Ok, these questions are for those of you that have or have had bot the RMD from the Swamp and the 511 from the Yard.
1) How does the 511 feel in hand compared to the RMD?
2) How is the blade geometry of the 511 useful compared to the RMD?
3) Do you prefer the Res-C or Micarta for a handle material?
4) Any other observations between the two that I need to know about?
Thanks

Hm. Apparently the Internet didn't like my post. Here goes again:

1) it's smaller but not uncomfortable (the 7-11 handle would have been a better fit IMO)

2) no useful comments--far as I can tell, they are very similar

3) Micarta--for me the extra heft in a blade this size ain't a bad thing.

4) The 5-11 is fine. I plan to get another at some point to ride on my BOB--the lesser weight is nice if you've got a lot of other gear to haul. If I could only have one, it would be the RMD, but I don't so I have both <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If I were limited to one Res-C blade in this size, I might be more inclined to go with the SS5 though since I have seen the light and become converted to the benefits of the mudder grips <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The 511 is a fine knife. I've picked them up from the tables at Knob Creek, but they're close enough to a Dumpster Mutt (and I have lots of those) that I haven't felt the need to buy any 511s. However, in my opinion, the RMD is in another league -- it fits my hand nearly perfectly and balances great; it's a little heavier and more expensive than a DM or 511, but is worth it to me. The original RMD is one of the top designs to come out of the Swamp and a best of breed knife.

I like both...I have 5 RMDs and 3 511s. If I had to choose between the two it would be the RMD, all in all it is almost perfect. If you have larger paws the RMD is probably a better choice....but I have lovers hands not workers hands.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> So either works for me. The RMD is also just a little thicker through the blade. This can be a plus or minus depending on the intended function.

Andy

"Lovers' hands", I LIKE that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The blades on the two look very similar, with a little bit more cutting edge going to the 511 due its smaller choil size. The grind on the 511 starts a little closer to the spine, but not a great deal maybe 1/8" or so. The blades are also very close in width, but I didn't caliper either, so this is just a guess.

The handle on the 511 is just a bit small in my hands but not its not a deal breaker for me. I have lots of knives with small handles. Of course, I have large hands, so small to me may be okay for another. The RMD feels better in my hand, and while I like micarta, I think the res-c would provide a better grip better in slimy situations like blood, fish innards, or general messy cutting.

The balance on the 511 is right at the end of the res-c, just onto the blade. Pretty close to dead center. The RMD is weighted toward the handle, so the balance point is well onto the micarta. I guess that either would be okay for chopping something, but really, unless it was meat, or fish, or a quick chop to something, they would beat you to death trying to chop anything of size or volume. The RMD might do a little better due to what I perceive as a bit more weight. Again, I didn't weigh either one, so its just a guess. They are both just too short for chopping too much or for too long IMHO.


511 feels lighter in my hands and seems like it would be quicker to move so skinning or extended use would be a little easier. The balance is great, and the more I hold it the more I enjoy it. I believe that this balance would reduce hand fatigue if you were using it for a while such as butchering up some deer steaks.

I didn't answer your questions numerically but i think you get the idea.

I think that the blade size of the 511, RND and even the Scrapper 5 area are as big as I would want in a hunting knife, and would do quite well for camp chores, even a little bushcraft.

I like them both, its why I have both...

YMMV

Doc

Thanks guys. I have the RMD and it feels so right in the hand. I have a friend that has been bugging me for it but I did not want to get rid of it without a replacement. Then the 511 came out, and I thought that I might sell him my RMD and get the 511 and use the little extra for a 911 fund. Now that I have heard your guys ideas and reviews I think I will hold onto the RMD and find another way to start a 911 fund. Sucks that I can't sell plasma <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Tell him to get his own RMD from the Swamp. They still have 'em (or at least get 'em periodically)