Help a guy out with some experienced opinions?

N

Nickelsig229

Joined
Sep 7, 2004
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I'm thinking of buying some infi and am looking for something in the 4-6 inch range. I've got a few 4" blades that I've tried, some I like, some I hate.

So far the two that I prefer to carry with me are the RMD most of the time and when not then I carry the F1(I have a hard time retiring this blade).

I've been looking at sar4, Lcabs and possibly a boss jack. I think these are the busse offerings in the 4-6 range.

I'm curious, with the RMD as a basis of comparison, how are the ergonomics of these knives. How do they fit a large hand (2xl glove size). The RMD is perfect for my hand, no matter how I hold it, it fits just right. When I look at the grips of the busse knives, they don't look to have the same ergo's that the RMD does. I'm especially concerned that the handle material may end 1/4" or more before the tang and that skews the grip length, since the tang can't be comfortable to grip with the heel of my hand.

Is the Sar4 a smaller/thinner blade in comparison? How much longer is the boss jack?

Right now, I have a serious lean toward an LCabs but that may be based solely on a custom that appealed to me aesthetically. Which ever I chose to buy will be a user and put to work so I'm trying to stay open minded.

If there is another, better option, please let me know so I can check it out.

Basic use would be hiking/camping. Everything from setting traps starting fires, cutting food not chopping obviously, to whittling by the fire. Thanks for any an all opinions. Pictures and video's appreciated. Seems youtube has many video's of everything BUT infi being used.
 
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I seriously love my CABS. CABSes, actually. I loved it so much, I got three. It's a 4.5" blade, it's thinner than most Busses, and I've used it on every hike and camping trip I've had since I got it. Can't really chop wood, but that's only a concern if you need to chop wood, of course.
 
I think that you would be kicking yourself pretty badly if you did not pick up a BOSS Jack from Bussecombat.com while they are still available direct. You can get the color, handle material and choil/no choil you want.

The BJ is my favorite Busse I've owned (I've owned about 20 models) - it is a perfect size and weight for a camp/hiking knife that will do EVERYTHING you ever ask of it. It is currently the only Busse I own two of because I love it so much. I was initially worried it wouldnt be enough knife, as I my former favorite was my SARSquatch and NMSFNO which are significantly bigger, but after using it for months I am no longer concerned. The handle is roughly the same length as the RMD - see my second pic - but I find the RMD grip fills the hand more.

Here are mine:

65f0b637.jpg


Here is a comparison shot with some of my others - the RMD is to the right of the BJ:

473952b9.jpg



If you want a smaller blade, the CABS should do you well. I do not own a CABS as I am not a fan of INFI blades under 4", but it has nothing but excellent reviews and looks to be a favorite bushcraft/prep/hunter among everyone here.

With all of that said, the RMD is one helluva knife and its a lot of peoples favorite of any Bussekin made - you may also get some overlap with the CABS since they are similar in blade length... If you have an RMD I'd go for a Busse 6" and up to give you some variability.

Further, I find that INFI really shines and worth the premium in the larger blades that tend to get more of a beating as INFI generally rolls as opposed to chipping out - which is why I love the stuff... I think that when the steel is not beat hard like being used for chopping or battoning, SR101 is preferable as in my experience its gets sharper...

Good luck and welcome to the madness!!!!


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TrailWolf, I still have not received my first BOSS Jack nor the second one that you "persuaded" me to order :D so as much as I want to agree with you, I can't do it yet with any credibility. I am pretty sure that once my BJs come in, however, I'll love thto death.

...
...... UGH.
.......... UGH I'M GOING TO ORDER A THIRD
YOU DID IT AGAIN, TW
Double-cut/black paper, tanker gray/black-blue G10... I think I'll get dessert sage/black canvas for my third. CURSE YOU, TW!
 
uyotg said:
TrailWolf, I still have not received my first BOSS Jack nor the second one that you "persuaded" me to order :D so as much as I want to agree with you, I can't do it yet with any credibility. I am pretty sure that once my BJs come in, however, I'll love thto death.

...
...... UGH.
.......... UGH I'M GOING TO ORDER A THIRD
YOU DID IT AGAIN, TW
Double-cut/black paper, tanker gray/black-blue G10... I think I'll get dessert sage/black canvas for my third. CURSE YOU, TW!
Click to expand...

Haha, wow that wait must be KILLER!!! It will be worth it though :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I'm still betting I do an impulse order for a third when they give the final couple of days warning - I want another no choil but in canvas. I still can't get totally used to the plastic feel of the G10, but damn do I love the color. Fashion over function I guess :D :D

Well I'm in NYC (UES of Manhattan) for at least another month before moving to AZ - shoot me PM if you want to try one out to hold you over.

Again, I do not accept commission from Busse :D


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TrailWolf said:
Haha, wow that wait must be KILLER!!! It will be worth it though :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I'm still betting I do an impulse order for a third when they give the final couple of days warning - I want another no choil but in canvas. I still can't get totally used to the plastic feel of the G10, but damn do I love the color. Fashion over function I guess :D :D

Well I'm in NYC (UES of Manhattan) for at least another month before moving to AZ - shoot me PM if you want to try one out to hold you over.

Again, I do not accept commission from Busse :D


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Click to expand...

I'd be honored, man :) I'll send you a PM
 
2XL glove size!!! :eek:


The SAR4 or 6 will work for you... HUGE handles on those things. Not thick... just long. Maybe someone could post a pic, I sold mine because the handle was just way too big for my hand... size medium glove.
 
kdstrick said:
2XL glove size!!! :eek:


The SAR4 or 6 will work for you... HUGE handles on those things. Not thick... just long. Maybe someone could post a pic, I sold mine because the handle was just way too big for my hand... size medium glove.
Click to expand...

Me too...

Sweet blades though - and there have been a relatively good amount popping up on the exchange lately...

Might work well for your catchers mitts :D ;)

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I agree with all TrailWolf has said.. the boss jack is an awesome blade. I use it for batoning, whittling, carving and chopping; the full gamut of camp chores - does it all well.
The only issue I have is the handles.. I wear size small to medium gloves, and I find the handles are too thin. I've resolved that issue by wrapping bicycle tubing (ranger bands) around the G-10 handles. So much more comfortable now.

If you have a little cash to spare, get Busse to add liners to your handles. IMO, will make the knife so much better.
 
5" infi. War dog is a good choice and comfortable to hold in different positions and I didn't notice it's weight while worn. I say this even though I have one for sale, not that I didn't like it but the Basic 6 I just got fills that size group for me.
 
Of the 4 Busse's you mentioned (RMD, SAR4, LCABS and BOSS Jack) I only own the RMD but I have had the fortune of handling a CABS and a SAR 6.
I have med to large hands.
As mentioned by others the SAR 4/6 (same handles I believe) have enormous handles. I personally LOVE the SAR 6. I think the handle is perfect for it and I like the handle.
When they were available through the store (obviously before I'd held the SAR 6) I thought I would HATE it but it's great!!
The CABS series is the smallest you mentioned and the handle is comfortable but it smaller and "roundish" compared to the RMD.
Here's some pics of what I have at the moment (thanks Tyrade83 [he sent an ENORMOUS care package for me that I will get pics of later]).

Sorry that some are blurry.

Ratweiler, SAR 6, M6 and RMD.
I tried to line the choils up to show the size differences better.
IMG-20110924-00503.jpg


RMD and SAR
IMG-20110924-00506.jpg


IMG-20110924-00504.jpg

IMG-20110924-00508.jpg

IMG-20110924-00509.jpg


Hope this helps some!
 
Thanks for all the opinions, pictures and links guys. I didn't realize the sar 4 handle was that big in the hand, I like that.

How does the boss jack handle compare to the sar 4?

Thanks again.
 
I just got my Basic 6 LE yesterday and am super impressed how it feels. A great size that should handle everything and I'm starting to fall in love with res-c handles. You should try and get one off the exchange if it comes up.
 
I really like my SFNO! It carries great and does everything I need.

*I'm going to put a plug in here for Okuden sheaths. Not only does Brian make a great product, but he's a heck of a nice guy too. I'd call up periodically to check on the status of my order and we'd end up shooting the breeze for the next 45 minutes. *

The more I look at the SAR6, the more I like it. I wasn't too crazy about it at first, but I've really grown to appreciate it. From what I have been able to put together from pictures, it has great proportions, and clean ergonomics. I have a feeling one of these days I'll pick one of those up too.
 
As much as I love my boss jacks I wouldn't recomend this knife to a person with large hands. The Bj handles are perfect for small/medium hands. For larger hands I can surely recommend a tank buster - really cool knife. Especially take a look at satin/double cut versions of this blade. They are thinner than coated ones, with better cutting edge.
Here's a pic of a tank buster:

P1050641.jpg
 
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As stated earlier, the CABS may be a bit small for your hands (but it's a slick piece). The SAR 4 has a tall blade and a long handle (I did not keep it). The SAR 6 is my choice over the BJ and I have them both but thats just my personal preference. BJ reminds me more of a fighter but its a really nice knife as well. BATAC with mags on it is a pretty nice knife in that range too. My choice from your list and what I have owned in that size range is the SAR 6. Best scenario is to be able to handle them all but that is not always possible. You just might be able to find some hog in your area and hook up with them. Good luck.
 
Looking at the links, pictures and experience from you guys. I think I am leaning towards a completely different knife. If anything I would be interested in the sar 6, but after the picture comparisons with the RMD, and how it has served me flawlessly for a couple of seasons, I think I'm better off moving up to a larger size. Maybe something to replace the Camillus Beker combat utility.

Back to the research. Thanks for helping me out, I'll hit you up once I narrow something down in the 10-12 range.
 
Lots of great Bussekin in that size range. The RMD you have is hard to beat.

INFI will shine for you in one of the bigger choppers. I would jump on the Basic 10 while it is here if I were in your shoes.
 
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