Combat trio - which would you choose??

savantuk

savantuk

Joined
Sep 20, 2002
Messages
268
Hello,

These 3 currently reside in my collection, unused. SOG Seal Pup, CRK Shadow III, and Busse Mean Street. All 3 are small combat/survival type, and one HAS to become a user. Leaving price/rarity aside, which would you choose, and why?

Looking forward to some interesting answers.
 

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Regardless of price/rarity, chose the knife you are most comfortable carrying and using. Chose the one that will fill your needs the best. I would probably go with the Busse or the CRK myself. -- Charles
 
That's a handsome group of knives. I've yet to add a CR knife to my collection, but there's no doubt it absolutely worth it! I just put a Busse NO into my stable (WOW!...I'm still staying it!).

It's hard to separate the "price" factor from your request. I know first hand the Pup will do the job excellently, but the CRK and Busse would likely do it better!
 
This is my opinion as to what I would do if these three knives were mine.

I would use and carry the Busse because its a tough SOB, put the CRK up in my collection, and use the SOG for a partial trade on something else, or if you really like it, keep it mint. My two cents.
 
Hello Rattler,

You seem not to rate the SOG for some reason. OK, I know it's the cheapest of the bunch, but surely it's still one hell of a capable blade? Would you still rate the full sized iteration the same?

THANKS to all who have replied so far.

Doug
 
Don't get me wrong, SOG knives are well made, however, my opinion on the SEAL knife mentioned is not very good. I don't really care for the handle on the SEAL, and don't really care for its design very much. I DO like the NW Ranger, and a few others from SOG, just not the SEAL.

My preference would still be the Busse.
 
The reason I like the Busse is the blade design, and the reputation of being a hardcore knife. To me it looks more functional for my needs because, I am an avid hunter, and use my knives quite a bit for skinning game to regular EDC tasks.
 
Bill Bagwell Hell's Belle
SOG Tigershark
Cold Steel Vaquero Grande (as a "combat folder")

The reason? Because I like large "combat knives".
 
Rattler,

Your logic is impeccable. I definitely agree with you regarding the SOG handle - Kytel, and very poorly finished. I have to admit I was surprised at the poor quality and finish... I have a Government Agent, and a Pentagon, with Kryton rubber, and the difference is astounding. One thing has always puzzled me with regard to the use of Kytel. It can't make that much difference to the price of the knife. I'm sure the price of a Kryton handle should only add a dollar or three. There is one folder, which shall remain anonymous, which has a $45 difference between the Zytel scales, and G10 scales. It retains the same blade, and liners. Astonishing, ain't it??

Regards,

Doug
 
Glockman,

I can see your point about the Vaquero Grande..... viz.

What a blade!!
 

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User=Busse. If the choice were mine, it would go to the Busse hands down. I feel that for everyday usage the Busse's blade shape and overall knife dimensions lend it more readily to small tasks. and the quality that comes with it, will make it capable of handling the larger chores also. My .2 cents at least.
 
I don't know enough about the SOG to have an opinion. But I would go with the Busse.

I like the edge geometry and A2 steel in the CRK's, but I can't get ready for the hollow handle. Uncomfortable, susceptible to changes in temperature which makes it more uncomfortable, and because it's round, there is no way to index the position of the blade in your grip except visibly.

It is a high-quality piece, I just don't like round handles.
 
I would regrind the Busse to a much thinner edge, possibly regrind the primary grind to a thinner profile as well. The handle shape and security is the best of the group and I favor flat grinds. The CRK is going to have the highest level of performance out of the box. Crk really now how to grind an edge, and the deep hollow grind is a real push cutter. The A2 steel is good too.

The reason I would choose the Busse over the CRK is that I don't really care for the round, bare metal handle of the CRK.

The sheath for the CRK (made by Gfeller) is excellent, whereas the sheath for the Meanstreet (I have had 4) pretty much bites, and a concealex from Eric of OS/T would be needed.
 
Hi Doug,
Originally posted by savantuk
One thing has always puzzled me with regard to the use of Kytel. It can't make that much difference to the price of the knife. I'm sure the price of a Kryton handle should only add a dollar or three.
Click to expand...
Our decision had nothing to do with cost. When dealing with the guys at Naval Special Warfare, they had very specific requirements on what they wanted in a knife. We started with the SOG Tech II (if you don't remember it, picture the SEAL Knife 2000 with Kraton handle, brass cross guard, satin finished 7" blade, no serrations...otherwise a near “twin”) and began modifying it to their specs. Specifically regarding the handle, they wanted it to be "fire resistant.” Their test included pouring gasoline on the handle and lighting it on fire. As I'm sure you are aware, Kraton will easily burn and melt while Zytel is nearly indestructible. Out of all the knives the guys at Naval Special Warfare tested, our handle survived among the best.

Though a bit off topic, I hope this cleared up your puzzlement.
 
Then I would say, sell the Zytel to the Navy (God bless them for wanting that slippery handle) and sell the Kraton to us. I still buy the occasional Zytel handle (Got to love those Becker knives) but when I do, I bead blast them to give them some grip.
 
Busse all the way. Don't really care for the SOG knife (the design). And you better have gloves on whenever you use that CRK blade in the blaring summer or cold winter.;)
 
If it were me, I would put the CRK in my collection, sell the other two and buy a Fallkniven A-1 to carry.
 
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