This is my first post. I've been lurking for a bit and think this is a great community.

I'm not a real collector, yet. But I am looking for the best knife/sheath combo available for about $200. I've decided on the SpecOps Combat Master sheath (thanks to the posts here.) Now I just need a knife and Bussekin looks like the best.

I have to admit that I like the look of the Rodent 6, but the 711 seems more functional and a little more my speed. By that I mean I don't need a combat knife and I think I'll like the comfort of the Res C handle better. On the other hand, the R6 handle looks like it can take more of a beating.

Is there anything I'll be missing by not getting the Rodent 6? For example, is the heat treatment the same on both blades? Are there other subtle differences in quality between the two? There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on the Swamp Rat site about heat treating. If you needed to drive the 711 into something tip first, can you hammer on the non-exposed end of the handle without damaging it?

I apologize in advance if these are common questions. I tried searching the forum looking for old threads, but came up empty. In my research, I did see that many people like the 711 and I'm leaning in that direction. It also seems like the R6 is more suited to the hard survival tasks someone in the military would encounter.

Thanks for any information.

Mike

I say get an Uzi and stuff it down the your pants.

And welcome to the Scrapyard, I guess. Normally the receptions are not this eloquent.

As to you post, there is no worry about the durability if the Res-C handle, they can take a beating. They will show wear but they are also replaceable. The R6 is more of a fighting style knife but can do fine tasks as well. The choice is yours, you cannot go wrong.

Welcome to the yard, there really are some good people here.

Thanks for the welcome and info RUNIT. I appreciate it.

(I wasn't sure how to take the Uzi post. I'm thinking a Bussekin is a lot more versatile. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)

You also asked about the heat treat difference between the Swamp and Scrapyard. As far as I know it is all the same. Scrapyard has even been known get INFI from time to time. It is all high quality stuff and backed by best warranty in the business.

No worries it is the weekend and adult beverages are a favorite around here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Uzi. Pants.

Did someone Uzi in their pants?

Welcome to the yard, Mike!

Other than the slight length difference, I find the blades pretty similar. If you can, try out each just to get a feel for the handles. I like both, but that doesn't really help you. If you do purchase one and not like it, you can always sell it on the exchange and get most or all of your money back. As someone once put it, its kind of like renting the knife.

As Runit said, Resiprene can take some serious pounding, so that really shouldn't be an issue and you will likely break yourself before you break either blade.

JJ is celebrating his promotion to staff sergeant, I believe.

That doesn't sound good in any way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Burp

JJ is...well..JJ. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You could wait a while longer and the Rodent 7 will be offered...eventually...Might look a little less tactial/cool than the Rodent 6. Or, just go in big for the Ratmandu--quite possibly the best 5" blade ever made <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> And still available from the store (ratknives.com)

I have both and they are both great knives. I like the feel of the 711 a little better. The Rodent 6 fits the small Spec Ops and the 711 fits the large one by the way. That's what mine reside in so I like your thinking! Great choice either way.