Well...
I have had a BM on order for a while now so I can't vouch for its performance. I can say that if it lives up to its publicity, that's probably the one to have. I don't know what "modified" infi means for the Basic, but it doesn't augur improved performance. The Basic might be more cost efficient, but for sure the BM is a better knife...I guess. I don't have to guess about the CS Trailmaster. I have owned a carbon V version for years and I have used it alot. I'm surprised at the lack of support the Trailmaster is getting lately. I don't know if it's better than the BM, I'll find out soon, but that doesn't change the fact that this is truly a great knife. The balance is superb, which is important for extended or difficult chopping or trimming. It is an excellent chopper. I really put mine to the test a couple of years ago on the Nahanni River in the NWT in September. Chopping, cutting, trimming, even some kitchen work and light hammering. Lousy in the kitchen, of course, but fantastic at everything else. I didn't and don't like the CS sheath, though, so I had one made for it in leather. Made a big difference. One word of warning about the Trailmaster. It will rust - quickly and badly. I forgot it outside the tent in a log one night and when I woke up in the morning the Carbon V was already pitting! It's available from CS in stainless [AUS 8?] and apparently also in "San Mai III"
I can't tell you how the knife performs in those steels, I could only guess from my experience with other knives. They say that the BM will rust, but you can rub the rust off with your finger if it hasn't sat too long. A blade that performs like high carbon but is also rust resistant? A woodsman's wet dream. If it's true, try the Busse. I will.
HJK
