EMF,

True. We have found that the RTAK batons surprisingly well due to what you just said. However, we have found that on the same wood, the Ratweiler will require fewer hits of similar force.

On lateral strength, It's not so much the blade itself, it's the tip. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Thicker knives generally have thicker and stronger tips.

JYD #54 "Put your hands high, let your arms be the pillars that be holding up the sky..."