Satin Battle Rat.

Since the new Rat is an LE,I'm having troube deciding as I would use the heck out of it.Can anyone post up some pics of a used SBR just to give me an idea of how the LE finish holds up?Also wouldn't the SR-101 corrode where the tang is exposed from constantly being gripped?I mean it's not like yu want to oil your knife handle.

The good thing about an LE finish is you can easily buff it shiny if it's damaged.

More than likely it will darken over time. I have seen this on other knives. The first time you cut into something really acidic the process will begin. The patina can be removed with a little flitz however, darkening will actually help protect the metal. My DFLE developed some minor pitting near the handle which I removed but in the future I'm not going to bother. The Kydex sheath has scratched the blade up but again I carry it and this just adds to the knifes character. It still cuts fine.

A few of the reasons are listed here why I do NOT purchase LE blades. Cost more and arent worth it, IMO.

very good posting bruce. however, as your post kinda reflects, LE's are better for collecting and are worth more. i dont plan on investing in busse knives, selling my knives, etc. the CG's are my niche and i am perfectly content with them. but you are right, the satin finishes are nicer to look at. but there again, that cosmetics. satin SR-101 is not a good choice IMO. THat thing will rust faster than the CG rats do. I told Eric, if they release a CG version like the one pictured in the promo shot, Im all over it. I like SR101. I like SR. SY is closer to my heart though. But even then, if SY released a S6LE or SODLE again, i would not buy it. I do not buy LE knives. To me, they are collectors and not users. i know you can use them, vic does, but if i got one, i would not use it, because they are nicer and prettier and just a good collector. CG for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I use all my LE knives. I prefer the increased cutting performance of an uncoated blade. Keeping them from rusting is no big deal. As for being tactical.....depends on the tactics. Since stealth is not a concern for me once the blade is drawn, a shiny blade is just fine. Besides, it is scary looking and has an immediate deterrent effect. I would prefer not to get in a knife fight at my age anyway.

I suspect it is more the Philosophy of Frugality, Bruce!

well for one, this LE is going to have a zero edge on it, much like the recent LE offerings from Busse, if you have never used a blade with a zero edge it is worth every penny. Nothing bites into wood more than that and the edges are really easy to maintain. With a satin finish blade and a scotch brite pad you can bring your blade back to shiney in no time and as far as the rust on the handles, just use a tough cloth or oil it when you are done and all is good. Satin is the way to go for users, especially this one. And considering it is offered at only 50.00 more than the CG version compared to Busse's 150.00-200.00 price increase it is more than worth it bro <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If it is purely a money issue- buy several LEs ( I did) stick some back and let the price go sky high and pay for your other one. I bought my extra LEs for gifts as they make a quality presnt in my opinion. When the CG comes along- I will also buy several of these. It is a win- win deal as these knives are a great value no matter what finish/grind. To top that off I am also excited about the zero edge as the only other I have is my S6LE. I have also now tested the LE against the CG after listening to Vic/Tolly and others. In my opinion " it just feels and performs much better" . Whether you are buying guns- gold coins or outdoor gear- if you stay with the quality like Busse offers- you are alawys going to win. But- if you are looking at purely $$$$$ signs- go with the LE as you will come out ahead all day long. Good points in all posts. Just my thoughts-Thanks

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....

Oh yeah' S/B - drinkin' the SR-101 KoolAid! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'll take the satin finish all day long. One thing I think is funny is the term "Combat Grade"(I know, it's just a marketing term). I've carried and used all kinds of knives in actual "Combat" situations, and I can't think of any of those situations where a "Combat Grade" knife would have given me any advantage over an "LE", or Satin finished blade. Then again, I wasn't running around swinging a Dogfather or an M9LE.

Simply put, to discredit an "LE"(satin) blade because of it's finish is just silly.

Also, as to whoever recommended buying a "Combat Grade" and just stripping it, believe me, it is WELL worth the extra $40 or so that ScrapYard or Swamp Rat charges to get the knife already satin finished. If you don't believe that just take out one of your larger coated blades with non-removeable micarta/G10/wood scales and strip it. Now, don't just strip it, be sure to remove all the coating, and then give it a proper, nice looking satin finish. When you get done, come back here and tell that it isn't worth $40.......Won't happen!

Pretty much my thoughts as well Tolly! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Simply put Bruce - "different strokes for different folks"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would agree with that Bruce. $40-$50 is what it is, and money is certainly getting a little harder to come by for everybody. Sometimes though, you are actually getting a totally different knife with the LE version. A prime example of that is the DFCG vs DFLE. To me the DFLE is the Cat's meow, while the DFCG is not nearly as high on my list, and it actually has more to do with the full flat grind than it does the finish.

Agreed!

I,ve got a Camp Tramp,ASH-1 CG,Yard Hook,Dumpster Mutt CG,Howling Rat Gen.2,and Ratmandu.They've all been used and are still in great shape,but now that my income taxes(or knife money!)have arrived I will probably add to it.

All of my blades, except my railroad spike and my Gerber Mk 1, have a black finish of some sort. This will be a nice change.

Now... I just hope Swamp Rat got my email okay!

I wish I could adhere to a spending limit, I find ways in my own sick mind to justify spending big money. For the longest time it was Scrapyard/Ranger Knives with an occasional SwampRat when I wanted to splurge, then I broke down and bought my first Busse (ASH 1) that still wasn't enough to derail my plan. Then I discovered Bark River and found that even though they are priced very reasonably, there were entirely too many models that I wanted so even though I would spend at or under the 200.00 mark per knife I gobbled up about 8 of them in a 6 month period. Then I moved up the financial food chain to Fehrman and the flood gates opened up for my Mistress and SFNO. Now I really need to slow back down and relax, hopefully Scrapyard will continue to put out more knives so my knife fix can be satisfied without making me homeless.

If I remember correctly it took a little while when the HCLE came out for Eric to send out confirmation emails and with the drought the Swamp has been in and as starved as people are I am sure his inbox is overflowing at the moment.

Let's hope his hard drive doesn't crash before he completes the orders <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Having just lived through a network crisis at work Sunday and Monday,
that is the absolute last thing I would want to hear <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That would suck big time <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

From what you fellas can tell from the blade design of the m9, how will it compare to a DogFather when it comes to chopping and other tasks? I am not familiar with the 0 blade grind or whatever it is, or how the shape the blades in general. I know it has been discussed before, but can anyone tell me the relative strengths and weakness of sr101 compared to sr77?
Thanks men!

The Busse NMFBM LE has the zero edge but it is INFI and with an almost 11" blade it is going to out perform a smaller blade. The zero grind bite green wood like a chainsaw! It's easy to maintain on a strop or the mousepad and sandpaper. I don't see where the steels will make any difference except the SR101 possibly being easier to sharpen than S77. The long clipped point may lighten it up a bit and move the sweet spot back toward the handle a bit but it will not suffer a loss in chopping ability. The DFCG is heavier than the BR and I imagine the M9LE so for some chopping chores it might excel if the edge is ground properly. I still love the RespireneC handle though.

Yep sure did

I'm looking forward to the Zero grind on the M9.

+1 a properly done zero edge is going to out perform a secondary beveled edge any day of the week. They chew threw wood at a rediculous pace. Now if you had your CG DF sent to say Ban or Vic and had them convex it then it is another story alltogether..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I think I can pass on it, I need to buy someother hardware.