- Joined
- Nov 30, 2001
- Messages
- 13,564
But RussMo, what about the Steel Heart E and the Natural Outlaw E? 
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Best choice for a hard use all purpose survival knife?
- Thread starter taiChiFighter
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2007
- Messages
- 6,254
But RussMo, what about the Steel Heart E and the Natural Outlaw E?
Hey Dwayne, yea I know Bro
. I think over the years I've gotten the FUSION bug. Still like those ERGO's but the Fusions seem to fit my hands better now.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2001
- Messages
- 13,564
heh heh heh, yea, I am a purist. I got into the game when the Ergo's were running hard and fast, the original Satin Jack was quickly becoming a beast akin to the sasquatch. Nemmie was sure it was a fantastic beast only seen on blurry tape recordings....... 
I got into the game when the Ergo's were running hard and fast, the original Satin Jack was quickly becoming a beast akin to the sasquatch. Nemmie was sure it was a fantastic beast only seen on blurry tape recordings....... 
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2010
- Messages
- 4,441
Personally, if i could have ONLY one blade for general survival including possible fighting, it would be some sort of BM
it's a chopper, slicer, fighter and prybar all in one
I don't think you COULD break on without it being intentional... of course, it's heavy, but if you're going to only carry one knife, that's less important
it's a chopper, slicer, fighter and prybar all in one
I don't think you COULD break on without it being intentional... of course, it's heavy, but if you're going to only carry one knife, that's less important
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
I've been listening and paying careful attention to the advice that has come up here (even if it seems like I'm not ). Putting aside all considerations such as "cool" factor, familiarity with a design, taste etc, let's look at a knife strictly on it's merits. Strangely, while it looks like I might be able to get a custom NMSFNO, I keep coming back to the TGLB. While the handle isn't my preference it very closely resembles another classic wilderness survival knife, the Cold Steel Recon Scout. IMO the biggest shortcoming compared to the Cold Steel is the fact the TGLB isn't flat ground. That said, it seems to me that a HUGE plus of the TGLB over many of the knives suggested here is that, for it's length and thickness, it's significantly lighter than the average Busse. As for what it can do I doubt it would excel at anything but, if one only had one knife, it could probably do most things adequately well...chop, slice, split etc etc. Is this one being overlooked because it's not a contender or because it's so easily available right now that it has no mystique?
). Putting aside all considerations such as "cool" factor, familiarity with a design, taste etc, let's look at a knife strictly on it's merits. Strangely, while it looks like I might be able to get a custom NMSFNO, I keep coming back to the TGLB. While the handle isn't my preference it very closely resembles another classic wilderness survival knife, the Cold Steel Recon Scout. IMO the biggest shortcoming compared to the Cold Steel is the fact the TGLB isn't flat ground. That said, it seems to me that a HUGE plus of the TGLB over many of the knives suggested here is that, for it's length and thickness, it's significantly lighter than the average Busse. As for what it can do I doubt it would excel at anything but, if one only had one knife, it could probably do most things adequately well...chop, slice, split etc etc. Is this one being overlooked because it's not a contender or because it's so easily available right now that it has no mystique?
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2010
- Messages
- 4,441
Light Brigade treatment is awesome. It's one of the best things Busse has come up with in a while IMHO... All the cutting power, 30% less weight. What's not to love.
and i've suggested the TGLB more than once.
and i've suggested the TGLB more than once.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
Yup, I know. But most of the suggestions have not included it. Granted it's one ugly MOFU but I think it'll probably do the job. Now I just have to find a way to rationalize the fact that the dollars that I'm going to lay out above and beyond what I had intended would have covered a good chunk of that 10mm I've had my eye on. I DO like blasting stuff!
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
Dang, trigger pulled. Now I need a sheath. I'll start a new thread for that.
AZTimT
The Stripetition Finish Guy (inactive)
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2009
- Messages
- 4,506
TGLB, SAR 6, or SARsquatch, SARGE 7 or SH-e are my recommendations for that size range. Smooth butts rule, and that's why I am so excited about the NMSHBM for the next chopper. The SARsquatch and the TGLB have the magnum handles for those who need thicker handles than the SAR 6,7,8 offer.
The Team Gemini will definitely grow on you as it is definitely one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover designs"... initially I was unimpressed, until I got the chance to hold one. My only wish was for it to be lighter since mine is older and not a light brigade version but that has since been addressed with the current offering.
These pics show you just how versatile the number of grips are on it... the top guard and fuller actually increases them by a few. The two guards also increase secure lashing points for other kinds of applications.
The thinner ASH designs are a good choice too.
I don't at all care for the skull crushers on my users as they are in no way necessary on a survival knife and more likely to cause you an injury when you least need one than be useful for anything else in that role. When it comes to skull crushers, the meltdown versions will seriously bruise and the non meltdown version can straight up rip your skin or clothing if you make the wrong move either in hand or while wearing them. Combat scenario, ok, survival scenario, no way.
A Hell Razor with the skull crusher removed is great too.
Factory pricing is available on two of these options and that is the best time to pick one up.
The Team Gemini will definitely grow on you as it is definitely one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover designs"... initially I was unimpressed, until I got the chance to hold one.
My only wish was for it to be lighter since mine is older and not a light brigade version but that has since been addressed with the current offering.
These pics show you just how versatile the number of grips are on it... the top guard and fuller actually increases them by a few. The two guards also increase secure lashing points for other kinds of applications.
The thinner ASH designs are a good choice too.
I don't at all care for the skull crushers on my users as they are in no way necessary on a survival knife and more likely to cause you an injury when you least need one than be useful for anything else in that role. When it comes to skull crushers, the meltdown versions will seriously bruise and the non meltdown version can straight up rip your skin or clothing if you make the wrong move either in hand or while wearing them. Combat scenario, ok, survival scenario, no way.
A Hell Razor with the skull crusher removed is great too.
Factory pricing is available on two of these options and that is the best time to pick one up.
AZTimT
The Stripetition Finish Guy (inactive)
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2009
- Messages
- 4,506
LOL well, good luck and we'll be looking forward to it.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
I LOVE the competition finish on yours but worry a bit about moisture that gets trapped under the handle scales so I ordered tanker grey.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
BTW, I never mentioned that I considered the "smooth" butt of the TGLB a real plus for bashing stuff.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
I would love a satin finished SARGE7 but the lack of jimping is deal breaker for me.
What about any of the Becker knives; great knives, borderline pry bars and all are affordable. I have beat the snot out of my BK2 and they are pretty cool to customize to. (Scales, sheaths, petinas, regrinds - but these can be done with most others to I'm just a fan boy)
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
Well, for 1095 hard use, I have a Kabar and for minimal maintenance hard use I have ordered a TGLB. If I was to get anything else it would be a Esee 6.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 285
Just read my post and I don't want to come off as rude or dismissive. The BK7 was actually the knife I had on order before I discovered Busse. I may still get one at some point. The BK2 could fill an interesting gap in my armoury.
BOSS1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Messages
- 1,706
As you've ordered the TGLB, further input is probably moot but it makes for fun discussion.
While I have my personal opinions on 'survival' vs. 'combat/field' vs. 'camp' vs. 'fighting' knives, overall I think the TGLB is a solid overall design--basically an INFI KaBar on steriods. I don't see myself wanting to get in a knife fight with some wild critter, but I know of a man in our area that not so long ago turned around to find he was being stalked by a very large cougar (or at least that was the account that was related). He basically point shot with is rifle from 'crap your pants distance.' Had be been in a wooded area and the cat could have gotten closer, or had he not turned around, the rifle might have been taken out of the equation and he might have had to resort to whatever he could still get to. Point being, while highly unlikely, never say never. So if that's a concern in your mind, and the double guards give you some comfort, I say go for it. If it works for you, I'm not gonna say no. As I say, the TGLB looks like a good overall knife, and there is some comfort to be had from positive guards.
Now as to survival knives, to me 'survival' means something has gone wrong and you've moved from recreation to 'uh oh' through chance, accident, nature, etc. We'd all be so lucky to have our Busse or other quality fixed blade with us, but in reality, as most of us don't really relish the thought the brown stinky stuff hitting the oscillating wind-generating unit, we'll probably have to make due with whatever we have with us at the time. That might be a little SAK or folder.
Combat/Field knives are those, in my mind, that are intended for hard use in field conditions. Opening crates, opening cans, and all those other chores where blades do things other than just cut because you can't carry all the nice convenient things with you all the time and the knife becomes a multi-tasker.
A 'camp' knife is along the lines of a field knife, but general related to tamer activities in controlled conditions. It'll be primarily regulated to cutting as originally intended. This is the realm of the nice, satin finished smaller/midsized knife that will cut some twine, make some tent stakes, slice open the food packages, etc.
The 'fighting' knife might be less utilitarian than the others...it has a dedicated purpose not related to general field/camp duties. This is going to be your daggers, tantos, etc.
There's obviously overlap and one can be pressed into the other role(s). Truth be told, I don't think there is one 'perfect' all around knife. But if I had to choose one fixed blade to walk into the woods with for an unknown excursion, it would be my CG NMSFNO in SpecOps sheath with fire steel, SAK folder, and whistle/compass gadget. There are very few chores in the woods I don't think it couldn't handle, and it isn't an unwieldy monster. The TankBuster would be a very, VERY close second. If it were a camping type outing under controlled conditions, a SFNOLE would be very tough to beat (tho my custom NWA is right there as well).
But I certainly wouldn't fill ill equipped with a TG at all in the woods.
Just my $.02 worth, YMMV.
BOSS
While I have my personal opinions on 'survival' vs. 'combat/field' vs. 'camp' vs. 'fighting' knives, overall I think the TGLB is a solid overall design--basically an INFI KaBar on steriods. I don't see myself wanting to get in a knife fight with some wild critter, but I know of a man in our area that not so long ago turned around to find he was being stalked by a very large cougar (or at least that was the account that was related). He basically point shot with is rifle from 'crap your pants distance.' Had be been in a wooded area and the cat could have gotten closer, or had he not turned around, the rifle might have been taken out of the equation and he might have had to resort to whatever he could still get to. Point being, while highly unlikely, never say never. So if that's a concern in your mind, and the double guards give you some comfort, I say go for it. If it works for you, I'm not gonna say no. As I say, the TGLB looks like a good overall knife, and there is some comfort to be had from positive guards.
Now as to survival knives, to me 'survival' means something has gone wrong and you've moved from recreation to 'uh oh' through chance, accident, nature, etc. We'd all be so lucky to have our Busse or other quality fixed blade with us, but in reality, as most of us don't really relish the thought the brown stinky stuff hitting the oscillating wind-generating unit, we'll probably have to make due with whatever we have with us at the time. That might be a little SAK or folder.
Combat/Field knives are those, in my mind, that are intended for hard use in field conditions. Opening crates, opening cans, and all those other chores where blades do things other than just cut because you can't carry all the nice convenient things with you all the time and the knife becomes a multi-tasker.
A 'camp' knife is along the lines of a field knife, but general related to tamer activities in controlled conditions. It'll be primarily regulated to cutting as originally intended. This is the realm of the nice, satin finished smaller/midsized knife that will cut some twine, make some tent stakes, slice open the food packages, etc.
The 'fighting' knife might be less utilitarian than the others...it has a dedicated purpose not related to general field/camp duties. This is going to be your daggers, tantos, etc.
There's obviously overlap and one can be pressed into the other role(s). Truth be told, I don't think there is one 'perfect' all around knife. But if I had to choose one fixed blade to walk into the woods with for an unknown excursion, it would be my CG NMSFNO in SpecOps sheath with fire steel, SAK folder, and whistle/compass gadget. There are very few chores in the woods I don't think it couldn't handle, and it isn't an unwieldy monster. The TankBuster would be a very, VERY close second. If it were a camping type outing under controlled conditions, a SFNOLE would be very tough to beat (tho my custom NWA is right there as well).
But I certainly wouldn't fill ill equipped with a TG at all in the woods.
Just my $.02 worth, YMMV.
BOSS
Last edited: