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Beat or Bust

T

tww$

Joined
Feb 4, 2014
Messages
4
Interested in your thoughts on the three knives in my collection I should pick as my core go-to knives. It seems that each new knife I obtain decreases my overall willingness to beat on any of my knives. I want to pick three fixed blade knives that I will primarily use and completely beat on. My activities are typically backpacking, camping, bushcraft, climbing, canyoneering. I live near the Rocky Mountains, so a relatively dry climate. I'm interested in your thoughts on the knives I should beat on vs. bust (i.e., store in a nice safe place in case I trash one of the core three)

Here's the list w/ Steel:
GSO 4.1 by Survive Knives CPM 3V
Spyderco Bushcraft O1
Bark River Knives Aurora A2
EK N4 Neck knife (Eakin is a custom knife maker) 52100
TOPS Tom Brown Tracker #2 1095
ESEE 4P CP 1095
Kabar Becker BK7 (custom kydex sheath & Micarta scales) 1095
Kabar Becker BK2 (custom convex grind and stripped of coating) 1095
SOG Seal Pup Elite Aus8
Custom Damascus 4" blade 1095 & 15n20
Custom Damascus 2" blade 1095 & 15n20
Mora Robust
Mora Companion

When I say Beat on, I mean the three knives I would use for everything. Not to abuse beyond reasonable bushcraft/outdoor activities.
 
Last edited:
tww$ said:
I'm interested in your thoughts on the knives I should beat on vs. bust (i.e., store in a nice safe place in case I trash one of the core three)...
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I'm a little confused. When you say "beat on" are you looking for a good knife that will stand up to hard use, or a knife you can beat on and trash and not care about because its...trash?

Either way...lose that silly Tom Brown Tracker.
 
When I say Beat on, I mean the three knives I would use for everything. Not to abuse beyond reasonable bushcraft/outdoor activities.
 
tww$ said:
When I say Beat on, I mean the three knives I would use for everything. Not to abuse beyond reasonable bushcraft/outdoor activities.
Click to expand...

the BK7, and whichever of your customs is the best 3-4 inch bladed slicer. Throw in a Vic Alox Farmer. (Or a folding saw.)
 
These are my go to users for in the woods.

Kabar Becker BK2
Mora Companion

No need for any others in my opinion. Those two will serve you VERY well in the activities you have listed above.
 
I have no experience with Busse except for their fantastic reputation. I don't know what INFI steel is, but it sounds like a great performer.
 
tww$ said:
I have no experience with Busse except for their fantastic reputation. I don't know what INFI steel is, but it sounds like a great performer.
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I have been learning for the past few weeks. I picked up a couple of used Busse's recently from the exchange area and one is in transit. The knife I received this week is called a Steel Heart with ergo handle. Freaking beast of a knife. 1/4" thick at the spine, 7.5" blade, 13.5 oal. The previous owner did a nice convex grind and is sharp as $hit. A bit expensive, but buy once cry once. Also the warranty is one of the best. Holds value for future sales.

I would also look at the Swamp Rat Ratmandu - See here - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1154049-Ratmandu-Stripped

Good luck choosing!!
 
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