Knife for the outdoors

L

LDF4C

Joined
May 27, 2007
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2
Hi folks,

I need a new knife for the outdoors. I am sure there has been numerous threads in this forum for what knife works best in the outdoors. So here are a few details that might help narrow it down.

-I like the Swamp Rat/Busse knives, but I am not crazy about the price. So something similar, but less in cost if possible. If this is not possible, I would be open to other ideas.

-I'm thinking a 4 to 6 inch blade and a fixed knife.

-I spend most of my time in the Everglades, Okefenokee Swamp, and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
how much you looking to spend, and what kind of activities will you be using the knife for...
 
LDF4C said:
-I spend most of my time in the Everglades, Okefenokee Swamp, and Blue Ridge Mountains.
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In these areas, is it hard to keep a knife dry and, if so, do you prefer a more corrosion resistant steel or are you good with keeping it well oiled?
 
Wabajack said:
Fallkniven.
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I was just getting ready to say the same; VG-10 steel. F1, H1, or S1 model might be what you are looking for.

On the real cheap, you can get a Mora 2000 or one of their other stainless offerings; I like them too.
 
There are lots of choices in that price range. Here are a few suggestons of some stout knives (given that you like Busse's):

Fallkniven F1 (3 3/8" blade) or S1 (5.1" blade) would be a good suggestion for corrosion resitance as they are made of laminated 420J/VG10 core, yet also are stout thick blades with full convex grinds.

The RAT knives (RC-X and Ontario RAT) have a Busse-like appearance, coated blade and mircata handles in a variety of blade lengths (3", 4", 5", 7", 10"). They are of 1095 carbon steel or D2 but less corrosion resistant than the fallkniven. The rats are 1/8" thick for the 3" model and 3/16" thick for the other blade lengthes. Ranger knives also come to mind here, they are made of thicker (0.25") tool steel similar to swamprats. In fact, ranger knives are probably the most Busse like knives within your price range.

Entrek knives, the Javelina, is another solid knife. This one is made of 440C stainless steel + mircata handles. I personally like 440C stainless quite a bit.

You might also want to choose a kydex sheath over leather to help survive the constant wet conditions.
 
How about a Spydie?


knifeandgun093fp8.jpg
 
I don't know why I didn't think of this one earlier, but a Bark River Nebula might be a good choice too. Around $135; 12C27 steel. A little lite in the tip and it is pretty thin in comparison though.

BA179MBC.jpg
 
If you like the Busse's and Swamprats then treat yourself to a Scrapyard blade, they are just as tough , guaranteed for life and more corrosion resistant than a lot of other Carbon steels !!!
 
I'll second that Scrapyard suggestion. The high flat grind I'm hearing they're going to start using on their knives will make them just about right.
There are some pretty good pics of one of them on this forum by this guy I know;)
 
Fallkniven would be my choice too. I'd be looking at the A1 at a tiny bit over 6” for one that can do a bit of chopping. The S1 already mentioned would be a fine mid point jobbie. The little H1 also already mentioned would be on my shotlist, but for me it would probably lose to the TK2 in 3G at 62 HRC for compact workhorse cutting performance.

I've wanted to play with that Spydie for ages although I don't dig on recurves. It looks like a practical handful.

Haven't got my hands on a D2 Ontario RAT but I like the 1095 version very much. Great field kitchen knife to boot. .
 
The local Sportsmans warehouse had a inventory clearance sale. I got a Spyderco Woodlander (?) (one in the above picture, 6" blade) for $115 (total)!!
I bought it so fast my CC overheated in the reader. Only handled it so far, but I think this a very sturdy woods knife. The thumb notches sends sparks off of my fire steel like crazy.
HOwever, that said, I would vote for BRKT any day. I have about 15 of them that fit the description. I also have about 15 Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprats and they are just a good, if different and not stainless and yes much more expensive. OH yea, the less expensive Scrapyards are almost impossible to get. Missed out on the last release due to a family party. All gone in +/- 35 minutes. Swamprats are easier to get and not too bad on price.
Ron Athay
 
The only reason I didn't include BRKT is that all the Barkie designs I like are in A2, so not that great at resisting corrosion as some of the others mentioned. The River Rouge in antique ivory is on my things to buy list though - gorgeous.
 
Ranger knives sounds like just what you are looking for, excellent, indestructible blades at a great price, 5160 steel, superb customer service, semi custom, you can't go wrong.
It's a busse at 1/4 the price really.
http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/index.html
the RD6 is under 100$.
RD-6Montage.jpg


You can go with a satin finish and choose handle colors too.
Other then that, maybe a RAT5 or a becker from ebay.
 
For what you've said, I'd recommend two things:

- Ranger Knives RD6. Thick and very tough, and although 5160 rusts, there's a protective coating on it to help. Cheaper than the A1, and I dare say notably tougher, as well, although not as sharp a cutter. Great knife, and has a superior warranty - you break it, Justin replaces it. The standard sheath isn't too good, but it does the job.

- Fällkniven A1. This one's tough too, and a very good cutter for a knife of its size. The laminated VG10 steel is stainless and much less prone to rust than the RD6's 5160, especially if you take the coated model of A1. It's not as tough as the RD6, though, although you're unlikely to ever need to do anything that might break an A1. It's more expensive than the RD6, and the warranty isn't as good although it's still decent by European standards. The standard sheaths (there are options) are good quality, although not the highest possible.

If I were you, I'd probably go with the Ranger RD6. It's the more Busse-like of the two, although you might appreciate the stainless steel in the A1. Difficult choice!
 
Liam Ryan said:
Ranger knives sounds like just what you are looking for, excellent, indestructible blades at a great price, 5160 steel, superb customer service, semi custom, you can't go wrong.
It's a busse at 1/4 the price really.
http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/index.html
the RD6 is under 100$.
RD-6Montage.jpg


You can go with a satin finish and choose handle colors too.
Other then that, maybe a RAT5 or a becker from ebay.
Click to expand...

Ranger knives are really nice and if you like the older Busse design, then the Ranger knives do look a lot alike, but don’t be mislead. A Ranger knife is not a Busse Combat knife at ¼ the price, there is nothing like INFI. Keep an eye on the Busse / Swamp-Rat for sale forum, you might get lucky. If you can’t buy the INFI, I would look at the new RC-4 coming out soon from Rat knife Co. It will be a little more than $150.00, but worth it. If you want a Busse by all means buy one, you want be disappointed and it is a knife that will last you a life time and if taken care will increase in value. As far as corrosion resistance, get yourself a Sentry solutions Tuff cloth, and wipe your blade down with it after use. This stuff works and will protect it from rust and such.

http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-4.htm

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=804
 
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