Hey guys, I took off the link. I don't know if it would be a big deal since a price was posted, and google is pretty handy, but I don't want anyone to be upset. We are all having fun here! :-)

I don't want anyone to think I am trying to equate a Ranger or Becker to the SY. I have confidence that the SY SOD is going to be a beast, and tougher then any knife either company can make. The Noss test showed just what a Monster the Busse, SY companies can produce.

I am just trying to be frugal, and don't want to waste money on a BK9 or RD9 if they give me nothing as far as upside over the SOD. I am thinking that a SOD with a big Tramontina would be a better combo then the SOD paired with either the BK9 or RD9, and I would save a bunch of money. Actually my CS Kukri is probably every bit the chopper as the BK9 as well. I think it makes sense to wait on the BK9 til later, and maybe wait on any Ranger til I see what people are saying about the new release from Ontario.

You guys are great!
AI

Informational links aren't a problem, but since that one was to a non-Busse store's order page, I thought AI might run afoul of rule #4 (the "auction spotting" rule). I don't know if that link would draw fire, but it might so why take the chance (rule #5)? No offense intended, I was just trying to be helpful.

I agree, get a sod. I would buy both though. I personally think the BK9 will get better edge retention than a SOD and for chopping it will do better but the handle and strength on the SOD will be better than the BK9. Ideally I would use the BK9 more than the SOD because of edge retention. I am sorry but the yard guard and dog father I have dull noticeable faster then my Rats and Ranger knives. the dog father does well but it rolls more than other steels.my favorite knife in the sizes we are mentioning would be a battle rat or chopweiler. Busse kin knives are amazing all around and for a super tough knife I turn to the scrap yard collection I have. I actually have sold 3 or 4 scrappers lately because I have been disappointed with edge retention but I will always count them as my toughest knives. the becker line is all made in the USA except one of the necker models that was made in japan. it is very nice, still I would rather have a swamp warden.

Hi Terry,
This thread is so interesting that I am looking at a BK9 and going to see how it does next to the S6. It feels great in my hand (S6) as does the DF. ( Thanks)I am really interested to see how well I like the edge retention also. I already know for pure toughness the SY will win hands dow ( I think) I just want to see what I can do with the sharpness. Thanks to all for input on this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I am really suprised that the Scrapyard knives would dull more quickly, I just assumed that a very hard steel would retain its edge better....but then again, it is so tuff that it is hard to be both... I guess I believed it to be closer to INFI...but I guess nothing is for overall use.

So it sounds like for you the Scrapyard knives are tuff and dependable, but may not be the best all around performers. Interesting. I would love to hear any other thoughts you have on the matter.

Thanks a bunch.
AI

Toughness vs Edge Retention.
If a knife is tough, then it should be fairly easy to sharpen in the field
Right?
If a knife has good edge retention, then it'll stay sharper longer, however,
when it comes time to sharpen it, it is harder to sharpen than the knife
that is tough.

Am I right in this guys?

Right. Mostly. Different makers have different performance goals. Ethan Becker knows what he is doing, and Ka-Bar's 1095CV steel has a heat treat that makes it a bit tougher than most 1095, but just a bit softer (like 1 or 2 RC less). Scrap Yard's SR77 is extremely tough, but has a 58 RC. It can hold an edge well enough and still be the toughest steel out there. I don't think most users will break the Beckers, but if you want THE toughest, go with SY.

I think the best thing to do is to get one "some" of each! :-)

When are the SOD's shipping? :-)

Oh, and boy an 9.5" Ranger Nightstalker would be nice to have as well.

Ahh so much time, so little money.
AI

That's exactly what I would like to do. I've already got a BK9 and when the
SOD gets here, woo hoo!!!
Then a khukri or a dogfather, whichever I can afford... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Someone told me once that with Bussekin...
"2 WEEKS" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Ok, I had to say it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I've been searching all the threads on
here about the SOD's and NO ONE has mentioned it.
Hope I don't incur the ire of the powers that control my knife shippments. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I have the DF-S6-DM-YK and soon ( I hope) SODs !! I need to get a BK9 and a 9.5" Ranger Nightstalker. Then- I can see for myself. It sure sounds like fun.

I can't say I really understand the design of the Becker line. The Necker looks about perfect. The BK7 and BK9 are both 1/8th of an inch but with fairly massive blades. The BK2 is only 5" long but a full 1/4". It seems to me the longer knifes would have the thicker blades. Also, why is the thickest blade the one with the most pronounced saber grind? It seems to me that the BK2 would be a great candidate for a full flat grind as it is the shortest of these three blades, and therefore the strongest and it is also the thickest. I just don't get it.