Before the Yard Existed

Good Evening Dogs,

After looking at WhichDawg's time line of the Yard, I realized we are fortunate to be in the somewhat early stages of what is already a legendary knife company. It made me ask the question though, where were all the Dogs prior to the Yard?

As for me, I would occasionally visit sites featuring Bushido, Medieval swordplay and such since I have always loved the swords. Eventually I stumbled into the knife world and subsequently the Yard. I have never looked back, and now with the Waki I won't have to.

I was a Rat, and I'm still a Rat.

Ha! Alright then, before the Bussekin era. LOL.

I actually collected folders before i found Bussekin knives..

Times have changed my friends...

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

HI forum on BF.

I collected some WWII bayonets (Favorite is my Grandfathers' WWII service bayonet), and various Spanish, Japanese, and German steel blades.

I found SY knives, because I was looking to buy a Kabar, and I was looking at some knives on the internet...
then I found destruction tests of Kabars on knifetests.com and from there... I found the yard!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I used to consider Cold Steel to be high end.

my blade craze started with the Busse family, I just missed/passed up a Camp-Tramp for the original cost <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
but waited and got an S6 (and a bunch more!) so I may have come late to the party but I made up for it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

(not counting that p.o.s. bowie I got from the infomercial when I was a teen with the hollow handle and the compass on the end that broke in 2 the first time I tried to use it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> hey 18.99 was a lot for a kid!)

i used to buy small buck folders.....found out about moras then from there i wanted a ranger but not from ontario....happened upon the yard while they were selling the SOD....never looked back!

Me too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Now I don't even know if they had a booth at BLADE - wasn't remotely interested.

I still like a few CS's I own, but I've realized there are better choices out there for most kinds of knives.

I was a Cold Steel man as well.

Not so much any more.

i only bought benchmade,until i found swamp rat!which led me to busse...& now im here!

before i found the 'Yard, one could find me on tree climbing and chainsaw sites, fishing sites, etc. I have collected knives though for quite some time.......all users. (the concept of buying a knife and wearing nitrile gloves while handling it and then putting it on a shelf seems funny to me......for gods sake use the [censored] thing!)

Holy Smokes! I just remembered it was Noss and his crazy tests that brought me to the Yard!

Now I see a little more into this whole Test Team thing...

i luckly stumbled on it uite early i was just looking for some all around good reliable knives and found the swamprat site and not knowing who to use it at all so just forgot about it for a year, but then i found busse and this fourm and every thing started to make since. the only problem now is finding the money to support the addiction

I have always like steel, grew up around my grandfather which was a talented wood carver. However, my love was folders and balisongs. I still love folders and balisongs but my taste for larger and user blades have just recently took off. I love the SY's and Swamp Rat that I have and look forward to adding many more in the future. I do have some nice knives but the SY are by far the best money value that I have seen.

I got my first thousand posts on Rat Chat.

this is my first on a knife company so i love it i dont think that there is anything better than what i have seen and done on here cause i dont think that there is really any thing that you can ask what ever and get this many posts on that can really help you out <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It was rifles before this.

The Dog Father sucked me in. The rest is history. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I am new to the yard and have enjoyed my time here so far. I discovered the Yard and Busse on the Knifetests.com site watching Noss do his tests. That was a great site and I'm so glad it brought me here. I also started collecting folders before finding the yard and even though I haven't had the opportunity to purchase many SY knives yet, I have been buying other fixed blades - more than folders which is surprising. I did get a DFCG and have several S5's on the way so I'm happy about that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Before the Yard I had alot more time to use my knives <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Ive always loved knives even from a young age. My dad bought me my first knife when i was like 5 or 6 it was some cheap knock off swiss army knife but i loved it. When i got into my teens i was a huge Smith & Wesson floder lover ( don't laugh haha )

My uncle works for our local police department and told me alot of the cops and swat team carry them. So naturally i thought they where the best. Then i got into guns and would read alot of gun mags. Thats when i found out about cold steel. I always thought there knives where to pricey and never got one.

One day i was browsing around the net and found Bladeforum. I started reading up and found out about scrapyard knives and quickly fell in love with the S6. At the time the only models that where out was the S4 , DogFather and S6. For about 4 months i kept on checking the SY store to see when the S6 would be ready to order. I had no idea how things worked. Then i decided to post on the forum to see what the hell was going on haha. And from then on i got sucked into the yard. I never got my S6 but i did manage to score a DM. The happiest day of my life lol. Soon after i was lucky enough to score a DogFather from when Dan had a few from a military over run. Soon after i got into Ranger knives and have read up on alot of other makers.

lost a cheap folder on a camping trip, went online to look for a upgrade, fascinated by fixed blades, found ranger knives, which led to swamp rat and busse, and here I am at home.

I was over on a " girlie site" where I spent all my time. Then- one nite I was drunk and found the yard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I spent so much money on steel I couldn't renew to the " girlie site" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />. Just kidding. This is my first ever forum- it is great and you guys are stuck with me until the mods give me the boot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I collected and still do one of a kind handmade knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I spent a few years on BF but posted little..still only about 350 posts since 2004. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

When I knew I couldn't afford Busse Knives and handmade ones I jumped on Scrap Yard in 2006 and have been buying one of each release since. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

I was hooked on Benchmade, Spyderco, and Microtech. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> I used to think that Microtech was the best of the best. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I have since learned different. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I had a couple Chris Reeve knives, but that was it. In fact, I had just purchased a MT Currahee before I got my first CW. It was the Cliff Stamp review that led me to the Swamp and then to the Yard (DM). I was one of those guys that could not figure out how to order from the Yard's site. I had never seen anything like this place.

Swamp Rat. But there for a few years, they were the driest swamp id ever seen so i migrated to the YARD and have NEVER looked back since. Im a JYD for life!

my kinda buddy right there Prince. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Handmade hunting knives. Found this site, bought a S6CG, S6LE and then a SS4. Got hooked and have bought 1 or 2 of every model. Steel addiction.

Looking for a good fixed blade.

Got turned on to Swamp Rat in the Fall of '02 by a guy in a 1911 forum.

Bought a Howling Rat.

Bought a Camp Tramp.

Found the Busse forum on BF. Said "He11 no!, I'll never spend that much on a knife!".

Bought a Battle Rat.

Bought a Busse apprentice blade.

Got broke right quick. .... Still am.

7 years after that first HR, got my first Yard knife. MUK LE Like it better than my Howler.

Rob

I have been interested in knives since Jim Bowie was on television in the late 50's! I used to think that Buck knives were just about the greatest, then got hooked on Cold Steel. Like others here, I thought that they were "high end" knives. I saw some Busses in a Shomer-Tec catalog years ago, but thought that they couldn't possibly be worth the cost! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I FINALLY got going on the computer in 02' and eventually came across Swamp Rat. I HAD to get a Battle Rat and then a Camp Tramp, Howling Rat, SAR, InfiCoot, and some multiples of previous knives. When I first heard that Scrap Yard was was getting started I had to check them out. Boy, am I glad I did!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> The Yard and its forum have resulted in me getting many more knives and meeting via the internet and phone so many outstanding people. This is truly a GREAT place, and I am happy and proud to be a part of it!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I used to hang out on BF.

I also saw an ad for Busse Combat knives in a magazine, and checked out their website, which led me to Scrap Yard knives.

I have been a folder prior to the Yard. I realized that folders and axes only get me so far, so I researched fixed blades and pretty quickly decided that I wanted to focus on Scrap Yard because their beliefs around their products seemed to align with mine as a consumer.

I hung out on BF. I favorite knives where Spyderco for folders and Becker for fixed blade.

I have always collected knives, especially choppers, bowies, kukris, and machetes. I would buy them from Cold Steel or various catalogs. Then I got on the internet. Been poor ever since. I started on the old Ontario RAT forum. Then I got on Blade Forums. Then Diceman, who was on the Ontario forum turned me onto the Dog Father in Feb 2007. I had heard of Busses and Swamp Rats but didn't know where to buy them. I just missed the DF but got one on ebay. Now I have a room full of Busse steel. This is the only forum I am very active on. I occasionally visit Busse, Swamp Rat, and Wilderness Survival Forums. On Knife Forums I visit Bark River and Ranger.

I mostly hang out on BF in W&SS but like to keep my toes in the water here. I like this place and the atmosphere. I mostly like fixed blade knives. I'm not completely married to Bussekin knives, but I appreciate their qualities and seem to come back for more. When I came for the SOD I thought this was going to be my little foray into the indestructible knife world and then I would pop right out with my trophy. It didn't work that way. Here I am ordering a scrapper 5 and feeling guilty for not getting in on the scrapmuk. I also like to hang at a fledgling site that was put up by Sharpshooter called forest and stream.

+1

I should add that I now own several Busse Combat knives! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What a great thread. I really enjoyed reading everyones story

Long Live The Brotherhoofd Of The Yard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Dan

I watched Sharp's youtube review of the FFBM, then his scrap yard and swamp rat reviews.

I have been trying to remember how I first stumbled onto Scrap Yard. It was only a year ago, but I can't place it for the life of me!

I remember Noss's tests of the Scrapper 6 and FFBM, and I remember Sharp's videos as well. But I just can't recall when I first heard of SYKCO.

I wish I could, it's driving me crazy1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I guess the main thing is that I'm glad I'm found here however I did! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I've always been into knives. I don't remember exactly but somewhere during the days surfing I followed a link..........

It led me to a place filled with great people and great knives what more can you ask for ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I was on bladeforums for a while and ran into this site from there, been on here ever since.

I love knives for a while and knew only one thing That Busses were hard to find and were $500 bones. I learned of swamprat and and finialy got to see them at Blade West 05 (thank you Troy), and got my Howling Rat. My first knife that I got that was was "expensive" ($89.00 iirc) Later that year Scrapyard ran their "from a rat infested nucular swamp..." adds in blade magizine and I went to the website about once a day to check it, I had been on bladefourms alot too. My dad happened to be up at some odd hour and saw that the Yard had opened he got a Scrapper 6 with an invoice # below 20. I was not too intrested at the moment and hunted for a Battle Rat. In Feb 06 I joined the fourm and ordered a Dogfather. Got an S6 by proxi from my Dad at Blade West 06 and my collection grows again when my S5 gets here. ohh and I made some good friends at the yard, and have had some good times too.

Me too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

aways liked big choppers and then I saw the Dogfather on the net and wanted it badly <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> didn´t know how to get one and started reading at this forum. Bought my DFLE at BF, remember the day I got it. Opened the package, 5 min later I called my brother and told him I had found my favorit knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Thought this was a really nice forum with nice people and got stuck.

I stumbled onto Bladeforums @1999 or 2000. Shortly thereafter I discovered Busse and bought my first one (Basic 9)at a local gun show (lucky me) proceeded to beat on it and was blown away by how tough it was. Growing up I'd broken and bent many, many knives, something I won't have to worry about with the Dogs, Rats, & Busse's. The Scrapyard blades, remind me of my "first" beloved Busse, black on black with Res C handles. Reminds me, I need to order another black on black S5:)

GregB

I bought my first BusseKin blade, a Bandicoot, from the Swamp Rat company store. This was quite some time ago. Been on BF since early 06 and hung out on the Swamp Rat forums for a while. Picked up a couple of Busse's, some Rat's and quite a few Dog's since then.

I was Overseas...fighting as usual....I was always the GO TO guy for edged weapons. I had more than a few opportunities to "test" different combat cutlery. Upon returning stateside , I was asked by the ARMY to test selected blade for certain missions/units. My uncle built custom knives and I started studies on steels and designs. I've designed 3 customs and found that the Busse/SwampRat....and Now Scrapeyard blades to be the best in many catagories for military/survival purposes. The yard has really very few competitors in the real world...IMHO , and those of us that DEPEND on tools for life and death ,real world scenarios. Over the past 40 years of testing blades...I vote ScrapeYard for performance ,price and longevity.

I cant help but love knives. My dad was a butcher and my first job on Saturdays was rakeing sawdust on the floor of the cutting room. After graduation I just started cutting meat and did for 15 years. I stumbled across BF while doing searches for my first collectible knives,Spyderco's. If you are on BF very much you just naturally gravitate this way. Here are some of my old tools.

I used to think Cold Steel was high end too.
Glad I was not alone.

My primary user since the 80s was a Spanish Aitor brand knife model "Oso Blanco". That was from the old "everything was 440C R65" days. I still love the shape of that blade, it has a very deep re-curve like a yard hook on steroids, and because of that chops a treat, but 440C, at least tempered the way that thing is tempered has a lot to be desired in the sharpening and edge retention stakes.

Then I was given a Cold Steel SRK, which had the sharpest blade I'd ever owned after I sharpened it. That was the first time I'd experienced "scary sharp".
That was not big enough to be my field user, but at a gun show I found a Cold Steel from there "experimental" range (can't recall what they called that range then).
Sort of a cross between a huge deep bellied bowie and a small kukri which gave me the chopping power I wanted and that was my field blade for ages.

Then a few years ago my friend introduced me to the Bussekins.
I've not bought a fixed blade knife from another company since.

I edged ( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> ) into Busse Combat knives via Blade forum. I owned very few fixed blades and felt the need to get a few really nice knives that I could depend on. BC lead to Swamp lead to Scrapyard.

Like ColdOne, the Dogfather was my first.