- Joined
- Mar 24, 2014
- Messages
- 93
Hello all, first post in almost ten years! haha. I used to be registered years ago under a different name.
Anyways, I thought I would start a new thread to introduce myself to the SRKW forum here at BF, and to offer everyone a chance to show their real-deal, hard used Knives. Work knives.
I first heard of Swamp Rat shortly after it launched. I had been after a Battle Mistress for awhile, but couldn't get my hands on one at the time. Someone online suggested that Busse had started making knives out the back of the shop and that they had something that would serve my needs. Enter the Battle Rat (right? isen't that what these were called?)
It's from their original line, now offered through their Scrap Yard subsection. This one in particular has had an interesting life. I've been using it during the summer months to clear trails on a large scale. I am part of a crew that clears a very extensive trail network sprawling across some 33,000 acers. It, along with a Stihl MS261, are my primary tools throughout the process. I wear it in it's original sheath, slung off my right side hip strap on my sawpack. I have been using this knife HARD, daily, for over 10 years. In the winter it is often called upon to peel logs and split kindling. Some days in the spring and summer it is not unusual for it to spend 4 hours in my hand on a long day.
There is almost none of the original coating left on the upper portions of the blade, and it has been rattle-canned twice. The handle has stood up to regular exposure to both petroleum and deet with no ill effects. Saw gas and Bug dope.
The edge shows a distinct heat treat line, and stays wickedly sharp through long days of trimming and chopping. In fact, this edge is pretty remarkable in itself. I use traditional Japanese water stones to obtain a razors edge, and sometimes I take it a little too far. More than once I've narrowed out the edge a little more than I should have, and instead of chipping out under hard use, it ever so slightly deforms. This condition is easily corrected on the stones. Brilliant metallurgy.
I know you all have a healthy respect for the Busse family of knife brands, and the quality that brand has come to represent. To anyone on the fence about the long term durability of these knives, this example speaks for itself. I have so much respect for this knife. I could build a cabin with it if I had to.
I'd love for you guys to share your pictures and stories about your used and abused Busse knives.
Cheers.
~Sam
Anyways, I thought I would start a new thread to introduce myself to the SRKW forum here at BF, and to offer everyone a chance to show their real-deal, hard used Knives. Work knives.
I first heard of Swamp Rat shortly after it launched. I had been after a Battle Mistress for awhile, but couldn't get my hands on one at the time. Someone online suggested that Busse had started making knives out the back of the shop and that they had something that would serve my needs. Enter the Battle Rat (right? isen't that what these were called?)
It's from their original line, now offered through their Scrap Yard subsection. This one in particular has had an interesting life. I've been using it during the summer months to clear trails on a large scale. I am part of a crew that clears a very extensive trail network sprawling across some 33,000 acers. It, along with a Stihl MS261, are my primary tools throughout the process. I wear it in it's original sheath, slung off my right side hip strap on my sawpack. I have been using this knife HARD, daily, for over 10 years. In the winter it is often called upon to peel logs and split kindling. Some days in the spring and summer it is not unusual for it to spend 4 hours in my hand on a long day.
There is almost none of the original coating left on the upper portions of the blade, and it has been rattle-canned twice. The handle has stood up to regular exposure to both petroleum and deet with no ill effects. Saw gas and Bug dope.
The edge shows a distinct heat treat line, and stays wickedly sharp through long days of trimming and chopping. In fact, this edge is pretty remarkable in itself. I use traditional Japanese water stones to obtain a razors edge, and sometimes I take it a little too far. More than once I've narrowed out the edge a little more than I should have, and instead of chipping out under hard use, it ever so slightly deforms. This condition is easily corrected on the stones. Brilliant metallurgy.
I know you all have a healthy respect for the Busse family of knife brands, and the quality that brand has come to represent. To anyone on the fence about the long term durability of these knives, this example speaks for itself. I have so much respect for this knife. I could build a cabin with it if I had to.
I'd love for you guys to share your pictures and stories about your used and abused Busse knives.
Cheers.
~Sam
