Blade show in 1 dayultimate 5.5" to 7" camp knife?

I'm getting ready for my first blade show. Also my first busse kin buy. Please help me know what to look for. I need a 5.5" to 7" camp knife. What should I look for or hope for at blade. If you could have only one knife that size what would you want or look for. Remenber that the are most new and/or new release at blade. So fare I'm hopeing a skinny ash1 or something like that.


So it's one day. I will be going sat 6/9 at 9am. I'am going in looking for a skinny ash or a 711 LE. After I'll my waiting and thinking I have came to a conclusion that I need a 6-7 in blade that is thin as posable. I have a esse 4 and it's never big enuff to split wood but like it for detailed work so I
Selling it and geting something 6-7in. See you there.

7-11

Chopweiler with a satin or double cut finish.

Whatever Ratmandu variant they have

Team Gemini Light Brigade LE

Whatever sort of Yard or Swamp Muk they might have

DT, I agree on the 711. Kinda wish I had ordered one now, but with my Plethora (you like that big word?) of knives in that size range, I elected to pass.

I also agree with the Chopweiler or even a Ratweiler if any would be available.

RMD, it's a good knife, but maybe just a TINY bit on the short side (?)

Team Gemini... Not what I would really think of as a "Camp" blade, but that's just me.

Yeah, a MUK. Again I think kinda on the short side if he's going to be in a "There can be only one" buying mode, but the MUK IS one whale of a knife.

For a FIRST TIME purchase and wanting a "Camp blade" personally I think he should keep it on the upper end of the 7inch spectrum, but that's just me.

Main thing N2S, is FIGURE OUT YOU MAJOR USE for this knife, get in hand the blades that fit your criteria (size wise), and then make your decision. IF you are going to be limited in your buying, choose wisely and be honest with what you will use it for THE MOST. Many of us get the big eye, dazzled by the flash and excitement surrounding a new blade yet don't take a good hard honest evaluation of what we are actually going to do with it Versus Our "Living off the land with a blade" dreams.

Hope this helps you out some.

I always heard the Skinny ASH1 and SARSquach made great campers.
If I expect to do a lot of chopping then I try to look for something without the "beak" just past where the pinky is placed. This is why I love the Regulator and Chopweiler handles so much. The Busse SAR series handles seem like they would be great too, but I have no experience with them.

I don't need a chopper more of a delimer, splitter, carver and food prep. You know make a fire and sharpen Sticks, cook,make tent pegs, and pot hangers. Not chop a tree down and make a House. Lol.

Hmmm....I wasn't suggesting you'd have to build a house, only camp site chopping. Sometimes light chopping turns into heavy chopping.

I suggested the SARSquach because it has a thin blade and would be great at everything you described and still chops well.

Hey Spidy! Your last post is SO accurate. But I was going on the theory of "Only one" blade. Yeah, I think something like the Weiner dog would be a much better camping "Kitchen type" chores and also some light delimbing and such. Better still would be and S5 or Wardog, something in that (5-6 inch)size. Actually I think the Wardog HACK (Busse Combat blade) with it's .200 spine and DEEP hollow grind might be the best of both worlds. Great slicer for kitchen duty and thick enough to do some hard work. And seeings how I only have a Wardog HACK and the BWM from Jerry, I don't feel as if I qualify speaking on his blades other than the Wardog Hack, which I really like.

Like I said though I think a hard look at what you will actually be doing with the knife Vs what you think you MIGHT (Like) to do with will dictate what you actually get AFTER getting one in hand.

I like your suggestions, Randy. The WD is a great knife I'll never get rid of and I WILL have another S5.

N2S, sounds like you already know what your criteria is. You'll get the chance to handle plenty of knives at blade. Just look for something with a blade that isn't real heavy and a handle that you find comfortable. I like canvas or linen micarta because they're grippy without being abrasive. I find paper micarta to be on the slick side and G10 to be heavy and abrasive. These are just personal preferences.

I'm torn between the S5 and the WarDog. I like the S5 for it's broader blade and of course mudders are good. BUT I also like the profile of the WarDog blade and the smaller blade height, plus for me, the WarDog just feels better. And now that I have destroyed the convex edge to something I can maintain, I find myself going that route. BUT I'm not quite ready to get rid of me S5.

No question....it's the new Scrapyard Skinny 611 that Dan's bringing out ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you about the handle material. My fav other than Res-c is canvas micarta for the reasons you stated. BUT, I can always wear gloves If the hardness of the handle might come into play. For no prolonged heavy use I think any of them would work out.

That would be a good one Pit! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I agree on the skinny 611.

I liked the wardog but I felt the blade was just a bit too thick for my liking, so I sold it.

Yeah, .200 is getting on the thick side, but it's manageable, at least for me. AND the WarDog HACK being such a deep hollow grind doesn't seem thick at all and MAN is it light!

Sorry for my rude absence without saying anything, but patty's throat started swelling on up her again and she took a benadryl and they always make her so sleepy. Well she just woke up and was hungry so I made some quick tuna salad.

The best 7 incher I have used is the Scrapyard 7-11. For the 5.5 inch range it would be hard to beat a Ratmandu.

Based on what N2S stated, I would go with the 7-11. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

"I don't need a chopper more of a delimer, splitter, carver and food prep. You know make a fire and sharpen Sticks, cook,make tent pegs, and pot hangers. Not chop a tree down and make a House. Lol. "

Best 5" blade = RMD. Period. And the bonus is I THINK you can still order the RMD from the store <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Not to dis the War Dog or the SS5 (Which I have and will not get rid of)

Best 7" = Chopweiler. I'd say "Period" but there may be some disagreement <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I love the ergos which make it fantastic for chopping, for fine work, and everything in between. I've eyed the Sarsquatch longingly for some time now, but the price tag turns me off a bit <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I don't think you can go wrong with the 7-11 either. Again, bonus! It's currently in the store.

If it's something you want specifically from Blade, then try for a variant of the above.

What Tom (private klink) and DT said. They've used them and you should follow the suggestions of someone who HAS hands on experience Vs someone like me who hasn't had any experience with the 711, Chopweiler or RMD.

I have a Ratweiler, Chopweiler, Sarsquatch, and a load of other knives, but I would still go with the 7-11, even over my beloved SODs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, .200 is getting on the thick side, but it's manageable, at least for me. AND the WarDog HACK being such a deep hollow grind doesn't seem thick at all and MAN is it light!
Does any one have any pics of this. Or the SS5? I do like the RMD but seams like there is a lot of them out there. It starting to sound like I need to sell my kideny and buy every blade I can and use them till I find what works for me. Then sell what I don't want
To you guys real cheep. Lol

You will have a LOT to choose from at Blade! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The Wardog.


The S5


Hope that helps you out a little bit.

Doesn't that tell you something, they are popular for a reason !

Here is mine with my BlackJack Grunt, I'm thinking a Skinny 611 would be like a slightly bigger, tougher version of my Grunt !

The 711, being SR101, is a great deal.

The SS5 is a LOT like the RMD with a Res-C handle (especially the CG SR101 version, not the infinitely more expensive INFI model).

I like 'em both but the RMD has the edge with the micarta in that size (although the mudders ARE nice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Pit, I always regretted not buying one of the Grunts. It would pair up nicely with my Ok, it's not a Kamper, I guess it's the one called the worker, Warncliff style blade but with some curve to the cutting edge.

Here's a couple I posted on Pitman's 6" knife thread. One is a RMD Proto and the other is a Jackhammer. Both great knives.

They ARE both great! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Jackhammer???? I thought this was about blades he might be able to buy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You just NEVER know what might show up at Blade! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Listen to Tom, he sounds like he's been there before.

I believe there were some camo Jackhammers there last year and I remember seeing a few in the ganza. It may have been a KC show.

I'll pitch in with the Basic 6.
With the res-c handle, 6,5" blade of thin INFI, it makes for an awesome allrounder.
I don't know if it will be up for grabs at Blade, but if it does, that would be my suggestion.

Ah yes, heard a bunch of good stuff about the Basic 6 too!

Wow a jackhammer!!a basic 6!! I will really have to sell a kidney. Starting to hope the yard releases a LE shinny skinny 611 real cheap at blade. Then I can buy more.

Something tells me, that once the 611 is released, you will find the knife you are looking for.
Just a feeling... I may be wrong.

OR the swamprat rodent 6, when (and if) it is released.

It does feel really light in hand, yet gives a sense of indestructibility.

711
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Just my 2Cents, a 711, or a 611 once it comes out. Either one I think would work out fine for you.

For the price, I don't think you'll find a better all around camp knife than the 711.

I like my MO 511 but I bet the 711 is even better!

+1 for the 711.

And it is easy to get!

Man I might have to buy a 711 and a 911 and a...............

I'll second RMD. The size is perfect for most of the tasks you mentioned N2S.
711 is somewhat thick and might be a bit awkward for food prep and carving, but would make a breeze of the other tasks on your list. But if you considered a 2 knife combo you could consider 711 and Rodent Solution/Swamp Warden/Scrapivore.
I'm putting the Warden ahead of the Scrapivore because I personally find it a lot more comfy and the ergos are more appealing to me .
And just because I can, i talk of the knives because I have them:

And 711 at work

Nice pics

Awesome pics!! +1 for the 711.

Choices choises choices.

Out of knives I own, and knives I've actually handled, I'd have to say the 711 is the first one I'd grab for a 7 inch blade. I loved it as soon as I pulled it out of the box. I got mine 2nd hand (like new, unsharpened, etc.), with a leather sheath. I would post a pic, but I haven't figured it out, yet. Not quite sure about the leather sheath, and still might get a kydex. That would make it a bit faster to deploy. I also like my 511, but think a 311 is in order for a perfect combo. Right now the Scrapivore will have to do.

The 311 is a really handy size Dom.

Wouldn't it be nice if Dan offered up a 711 Lite. Everything the same as the 711 but in 3/16inch steel. Now THAT would be a versatile blade. At least for those of us that have Dan's thicker steel knives already.

The ulitmate knife is subjective. Maybe the Ratmandu, Sarsquatch or ASH-1? Or the Ranger RD6 is nice. For stainless, where that is important, maybe the SOG Seal knife. I like the Ratmandu.

Sarsquatch blade with a res-C handle ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Took my 711 out for a good workout this weekend, and that assured me, that the 711 is the ultimate ultimate campknife, if you have to consider price. Really impressed me. Pics will come up soon!

Scrapper 5.
Its light, has a great bade shape, has mudders, and can be had in INFI. All for less than a tank of gas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

mp1000, good to hear from you again! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks PK, its always good to drop by every once in a while.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Still one of the best corners of the internet.

You got that right!

Palmer, I second Toms Post! How goes the schooling?

And Vic is right, ULTIMATE is different in many eyes. It boils down to the uses it will be put to along with the eye appeal.

Howdy skunk;
Schools good, I'm smack in the middle of finals week and It looks like Ill be looking at B's and an A or two so long as these exams don't kill me. I've got a position at a local lumber yard lined up for the summer and life is good. Ill hit it hard in the fall, one and a half years left.

Hows life for you?

Sounds like you're doing well mp1000; good to hear! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Good going Palmer. Hope everything keeps going well for you. We're just keepin on keepin on, day by day. Seriously, we're doing ok.

Today just proves how moot threads like this one are. We kept mincing words about yesterday's blades and today Rodent 6 pops up and another 3 pages, at least, will get added before a few reviews will say that it is just a bit more capable than RMD and that it's the ultimate in this category... and a few saying that sure it's good, but not that good...

Fact is there are a lot of really good knives in that size range. Find the one that suits you, and that's the ultimate. Knives are personal, individual things. This is the golden age of camp knives. For camping, I am partial to the bigger ones, even machetes. They just make camp chores easier. But the camp tramp, SOD and chopweiler would be among my favorites in the 7" size. Go up to 8", and the NMSFNO with a good convex grind can do it all. For me, I'll take a Bushwacker or similar sized knife.

mmmm...nmsfno....pic or it didn't happen! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sigh. add ONE MORE blade the the list of "must haves"

DT, I would dispatch with the list altogether, just keep your trigger finger fit and watch out for your bank account balance... what's the point of a list if it gets added to so often...

I really think this will vary by person

i think horn dog's pics cost me more money than any ad campaign.

it looks sharp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Haha, If it's Horn Dogs, I GUARANTEE it's sharp! What do you think they use to split atoms with! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

the pic and the knife look really nice

Horn Dog knows good blades! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Years ago, I did a comparison of camp knives. But I don't remember when.

wow those are beautiful knives!!!!!!!!!!

Can a Hell Razor join the party? LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Excuse the pun. All kidding aside my HR just gets it all done for me in that category. Getting way to hard to find any left though.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

SARGE 7 baby!!!


And showing off with a flex!!

FLex that bad boy. Nice knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

It sure is! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

ugh. i shoulda never sold mine!!!!!

What was the result.

I did a comparison of 7" knives way back. As I recall, the Ratweiler came out on top.

Such a cool looking knife... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

It looks MEAN<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My first busse purchase and, regretfully, my first busse sold. And now they are much more costly. It certainly would be a great large camp knife. I feel 5.5" might be on the largish size for carving and many of other suggested uses. I enjoy the ss5 le but find it a bit of overkill, if you can find a ss4, or similar, it might be idea for you.

the 911 when it eventually arrives will compliment the ss5 and a swamp warden will cover most tasks. I am anxious for the be nmfsh though.

OK I'm jealous!

Awesome seeing so many that size lined up.

HornDog certainly has or had them! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

The SarSquatch is still a grail knife for me, maybe if I sell all my existing knives.......... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I sold my unmodified one in last year's horndog ganza. But I kept my ASH-1s and my pointy Sarsquatch.

Vic, I have to tell you...I LOVE that modified Sarsquatch!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Oh Vic! You just love to rub it in!

seriously! nice lookin' 'squatch!

That WAS a Sarsquatch? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Thing looks evil wicked now! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

To my knowledge, I was the 1st to do that to a 'squatch. Ban did a nicer one, and Busse Custom even did some later. Wicked fast bowie chopper. You can see my grind line on the swedge isn't perfect.

Just let me know when you get tired of it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That looks great Vic as all your mods do but I have to admit to liking the original shape more, I just hope that Dan releases a similar shaped version to the SarSquatch with a res-C handle !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Man I've always loved the mod on this one, Vic, again, Great JOB! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm still planning on doing that to mine someday, never cared too much for the original tip myself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I liked it too, Justin. That's why I kept 2 of them for a while. Too bad you missed my sell off last year. If I had known you were looking for one, I'd have sold it to you.

Everyone seems to like the RMD. I think I have to get one.

You will not be disappointed. I've never seen a bad word about that blade.

Only when someone has missed one by "that much"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If I could only have one knife of all the ones I own, it would be my RMD. That's how highly I regard it.

WarDog, course I don't have a RMD. But I still like the Wardog blade shape.

I am in the Busse minority. I like my knives thin and knife to knife prefer Res-C to Kraton. I also go from 4 to 6 to 9 plus. I don't seem to like 5 inchers as well as 4 or 6. Anything over 6 might as well be a thin 9 or 10 to me. Example SOD is 17.2 ounces and Dogfather LE is 16.8. I think the 9-11 is even lighter than the Dogfather LE so I can't wait to try it out.

My favorite Busse over 4 inches is the skinny ASH with mag handles. They are around from time to time. Happy hunting at BLADE.

So it's one day. I will be going sat 6/9 at 9am. I'am going in looking for a skinny ash or a 711 LE. After I'll my waiting and thinking I have came to a conclusion that I need a 6-7 in blade that is thin as posable. I have a esse 4 and it's never big enuff to split wood but like it for detailed work so I
Selling it and geting something 6-7in. See you there.

I love the Skinny ASH-1. Mine is really skinny. I convexed it from spine to final edge. It slices, dices, chops, and splits wood.

Nice job!!!

Glad to see you're back off your medication HD <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

+1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I am in a financial death spiral. All I have is old stuff. Gosh I wish I could attend Blade. My situation is a direct result of my philosophy: Moderation in all things.....especially moderation. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Hahah nice.

I really want an ASH too, someday, but I would like mine a little more 'big boned'

So I ended up with a tan 711 this thing is great. It is not to big that I can still carry it on my hip. And it does everything that I was asking it to. Thanks for all the options you put out there. I think this was a great buy for the $ize blade. I still would like some on the busse or SR knives but I like the res-c and price for blades of this size.