Original vs Rat ?????????????????

Classified00

Classified00

Joined
Jul 14, 2000
Messages
210
Greetings,

I have been a "folder guy" for sometime but I'm ready to take the plunge into fixed blades.

I'm looking for one true "combat knife". The way I see it, a true "combat knife" should excell in being used as an improvised (insert name of tool here: shoval, hammer, prybar, hatchet, machette, etc..). It should also take and retain a good edge. All this while being balanced enough to use as weapon if the need ever came up.

I started my search here at BF and that led me to Busse. I've been lurking the Busse and Swamp Rat forums for a couple of weeks now. I'm torn between the Steel Heart and the Camp Tramp (which soooo could have been named better ;))

Soooooo should I hold off and save up a few more bucks and go with the SH or jump in and start off with the CT?

From a real world performance aspect, how much better is the SH?

Many thanks!
Brent...
:p
 
You really can't go wrong with either one. I like the sticky Resiprene handle feeling so I would personally get the Camp Tramp.
 
Buy both.

I flog my SH and you will not find a better knife. I am going to buy a camp tramp (2 actually) and from what I hear - they are excellent value for money.

you will not go wrong with either.
 
Hiya Classified,

Bottom line analysis IMHO:
- SH = higher ultimate durability due to tougher steel and micarta scales on the handle
- CT = higher bang for the buck (about 1/2 the price of SH) and significantly different handle shape/feel

I'm guessing that the extremely tough ductility of INFI gives the SH an edge in your scenario of using your knife in place of a shovel, hatchet, etc. due to its ease of resharpening in the field.

If you can, go to a show where you can handle both blades. I would guess the balance to be semi-similar between the SH & CT. But the difference in the handles can be significant. I have small hands and find the Basic/SRKW handle shape fits my hand very well. So I am willing to trade some ultimate durability to get a handle that works really well for me. However, in uses like digging the less-rounded shape of the SH-E handle would be less likely to torque around in your grip. Spending some time handling both knives and doing an A-B comparison will tell you which one fits better for you and your needs.

As for field use and durability, either of these knives should perform well for you. You have a delightful dilemma to solve. ;)

Yours in nuclear choices,
-- Greg --
 
Classified,
My advice is to buy several from each line and abuse them all. You might as well do it from the start as you will probably end up with quite a few knives from Wauseon. Just like the rest of us.:D :D

Nick

GRUNT Term of affection used to denote that filthy, sweaty,dirt-encrusted, footsore, camouflage-painted, ripped-trousered,sleepy,beautiful little son of bitchwho has kept the wolf from the door for over two hundred years.
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Ditto on the both.

I have a SH, and a Basic line blade. Both kick butt.

If you can swing only one, and it is the Tramp, get it, use it, abuse it. You will start saving for the Steel Heart very soon afterwards (you won't need[B/} it, but you'll want it.)

Let us know your final choice.

We look forward to your input and escapade stories.

Mike
 
Many thanks for all of the replies. Since I'm after "The best" I may as well go with the Steel Heart......if I don't buy it now, I'll end up buying it later ;)

Brent...
:p
 
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