Cold Steel Trailmaster Vs. Strider MTL Combat Vs. Tops Joint Spec Ops

Rich357 said:
The guy is interested in the knife for fighting.. thrusting and slashing. Which Busse would you recommend?

The grip on my SJ TAC in nice for general use but it doesn't feel as secure in a thrusting move as either the Strider Mark-1 or Mark-1A.

My BMs are long but pretty blade heavy.
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It was mostly tongue in cheek since this topic seems to come up all the time, along with the Busse arguements...

I'm sure there are quite a few Busse's that would fit the bill. I'm not sure why the SJ TAC doesnt feel as secure for you.

In the Busse forum there is currently a whole discussion on this.

Most of the people I know that use knives for combat or field use them to pry and cut, not so much the slashing.

I like my BATACS I'm sure the Meaner Street would do ok too...
 
Rich357
Thanks for the tips. Really nice Strider btw. The Striders look very nice, as do the Busse knives. Are you pretty much stuck paying retail for these pieces, or are there online retailers that discount (ie cold steel, benchmade, emerson, etc.).

Tirod,
Though I have profound respect for those in the military, I myself am not, nor will likely ever be, in the military. In reality, I just have a longtime interest in edged weapons, and would like to pick up a nice example. Plus, I live in NYC, where it is nearly impossible to legally obtain a handgun. Therefore, this would also serve as an in-home defense weapon. At best, I will use this outside of the home for camping and hikes in Vermont and NY woods. Vehicle ingress/egress is not a concern.

My comment about "thrust versus slash" was because I live in an apartment (somewhat cramped space), at least one not conducive to wild swinging slashes.
 
Hi gamma nyc,

I've paid retail for my Striders and Busses. Strider outlets keep pretty close to Strider's
list prices.

The good old Ka-Bar U.S.M.C. fighting knife has been used for years and is well proven.

Then there is the new Ontario S3 8" Marine Bayonet that is built much like the Ka-Bar fighting knife.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ON3S

Ontario S3
knivesusmcbayonet001rvy6.jpg
 
If you are really concerned about someone breaking in on you, spend your money on some good edged weapon classes and a Ka-Bar.
Moving to a safer location would be the best thing, if you can do it. Or a place that will let you keep something that goes bang.
 
I don't think I've seen the Busse pure bred fighter. Doesn't the NO look a lot like the SJ TAC?

To each his own, but if I stabbed something sturdy I don't find the SJ TAC feels as secure from my hand slipping down on the blade as some other knives, like the Strider Mk1 and 1A and the good old Ka-Bar. Not to mention the Randall Made knives.

I think of Busse knives, for the most part, as very well made utility knives. Knives for non-fighting situations. And, that would be virutally all situations given how seldom
one gets in a fight using a knife.

Rich
 
"This will be mostly a show/collection piece, but want something that is legitimate as a field/combat knife."

Well they are all legit hard-users, so you might as well get the one that you like most. Try to handle the ones you are interested in first and that shoulud answer the question pretty quick, since the difference in "hand-feel" that you will subjectively experience in handling each of the knives will probably be a lot greater than the difference in performance between them.
 
The trailmaster will be a great all around user. It can chop and stab. In the carbon steel it is a good deal. (I have one in San Mai and have used it quite a bit for 6 years or so, and the handle is holding up great, I would not recomend one in SanMai only due to the price jump. I got mine for 150 new which is like 1/2 price)
The Black Bear Classic is a great design for thrusting. It is a good "fighter" but will be less useful for chopping (plus it is more expensive)

The Tops knife will be about 2x as much. depending on the model. I have never used them, but have heard good and bad about them (usually with regards to how they chop, the grind does not seem to be the best for chopping efficiency). But I like the way they look for the most part.

The Strider knife will perform. They are tough, but not the best choppers. The Trail master design will chop better. Strider knives are expensive.......for the price there are other that I would buy.......BUSSE to name just one.

For a less expensive but tough as s--t user look at Scrapyard knives. I mean tough! They are also only a bit more than you will find the Trail master for, but very worth the extra money. The Dogfather will do anything the Trail master will but likely better (although for stabbing or thrusting it does not have the double guard).

my 2cents
 
As a camp knife, or for hiking, with home defense a possibility, I'd go with something designed and produced for that, not the semi military stuff. Ranger, Bark River, Swamp Rat, by golly even Busse. The Trailmaster is the closest in design for that. It will leave more money on the table for your self defense classes, which are mandatory to be able to use it if you need to.

Self defense with a knife is an advanced skill few will teach. Most instructors will require bare hand combatives first, and a good working knowledge to boot. Your home self defense actions against an intruder will likely be at the door, where you will want your primary weapon stationed.

I've seen a good case made for a stout cutlass in that scenario. No joke. The point (aha) is that extended reach is your weapon - and a 20 inch knife is superior to a 6 inch in that regard, plus the presentation, as it's carried over your shoulder behind your back as if scratching your head.

Your legitimate late night visitors will understand.
 
gamma_nyc said:
Really, neither.

I am looking more for a home defense, and infrequently to carry in my ruck on camping/backwoods hikes.
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Thats kinda like looking for a dishwasher/DVD player, gamma.

You're probably better off with a Louisville Slugger for home and Vic Farmer for hiking.

Though...the Condor Combat Machete looks like it could wreak at least $40 (its selling price) worth of havoc...

yhst-93703311224345_1978_61321014
 
bigfatty,

the scrapyard yard hook looks pretty nice. Is SR77 steel good stuff?

Tirod,
I thought about the cutlass, and may go that way. The thing is that my easiest breakin point is my bedroom window...

In reality, this whole Sean Taylor http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=3918346&page=1

...has got me thinking about blacked out blades, and maybe smaller size, so as to appear unarmed in event of breakin.

I figure a trailmaster is a dead giveaway, right?
 
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