Need expertise for knife decision--camp tramp or Scrapper?!

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wyldoliv

Joined
Jan 5, 2007
Messages
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Hi folks:confused:
I need to borrow your expertise to resolve a knife decision I need to make--scrapper 6 vs camp tramp.
I need a solid knife for extended backcountry trips as I'm a backpacker/guide. My rule is: no knife over 1LB. Both of these knives I've read are less. Right?
So, I don't need a stabber, just something for making fires breaking up wood, the 3 fuels, all that stuff. The camp tramp looks great. Reminds me of the Martindale I used in Latin America. I think it might be too much knife for this kind of hiking, though. Can the Scrapper 6 be used as a survival/fire making knife. It doesn't look like a chopper, but you don't one certainly doesn't need one to build a fire--a rock and a sturdy knife will do. I got a Howling Rat. It's a beaut but really too small to rely on. Anyone know how heavy the Scrapper 6 is? And is this some kind of commando knife (stabber) or a real all-purpose blade? Any advise would be great from those who've used it. Thanks!
 
IF price is an issue...go Scrapper 6...it is a hair thicker than the CT, but a little shorter. Scrapper 6 will also be available again soon or you have to wait to find a CT on the exchange. They are both excellent camp tools for their size. Though I perfer a Battle Rat. Both baton very well and if I had to have one or the other I would pick whatever came up first.......You can't go wrong eith way. The CT is a bit of a better chopper, but as long as you are not planing on chopping anything larger than arm size limbs I think both would serve you well.
 
I agree with Gravelface 110%. The Battle Rat wins a chopping contest hands down compared to the other 2(especially the Scrapper 6)--but if you do not intend to do that much--get the Scrapper 6.

A Camp Tramp is better---but at least twice the price.
 
In order, I'd pick:

Basic 7 (I know you didn't add that, but I wanted to. LOL)

Camp Tramp

Scrapper 6.

All are Res-C handled, so that's good. Stainlessness goes down in brand. I'm not 100% convinced on SR77 as yet for an all-around knife. Now, for the Crash Rat - I can see what value it would have. But I won't be slicing brie with my Crash Rat after hacking down a tree to properly smoke my bruschetta ;) I could be all wet, but that's my GUT feeling.

Oh, and as mentioned, price is exponential, so if that's a factor, then reverse it. ;)
 
Thanks for the info. You're not convinced of the SR77?? I've read that it's just as sturdy as anything out there. Are you saying that it's not as good for slicing or..? I'm thinking as an all-around backcountry knife the less likely it will break the better. Thoughts?
 
Had a Scrapper 6, the SR77 is extremely tough so you won't get many edge rolls or deformations. But don't expect it to stay razor sharp for long. It looses the "grippy" bite of a razor sharp edge rather quick, but it will push cut through just about anything. It all depends what you want the knife to do.
 
007 Agent ZZero said:
Had a Scrapper 6, the SR77 is extremely tough so you won't get many edge rolls or deformations. But don't expect it to stay razor sharp for long. It looses the "grippy" bite of a razor sharp edge rather quick, but it will push cut through just about anything. It all depends what you want the knife to do.
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Any idea how SR77 compares to SR101 in this area? It might make a difference depending upon wyldoliv's application.
 
I don't have a scrapper 6, but I can tell you the Tramp is a near perfect blade for an all rounder.

The scrapper steel is supposed to be very tough. However, for extended trips ease of sharpening and rust resistance are important. If Money was no object, get a Busse.
If you need a cheap knife to chop rocks, get the scrapper.
If you want a good all round camp knife get the tramp (if you can get one at a reasonable price;) ) I paid almost double the MSRP and I feel that it was well worth it!:eek:
 
I don't think rust is as big a problem on a scrapper or any knife with a coated blade. Even if it is not coated it is not that bad. Most rifles are carbon steel and rust is rarely a problem exept near the ocean.
 
Unsub said:
I don't think rust is as big a problem on a scrapper or any knife with a coated blade. Even if it is not coated it is not that bad. Most rifles are carbon steel and rust is rarely a problem exept near the ocean.
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I happen to live on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and get to play in the everglades often:D . I usually have my camp tramp or battle rat on the trails (if you can call them trails). Rust has not been a problem if I constantly keep the blade clean. I use a marine-tuf-cloth to wipe them down after each use.

The coating does it's job, but the edge is bare metal and must be cared for.
 
If $$ is a concern, go used. I picked up a user M6 for not too much, and it is a fantastic user, and even with me beating on her after the previous owner, she shows almost no wear...

I dont own a camp tramp, but i do have her bigger (and cheaper) brother, the battle rat. If you can find one of those cheap, i say pull the trigger on it.

Scrappers are loved by their owners, and should be perfect for you too, for little $$, but they are out of the shop right now.

If it was me, for what you described, find a Battle Rat for under $200...
Or maybe the new Scrap Yard Bowie (should be available very soon) and looks very promising...
 
My Scrapper LE has yet to be sharpened...I have used it quite a bit chopping over the past 2 months...Edge retention seems to be fine....but you cant beat a Camp Tramp for that size, but the Battle Rat is still King!
 
I say go with the cheaper Scrapper 6....you will never break it and even if you somehow managed to ,just send it back !!!
 
Get the Scrapper6 while you can.

I've been getting this urge to go out and stab some car body's with mine.:eek:
 
I had both.....both are excellent blades, I got rid of the scrapper only because I already have a Camp Tramp.......the scrapper is available....so get it while you can......same handle, almost the same blade......it's a fine knife.
 
Camp Tramp. Or wait for the M7/S7 to come out. A ~7.5" blade is about perfect for a camp knife.
 
Ironballs said:
If $$ is a concern, go used. I picked up a user M6 for not too much, and it is a fantastic user, and even with me beating on her after the previous owner, she shows almost no wear...

I dont own a camp tramp, but i do have her bigger (and cheaper) brother, the battle rat. If you can find one of those cheap, i say pull the trigger on it.

Scrappers are loved by their owners, and should be perfect for you too, for little $$, but they are out of the shop right now.

If it was me, for what you described, find a Battle Rat for under $200...
Or maybe the new Scrap Yard Bowie (should be available very soon) and looks very promising...
Click to expand...

wyldoliv said that he needs this for extended backcountry treks. I have never done that, but my guess is that the Battle Rat is more weight than you would want to carry for THAT application. I would say Camp Tramp.
 
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