Welcome to the Yard.
Don't mind the drunk marine. I think he is passed out by now...

I only have the 711, but can tell you, that it is an awesome knife. It is my go to campknife, and takes a severe beating without complaints.

Welcome to the yard MikeD. Once you get past the unique personalities here I think you will find it a nice place. They are all good choices - the Ratmandu, 711 or R6. Why not one of each? Once you are hooked you will get one of each anyway so why fight the inevitable?

Welcome to the yard! Gettum both is never the wrong answer.

Start with the 711. It may be bigger than you think too, so consider the 511 as well. Top notch all around users!

I would choose the 711 for an all around camping knife. I keep trying to like top guards, but can't appreciate them. If you can do a combo, a Ratmandu and a 911,would handle any wilderness chore.

And I would not recommend hammering the butt of a resiprene handle.

I am a Rat first but between these 2 knives I would go with the 711

I second the Ratmandu. It is my favorite knife so far, granted I don't have nearly as much experience as a lot of the guys around here, but MAN O MAN the Ratmandu is just sweet every which way.

The suggestion for Ratmandu and 911 is a good one!

Best camp knive on the market. Is the 711

Wow! So much good advice. Thanks everyone.

I didn't know the Ratmandu was still available, big thanks for the link DogTired. That's a nice looking knife. I think I'd like the RMD more than the R6.

Hooker, I have a cheap 7" blade and a 4" folder (from other companies), both have top guards and (now that I think about it...) I'm not crazy about them either.

I can see where a 911 and an RMD would be a very useful combo. For now, I'd like to get one knife that can do whatever I'd need it to. I'm planning to load up the sheath with a Leatherman and a fero rod so I can have one thing to grab when I need it. Currently, I don't see myself carrying a 911 anywhere, but that may change when I get some real knives (Bussekin).

I can definitely see myself getting a Scrapivore and an RMD in the future. If they're still available. I'll tell the wife the RMD is for her BOB. "Happy anniversary honey. Here's your new survival knife. We'll just keep it with mine... over here." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Mike

Mike --- Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Hi Mike and welcome to the yard. You don't really say what you intend to use the knife for but IMO either knife is going to serve you well. Price to performance Busse/kin knives can't be beat. The knives don't differ very much in size so you wouldn't be giving up much there. I like the comfort of the Res-C handle over the micarta and it has just enough texture to provide a secure grip. Cost wise the 711 will give you slightly more bang for your buck. I'm with Hooker I wouldn't recommend hammering on the Res-C handle but that would be about the only drawback that I can see. Batoning or chopping I think the 711 will be the champ. Good luck with your choice but I can see you buying both knives before it's all said and done but I would start with the 711. Here's a couple comparison pics for ya...