Selecting a camp/trail knife

Hello folks,

First, No way infi can outperform 52100 by marbles or 5160 customs. Only in corrosion resistance, but in no other fields. You don't need to take my word for it. Try it out yourself.

Second, The Busse nr 9 would be an excellent choice, but I suggest option d.
1095 rusts too fast, and 5160 or 52100 is a good compromise, Ed Caffery and Ed Fowler think it's the best copromise.

If more stain resistance is required, go for the busse or even a Fallknive A-1. Maybe a bit shorter, but easier to pack and use.
And it will chop good, trust me.

greetz, Bart.

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"If the world wouldn't SUCK, we'd all fall off !"

member of the BKS
http://www.expage.com/belgianknives
 
Bart :

No way infi can outperform 52100 by marbles or 5160 customs. Only in corrosion resistance, but in no other fields.
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In what way did the Marbles and 5160 customs (by who) outperform your INFI blades from Busse Combat. Did you discuss this performance with Busse?

-Cliff
 
I wouldn't take issue with anything Cliff Stamp said. Never argue with a Newfoundlander, especilly if he knows more than you about knives
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. But if I could add my $.02[Canadian], I don't think the Cold Steels can outperform the Busses on canoe trips etc. I used my Trailmaster [carbon V]for years in the North and the Arctic. I love that knife, but it has its limitations. First, the Kraton handle, which is a bit thin, gets a bit brutal after a bit of heavy chopping. Second, and more importatnt, that metal, which is Cold Steel's best in terms of performance, will rust before your very eyes and pit almost overnight. On a rough trip, you may not be able to care for the knife well enough to avoid damage.
The Busses [true infi, I haven't used a Basic] have amazing performance. I can't imagine trading a Steelheart II for a Cold Steel. No question that the Trailmaster is faster in the hand and better balanced, but for field utility use, my Steelheart II is the better knife by far.
But I don't think it's the best, and here I might disagree with my learned neighbour from Out East. I do have triple tempered and hardened 52100 customs that seem to outperform my Busses. My Wally Hayes. I say seem to because in fairness I haven't done a head to head comparison of, say, my Hayes Camp Knife vs. my Busse Battlemistress pushing them both to the point of failure. I'm not Bill Gates and I don't have the money, or the heart, to do that. But in normal use, I like the Hayes. Knives Illustrated did kick the sh*t out of a bunch of camp Knives, including the 52100 Hayes, a few years ago, and it shone. I'd wish they, or someone, would repeat the test with one or two Infi's in there for comparative purposes. In truth, these knives are so good that I don't know how important the performance differentials are in the real world.
Anyway, the Busse would get my vote for pure reliability and functionality and for price. That differential edge also really cuts. Betcha it makes short work of Cod
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HJK :

I do have triple tempered and hardened 52100 customs that seem to outperform my Busses. My Wally Hayes.
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Is this in terms of cutting or a durabilty / edge holding etc. comparison?

Function is highly dependent on geometry. I can easily think of a number of ways in which you could grind a bowie that would give you much improved performance in a particular area than a Busse Battle Mistress for example.

I am currently discussing a pseudo-bowie blade with Bill Seigle based on his Survival model which will have a convex grind, a steeply dropped handle and a thick (1.5") grip with an aggressive finish. This combination should allow a much smoother chopping pace compared to the Battle Mistress due to less binding as well as more power due to the mass and blade heavier balance and as well more grip security and support due to the wider and more textured handle.

I have a 52100 blade heat treated by Ed Caffery that Marion currently has a loan of. I would be very surprised if it outperformed INFI in regards to cutting very abrasive/gritty materials as I can't see where the wear resistance would come from. I am curious about the durabilty, flexibility, strength and overall cutting ability though so it will be enjoyable to work with it.

Betcha it makes short work of Cod
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And sculpins.

-Cliff
 
I'd go with either the Basic 9 or RTAK.

I've got a #9 and it really kicks arse as a camp/trail/4 wheeling/military use knife. Read the comparison of the #9 compared to the Trailmaster and you will narrow down your choises by one.

I'm also planing on getting a RTAK as nobody makes better working blades than Newt. I've got a AA and the handle feels like it was made for me, this is the most comfortable handle I've ever ran across.

Check out this review of the RTAK by Chad234 http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002088.html Chad is a user and calls it like he see's it.

Then again you should check out Trace Rinaldi's web page http://www.pe.net/~thrblade/ and my search for a Rinaldi custom (ARMAGEDDON) to take with me on my deployment http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum54/HTML/003176.html Without a doubt Rinaldi makes a kick butt camp/trail knives.

Any of the above 3 knives (and knife makers)are somthing you can rely on when the chips are down.

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SAS RKBA freedom Scottsbluff Cowboy Shooters Cheyenne Regulators

[This message has been edited by Shrike9 (edited 10-27-2000).]
 
Just got a camp knife from Ray Rogers of Everett,Wa.Check his out.

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have a"knife"day
 
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