Well...it was only his second post..."but dem rules is de rules"...

Momaw,

Excellent point regarding the point leading and point trailing cuts.

Queulat,

Welcome to the Yard.
Enjoy your time here and have lots of fun!!!

Cheers

I have to say I really wish Busse kin would release two versions of their knives. One with the finger choil and one with just a sharpening divot. The Ratmandu is a great knife but because of the large choil I may not end up using it, it would be much better, to me at least, with the return of the edge length.

One reason this becomes a slight bit more important is state knife laws regulating the overall length of the blade. As an example, this is a visual estimate that hopefully gets my point across, the S6 would fit the 5.5" blade limit if measuring linear edge length. But with measuring from the handle it definitely wont. If blade length is already limited I don't want to give up extra edge due to the choil. The Ratmandu is a longer blade but has less usable edge then a shorter knife like the Koster Bushmaster.

Gideon,
I know what that means, and would love to tell you, but I wanna be a
Junk Yard Dog someday, and that wouldn't be conducive to my chances <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That's OK, I looked it up. I just don't understand how someone could actually post that. The lack of respect is breathtaking.

"Then there is the SOG SEAL range of knives as Cliff points out...I would be interested to see if they have any government procurement contracts for this knife...."

from what ive learned spec ops gear (sog) was formed by spec ops guys who made their own gear since issued gear was not up to standard. then one guy went business with it. which might lead them to get more contracts.


i totally love the choil of the SOD sure you loose cutting edge but i usually carry a smaller knife for finer cutting.

Whilst Pop is right on the original function of a choil there is more to it than that for me at least. Momaw makes a good point that it aids precision which is true for me but it also assists in using the balance of the knife for better flexibility. If you want a small mid range knife to work well it is usual to balance them just on the trigger finger of the grip.

It gives a neutral blade weight distribution which is good for control when cutting and gives a modicum of help if you revert a grip to the rear of the handle for light chopping.

But if you want to skin a deer or several deer or work inside the chest cavity to field dress the ability to choke up on the blade...go past the balance point and use it like a "see-saw" fulcrum for short easy cuts getting more precision with the belly curve of the blade...certainly for skinning...it helps. The knife is no longer neutral...has become if anything slightly handle heavy...and the blade feels light and precise in your hand.

So for me I thought the finger choil was a deliberate design feature to address the balance point of the knife and make the most of different holds for different types of work.

My two most used smaller knives are my Ratmandu and my Woodlore Bushcrafter...the later takes the blade right to the grip edge and this helps with deep cuts on wood...which is what the knife is designed for...but having a spear point it does not have much belly curve for skinning...and does not work as easy as a Ratmandu in this task. Working inside a Deer's chest for field dressing...there is no real difference for me on balance but the ability to choke a grip on the RMD gives a little more assistance in shrouding the edge so you only cut what you want and don't "knick" any intestine.The balance point on the Woodlore is right on the trigger finger inside the grip...so it works very light in the hand...like a RMD which has the exact same balance spot...and both are excellent "user" knives. I guess for whittling away at making a Canoe paddle I would prefer the Woodlore...precise cuts can be done with the assistance of a comfy handle...for dressing game...the RMD...but I reckon I could still make as good a paddle with a RMD...because you would only be choking up on the blade for a very few cuts...most could be done from the handle.

Here are some pic's to check out the edge differences...

A lovely collection of knives. May I ask what the one with the reddish-handled and overall spear like profile is?

Hi Momaw,

That one is a Bud Nealy Khinzal ( if I have spelt it correctly ).

Here is a better pic...

Great point to bring up momaw!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'm not fond of the hatch marks on the front of the handle, but otherwise an attractively clean and simple design.

The sheath system and it's versatility make this knife very utilitarian...I made a simple leather sheath for it as well...as a close quarter defensive knife the kydex sheath gives multiple options from a necker to a shoulder holster...the leather enables a simple carry for hunting/outdoor use...

Here is the leather sheath...