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This is my position precisely.
But, knowing the status of my addiction, I just voted that I'd buy both.
-
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Muk or Mini Muk
- Thread starter Cobalt
- Start date
This is my position precisely.
But, knowing the status of my addiction, I just voted that I'd buy both.
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Thought about this for a while, after abusing an HD today on the trail, it'd have to be the Muk, I want the extra thickness.
If I can get one with micarta scales, I'd give it a shot.
Might try a HOG Mini though.
If I can get one with micarta scales, I'd give it a shot.
Might try a HOG Mini though.
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I finally figured out what bothers me about the HogMuk. Besides the lack of the hump at the top of the ricasso, the swedge looks more like a clip to me. Maybe it is just me, but I am clippointphobic.
The MM has all the right curvature for this model as far as my $.02 goes.
I agree 100% with MMIAM:thumbup:. The lack of the thumb ramp, the pluging choil line, the straighter clip, the bigger front talon hole and the new handle/rear talon design just seem to make the Hog'Muk a less elegant knife overall.
Now I'm not saying those changes aren't functional on the larger blade, but they certainly do detract from the overall look IMO. I much prefer the original design Jerry posted last week, though I do think a beefier handle design was needed. The one posted here just ain't my cup o' tea.On the other hand, however, the Mini'Muk has a a stunningly graceful look with the curvy lines, bumps and humps
. Like a Porsche or a buxom silver screen beauty. I think it's going to be the 911 or Scarlett Johannson of the Busse line
. Take away those voluptuous qualities and it's just the VW Beetle or regular gal you see everyday. Functional, but not FUN-ctional. I'm not trying to slam the Hog'Muk, but when you have a choice between exotic and everyday, for me the choice is an obvious one, at least in this case, as the "fancier" characteristics in no way limit the usefulness of the blade. I'm also really diggin' the thin blade. One eighth inch is gonna be sick for lots of tasks.Oh these are gonna be a loooooooooooooong two weeks.
mymindisamob
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We're just going to have to try 'em out live. That's part of the fun for me anyway.
Dunner
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I understand what you guys are talking about with regard to the looks of the Mini. It's a BEAUTIFUL little knife and I'll have to grab one for sure. To me the elegance of the HOGMuk is that it isn't so stylized. It looks like a nessmuk and has solid bushcraft credentials the mini does not.
1. Getting close to the edge while holding the handle is essential for a bushcraft knife. If you think a 3/4" to 1" difference from index to edge makes no difference then I guess the 1/16" inch difference in thickness shouldn't make a difference either(?). We all know that's not the case. Every little difference matters and this is why I credit Jerry's design genius so much. His designs have style and purpose and for this reason I would never order a custom that had a handle with a design of my own. Jerry gets it right with regard to ergonomics. However, I did a week long survival school with my Meaner Street and the reach was a CONSTANT issue with fatigue and comfort. It's a great knife but wasn't purpose built for that work. How much carving have you done with an edc handled knife? I have done a lot and look forward the the HOG Muks release.
2. The simple round butt is key for striking down to split small pieces of wood for fire prep and tool making. Every other design from Busse has a stylized tail which looks sweet but either chews up batons (birds beak) or deflects (edc) because it is angled instead of flat or just round. Being able to apply pressure with your palm to the tail of the knife will help in doing things like starting a hole for using a bow drill and so forth.
3. I do like the little peak at the front of the handle that makes the thumb ramp area more pronounced on the Mini but there again that can force you to hold the handle a certain way if you are going to use your thumb on the spine to apply pressure. The HOGMuk allows for you to push anywhere along the spine.
To me a part of bushcraft is about distilling down to the absolute basics. Pure function and skill is all that matters... I wasn't hoping for anything flashy.
Rant off...Dunner out.
1. Getting close to the edge while holding the handle is essential for a bushcraft knife. If you think a 3/4" to 1" difference from index to edge makes no difference then I guess the 1/16" inch difference in thickness shouldn't make a difference either(?). We all know that's not the case. Every little difference matters and this is why I credit Jerry's design genius so much. His designs have style and purpose and for this reason I would never order a custom that had a handle with a design of my own. Jerry gets it right with regard to ergonomics. However, I did a week long survival school with my Meaner Street and the reach was a CONSTANT issue with fatigue and comfort. It's a great knife but wasn't purpose built for that work. How much carving have you done with an edc handled knife? I have done a lot and look forward the the HOG Muks release.
2. The simple round butt is key for striking down to split small pieces of wood for fire prep and tool making. Every other design from Busse has a stylized tail which looks sweet but either chews up batons (birds beak) or deflects (edc) because it is angled instead of flat or just round. Being able to apply pressure with your palm to the tail of the knife will help in doing things like starting a hole for using a bow drill and so forth.
3. I do like the little peak at the front of the handle that makes the thumb ramp area more pronounced on the Mini but there again that can force you to hold the handle a certain way if you are going to use your thumb on the spine to apply pressure. The HOGMuk allows for you to push anywhere along the spine.
To me a part of bushcraft is about distilling down to the absolute basics. Pure function and skill is all that matters... I wasn't hoping for anything flashy.
Rant off...Dunner out.
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Sounds great. Let me know when you place the order for my set. I'll forward you my mailing address then.
And Cobalt hit it right on the head. I too hope the Mini is affordable as I think more than one might be necessary (kitchen, BOB, hunting pack, ZASK (zombie attack survival kit), etc, etc.
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And yet, for me, the new version (the HogMuk) is triple-distilled perfection. It is EXACTLY what I had in mind all those months ago when Jerry first asked our opinions.
I also can not wait to see what other models come out with this new handle design. Can you imagine something like a BA3 or original SJ with this handle? Somebody hold me back!
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+1 on what rbmcmjr said! The HogMuk looks awesome and I also can't wait to see what other blades come out with this handle design!:thumbup:
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mymindisamob
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As usual, I have to disagree on the limitations of Busse handles and fingerguard/choil placement. This new pommel design is the most limiting to hammering/striking and toolmaking yet besides the game warden. That's not to say I don't like it. But, I've used most of the pommel styles, some extensively and the options on the SF are near limitless. The whole argument with choils/guards and where it puts the edge to limited use just holds no water with me at all. I've choked up on a HH to make a fuzzstick and have carved with the SFNO. While not being ideal, I wouldn't go so far as to say I was limited. I think jerry is wise in releasing these (I hope) in the current 2 configurations. It's obvious that we have many different methods of working with our blades here, and these will suit most tastes I believe.
Dunner
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MMIAM, you agree then. The EDC isn't limiting. It is just not optimal. What's wrong with optimal in this case? I have done the same with the HOGFSH, FFBM, SJTAC and the rest too. I have also had my SFNO take a chunk out of my arm on a SAR mission and I bled all over my gear. It guess its good for ice breaking.
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Exactly what I was thinking! I would LOVE to see new version of Public Defender with the new DCH handle and a bigger guard than on ADs or GWs o Meaner Streets. A knife with blade design similar to Badger III and DCH handle would be even better.
Luckily I have raise of payment promised this year
(of which my Lady doesn't know yet)
mymindisamob
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OUCH! Were you jumping or was it an extraordinary circumstance? Not to say that it's only going to happen in these cases (I have to be careful where mine rides as well), just wondering.
BTW, nothing wrong with optimal. It's definition is just opposing for some of us. This is why am thankful for more than one version of this design. I bugged Jerry for quite awhile about a Nessmuk design via email, so I am just happy that it's coming to fruition.:thumbup: