Livesay RTACK or Busse basics??

T

TheMartialWay

Joined
Jul 2, 1999
Messages
1,347
I like the look of the RTACK and the Busse basic #7 and #9. Does anyone have any first hand experience with these knives? Which is more comfortable? Also which one is better for their intended jobs. They are both utility knives, one has to be better than the other. ANY help or comments on the matter are greately appreciated. Thank you.

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Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
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"only the paranoid will survive":)


 
hey louis, i've had the busse 9 and the livesay rapid deploment machete. i think the busse has it all over the livesay.the bevel on the busse is something else!they refer to it as their "asymmetrical combo edge".convex on one side and flat on the other.you could probably visit the busse site for more info.i felt the livesay was needlessly thick . it limited it's chopping ability.and before any livesay fans attack me; this is just my opinion.remember
redface.gif
pinions are like a__holes...everybody has one and some stink!i know these are not specifically the two knives you asked about, but i hope it might help. russ aka bladezealot
BTW...the handle on the busse was superlative.
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[This message has been edited by russ (edited 01-07-2000).]
 
TMW-I recently got the Busse #7. What really hooked me was reading Mike Turber's test of the knife (search for it in the review forum). After reading (and re-reading) the review, I became convinced that this was the best knife in it's size and price range. Best for what (you ask)? ANYTHING! Read the review and see if you don't agree. I have used it so far chop dead wood for a campfire, and hack some thorns out of my way while hiking, and while this may not be "pushing the knife to it's limits", I'm impressed with how it feels and performs. (Gimme a break-I just got the dang thing!) I love it, and the sheath is icing on the cake. Very awesome. Hope this helps-
Paul
 
Russ, I am a huge Livesay fan but have to agree with you on this post. I don't own a RTAK but have three other Livesays and they do tend towards a thick edge. This is not very difficult to change though and I think Newt makes the most comfortable handles I have ever felt. I like the Basics handle too, but prefer the canvas micarta to a rubber composite. Personally, I would like to have both but if I could only choose one it would be the Busse Basic.
 
Louis, I got my Busse Basic #7 just before Christmas and I just can't say enough good things about it. The edge is amazingly sharp and the convex edge isn't half as daunting to resharpen as you might think. That's because I haven't HAD to! The thing just doesn't get dull. And when in does, you only have to sharpen the flat side. It's comfortable to hold, efficient at everything you ask it to do and the sheath is the bee's knees, I doubt there's much better for the price. Just my opinion. Hope this helps.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.
 
I am interested in hearing some opinions from RTACK owners. Where are you guys??

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Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
-------------

"only the paranoid will survive":)


 
An RTAK is made from slightly thinner stock than the similar sized Basic (#9) so it should in general outcut it as the geometries are similar (grinds, blade drop etc.). However this assumes the edge geometry is as good, from the above posts it might not be, but of course you can fix this yourself.

The big difference comes in the steel. M-INFI is a clear winner over 1095, from what I have seen. While I have not as of yet used Livesays 1095, it would greatly surprise me if it outperformed M-INFI. The higher strength, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of M-INFI over 1095 will make a very large performance difference.

Stronger competition against the Basics would come from Mission's A2 blades, they are significantly more expensive than Livesays though.

-Cliff
 
I can't speak to the Busse, I have never even seen one. I do have an RTAK and a Rapid Deployment machete by Livesay. They are hardworking tools that are very strong. Sometimes I'm hesitant to use some knives for fear of breakage. With any of Newt's knives that is never a worry. They sharpen easily, hold a good edge, and have very comfortable handles. To me, they are the plastic insulated cup of the knife world. They are not pretty but they do most anything you need, as well as or better than most anything else, and are cost-effective.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
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