With unforseen disasters ever looming, global warming, asteroids, floods, earthquakes, storms, terrorist attacks, recession, gas rationing, bad breath, locusts, and the Second Coming, it is prudent to have a good camp knife. I should sell all but one and buy a generator. Today I took a few of mine out back to compare with my new Bark River Hudson Bay Camp Knife. It is a copy of the original camp knife made by Hudson Bay for use in the North American frontier in the 1700s. It has an 8" blade of A2 steel with a full convex grind. It is .215" thick at the spine, but is actually thinned to about 3/16" by the grind, about the same as the Busse Sarsquatch.

top to bottom: Swamp Rat Chopweiler, Busse Sarsquatch CE, BRKT Hudson Bay, Swamp Rat Ratweiler.

Here the HB is between two Ranger RD7s, which I consider camp knives.

And here it is with the Entrek Destroyer bolo and the Sheffield MOD4 Survival knife.

And of course, here it is with a knife that actually has "camp" in its name, the legendary SR Camp Tramp.

So now we know how it compares in size to the other 7" to 8" blade camp knives.

Thanks for the great pics Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Have you had a chance to chop with it yet ? I would think that the HB would be an excellent camp knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Since all the other knives here have been reprofiled with sharp convex edges except the Busse Sarsquatch, I decided to compare the HB to the SarQ. They both weigh about 17 oz and both come with sharp convex edges.

First a little light chopping on some thin oak.


Then some bigger stuff.


The SARQ balances right in front of the handle as does the HB. Both are comfortable to chop with, but the big profiled handle on the Busse suits my large hand a bit better.


After several chopping comparisons, the two knives were always within a few strokes of each other. The Barkie seems to bite deeper, but in the end, both knives chop about the same. I can use more force with the Busse without discomfort. I'd give a slight edge to the Busse in toughness and I like the pommel for hammering on. I think the Barkie is prettier and it feels a little more agile in the hand.

I really like the sheath that comes with the BRKT, the sheath can be removed from the frog and slipped in a belt for more discreet carry. I also think the HB would slice better, but I didn't try that today. It has a nice fine point that would be useful for fine work or drilling. Old school meets new school. For SHTF, I'd go with the Busse, but the HB is a very nice retro alternative.

I have to be honest Vic. I love the shape of that new Hudson Bay.

I love the edge profile shape (curve/belly... whatever). I just really like the shallower belly's on most any blade short of a skinning blade.

I think it should maximize utility and chopping for it's length VERY well.

The handle looks good (?????). I "think" I would prefer a little more beak at the pommel. But, I don't know. I would need to hold and handle to determine.

What are your thoughts on the thicker guard area of the handle near the index finger in grip? How does that feel?

I am not personally a big brass fan. I like guards and bolsters on some knives. But, I think I would rather have this one without the bolster at all. And while I am fine the big chunky corby's (especially in strength and function) I would rather them be stainless.

I hope I can get my funds back in line to pick one up before they are gone.

I know the Chopweiler is thicker and probably a tad more blade heavy to help in chopping (????).

I would guess the HB should outchop the SARSquatch, but I REALLY do like the SARSquatch as an all-round camp knife. - The SARSquatch is my fancier INFI / Micarta handled Camp Tramp.

Of course, I still like the Camp Tramp as a Light-weight and very versatile Camp knife.

I am looking forward to your review.

I assume you have a lot of great knives there that each might have some strengths in some areas over others.

.

That sounds like a fair comparison and a fair and objective outcome.

Probably about what I might have expected between the HB and SARSquatch.

I was sort of curious about the HB's handle. I wish I could add a few tweaks to it to suite my preferences..... if I could afford....

.

Mike made this knife very close to the original, which had the big bolster and big rivets. The originals were ebony handled, but I chose black canvas micarta.
The knife feels very good to me. I just did some slicing with it. Like a Japanese chef knife! Very handy knife for camp, kitchen, or yard. And that point and wicked curved edge would make it a formidable weapon as well.

One word describes that Barkie.......COOL!!! I am a huge Bark River fan, and one thing I have always liked about any of his knives is the fact that you know they are going to come out of the box at least useably sharp.

That is a great looking knife HD. Thanks for the comparison and the pictures. Now go put it on that new grinder and do it up right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!!!

It is right, Tolly. So is the Busse. The Busse might look a little rough, but it cuts well. I am no longer doing comparisons of knives with modified edges. From now on, it is out of the box performance. The edge on the HB is as sharp as any of mine.

That's good to hear Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I like your idea of doing comparisons that way HD. I don't want to turn your thread into a rant about me not understanding why it seems most knife manufactures don't seem to care about putting great edges on their knives any more, but.....No excuse for it.

I think it is fairer to compare them as sold. Not every buyer is going to bother to reprofile the edges. Among the 7" to 8" choppers, I think the Chopweiler would out chop the Squatch and the HB, even with the factory edge. With the edge it has now, I know it can out chop them both, easily.

I have to agree with the edge comparisons.

It really isn't fair at all to spend hours reprofiling and sharpening a Busse knife's edge and then say it cuts as good as a Bark River.

Yes, with the right know how, tools and time, a Busse can be made to cut as well as a Bark River.

But, from the factory, about 99.9 times out of 100, no.... sorry Busse does NOT compare at cutting ability to Bark River's similar sized knives. I would LOVE to see that fixed by Busse.
There are enough indications that I know Jerry knows what a good edge geometry and sharpness are and the relevance of such.

I think it might be fair to add certain side-notes such as: "if the Busse such and such had a good profile and factory sharp edge it might compare.... or even be better ?????......"

But, you are right. There are a HUGE number of guys buying these knives who don't know about the changes you or I make to most Factory Busse edges and might assume that: "well Vic or Doug says this Busse cuts or chops just as good as a Bark River" and maybe not know about the "NEEDED" edge modifications for a given Busse to compete.

I like proper and fair disclaimers..


.

I have done many comparisons over the years. Usually, I tried to have the edges as comparable as possible. But over time, I have read so many posts about dull edges or requesting sharpening information, I have concluded that many new users lack the skill to properly sharpen a knife. Not to beat a dead horse, but the purpose of a knife is to cut, and knives should come reasonably sharp from the factory. The new CE versions from Busse are great. They may not be "pretty", but they darn sure cut. I think it is a step in the right direction.

Great review/pics/info. I also agree that the Bussekin knives should be sharper out of the box.

I completely agree Vic.

In some ways, I can understand and appreciate attempts in the past to make the edge comparable. Because it helps to have the edges comparable to compare and isolate other design features of the knife.
So, in many ways cutting and chopping comparisons are much harder to do if there are so many factors - such as edge profiles and edge sharpness.

It "can" be hard to judge whether a knife "could" possibly cut or chop well "if" sharpened comparably to other blades with better profiles and edges.

For my purposes, I "Hope" Busse is not a "Dead Horse" and will do certain things right so I can quite beating. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If I am "paying" for a "knife" which by my definitions is (also) a "cutting" tool (before a prying and rock busting tool), then I think high dollar knives need to have more focus from the factory on VERY relevent details such as cutting ability - largely dictated by proper edge profile and sharpness.

I also agree the CE blades at least have properly profiled blades.

I can't honestly say my CE Hell Razor came to me sharp. It was not sharp. It would not slice cut paper.

But, for my purposes, I would rather have a well profiled slightly dull blade that I can make sharp faster. Than have a very optuse blade profile that cuts hairs. The well profiled blade is 10 times closer to what I want and so much easier to get the blades edge how I feel a blade should cut.

If I have to reprofile an obtuse edge profile, the factory edge doesn't do me any good as I have to grind and sharpen as if it were dull.

But, all a well profiled blade needs is some finish work.

Ideally, a HIGH dollar knife would have both - a great edge profile and a sharp edge. I can except that some of the CE blade may have had both. But, mine did not.

And while I "wish" ALL Busse blades would come with a CE profile standard, I do NOT like the pitted CE unfinished blades..... just feel I should be clear on "my" opinion about CE pits.

.

My Sarquatch CE came sharp, so I assumed that was typical. I did not touch the edges of these knives before chopping. I'll admit the Barkie was a bit sharper, but not much.

Nice job Vic,cool pics too!

The HB looks great, I'm still deciding on what to be my first BRKT. Really looking forward to the Gunny and Khukri.

I keep hearing hints from Renee about something new from the Yard. I wonder if I'll be getting yet another camp knife soon. Wouldn't it be awesome if Dan had a kukri or bolo? I was thinking how cool a Sarsquatch would be with a Res C handle.

Great comparison review HD and I like the idea of out of the box "standards" in future reviews.

I think it a fair point as well.....knives should be sold "sharp"....

Amen to that!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Vic, the rogue bowie I just got is the most impressive knive knife I have ever recieved. the sheath, the edge, you name it. I am looking hard at the hudson bay but I might pass.
how much was busse selling the ce models for?

how much were the Busse Sarsquatch CE sold for?

I think the Sarsquatch CE was $300+. As it turned out, I ended up with two SarQs. Great camp knives. I love big camp knives, bowies, and choppers, so I had to have a SarQ. I still haven't found any camp knife to surpass the Chopweiler in chopping. The SarQ does pretty well, though and carries light. The Camp Tramp, Ratweiler, and Chopweilers are hard to beat. But sometimes, I go retro. I really like the Hudson Bay. It is a versatile well-rounded camp knife. And I think it looks great. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I should have a SARSquatch by weeks end.

You will love it, Shaolin. Great SHTF knife. Rainwalker is making some leather for mine. Easy carrying and a great feeling handle. Nice flat pommel, too. It is a fine camp knife, for sure. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

HD,

I'm sure I will, lol I saw one in person a couple of month's back and I wanted one right then and there, lol

I'm feeling a little bit un-sure of this buying, but hopefully this person ships tomorrow, he's got his money, now I want my knive, LOL

Hmmmmm that makes me think some. Maybe I need a big knife myself, as my S6 is starting to look small <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What would Mick Dundee do? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

he he he I'm hearing ya <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Nice selection of camp knives, Vic. I like the looks of that BRKT. I'm glad to hear that you like that particular pants style, you may have something similar to that for another one of your blades before too long. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hmm. It must be the machete sheath. The machete is disposable, the sheath won't be. Without a doubt, the big knife I have used the most is the 18" Tramontina. Next would be the DFLE and Golok. Just makes sense to me that my real users should be properly carried. But it may be the Sarquatch sheath. Not likely the Skinny ASH1 sheath. I guess I'll know soon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

that is a resonable price. I did a camp knife comarison yesterday and took pics. maybe I will post it tomorrow.

HD, I'm kinda surprised that you don't have more kydex sheaths. Are the majority of the pants from the knife manufacturer?

Yes, most of the ones shown were from the knife companies. I keep the Chopweiler in a Spec Ops. I do have quite a few kydex sheaths. I have one for one of my Sarsquatches, but the Busse sheath from SYKCO fits it too. I have some nice leather ones, too, and more on the way. I'd really like to get one like Andy's for my Ratweiler. The cordura sheaths are really quite useful, though. Most have handy accessory pouches and they carry easily.

I prefer the codura sheaths with a kydex liner. I usually put a flash light or multi tool in the pouch.

them's some [censored] nice knives.

Thank you Vic for the comparisons. Now I want this knife even more. This was the post I was waiting for and thanks for the pics.

The BRKT knives are different from the Busse-made knives, but I like them. We can post comparisons with Busse-made knives here, and I usually post Busse or Swamp Rat reviews here. I avoid the Busse forum like the plague, but I love Busse knives. And this forum seems more active than the Swamp Rat forum. Besides, most dogs are fans of all three Busse-made brands. So SRKW has made THREE camp knives, and Busse has made a few. Unless you count the recurve YG and YH as camp knives, SYKCO has yet to make one in the 7" to 8" blade size. I think it's time for me to review a Scrap Yard camp knife here. Hint. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hd
I don't have nearly your experience with knives but I was using the yg with an m6 and cs recon scout. the m6 was the smallest but could slit would batoning better than the others and the recon scout could chop a little better. all around I liked the m6 best. I would love to get a larger busse camp knife. I thought the yg was a poor chopper on larger branches. the m6 out chopped it.

The M6 has the weight and the edge geometry to be a good camp knife. I have one, and mine outchopped my ASH1 SE. The really thick ASH1 CG could probably chop a lot better than the lighter Skinny and SE, but I like the lighter weight more in that model. I was thinking of a Scrap Yard version of the Camp Tramp, Chopweiler, or SARQ.

One could only hope Vic, I think it is safe to say that a 7 inch Scrapyard knife is by far the most desired and talked about currently so hopefully Dan is listening. Now that they have cleared their plate with all the past left over stuff it is time to bring on the new designs.

Nice pics! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I like your thinking Vic ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That looks a great knife Vic and kinda suits you if you know what I mean !

I still think that the SarsQuatch is the ultimate camp knife so far in regards to chopping and cutting ability !!!

I feel bad for saying this but if you are going to start comparing knives such as Barkies with Scrapyard knives using their as delivered edges then I think the Scrappers are gonna get their [censored] kicked !!!!
I would put any Scrapper ( Carbon steel versions ) up against any Barkie in the overall toughness stakes and I'm confident scrappers would come away victors but no way on cutting performance !

I forgot to mention that Idaho Knife Works also makes a nice version of the Hudson Bay !

pit, nice knife. I like that.


the M6 is a great knife but the handel isn't designed for chopping. it needs to be a bit bigger at the end of the handle.

pitman, how do you think the sarsquatch is better than the chopweiler?

The M6 is a beast. Heavy and very stout. I would go with the S6 or JackHammer over the M6 based on blade to weight ratio.

I have both the Chopweiler and the Sarsquatch and I prefer the shape/feel of the Chopweiler and the steel of the SarQ. I like the SFNO even more. My two top camp knives are the Camp Tramp and the SFNO.

I don't have a SarsQuatch but with it's thinner profile and convex edge I figured it must be better at slicing stuff !!!

pitman, thanks for the info.
vox hog, what is an sfno?

horn dog, how does the edge retention of infi compare to sr101 or bark river A2? I have never used infi and have no idea. I have used carbon V enough to know I like it, I also like the 5160 on ranger knives. I haven't used sr101 enough to know how it performs but so far it seems as good as the others. is there anyone here who thinks infi and sr101 have about the same edge retention? I ask because I would like to get a better camp knife.

I have never done a measured scientific test comparing them. I can tell you that all three steels have very good edge retention in my own experience. I have used SR101 quite a bit in my Chopweiler and Ratmandu, and it takes and holds a very sharp edge. My Barkies in A2 seem to do very well, too. My most used knife in INFI is my SS4, and it is scary sharp and seems to hold its edge very well. I know this isn't a precise or technical answer, but I have been pleased with all three steels.

I don't know about the JackHammer. But, I can speculate based on owning the SJTAC.

I didn't like the M6. It is INDEED a beast. It is very heavy. But, I felt it was TOO handle heavy and I didn't like the feel and balance in my hand.

Some people want a SUPER stout heavy duty mid-sized knife - there it is in SPADES! ... Just wasn't for me.
The is Nothing wrong with the blade design. I felt the handle could have a better shape and much lighter in the handle.

The S6 was MUCH better IMO than the M6. But, I sold (then regretted selling....) my S6LE. I sold it because I have the SJTAC and have modified it by removing the thumb ramp and a few handle mods. I LOVE my modified SJTAC and just felt the modified SJTAC made the S6 a little un-needed. ????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Mistakes happen in life. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />



As far as steel goes, yes, I have to prefer INFI. But, I LOVE SR-101 and don't find any problems with it except that its coated with nasty gunk. Otherwise, I honestly feel that in most every way, SR-101 is about as good for my uses as INFI and at a much more reasonable price!!!!

[color:"yellow"] I WISH Swamp Rat would release more SR-101 designs and SATIN blades!!!! [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I have the Chopweiler and Sarsquatch as well. To me, the Chopweiler is heavier and a better chopper. But, the Sarsquatch is a very "Good" chopper with better balance, better feel and more all-around potential. I think it is hard to choose a favorite as I feel they are both great, just a little different. But, I would likely choose the SARSquatch as I like versatility in most anything when I can get it.



I have never had the SFNO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

**** However, Interestingly, there is an indication that Jerry is about to bring it back (?????). (I wonder if it will be a HIGH priced semi/not really custom shop HACK job??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

From what I can tell, the SFNO seems a lot like a micarta handled version of the Camp Tramp - which would inevitably be an AWESOME knife, but a little heavier than the Camp Tramp.

The Camp Tramp is a favorite by many including myself for good reason. Excellent all-round ability, excellent feel and balance, etc.

Ironically, the SARSquatch is thinner than the Camp Tramp, but very similar in size and shape. It has micarta scales, so you would think it is more handle heavy. But, the SARSquath also has a little taller blade than the Camp Tramp. I find the Sarsquatch balances just as favorably to me as the Camp Tramp. Just very slightly different.

The Camp Tramp weighs about 14.5 ounces and balances at about the middl of the choil.

The Sarsquatch weighs about 17.0 ounces and balances at the rear of the choil by the front of the scales.


I have never been able to figure the weight of the SFNO. I have looked and can't find it anywere. I would like to know. If anyone knows, please post.

Since the SFNO is similar in thickness to the Camp Tramp and with a full tang and micarta (or similar) scales, I have to assume the SFNO weighs considerably more than the Camp Tramp. I would assume 18 - 19 ounces (????)

But, the SFNO is a constant favorite by Hogs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> And since it is so similar to the Camp Tramp, I am very confident the SFNO is a VERY worthy design.


I don't know if the Dogs will be getting any mid-sized SR-77 any time soon. But, Jerry keeps bringing High dollar / High profit INFI... probably for a reason.

Still, if the SFNO is coming, and "IF" at a "Reasonable" price, I might have to start selling off appliances and cars and stuff (????).

But, I am NOT interested in paying "HIGH" prices (higher than CG) for "HACKS".



How about a Satin finished SFNO with a CE and Black linen micarta for $267.00??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

.

Special Forces Natural Outlaw



SFNO with SARSquatch:




SFNO with SJTAC:




SFNO with ASH1:




SarSquatch with Chopweiler:




<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



.

So many camp knives, so little money left. There is always room for a good one at a good price, though. I think it is Dan's turn at making one. I like the look of the SFNO a lot. Even Nepal has gotten on the camp knife bandwagon. Check these out. They are from the real Third World Grind Shop. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

+1 My similarly "Unscientific" approach would pretty much support what Vic said.

INFI, SR-101 and A2 "ALL" have excellent edge retention, are reasonable to sharpen and just generally all have good all-round edge properties for knives.

INFI is "Nuclear" tough.

However, with the exception of once skinny slim Rat Pick, I haven't seen a SR-101 blade significantly damaged. They are SUPER tough and plenty tough for me.

Similar, A2 is VERY tougha and PLENTY tough for me. One advantage A2 has over SR-101 is A2 is less prone to rust. A2 patinas easily, but doesn't rust easily. There is a difference. A patina can actually be cool looking with blueish swirl tones, but sometimes gray, orange and other. SR-101 rust is deep bronw and much quicker. Jerry used to use A2 and "Grew" Busse knives on A2 prior to INFI. Mike Stewart uses A2 on many of his Bark River knives. It is VERY good stuff.

These are 3 of my VERY FAVORITE steels. *** But, I find A2 and SR-101 do all I need them to do for my uses at a better price than INFI. I still "desire" INFI. But, at the price for (so far in life) never needing the extra toughness, I have to honestly feel for my needs that SR-101 and A2 are VERY GOOD and better values for me.


I am interested in seeing more 3V, M2 and M4 blades in the future to see how I like them. I have only scratched the surface on using some 3V and M2 and I am VERY impressed so far. I am not sure about M4 yet, but it is supposed to be tougher than M2.

3V is basically supposed to be similar to A2 on steroids. But, 3V is harder to sharpen/grind and costs a lot more. So, I don't know if the cost is worth it (????)

.

Mike Stewart of Bark River is doing some "experimental" knives in S3V, but he hasn;t decided whether to use it in production knives yet. He said that it would add $100 to the price of the knives on average. I think A2 and 12C27 are good enough for me.

Vic do you mean S30V or CPM 3V ?

Correction. It is called CPM 3V. There was a post about it on BR forum that called it S3V, but CPM 3V is the correct nomenclature.

"They are Actually Called CPM3V and CPM S30V.

The 3V is not Stainless and has more Vanadiaum.

Both are Powder Metal Steels to try to keep the size of the Carbides Smaller.

3V is rated as the Toughest of all of the High Carbon Tool steels.

The one we have been testing that I made with My Heat Treat is still sharp even though Reid and I have been Beating the Crap out of it."

Mike................

I have used a few knives for camp use, and have yet to find the "perfect" one...I don't know that there is a knife that can handle every camp chore by its self. I have even tried knives that have claimed to be the ultimate camp/survival knife, like the Tops Tracker...it is an interesting design and has it's uses, but isn't really great at anything.


I still think old Nessmuk had it right for camping with the triad of small hatchet...thin mid size knife...and a pocket knife, but I would love one knife that can do it all while being rugged...I would love to be proved wrong.

How many of you go to the field with only one knife?

The Tom Brown Tracker is useless. All of the camp knives shown here are just fine. One of these and a pocket knife and you are good to go. If these are too pricey, get a camp machete, the true ultimate camp knife. Being purely practical, a good machete, a Mora, and a SAK will do all you need to do with low weight and low cost. Be what fun would that be?

my new cleaver is part machete/part knife. hardened and tempered with a single convex bevel leading to a zero edge.

i may have to send it to you for testing, vic.

vic,

those look like good old HI knives. I will never stop drewling at your collection <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have used 3v but only at cutting. I have a benchmade in m2 and a small fehrman in 3v. most reviews I have read seem to show 3v is not as tuff as infi or even maybe differtially treated sr101.
you guys awnsered my question. sounds like edge retention is close enough I might not notice a differnce between infi and sr101. my camp collection is more along the line off production knives, kabar heavy bowies, cold steel, falkniven, rat, ...
my current favorites would be the mission MPK, BRKT rogue (i just got it and will be comparing it to the m6) and m6. the cs recon scout is a great knife though. the best deal on a camp knife would be one of these three to me. the black jack grunt, about the size of the m6, the black jack anaconda bowie 3, about the size of a chopweiler or the kabar short heavy bowie. the black jacks are large blades but very light compared to blades their size and this will reduce chopping ability but they do come very sharp. The falkniven A1 should be considered also. it is a little small to be compared to a chopweiler but it is an excellent camp knife. It can chop or slice and is super tough with great edge retention.

mag
I will test it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I had a Recon Scout years ago. In those days, it was about the best you could get, and still pretty darn good. In the longer blades, I have always liked my Ontario Survival Bowie in 1095. It was a favorite until the DFLE came along. Have I mentioned that the DFLE is the best chopper bowie I have ever used? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> As far as steels, I am happy with less than the ultimate steel for most things. But even I have six big Busses! If you are willing to pay the price, INFI is it, as far as I know. I know that I don't need it, but few really do. People got by with 1095 for many years and it is still a good steel.

Thanks Vic, that was an expensive lesson I learned the hard way....soon before I learned to research things on the internet. I do like my Cold Steel kukri machete <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, but it is too big for fine work <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/loopy.gif" alt="" />...so I am back to more then one knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

So what is the big deal about just having one knife? When civilization crumbles, and the art of making steel is gone, we will have the ultimate horde of survival tools! And if not, leave it to our survivors to sort it all out when we are gone. Folks will say, "We never knew just how sick he was. Hundreds of dangerous weapons were being stored right here in River City! He was in some cult out of Wauseon."

I would be glad to be numbered among the cult.
don't tease me about the dfle. I passed and regret it now. I own so many knives in 1095. 30??
how does the dfle compare to the ontario in edge retention? I would like to see someone test a friction forged blade against infi.

The SFNO is the Busse that is the most similar is shape/feel to the Camp Tramp, hence why I like it so much.

Weight comparison:
Camp Tramp - 14.1 oz
HellRazor - 15.1
ASH1 LE - 15.6
SarQ - 17.1 oz
SFNO - 17.6 (G10 as I don't have a micarta SFNO... yet. Micarta would be lighter)

Vic, you rock man <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />...I was just trying to cut down my pack weight for my next outing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. when I get back from my next deployment. I plan on taking a month of leave and heading out into the Pintlar wilderness of Montana. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I am going to take the absolute minimum and see how far I can go and just beath in the clean air and listen to the silence for a while. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/chill.gif" alt="" /> I haven't been out there in over twenty years...and I miss it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

mad russian
I really think you do it all with just two knives. I would take a yk and a larger blade like a khuk or a bowie.

For light weight, the DFLE, Sarquatch, and BRKT Hudson Bay and Golok are all about 17 oz. About the edge retention on the DFLE, it seems close to 1095, depending on who did the heat treat. But is easy to sharpen and has the right balance for both chopping and machete work. And it will not break . It is perfect, to me.

Now if I could just get one...Dan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I doubt there is any chance blade west will have a dfle. everybody warned me not to pass it up <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Haha...awesome.


Love the pics HD, that's a great looking lineup!

I received my BRKT Hudson Bay today, and I have to totally agree with Horn Dog - it's an awesome knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Looks to be. I am REALLY liking that Bravo II as well.

Hey Horn Dog,

I just got a Tan Camp Tramp. I noticed on this thread you have a stripped one and it does not show a hamon.

Do you know if the tan CTs were through hardened?

Thanks!

Man, I don't remember!

This ought to make a great camp knife……

That will handle anything you throw at it Chris! Beautiful.

My uncles company used 3V for awhile in die forming cutters, they went back to using W1. In his words 3V is chippy. He started working for US steel in Sante Fe Springs Ca when he was 18 and until they closed the doors in 1988 or so.

Busse treated 52100 and Infi works for me!