However, I also prefer the blade shape on the SS4 over the Bandicoot's.
The Bandicoot's blade is more like a sharpened pick. But, it can be made to slice well.
For my uses, the shape of the SS4's blade is much more versatile to me for cutting.
I'm pretty much in agreement with most of your comments.
The quoted passage, above, is related to something I was going to say about these two knives: To me, the Bandicoot is more of a defensive knife design, and the SS4 is more of a camping/outdoors knife design (which is what I prefer).
Of course, either could serve decently in either role.
I also agree that I prefer it to many Busses, such as the meaner and the AD. Of those types of blades, this one is nearly ideal in blade shape and size, while having a lighter, more comfortable, better insulated handle. It may not look as nice as a fancy G10 or micarta handle, but, overall, I prefer the SS4 to those.
Likewise, I have to agree with most of your follow-up comments there.
Coot - more defensive
SS4 - more camping/outdoors/utility/chore/functional/useful/versatile/etc. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I also feel the SS4 has about an IDEAL blade shape and size for MANY tasks.
To me, the MAIN problems with most Busse's are the choils and to some lesser degree some of the Talon Holes. A small Talon Hole might be OK if the handle is designed right around it. But, I like my hand very close to a blades edge on smaller knives. The choils on most Busse knives are not even functional choils like on the SS4. They snag, waste otherwise usable blade edge and move the functional blade edge way further away from my grip than I prefer.
Two of my GRAIL knives are to have an AD without a choil and a much smaller or NO Talon Hole and a SHBA without a choil and either a much smaller or NO Talon Hole. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />
The SS4 and Meaner are VERY similar - Except the SS4 has a functional choil and NO Talon Hole. To me, it is a NO BRAINER. The SS4 is WAY better than the Meaner.
However, I don't mind canvas or linen micarta on smaller knives. On smaller knives they don't add so much weight or effect balance in any bad way. And they do look nicer.
However, I still like mudders.
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