Cliff has put me up to argue the case for Chris Reeve Knives. Thanks.
Its no secret that I like CR fixed knives because I've used them extensively. I also like Busse knives though I've only really handled them. They are very different to each other, having quite different handling qualities. I also suspect you would operate them slightly differently in the field due to their different geometries.
CRK fixed blades are tough. You would have to make an abnormally serious determined effort to break one. The edge holds and can be kept keen so they do cut well to the point where you don't have to wish you were using a far smaller thinner blade. It means your meal doesn't have to be hacked up. They will do all the chopping required for survival tasks, like cutting poles and stakes. Turf cutting and digging a shallow scrape isn't much effort as the flat top to the handle helps as you can push down on it. The spear point is well strong and is good for a whole lot of jobs including getting in for some crow bar work. I like the round handle as it lends itself to greater dexterity when tackling a tricky job. Infact I would go so fare as to say a round handle is a real asset and gives nothing away to flat sided ones on these sized knives. There is also no handle scales to break or loose. The tines are enough without getting in the way. The chequered grip holds firm especially when your hands are a little hardened, slimey and gritty, from living out. You could even make a thrusting spear by just forcing a shaft on (not for throwing). Even the Projects as an overall package don't weigh that much; you won't be tempted to leave them back at base. I could go on and on about the merrits of them because they are outstanding. Finally, the hollow handle is a by-product of the one piece design, and though useful to carry the odd item it is not the reason to buy one.
Busse: if Ciff Stamp says inf steel is tougher then who an I to argue. I really want a Battle Mistress because the whole concept is, in my book, right and I don't have this sized knife in my inventory. I want it tough as heck for chopping; which the BM does. I don't want it for little dainty jobs, I just want to get angry with it. My problem is with the smaller knives in the Busse range. They are all very dence, heavy, which is fine for chopping but not for other stuff. If one analised what one actually uses a knife for then its obvious there isn't a lot of chopping to be done. A survival, military, knife needs to be tough, but not to the detriment of flexability. Well not on the medium sized knives. These should cut well and work in the hand. The handles seem to me deep and slim which I don't like. Deep is one problem which wouldn't be so bad if they were fatter. As is, I feel that they might induce cramp, though haven't used them to know for sure. I have smallish hands and the combination of a dence thick blade with the handle feels horrible to me. I know other people who would find this more brutish set up more to their liking. I just cannot get to grips, literally, with it. 3/16 stock is an improvement but with the grind just not enough for me. Another thing is that they have so much steel that the weight feels high to the extent that I wouldn't be overly enthralled to carry one long distance when such weight isn't providing much over a lighter blade. When you are knackered you become clumsy and control is everything and a chunky blade doesn't help. I'm looking forward to when Jerry brings out some more proportioned tapered knives and marketes them as light weight solutions for those who don't require such heavily built blades.
Both CR and Busse stables produce the very best in blade manufacture. Their steel control and heat treatment is second to none. The designs are different, and its good thing that they are. Life would be so boring if everything was the same, for one we wouldn't have Guiness. There are other outstanding knives out there, so don't limit yourself to just these two. It all really comes down to what feels good for you and what you want to do with it.
J/K! That's funny. From the looks of things and the way I'm leaning I'll probably be there. Guess I should soon come over and say hi right?
I found a CRK (used) Shadow IV that has a pancake style sheath (which I'm sure I will like) for a good price. I am going to get that for now and wait until the next release of Busse's. This way I can use the CRK for finer slicing ect and get a Busse (which I can carry in or on a pack) for heavier work and chores around my home. I live in the country and have alot of trees that can always use alittle pruning.