamprat Rodent 4, one of the most beautiful knives in my opinion, a Backwoods Knives custom, my favorite user, a Scrapyard Dumpster Mutt Le, and the new Scrapyard 311.



Here are the fantastic Busse Basic 4 tan, the Swamprat Rodent 4, and the Esee 4.



Here it is in hand. Now I have big hands and with gloves the handles are snug but not uncomfortable. These gloves are stiff heavy leather, so lighter softer gloves should feel much better, think deer skin gloves.





Here is a handle shot of the Busse Basic 4 tan, Swamprat Rodent 4, and Esee 4



Here is a close up on the blade thickness of the above.



As requested here are some handle shots with the larger Swamprat Rodent 9 to show the contours of the handles including the bump.





[img]http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h459/sar511/CIMG0500.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h459/sar511/CIMG0501-1.jpg[/img]



Here it is with the Fallkniven F1, another great little bushcraft knife.

[img]http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h459/sar511/CIMG0502.jpg[/img]

And here is a shot, (no pun intended) of the Scrapyard War Dog, Swamprat Rodent 4, and a jar of somewhat decent Moonshine. Not as good as the backwoods still kind, but its easier to get and available in regular White Lightning or Moonshine.

[img]http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h459/sar511/CIMG0495.jpg[/img]

take care

sar

Can't wait for the pics. I love my r9 handle

Great! Hows about comparison pics when you can!

Glad to hear to good report, I'm hoping mine is here tomorrow <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Here's a pic of mine!

Gun dog and Rn, pics are up. I had to pay a upgrade to picture site due to bandwidth. Who would have thought a year ago I would even be on a forum let alone know what bandwidth is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Luck congrats on the Rodents ya got there and welcome to the Yard!

Sar Excellent pics and review!

Is that moonshine for sippin' or strippin' the Rats?


or both!

MM

You just convinced me!
I need that Rodent 4...

Great group of pics! Can't wait to check out mine. Looks thinner than the esee 4?

There's usually stripping involved but not on the knifes! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No Rn, they are both 3/16. It looks a little different side by side but I think they are the same.

Double post, sorry will have o throw a pic up.