SO I thought I would pose the question. IF you want the best get a busse combat knife (INFI). it has better corrosion resistance, it is stronger, and has good edge retention when compared to sr101.
If you want a better deal then scrap yard is the way to go. SR77 seems to be tougher than sr101 and I hear it is more resistant to staining as well. It is also alot cheaper.

So what do we need swamp rat knives for? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It is an interesting question but I think it is good that there is a Swamp Rat.
SR started out a lot like Scrapyard in that they made knives out of cheaper steel than INFI and used RES C handles. After a while though the line developed and they moved a bit upmarket to micarta handles and more exotic designs. They were not as expensive as Busse but they were not the bargain they used to be. In the end it turned out that SR was an exellent middle ground between Busse and Scrapyard.

I will always have a fond place in my heart for Swamp Rat. They were my first exposure to "REAL" high performance knives and my gateway drug to INFI.

I may be a Dog now, but I am still a Rat.

I'm glad that we have all three, but I understand where your coming from. Right now, I own 3 rats (Battle Rat, Howling Rat & Rat Shaker I), 3 Busses (CGFBM, Black/DC GW, and SK), and 1 Dog (Scrapper 6). I've got a Dog Father on order and can't wait. I've found that I prefer Res C on my Rats after buying and selling a M6 and Little Mischief. I'm sure there are those that prefer the Micarta and that's what's great about America, choices:)

GregB

I think that Swamprat represents a middle ground between Scrapyard and Busse. While Scrapyard appears to offer most of its knives in SR77 it may not be a better steel than SR 101. It simply depends on the application. SR-77 is a better impact steel, however SR-101 hold its edge better. So depending on what you're going to do, you choose the tool to follow.

I don't like the new Swamprat line. I much prefer the older line where the knives appeared to be more functional, utilitarian, and simple yet effective designs. I do like the Scrapyard line, cause it reminds me of the old Swamprat line.

Dem's my .02 pennies.
Jerry

Remember that SR101 is a modified 52100 steel. This steel is a favorite wth custom knifemakers for it's overall cutting abilities and fine grain. It definitely has better edge holding than SR77. In it's differentially treated state it is not far behind INFI or SR77 and for hammering it's spine it may be better as it is softer in the spine than the oters giving it more impact absorbtion. Really at this point you are talking which knife you like the looks of most, more so than what is better. They are all so good that you will never know the difference.

LOL.....yup. I can't wait for scrapyard to use thru hardenned SR101 in it's smaller knives like the scrapper 4. It will make an awesome cutter.

That's a legitimate question in my opinion!

I have to agree with a few others, I also have a soft spot for Swamp Rat, and they were also my introduction to high performance fixed blade knives.

Also the comment of non-Infi Busse knife with Micarta handles..... good comment.

Now the Dog Father at that price really got my attention! $139.99 for that beast of a knife. Dang. I wasn't really paying attention to Scrap Yard knives all that much, but then they came out with the Dog Father at that incredible price. I had to get two! That knife really got my attention. Scrap Yard is really going to spoil me with these prices.

Me too!

WOOFSQUOINK!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I love 'em all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Well I am no HOG

I am NOT a Rat!

BUT I do Rep da YARD!

Dogs all the way! I love Busses and Swamprats but nobody's knives call my name like dogs!

I tried to respond to this thread and it zapped my computer dead. So here goes quick and dirty. I have knives of each company. I like some, I do not like others. My favorite is my new HRLM. Love the handle. I hate the handle on my SJTAK, so being smart I just ordered a matching BATAK. (Handle is too thin). Why did I not order a mag handle, I wanted to match my SJTAK's snakeskin and I cannot aford two. If I could find one my next pruchase would be a Rat Mastiff with black handle. I just held one. Bottom line, we need all three because some knives from some companies may not be your best choice. I have a S6 LE and I like the handle, but I like the Rat Mastiff's handle better. Can not get a RM but I can and did order a DF. I know I will love a Trail Rat if they ever come out.
We need all three so that we have a choice in which characteristic we want, i.e. cheaper and tougher or more expensive and prettier, or even more expensive and beautiful.
Ron Athay

I would love to have boughten an older model but the second hand market is out of control. it is cheaper to buy a model from the new line. i hate to buy a newer model knowing that the same blade performance was available at a much better price once upon a time. also, it is so hard to find a model i want on their web site.

I pledge allegiance to the Scrapyard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

If it's one thing the secondary market teaches, it's that Busse family knives appreciate in value over time. So you've got to jump in somewhere. Otherwise you'll spend the rest of your life regretting your inability to purchase knives you can no longer afford when you could have afforded them "once upon a time". [/quote



Amen Brother! My only regrets are those of wishing I had bought a knife - first when I really could afford it, and then forever watch the price go up.