I just sold a NMFSH to pay for one purchase, but yesterday is going to require that I dig deeper.

I'll list my collection if Tom will show or list his

That challenge isn't meant to mean I have a big collection or can compete with Tom, Andy, or Jim. Its just meant to taunt him into showing us his pirate's chest of infi booty.

Based upon some older pictures he posted, I bet he has INFI stuck in ever drawer, closet, basket, nook and cranny.

It must feel good to have every release...ever.

Sadly, I have to report that I also sold my very last SYKCO to pay for an INFI acquisition.

I only have a rolling tool chest full of Bussekin, and another rolling tool chest full of other brands and a couple of boxes on the shelves. I suspect that Jim has the most Bussekin knives.

Gary - Many feel that the handle on the SAR5 is on the thick side, myself included. I also found it to be a bit handle heavy. The sent mine to have the tang skeletonized and have the handles thinned down some and it made a world of difference. That thing was a stripped down beater and I loved it. Excellent full convex grind, too. I hated to sell it. I'll get another one day. If you decide you don't like it I might know a guy.

Nice scores!

Adam,
I've read quite a few reports like yours. The general consensus seems to be: "sand down the scales". I tend to think its going to feel like a Rodent Solution on steroids. The RS was butt heavy, and poorly balanced.

I've been interested in a stripped down bushcrafter for a long time, and thought about a Vex but the SAR5 came up first. Its interesting that you described yours as a "stripped down" knife as that is my definition of a bushcraft blade.

I hope to score some sort of trade for a Vex at some point. I need to start moving some of my gear, guns, and blades or we're going to be eating grass!

I just came back from the dentist. This thing cost me $550:

Gary - I called my SAR5 stripped down because I stripped the coating and the handle was a bit thinner. Sorry for the misleading comment.

I can send my Vex to you if you want to try it out. Its the new version.

I'd love to try your Vex, but don't want you to be without your knife. I know I'd hate to be down one of my babies.

That was an awesomely friendly offer though.

Since you've had a Vex and SAR5 - how similar are they?

The offer still stands if you change your mind. I really don't mind at all. It might be nice to check one out before you spend your money.

I didn't find many similarities between the SAR5 and Vex, but I like how they're both designed. You get the maximum amount of blade length in the overall package. The SAR5 feels much more substantial. I also found the Vex to be a bit heavy, so I ordered one with a swedged clip point so it would be a little lighter. That's the one I have now. I plan to have the tang skeletonized at some point.