I am looking to get one really good SHTF knife. It would be used for anything from self protection,survival to camping . I am thinking about a Busse Tankbuster or a Randall #14. The knife may or may not be used hard. I just want to know it will stand up to about anything I can do to it. Is the Randall worth the extra cash if I am not collecting. How does the 440 stainless of the Randall hold up against the Busse Infi? Sorry about all the Newbi questions. Thanks
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Busse or Randall for SHTF knife?
- Thread starter 1911PRO
- Start date
Wait for my Randall #14 O1 = about 30 seconds. Walk into the bedroom and pull it out of the box. For a Busse with Infi, not at all, bought a Camp Tramp because I learned that the expensive Randall just doesn't get used.
To do over, I would get a Ranger, RAT, or whatever in 1095 or L6 and G10 slabs. One thing a hard use knife for survival use needs is to make sparks on a Swedish fire steel, and not all stainless knives do that well. Further, an expensive stainless doesn't offer a huge performance benefit compared to a good high carbon steel. It in fact may be tempered too hard, have a brittle edge, be prone to breakage at tip or tang, and it's harder to replace if lost. Carbon steel knives are easier to differential temper, cost less, and are easier to keep subdued - carbon steel ages to a naturally dark patina.
Rust? Leather sheaths and a complete failure to maintain equipment in the field are both user faults. Don't use leather, period, and don't fail to keep the blade dry and oiled. It's a requirement in the field. Frankly, stainless knives were originally sold to lazy civilians for their pocket knives. The market got tired of watching blades tarnish and wanted shiny bling. If you're really using a field knife, it won't have time to get rusty, and won't keep a nice finish anyway.
The money saved on not spending it on a macho collector's show off knife can go toward better things like water purifiers and serious outdoor clothing. Frankly, I put it toward better use buying propane camping gear to use in the house for emergencies, car repairs, etc.
To do over, I would get a Ranger, RAT, or whatever in 1095 or L6 and G10 slabs. One thing a hard use knife for survival use needs is to make sparks on a Swedish fire steel, and not all stainless knives do that well. Further, an expensive stainless doesn't offer a huge performance benefit compared to a good high carbon steel. It in fact may be tempered too hard, have a brittle edge, be prone to breakage at tip or tang, and it's harder to replace if lost. Carbon steel knives are easier to differential temper, cost less, and are easier to keep subdued - carbon steel ages to a naturally dark patina.
Rust? Leather sheaths and a complete failure to maintain equipment in the field are both user faults. Don't use leather, period, and don't fail to keep the blade dry and oiled. It's a requirement in the field. Frankly, stainless knives were originally sold to lazy civilians for their pocket knives. The market got tired of watching blades tarnish and wanted shiny bling. If you're really using a field knife, it won't have time to get rusty, and won't keep a nice finish anyway.
The money saved on not spending it on a macho collector's show off knife can go toward better things like water purifiers and serious outdoor clothing. Frankly, I put it toward better use buying propane camping gear to use in the house for emergencies, car repairs, etc.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2008
- Messages
- 1,229
i own both love both use the randall more because a little more history behind the blade,go for the 01 not the stainless thats my opinion,jus get a busse an order a randall youll get it in 3-5 years i might be wrong but i think you have to put a down payment,but dont get it after market you will pay an arm an a leg,,good luck,,aloha
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2007
- Messages
- 20,235
Well, it was only a matter of time before somebody posted this. Here's some interesting reading:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=645414&highlight=randall
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=645414&highlight=randall
I've tried chopping asphalt with a field knife, and it tore it up just like in the link. The odds of it being really necessary are pretty low, though. I don't consider it any more valuable to know than batoning a slipjoint to test it's durability.
America was explored using the least expensive carbon blades Sheffield England could make, with pinned grips. Explorers carried axes then, too, as woodcraft was a lot about what proper tool to use for what job. These days the urban survivalist wants something approaching a small atomic demolition device. I keep forgetting it's not about the tool, it's all about impressing everyone with what a knife shouldn't be asked to do, and doing it well.
I also keep forgetting my own advice when asked which auto wax is best - like there's some secret Consumer's Report on that. I always point out the most expensive now, and suddenly the consumer is enlightened and can make their own choice.
Hmmm. . .
America was explored using the least expensive carbon blades Sheffield England could make, with pinned grips. Explorers carried axes then, too, as woodcraft was a lot about what proper tool to use for what job. These days the urban survivalist wants something approaching a small atomic demolition device. I keep forgetting it's not about the tool, it's all about impressing everyone with what a knife shouldn't be asked to do, and doing it well.
I also keep forgetting my own advice when asked which auto wax is best - like there's some secret Consumer's Report on that. I always point out the most expensive now, and suddenly the consumer is enlightened and can make their own choice.
Hmmm. . .
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 8,169
The dogfather is a heck of a chopper in a good Tool Steel. Mine have held up great. I wouldnt go to my hell razor for hunting/skinning needs. For field use it does ok. I'd go with a SJTAK over it for any hunting chores as the blade design lends itself better for that type of work. Not saying the HR CANT do it just that the SJTAK is the same size knife pretty much with a more suitable blade design. If the HR fits your needs I'd say yes you made a good decision.
shunsui
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Messages
- 5,841
RATchet it up a notch:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=649486
Here's the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRnVY9qLCEE
Last edited:
Gee, that's a lot of chopping. My double sided Plumb axe is much faster - and probably not any more difficult to tote. Not likely I'll build a log home in the woods - maybe a simple shelter. You couldn't split those logs with that sword, either, so a big fire wouldn't be possible. You don't often need to filet a Fleetwood - or stab an engine block. Gross overkill.
A smaller knife and more useful items - protective firearm, etc - would make more sense. Maybe bartering goodies for a real SHTF scenario - extra knives, small gold coins, dried food, etc. A RAT RC-5,Vic SAK, and, sometimes, my old Plumb camp hatchet are all I need. No doubt, Randalls and Busses are neat!
Stainz
A smaller knife and more useful items - protective firearm, etc - would make more sense. Maybe bartering goodies for a real SHTF scenario - extra knives, small gold coins, dried food, etc. A RAT RC-5,Vic SAK, and, sometimes, my old Plumb camp hatchet are all I need. No doubt, Randalls and Busses are neat!
Stainz
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2005
- Messages
- 2,938
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2007
- Messages
- 20,235
Stainz is actually on the right track here. A less-expensive knife, say a RAT or even the Ka-Bar USMC knife (nothing at all wrong with that) will most like get any job done that needs getting done, and will also free up a little money for a lot of other things that are sorta "must-haves" in a SHTF situation.
Of course, we're all knife junkies, so you're not gonna do that. I can't say a bad thing about either the Busses or the Randalls. They're both great knives, and probably about equally as indestructible. I guess it really just comes down to your personal preference.
I'm a big Randall guy (for lots of different reasons, including the long and illustrious history of their knives), and can tell you that you absolutely can't go wrong by buying one. But I'm sure you could say exactly the same thing about the Busses. Just don't buy into the hype that they're the greatest thing in the history of the world. There are other good knives out there too.
Of course, we're all knife junkies, so you're not gonna do that. I can't say a bad thing about either the Busses or the Randalls. They're both great knives, and probably about equally as indestructible. I guess it really just comes down to your personal preference.
I'm a big Randall guy (for lots of different reasons, including the long and illustrious history of their knives), and can tell you that you absolutely can't go wrong by buying one. But I'm sure you could say exactly the same thing about the Busses. Just don't buy into the hype that they're the greatest thing in the history of the world. There are other good knives out there too.
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2005
- Messages
- 16,379
I don't think my Busse's are any better, or as good as my Randalls at all task....but in a SHTF situation some of the things I don't like about Busse(most are thick,heavy compared to a Randall) is the thing I would want in an all out SHTF situation.
Its not as much about the steel as the heavy duty designs... but I do feel INFI may be a better steel for heavy beating/prying. The way the slabs are put on with the tube fasteners that will flex before letting the slabs break is another small thing I would like in a SHTF situation.
That being said I don't think I'll ever be in a SHTF situation and could get by fine without a Busse. I have many, but the thin .125 cultie is about the only one I use often. My thinner customs fixed blades are my favorite knives, and then Randall, CRK, Busse, Spyderco and old Case knives I like about the same.
Its not as much about the steel as the heavy duty designs... but I do feel INFI may be a better steel for heavy beating/prying. The way the slabs are put on with the tube fasteners that will flex before letting the slabs break is another small thing I would like in a SHTF situation.
That being said I don't think I'll ever be in a SHTF situation and could get by fine without a Busse. I have many, but the thin .125 cultie is about the only one I use often. My thinner customs fixed blades are my favorite knives, and then Randall, CRK, Busse, Spyderco and old Case knives I like about the same.