Hi folks
I need to borrow your expertise to resolve a knife decision I need to make--scrapper 6 vs camp tramp.
I need a solid knife for extended backcountry trips as I'm a backpacker/guide. My rule is: no knife over 1LB. Both of these knives I've read are less. Right?
So, I don't need a stabber, just something for making fires breaking up wood, the 3 fuels, all that stuff. The camp tramp looks great. Reminds me of the Martindale I used in Latin America. I think it might be too much knife for this kind of hiking, though. Can the Scrapper 6 be used as a survival/fire making knife. It doesn't look like a chopper, but you don't one certainly doesn't need one to build a fire--a rock and a sturdy knife will do. I got a Howling Rat. It's a beaut but really too small to rely on. Anyone know how heavy the Scrapper 6 is? And is this some kind of commando knife (stabber) or a real all-purpose blade? Any advise would be great from those who've used it. Thanks!

IMHO the Scrapper has a very good design and good specs. for a utility knife. If i had to pick a tool less than 1lb mainly for fire-making i'd go with a Gransfors Bruks mini hatchet, but if you want a $100-ish knife the Scrapper 6 is one of the best choices available IMO. It's not a chopper, but it's sturdy and comfortable enough to chop with if you have the energy. It has a very good tip for general use.
A plus on the LE is that the edges are sharp enough for using a firesteel if you want to.

I have never owned a camp tramp so i can't help you there.

I think that the advantage of the Camp Tramp is that it's a bit thinner and the main grind is at a slightly thinner angle. This helps reduce the resistance involved with splitting chores. Also the saber grind of the CT adds more weight to the blade which will help with chopping. The S6 is shorter and has a thicker spine which makes for what I would consider a tougher overall package. Prying chores would definitely be the S6's advantage. These differences pretty much go under the assumption that the different steels are relatively equal.

They are both outstanding tools, however, and either will get any field job done in style. Good luck in your decision! This is one choice where you really can't go wrong either way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I think the S6 is just a great "all around" knife.
I have a S6 and I have always wanted a tramp.
The price on the tramp will be alot more than the S6 if price is a factor.

Preface: I do not, nor have I ever owned a Camp-Tramp. However, that does not mean that I do not want to own one.

Between the two it'd really be a tough decision. I think the CT will be a better chopper than the scrapper 6. Longer blade, more weight etc.... So I think in that department it'll win.

On the other hand the scrapper 6 does have a thicker spine so it might do better when batoning wood. Which is what you'll likely have to do to effectively split/chop wood with the S6 because it's not as good a chopper. However, that's pure conjecture on my part. In addition the thicker spine will make it easier if you have to hammer something

Overall I think the S-6 will be a better general purpose field knife than the camp-tramp. The smaller blade of the S-6 will make it easier to use for cutting especially for finer work. The spine is thicker so it'll be better at prying.

the real caveat comes down to price. Since the CT's have been discontinued the price on the secondary market have gone up considerably. However, I believe that a second run of the scrapper 6's will be comming along fairly soon. And at 89.95 (assuming that the price doesn't change) the scrapper 6 is quite a bit of knife for the price. So my vote would have to go to the scrapper 6.


peace
Jerry

I'd agree with Jerry on that one, the S6 will be a lot cheaper than the CT so you'll mind hurting it a lot less! I have used my S6 a bit and like it as a mid sized EDC; if the CT was still factory available I may have gone that way though for the extra length.

Thanks a lot guys for the info..very very helpful. Ha, I have no other decisions to make right now so I have to ponder this one. I have a howling rat and it's the sturdiest thing I've ever had..simply awesome. What are the differences in blade material between the SR101 and SR77 (please give link if this has been discussed for I'm sure it has); what's the main difference? Which is better for weight? Anyone know the weight of the scrapper 6? Thanks

My S6 just weighed in at 350g. sr77 is a shock steel intended for high impacts, sr101 is a tool steel with better edge holding abilities. Neither are weak but sr77 is probably stronger. The CT is differentially tempered the S6 is unitary tempered like Busse knives. If you can find a nice cheap CT go for it otherwise get an S6!

Sweet. Great answer thanks. Last Q: is the Scrapper 6 have some kind of penetrator tip? I'm not looking for a stabbing knife at all. Is the tip simply more pointed or is it designed to stab things (I've heard some weird talk in other forums)? Thanks

Mine didn't have a PT and could be used for skinning etc with care. My knife is a tool not a weapon so I agree with you about not stabbing stuff.. I think one or two S6's did arrive with PT's where grinders got carried away!

I have a CT, and a M6, which is similar to a S6, but with a Micarta handle instead of Res-C. I’ve used the M6 for splitting wood until the finish was worn to bare metal. The CT, due to the longer length allows you to split thicker wood, and also makes a better chopper. The CT is more expensive though since it’s no longer made and will probably cost twice what a S6 would. Besides using a baton to split wood, you can also hold the knife in place and whack it with a baton to chop. They’re both great knives, and you can’t go wrong with either. I guess it depends on what are the more important traits for you? Affordable? Chopping ability? Compactness/Light weight? Etc.

I own two Camp Tramps and one Scrapper 6 LE. I love the Camp Tramp it is great at being what the name implys, an all around, do anything camp knife. I am also highly impressed with the Scrapper 6, although I have not had the oprotunity to use it as much as the Camp Tramps so at this point it is hard to form a valid comparison.

That having been said, here is my advice: If money is no object, pick up a Camp Tramp and learn how to sharpen it correctly. It is a fabulous knife that will never let you down. If the budget is tight, get a Scrapper 6. It will cost a lot less and my best guess is that it will only be slightly less usefull than a Camp Tramp, if at all.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.