Fixed-Blade Combat/Camping Knife Dilema

LightGuy

LightGuy

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Joined
Sep 12, 2010
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1,097
Hello,

Yep, I'm a newb on this forum. I've always loved knives, but after going to a gun show this weekend and getting my hands on a couple of Chris Reeves and a couple of Busse knives, I'm taking the plunge for real....

I am looking for a semi-compact fixed-blade knife (~4" blade) to use for combat if needed, as well as all outdoor activities, such as camping or anything else that comes along. I want it to be as indestructable as possible, and the steel is the main consideration. I'm looking to get one with CPM 3V or Infi (Busse) steel, or something equivalent. I tend to keep things for a long time, and this will be a user. It won't be babied, and I want it to last a long time.

The dilema is, I already have a hobby that drains my wallet (torches - thanks CPF....), so I am limited to one real knife.

I've always wanted a SureFire Echo fixed blade (love what I've read about CPM 3V steel and love SureFire products), but I want to buy from someone who's true business it is to make knives.

I have settled on one of the following knife makers, but I'm having a rediculously hard time deciding. Each has a nice selection in the size/type of knife I'm looking for, but I just can't decide which knife maker to go with:

  • Busse
  • Swamp Rat
  • Fehrman

Any thoughts from the experts would be appreciated!

-Rich
 
Honestly can't go wrong with any of those. They all make amazing blades. I prefer SW and Busse just because you can use them for a while and still probably make money should you decide to sell it later. That said, my RMD will be my go-to camp blade until something better comes along.. which hasn't happened yet.
 
myowngod said:
Honestly can't go wrong with any of those. They all make amazing blades. I prefer SW and Busse just because you can use them for a while and still probably make money should you decide to sell it later. That said, my RMD will be my go-to camp blade until something better comes along.. which hasn't happened yet.
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Thanks much for the info. Just for clarification (so I can check it out), what does RMD stand for? Remember, I'm a newb....:o
 
+1 RMD
not sure about combat application stuff but the Swamp Rat RMD is a great blade with an amazing warranty and still available on their site. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
soapboxpreacher said:
RatManDu
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Got it - thanks! I checked it out and it looks like one amazing knife.

Unfortunately, the website doesn't seem to give specifics (blade length, steel used, etc. I did find information on the web page for another of their knives, and it listed the following steel used:

Blade Steel: SR-101

How does this compare to CPM 3V? Is SR-101 as durable?

Maybe I'm not looking at the correct portion of their website. This is all the information I could find on the RMD from their website:

http://www.shop.ratknives.com/product.sc?productId=185&categoryId=1
 
+2 for RatManDu. I just ordered one and everyone who has used one has said really good things about them. SR101 is really 52100 steel that receives a proprietary heat treatment process as I understand it. It is a tough steel. Check out some of the reviews of swamp rat knives on YouTube and such. They look like total workhorses. You can't beat the warranty either.
 
Ratmandu is the best bang for the buck of those three makers.

SR-101 is 52100 with Swamprat's proprietary heat treat 52100 is ball bearing steel. It is incredibly tough with high carbon content. It makes amazing blades which take and hold very clean crisp edges, while being easy to resharpen in the field.

3V is even tougher and takes an exellent edge as well. While not being easier to resharpen than 52100 it isn't hard to resharpen either. Fehrman does an outstanding job on their 3V. However whether the 3V is better enough than the 52100 to pay double the price for is up to you.

I picked up a Ratmandu from Swamprat and am very pleased with it.
 
wildmike said:
Ratmandu is the best bang for the buck of those three makers.

SR-101 is 52100 with Swamprat's proprietary heat treat 52100 is ball bearing steel. It is incredibly tough with high carbon content. It makes amazing blades which take and hold very clean crisp edges, while being easy to resharpen in the field.

3V is even tougher and takes an exellent edge as well. While not being easier to resharpen than 52100 it isn't hard to resharpen either. Fehrman does an outstanding job on their 3V. However whether the 3V is better enough than the 52100 to pay double the price for is up to you.

I picked up a Ratmandu from Swamprat and am very pleased with it.
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Thanks so much for the info. It sounds like Swamp Rat - and the RMD specifically - comes highly recommended. And since I was thinking I would be spending ~$200, the sub $150 cost is great too.

Since the steel durability is key to me for this purchase, any comments on how the 52100 it compares to Busse's Infi? I'm also looking at the Busse Boss Street which is currently available for $227.

So are the blades pretty close, or is the Infi in a league of it's own?

Thanks again for all your help! :thumbup: I think I've at least got it narrowed down to the RMD and Boss Street!
 
Swamps are very nice and I think a reasonable price. You will need a sheath because it does not come with one. Grip is nice as well. As for the heat treating it is more than excellent! A big reason why these knives seem to do so well and hold up!
 
LightGuy said:
Thanks so much for the info. It sounds like Swamp Rat - and the RMD specifically - comes highly recommended. And since I was thinking I would be spending ~$200, the sub $150 cost is great too.

Since the steel durability is key to me for this purchase, any comments on how the 52100 it compares to Busse's Infi? I'm also looking at the Busse Boss Street which is currently available for $227.

So are the blades pretty close, or is the Infi in a league of it's own?

Thanks again for all your help! :thumbup: I think I've at least got it narrowed down to the RMD and Boss Street!
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You will find the durability and edge retention between the SR101 (52100) and INFI very similar. The primary difference is that INFI is more rust resistant, more so than D2. INFI really hits it's stride in the larger blades as it is extremely impact resistant, which is why the INFI choppers are so popular.

Fehrman's cpm3v is supurb as well. It is comparable to the Busse's steels. If asked which is better, I don't think I could choose. The only limiting factor is that Fehrman only makes 2 handle styles. Personally, the ergo's work for me. But with only 2 styles, you are very limited if you don't like the ergo's of his handles. Busse offers a plethora of choices, albeit on the secondary market.

The Ratmandu and Howling Rat (4" version of RMD) are available NOW with no pre-order.

http://www.shop.ratknives.com/main.sc;jsessionid=4A089B434E0BD4A162372F14132B346F.qscstrfrnt02

Take a look at the Busse for sale subforum. It really is a buyers market right now with many of the knives selling for MSRP or lower. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=804

Good luck... you will not go wrong with any of the 3 you have selected. :thumbup:
 
I try not to post suggestions outside of what people say they are going to get, but since you say you are a newb, here's my suggestion: MD Caldwell 1-4. If I had to grab only one knife (god forbid), this would probably be it. I haven't totally abused mine, worst I've done is a bit of batoning. It is a pretty sturdy knife, very sharp, excellent blade shape/geometry, outstanding handle geometry. If you're interested, send me a visitor message, I can give you more info.
 
You can pick up a Ratmandu at the Swamprat company store right now. I don't think you will find a better knife for the money.

My second recommendation would be to buy something from the custom fixed blades on the makers forum.
 
i'd suggest looking at the Fallkniven range while you're at it.

the F1 and H1 both fit your requirements exactly, have a gander at the S1 while you're at it.
 
Thanks for all the helpful information!! You're suggestions left me with a lot of reading...:eek:

In the end, I just can't get past the awsome look of the Busse Boss Street, and I'm leaning toward the indestructable and "stainless-like" properties of the steel it uses. However, the only one I can find on the website is in tan (not my favorite color...).

I called Busse, and I can't order it in another color. The rep said they should be making a few new (compact-sized) knives on their website in the next few days. So I guess I'll hold off on ordering until I see what else they have in store...
 
Lightguy when are you going into combat?The army should supply you with what you will need.
 
LightGuy said:
Thanks for all the helpful information!! You're suggestions left me with a lot of reading...:eek:

In the end, I just can't get past the awsome look of the Busse Boss Street, and I'm leaning toward the indestructable and "stainless-like" properties of the steel it uses. However, the only one I can find on the website is in tan (not my favorite color...).

I called Busse, and I can't order it in another color. The rep said they should be making a few new (compact-sized) knives on their website in the next few days. So I guess I'll hold off on ordering until I see what else they have in store...
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The BOSS Street would be a very good pick for only having one fixed blade. I believe that Busse is going to be putting out some skinny versions this week that should not only look good but be very effective fixed blades for combat and overall survival. If you have some patience I don't think you will be dissappointed. You could go to the Busse (manufacturers) site on this forum to have a look at what's coming out.
 
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