Help! - SJTAC or ASH-1 for Mid-Size Camping Knife?? (The Search Is Over!!)

LightGuy

LightGuy

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Sep 12, 2010
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I'm about to pull the trigger on a medium-sized knife for camping, general use. I just bought a SAR-3 from the company store and love it!

I want to get a mid-sized knife for battoning, light chopping and general use, and have narrowed it down to these two:
  • SJTAC
  • ASH-1

I was very close to going with the ASH-1 due to the extra hefty-nature, but after reading about some "pinky soreness" when chopping, I'm wondering if I should go with the SJTAC for ergonomics. Now I'm a little worried about the comfort of the ASH-1 grip, especially with the strong curving in-ward at the bottom of the handle.

Unlike some of you, I can't have multiple Busse's in the same category. Just not enough cash to go around. So this ~$400+ decision is a big one for me..

Any insights would be much appreciated!!

-Rich

EDIT:
I thought I'd keep a talley of where the preferences are falling out so far:

SJTAC: 4
ASH-1: 7
 
Last edited:
There's some pinky bite when chopping with an Ash-1, but the handle feels nice and secure otherwise. I don't have a SJTAC...

How do you feel about the Sarsquatch?:D
 
ASH-1 - skinny, that is!

Take some sandpaper to the rear talon area if you are concerned about bite. Just needs some rounding is all.
 
I love my SJTAC and wouldn't trade it for an ASH if you paid me to take it...I'd just get another SJTAC. It's the perfect 6" blade.
I'm all about the open handle design as well.
If you want something with a tad more meat for chopping at the same blade length you could look at a Tank Buster, but for all round use I don't think the SJTAC can be beat.
 
A Skinny ASH-1 can't be beat but the SRKW Camp Tramp will give it a run for it's money.
 
Thanks for the replies. I have looked and looked at all the other options, and have narrowed it down to these two for various reasons.

So far it looks like the SJTAC has more of a following in this size Busse than the ASH-1. I think the ASH-1 is one of the best-looking Busse's out there, but does the SJTAC have the lead due to the blade width as well as the ASH-1's more closed-type of handle?
 
That's a tough question. The ASH-1 does have quite a lot of fans, they just haven't all posted here yet. ;)

If you edit your profile to include your location, then we would know where you are, and some helpful Hog might even let you fondle some of his knives.
 
resinguy said:
That's a tough question. The ASH-1 does have quite a lot of fans, they just haven't all posted here yet. ;)

If you edit your profile to include your location, then we would know where you are, and some helpful Hog might even let you fondle some of his knives.
Click to expand...

Great suggestion...done!
 
The Tank Buster is another possibility. It is the same overall size as the SJT but a bit heavier in the blade (and has more belly).

Rick
 
ASH1 was too thick for me and I prefer my Tankbuster to the SJTAC (sold mine), so.......

I would vote:

Tankbuster

SARsquatch or

Skinny ASH

In that order :thumbup:
 
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