Swamp rat just started taking pre-orders for knives. They have three models up for sale with different blade colors and choices in scales. Swamp Warden, Howling Rat Little Mischief and Ratmandu.

I picked up a HLRM and an RMD. I wanted the HRLM for my hunting knife. Everyone tells me the RMD is the one knife they would own if they could only own one. So I ordered one of those. Never touched one before so I am taking a leap of faith on that one.

So if you ever thought about getting one now is the time. They don't manufacture them very often.

I have never had any luck trying to deal with those arrogant folks.

They have been pretty easy to deal with for me. But ordering knives is definately a differnt thing. Its almost mom and pop over the internet.

Link?

I bought a couple knives from them. Then when I ordered another it didn't come for about six months. When I tried to call and inquire about my order they said if I bothered them again they would automatically cancel my order, they were too busy making Busse knives during the day to deal with any of the Swamp Rat business.

I never got the knife, I sold my Busse and I haven't dealt with them since.............................DJ

the entire family is dysfunctional.

Here you go. Its a link to how to pre-order


Swamp rat pre order

Rather just have wildswalker build something similar, though tweaked as per my liking, and not deal with any bullschit.

Wildswalker, MichiganRoadKill, Ray Laconico, Stomper, DP knives, Landi Knives, Miles Patton, Tobin Smith..........there are a number of very good bladesmiths that can make a knife as good or better than Busse, Swamp Rat or Randall Adventure.

I wouldn't mind getting a knife or two from a couple of the makers you mentioned. But these aren't offered on a very regular basis at all. And never at these prices on the secondary market.

To bad you had a bad experience Mannlincher. They are really good knives for the price. Especially with an unconditional guarantee.

But they do take for ever and a day to deliver.

I just traded for a Busse Active duty.. I have never dealt with those folks.. They seem to have a cult like following..

Laconico knives are very nice.. and can be found almost weekly on the secondary market on blade forums..

I have a Ratmandu, bought it a few years ago from an individual, great knife!



I also have an older Busse, Straight Handle Badger Attack (SHBA) also not bought from Busse. I did recently ship it back to the Busse Custom Shop and it was a great experience, fair pricing and great work! They removed the black finish, gave it a satin finish, new scales and solid bolt fasteners. Could not be happier.

I have to say this order was way quicker than expected. I got my Ratmandu and a Howling Rat LM in yesterday. They are scary sharp and have some heft.

I have a feeling the HRLM will be my new favorite.

They sent me my order with my choice of handle and blade color about 4 weeks faster than they promised me. I'm a happy camper.



And sharp

Congrats!
Looks like a different blade finish on the Ratmandu?

Yep thats the new moss finish. Its actually a bit darker. The flash washed out the color on it a little. Its is heavily dimpled (overspray) The pits are almost black and the outer is green. It will look a bit better when the handle darkens up a bit from use. I took another photo which shows it a little closer to true color.

Interesting, did they change any thing else from the originals like mine?
I bet the RMD becomes a favorite, they handle and work so well.

I think its all the same as prior releases. I am leaning towards the HRLM being my favorite though.