+1

To be clear, any tests I would do would NOT be with intent to destroy.

I would only use my knife as I would feel it should be used. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I am very confident it will be PLENTY capable for the chores and duties discussed above. No vices or cinder blocks in my testing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Someone else is more than welcome. But, I prefer to respect my tools. If I am ever in some sort of survival situation, I would try to make sure my tool survives as well. My tools survival might equate to my survival. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Nevertheless, I can imagine a certain level of extreme toughness possibly required for military, SAR, EMS or similar.

In survival, you have time to do things a certain way. In battle or extreme emergencies under time constraints, certain tools are MUCH more likely to be abused in excessive ways.

For "EXTREME" scenarios like military, SAR, EMS, etc., I guess I would recommend INFI, followed by HRLM/Yard Keeper, DM/RMD.

But, currently, the only Busse and kin 3.5" blade that you might realistically acquire is an INFI AD at well over $200.

The Swamp Rat Warden is 3.0" blade and with a handle that doesn't quite fit right in my hand. The Scotch Dispenser also has a 3.0" blade, but it has a three finger handle. I have not handled the Scotch Dispenser, but I feel confident that it is not my thing. - To each their own.

For my purposes, steel choice is important, but if the steel is "Good Enough" design and feel in the hand start becoming a HUGE part of the factor for me.

Any way you slice it, the MPLE and HCLE are going to fill a niche. I feel confident they both fill their niche very well and be PLENTY tough for any normal cutting, chore, task or bushcraft use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Let me put this a different way:

For all the people who use a knife this size and use a knife this size for tasks that you might possibly use a knife this size for, INFI or SR-77 or similarly tough steel would have advantages in the area of toughness where that toughness is relavent probably about 00.01% or less of the time.

The other 99.99% of the time, this size knife will be served VERY well by 154CM.

INFI would be better "across the board" except for some minor and insignificant levels of corrosion resistance, but at about 2 times the cost.
And I don't feel the cost of INFI is justified in this knife.

SR-77 is probably only better in toughness that only applies in a SMALL percentage of the possible applications. In most other applications, 154CM would probably be better than SR-77 - *For "THIS" knife.

Just my opinion....


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Now if the AD were "Designed" and looked more like this:




...... then I might be willing to pay a little more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

......$175 - $185 sounds reasonable and fair. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

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