Satin Jack Tac - SJTAC - I removed the finish on mine, but I love the blade shape and design on the SJTAC. Mine is full convex! I wish the scales were a little thicker and ultimately I would probably redesign the whole handle. I have modified my handle quite a bit to better suite my preferences on hand comfort, but I still love this knife. Get the LE if you can!
I don't "need" a bigger knife than the SJTAC. Any larger blade I have is for fun and/or cuz I like it. But, any chore needing a bigger blade than a SJTAC can be taken care of with an axe, hatchet, or machete. Blasphemous statement around here - no doubt! But, axes, hatchet and machetes are all cheap and get the job done.
- Not as fun to chop limbs with a machete as with a Battle Rat or I assume a Ruck Kensei, but a Ruck Kensei goes for close to $600 compared to a $25 machete
I can baton with a SJTAC. I don't need to baton large pieces of wood. At most, all I need is a little kindling to get a fire started. I can burn whole after that. I don't want to cut big logs for the fun of it and I don't need to - if ever in an "emergency".
That said, if I were to have a fourth knife and only four knives, the fourth would likely be a Battle Rat or Dog Father to round out function. If keeping price somewhat reasonable, the Battle Rat is my favorite for a large knife. I haven't handled the Dog Father yet. But, it should be comparable if a little heavier in the blade. There are many awesome large Busse knives, but they are too expensive in my book. Even if I purchased, I have a hard time beating up and using a $400 - $600 knife. I still remember when $100 was a lot for a knife!
Ratmandu or Bog Dog - both are awesome mid-size blades (mid-size by my definition - subject to dispute around here - Many would probably argue the Camp Tramp is a good mid-sized blade....).
Both fit my hand very well. Both are great design.
The Bog Dog is super light, great blade shape, tough, will hold an edge and comfortable in my hand - feels like a very natural extension of my hand.
The Ratmandu is a little heavier duty, but still a mid-size blade in my book, (probably ?) tougher than the Bog Dog, but not as light. Also very comfortable.
SS4 - BEST value I have seen in INFI!!! Awesome blade design. I stripped mine and gave it a full convex. Awesome mudder grip handles. Feels GREAT in my hand. 4" blade is probably my most used and most carried size blade.
All of the above are tough and reliable. Two important criteria that I have no concerns about with the Busse family. Why I keep buying.
Throw in a mid-size SAK with scissors and modified tweezers (or Leatherman) for the heck of it and you are about as good as you need to be - short of taking the entire hardware store. Pick and choose other tools as needed.
That should cover and do most everything I "need" a knife for.
"Wants" and "haves" are out of control!!!
My next want (for fun chopping) is one of these from either Scrap Yard in SR77 or from Swamp Rat in Differentially treated SR101 with a 15 16 blade. This would be nice in G10 or micarta as well!!! In either case, I would want about a 2/3 height convex grind similar to a Wakizashi.
Scrap-Ruck Concept:
Rat-Ruck Concept one:
Rat-Ruck Concept two:
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. The Camp Tramp would be my all around choice.
