product differentiation. you shouldn't let it go. there are lots of great slicers out there. little stainless slicers with comfy handles? be nice to have one from busse, but sweden knows how to make em better, according to what this thread has demonstrated, and a whole lot cheaper.

ranger's pretty close. he's only had something like two knives he's had to replace under warranty. shivs, i believe.

I did not intend to start anything with this test. I had no notion that it would break. I like the HCLE for what it is, a nice little EDC slicer. I obviously over stressed the point when prying with it. I no longer consider the 154CM models "hard use" knives. Neither is the SAK that I use daily. I have done a lot more than this abuse to Scrappers, Swamp rats, and Busses with no failures. So my SS4 is still my #1 small fixed blade.

The new Rangers will be made by Ontario Knife Company, so we will see.

I guess I'd have to agree with this. It's the reason that I cancelled my order for the HC several weeks ago (pre-Vic's snapoff). I came to the conclusion that the steel, no matter how well heat treated would still be brittle. As I see it, my various folders (and fixed blades of similar size and design as the HC) are likely to fail in a similar fashion if put to a task beyond their design limits. Knowing that all knife designs (and steels) have thier limits, I simply decided to keep my folders and several Dozier fixed blades pulling duty in this catagory. I reserve these blades for more refined or lighter duty purposes such as slicing, dicing and the occasional dressing of game etc.

All tools have a niche in which they are designed to perform and my Doziers handle the above tasks fine as I'm sure the HC would. If I need to step up a notch or two in toughness I go to RatManDu or Dumpster Mutt LE. Beyond that I grab the Ratweiler or Chopper.

I have not the least doubt that the Hairy Carry is a fine knife in it's proper niche. It's just not a DM, RMD et al.

I just got back from the post office mailing the HCLE to Wauseon. I am very glad that Busse has such a great warranty. For those of you who bought or are buying any of the new small 154CM Scrappers or Rats, I would not recommend prying with them.

Excellent yet simple testing....D'oh is right.....Sorry to hear HD ,hopefully Eric will make it right...

That sucks about your knife Vic, but thanks for the test and pics. Fortunately you will get a replacement from the Swamp as you would form Busse or Scrapyard.

It will be interesting to see how the 154CM blaes measure up to various other Busse blades and similar blades over time.

I was the beneficiary of that trade, and Vic's not kidding -- he described the LMS (2007 SE) as used, but other than a sharpening upgrade, it looks new to me.

Sorry to hear that the HC broke; I certainly hope that it's an isolated incident. It's still a Swamp Rat; they have a reputation to protect, and I'd expect a recall before they have to designate any of their knives as "fragile".