Looking at options

[JohnTheTexican]

SAR 3 is another to look at. Or for.

Edited to add: More pics!

Here's one next to a Game Warden:

And some Game Warden pics, just for fun:

 

[NJBillK]

I am really liking the GW. I made my way over to the PR thread.. that thing is awesome. I'm afraid it would be a little too big for me to EDC, but man, she's pretty
I'm also excited to see that 3.5" slicer, but I'm starting to think a GW in INFI would be a pretty bad@$$ tool to carry, and a good first Busse. I haven't found anything else in that size range, but you guys have definitely put me on the right path.

That 3.5" that I HD mentioned was prior to the PR stats being released and was an estimate based upon Jerry's statement that it is a bit bigger than the GW.

I was talking about the PR, but now that the stats are out, we can see that it is 4".

Take a look at the MSe. Seems like it might be right up your alley.

 

[BP_]

That is another that can go on the list. I think the general size and feel is what I'm going for, and that ticks yet another box. I'll probably narrow it down to availability and price when I pull the trigger this week, I just don't see myself spending three or four large ones on my very first.

 

[BP_]

I would have loved to have a PR with a 3 1/4" or 3 1/2" blade! I have a drop point that I carry on my belt, 3 3/4" blade, and it's just a hair too big for what I'd like to EDC. They are sweet though!

 

[NJBillK]

I would have loved to have a PR with a 3 1/4" or 3 1/2" blade! I have a drop point that I carry on my belt, 3 3/4" blade, and it's just a hair too big for what I'd like to EDC. They are sweet though!

You can always send it to Josh at REK for a slight regrind.
Plus, if you spring for a BG (SR101) version, it will be around $190, and it holds an edge longer than INFI though INFI is more stain resistant and slightly tougher. In a blade under 5", I will take edge retention over toughness. Stain resistance doesn't bother me, I care for my knives correctly.

I live in NJ with tidal salt water within 5 blocks on three sides of me and I do not have issues with corrosion.

 

[Busto]

When you are shopping Busse INFI you might check your finances cuz it's probably gonna be 3-4 Bills it's the nature of the Product...
The PR in Satin/Micarta scales starts at $327....With G-10 add $35...$362 + shipping...
Even the Big Double cut in INFI will be at 3 Bills...
INFI ain't Cheap....NO REGRETS...once you own one you'll know why..."knives you swear by...not AT" (Flatlander)

 

[BP_]

There seems to be quite a price difference between SR101 and INFI, I had no idea! Honestly, I may have to sell a few to make up the difference. I have been wanting to try INFI steel. But, per above recommendations, I'm confident I would be happy either way. You get what you pay for though!

 

[Busto]

There seems to be quite a price difference between SR101 and INFI, I had no idea! Honestly, I may have to sell a few to make up the difference. I have been wanting to try INFI steel. But, per above recommendations, I'm confident I would be happy either way. You get what you pay for though!

Not trying to talk you out of your first Busse with INFI....However my personal experience with INFI is Most Excellent on BIG CHOPPERS and I really like the SR-101 on smaller blades. Both sharpen easily enough but the SR-101 seems to hold a better edge and it's about edge geometry and Busse nails it on the small slicers. SO if your budget can't float the high price of INFI rest assured that the SR-101 is NO SLOUCH in Field Work...Save a few pesos on SR-101 and squirrel away a bundle for INFI in the Future...Win/Win

Side Note: SR-101 is "Ball Bearing" steel pretty good stuff to start with right...THEN Jerry Tweaked the Heat Treat to make it GREAT!!!

 

[BP_]

Not trying to talk you out of your first Busse with INFI....However my personal experience with INFI is Most Excellent on BIG CHOPPERS and I really like the SR-101 on smaller blades. Both sharpen easily enough but the SR-101 seems to hold a better edge and it's about edge geometry and Busse nails it on the small slicers. SO if your budget can't float the high price of INFI rest assured that the SR-101 is NO SLOUCH in Field Work...Save a few pesos on SR-101 and squirrel away a bundle for INFI in the Future...Win/Win

Side Note: SR-101 is "Ball Bearing" steel pretty good stuff to start with right...THEN Jerry Tweaked the Heat Treat to make it GREAT!!!

I'm all about good heat treat and good edge geometry. I believe that is good, sound advice as well which I appreciate as well as the other advice recommending the same. This would also be my first experience with SR101, and it has come highly recommended by several of you, which leads me to believe I would be happy either way it goes.. perhaps even happier than expected. That is, if I spring for the SR101 on a small EDC/slicer now, then wait and get the INFI on one of those humongous chunks of beastly beauty I've been drooling over for a few days now

 

[tuica]

Yes...Bad Mojo.

 

[BP_]

SAR 3 is another to look at. Or for.

Edited to add: More pics!

Here's one next to a Game Warden:

And some Game Warden pics, just for fun:

Those GW's are awesome!! Heck of a collection thanks for sharing!! Be nice to get my hands on ONE, let alone dozens! I wish I would use my drooling face emoji, because that is what I am doing.

 

[Stubai]

Rodent 3 from Swamprat Custom shop might fit your bill. I have a 311 which works miracles on deer. Or why not just opt for the AMS?

 

[BP_]

The AMS is a sleek knife. I think I may perfer the "stoutness" (for lack of better term) of some of the others. Not that I like a thick knife necessarily, but I don't mind a little belly in the blade. (Assuming I looked up the correct knife when searching for the AMS )

 

[Stubai]

Give the Scrapyard 311 a whirl. It is a stout, compact blade and will take some abuse. I almost forgot to mention the Scrapivore, but that may be lacking in your robust criteria for an EDC. I have carried my Scapivore in a custom sheath and tend to not even notice it since it is so flat.

Keep searching and you'll find the perfect match.

 

[BP_]

That's more along the lines of what I'm looking for. Oh man.. what have I done..

 

[inkynate]

Here are my BG AMS and SOS, the smallest Busses I have atm:

Huge fan of both. I like mine to not have too much belly though The BG AMS is 4mm stock btw, it doesn't lack for any actual stoutness imo. Not sure where the INFI ones spec offhand.

I've always really liked the look and size of the SAR 3 as well, but they're not exactly cheap or plentiful (hint, hint Jerry!!! lol). All the Rodent 3's hitting the exchange are starting too look like a great alternative.

 

[BP_]

I like the style of the Rodent 3, but I definitely like everything about that SOS. If I was a little larger I think it would be easier for me to carry a larger knife relatively unnoticed. Being as small as I am, though, my wallet is devastated to see all the medium and small sized options available to me

 

[DamascusBowie]

I'm all about good heat treat and good edge geometry. I believe that is good, sound advice as well which I appreciate as well as the other advice recommending the same. This would also be my first experience with SR101, and it has come highly recommended by several of you, which leads me to believe I would be happy either way it goes.. perhaps even happier than expected. That is, if I spring for the SR101 on a small EDC/slicer now, then wait and get the INFI on one of those humongous chunks of beastly beauty I've been drooling over for a few days now

Good call, canvas handled sr101 is a killer performance/value combo these days.

 

[inkynate]

I would NOT be against a smaller SOS, sounds awesome!!

SOSOS???

 

[gk4ever2]

Give the Scrapyard 311 a whirl. It is a stout, compact blade and will take some abuse. ...

I was also going to suggest the 311 - it is a great value for the money. The Res-C (hard rubber) handle is very comfortable. Although it is discontinued (at least for now), the price should be ~$100, maybe a little more.