opinions wanted on a backpacking / camping / hunting knife

jbs121s

jbs121s

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Nov 20, 2014
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My nephew is turning 17 and is an active outdoorsman and loves my Busse knives. He is currently working with an Izula II / Esee 4 combo I gave him several years ago but I am going to upgrade him. I am going to gift him a user and was looking for a few opinions. Keep in mind he has the Izzy to complement his new Busse, but it will replace the 4. He often does 3 day hiking/camping trips so he has to carry whatever I give him. These are the 6 blades I am considering.

Ash 1 SE - .22, FFG
Hell Razor
Sar 4
BAE2
Batac CG - .18 thick (sweet Norcal satin and hand smoothed micarta)
Infidu

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I had to put the RMD in there because it is extremely popular and proven, but if I had to pick it or the BATAC I would go with the Badger which is very similar knife is a slightly larger package. I am leaning towards one of the heavier knives so he could do a little chopping as needed. My favorite of the heavier half would be the Sar 4 or Ash 1.

Anyways, looking for opinions, which would you choose as a larger blade to go with an Izula II? I will ultimately let him choose, but thought he might enjoy checking out this post and opinions from those that have used the knives for years.
 
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The ASH-1

It really is one of the most popular "If I could only have one" blades. The esee 4 and Izula II can handle the lighter chores.
 
I like the Infidu due to the comfortable handle for my larger hand. Great feeling well balanced knife that will handle all he needs to do.
 
You can't go wrong with either of those and it's extremely generous of you to gift him such a great knife. I wouldn't want to give him any of those :D

That being said, if I was the one receiving one of these blades for hiking, I would absolutely LOVE to get my hands on that INFIdu. It's a brilliant knife.
 
My votes for the ASH-1 too. Also...I don't think the second knife is a Tank Buster...Hell Razor, No?

Btw, You sir are a great uncle...and your nephew is very lucky.
 
that second one does look like an HR, and IMO it chops better than the rest including the .22 ASH1. it would be my preference for a lightweight and versatile backpacking knife our of those options
 
HELLRAZOR. It will do anything the others will only better and It's so pointy! The ASH would be my second choice out of the bunch. I'm not sure why he would even have to take the Izula? As a back up.
 
If it were me, I'd skip SAR4 and BATAC, RMD and BAe2 will do the same jobs but at about 2/3-3/4 weight (unless BATAC is skinny).
HR and ASH-1 would be good choices, but for a multi day slog on foot, the weight of RMD and BAe2 might be a definite bonus. Just make sure to provide the gift of battoning knowledge, that might in many cases remove the need for chopping altogether.
 
It's good to see other recommendations for the HR. Of the few Busses I kept when I had to downsize, the HR was one because it carries so easily when I'm hiking and can do anything that I need. The more-or-less centre-line point of the HR is great for drilling holes. The handle is well designed (of course - it's a Busse) and it excels in a range of different grips. Overall it's a remarkably versatile, lightweight (in my opinion) and capable field knife.

The ASH-1 LE was another I kept, because it's simply such a perfect knife. In some ways I feel the HR has a slight edge over the ASH-1, for instance it's easier to use different grip styles with the HR, but it's a close call. The ASH-1 fits my hand is if it was made for it in a standard grip, better than the HR.

Of your options, those are my picks.

Personally I don't think the weight is much of an issue with any of them. I've carried far heavier knives (note, kniveS :D ) on extended backpacking trips (weeks). It builds character! I was never in the lightweight brigade though; and before I started trimming down my kit I would have to be honest with myself and drop a stone from around my belly. If I was doing it for something other than fun, things might be different.
 
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They are ll pretty similar. To be honest it would just be a matter of deciding which one you think he would prefer the look of. They will all do the intended tasks.
 
If already has a 4in. Blade would give him the HR or ASH. I don't know if I could personally part with either tho.:D Super gracious of you! Sure he's gonna be thrilled with anything there.
 
None of the above choices are Choppers! The Ash-1 is the perfect knife to introduce him to Busse-It is a Jack of all Trades! Any of the above would be a very welcomed Gift! I personally prefer the Ash-1 with a Saber Grind! Good luck
 
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