I am on the fence on the new Swamp offering. After reading this thread I still can't make my mind up.

I think the M9LE will be as significant as the DFLE. Don't let its good looks fool you. This knife will be a performer.

yes it will, this blade is made to use, can't wait <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

No. Not even close!

Obviously, you have not stripped and converted a CG into Satin - ESPECIALLY one with micarta or G10 scales.

It is a LOT more work, time and effort to convert a CG to satin than maintain a satin blade.

Res-C is easier because of no exposed tang and a straight cut ricasso at the handle is easier to buff the coating than the scallops like on Busse handles and the more subtle contours on a Swamp Rat micarta/G10 handle.

The coating itself is VERY easy to remove. But, removing the pits and getting the finish across the whole blade up to industry satin standards takes a lot of work with the handles already attached and home shop equipment. It is WAY faster and easier for the factory to do it.

I have said it before, I will say it again, for the factory to upcharge from CG to satin is worth (and I am being "Generous") about $20 for smaller knives, $30 for med. and $40 for larger knives.
Again, almost the entire knife industry provides satin blades and most of the satin knives on the market are less than $50 for entire knives. So, how can there be justification for the satin "finish" alone costing any more???


Also, in regards to maintaining satin, most people are not going to fret over little scratches on their satin blades once used. If any buffing of scratches, for most people it would be significantly less work to maintain a satin blades finish than maintaining a "Worthy" sharp edge.

Most people are not going to try to maintain a user up to "Display Case" standards.

Repeat - IMO, it is MUCH easier to maintain a satin finish on SR-101 (user or not) than maintain a decent edge on most any given user blade.

If you use a knife and don't have a strong appreciation for a razor sharp edge, you are missing out. SR-101 holds a GREAT sharp edge. But, with use, it still needs maintenance which takes more time and effort than maintaining a satin finish - * unless you live in rain and water and always have wet knives..... in which case I might recommend a different steel.

If it is a satin user, it is still a user. But a satin user looks and performs better than a CG user.

I say better, but I still feel I have to explain "better". In many cases, even a big chopper will have performance advantages by being satin. But, not in all cases. Depends on the type of cutting.

Same for smaller satin vs. CG blades. In many cases satin is better and in some cases you might not notice much improvement. But, satin should never perform worse than CG except in corrosion resistance. And like Vic, I will happily maintain my satin blades for improved performance and looks. SR-101 will rust if left wet. But, I don't camp or stay in the rain for days at a time. I don't find it so hard to keep my knives dry and waxed if needed.

I am just posting my preferences. While I can appreciate some people needing a LOT of corrosion resistance if doing a lot of knife work in and around rain and water, I will probably never understand other preferences for gunk on blades. - But, to each their own.

---------------


Bruce,

I would argue that "Superior performance to price ratio" is quite debatable. Satin blade "DO" without a doubt perform better. The advantages might not be noticable in all uses, but definitly noticable in many types of uses. Setting the fact that satin blades look WAY nicer to the side, but still acknowledging that satin blades "DO" perform better over-all: If satin performs better, how much is that improved performance worth???? ..... I guess not so much if you don't use them (?????).

But, then why "ONLY" collect blades that are admittedly less attractive - just for "philosophical preferences" (??????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

You did use proper disclaimer by stating: "To me"...... But, I don't agree that CG blades are what "best exemplify what Busse knives stand for".... even if the sad truth is that most Busse blades are CG. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Luckily, Scrap Yard satin blades are (generally) a reasonable mark-up over CG. Swamp Rat mark-ups for satin aren't way out of acceptable range for satin over CG, but sadly, Swamp Rat satin blades are FAR and FEW between. Any guesses to how long since the last Swamp Rat "Satin" SR-101 blade was released?? - Long time ago! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Unfortunately, Busse/INFI blades are WAY to over-priced for satin vs. CG. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Anyway..... hope everybody gets what they want - whatever your reasons.


.

DFLE in one hand 9LE in other and we can storm any [censored] castles we want <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Vic,

The M9LE seems RIGHT up you ally with very classic Bowie Type Fighter design that should still be a GREAT chopper. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I just wish Busse didn't charge as much for their satin blades, I would easily pay $50.00 more for one. I personally think it is rediculous that they charge such inflated prices for their LEs. KG is right, industry std is about $50.00 per blade for satin over CG. Oh well, to each his own, for those who ordered one enjoy them.

I hear ya, it is Jerry's business to run, he makes a hell of a knife and he seems to be doing well, at least well enough to keep the liquor cabinet stocked. What more can one ask for right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I wasn't on the fence on this one, I wasn't even in sight of the fence but once the question of differential hardening was answered I ran to the fence and dove over head first! I've kept my DFCG but sold my DFLE for performance reasons. I had sold my BR but I couldn't bring myself to dirty up my Satin BR so I picked up a user BR off of the exchange and I'm glad I did. The Bowie style of the M9 at 9" and 1/4" stock say that it is going to be a performer just like the DFCG and the BR so I'll keep the SBR in the safe and put the M9 to task.

I was so starved for a new Swamp Rat that really my main criteria was SR101, the rest is just a bonus and a rather large one at that. Fence you say....