Small hunting knife?

Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Messages
3,197
I've been thinking about buying a smaller knife to keep in my duck hunting gear bag. Considering a Scrapivore or a Rodent Solution. I really like the looks of the Solution but am wondering if the thicker blade will be a bit much for doing finer work like breasting out birds. I see that they also have different grinds, one being a saber grind, the other being convexed. Any opinions on that? Lastly, I know they aren't infi but how corrosion resistant is the steel. I'd really like to get rid of the coating on either one but if it'll be a rust magnet I may have to reconsider my two choices altogether.
 
Last edited:
I think you'll need to leave the coating or oil it really good. I have a Solution and it's a thick blade especially toward the tip. Needs to be thinned out. I prefer 311 from the Yard myself but the Solution is a great little hard use knife.
 
I own a Rodent 3. Kitchen use only so far. Satin finish was hard to keep, so I forced a petina using vinegar. It's very thick but I still manage to do delicate work with it. I love it's shape and size..... Ok, it's thick but tough as all heck!! Perfect EDC with David Brown sheath (if only I could do so legally here)
 
311 and AMS are comfortable to use, thin enough stock and strong enough to be abused.
 
I own both the Rodent Solution and the Scrapivore CG. I did a short review on YouTube about the Scrapivore. I can tell you that both are must have small blades. The high RC hardness of the Scrapivore CG along with how thin the blade is allows for very detailed work that will remain sharp for a VERY long time. The Rodent Solution is probably one of the most ergonomic blades I've handled and if you slightly thin out the edge it can handle very detailed work while ensuring that you will never break this knife. You can baton with it through nasty knot filled tree trunks and it'll gleefully comply. The Rodent Solutiom is a convex grind which is meant for more abuse. The Scrapivore CG is a full flat grind which is great for quick touch-ups and smooth for skinning. The Scrapivore CG in orange finish is smooth (unlike the usual crinkle coat) so it doesn't need to be stripped. The Rodent Solution does have a crinkle coat which you may or may not prefer while skinning. Either way basic knife maintenance will allow both knives to avoid rusting. Hope this helps.
 
Don't overlook the AMS. The LEs have a really nice convex edge on them. I also have a double cut combat grade one that has a nice fine convex on it too. I reckon they would be swish little hunting blades.
 
Thanks for the info on the finishes Rob_Mob. The crinkle finish is what I wanted to avoid (don't want any spots for bacteria to live) and the orange is a good choice for something that you don't want to loose on the field. I think I'll get a scrapivore and if the pry bar end proves to be uncomfortable on the hand I'll dip it in some of that liquid plastic tool handle stuff. I kinda like the idea of being able hang it from my duck call lanyard so I always have a blade that's easily accessible.
 
Check this guy out!
.........snip.........

How bout we dont....

link removed. Non BF member....
one of these


No thanks.


Gentlemen, this is the Busse forum. This is not general. The OP asked about two specific knives. Made by a specific company in their forum.



Neither of your answers were even of manufacturers on bladeforums

Either way lets keep the thread on topic.



I think the best bang for buck here being a long time duck hunter myself would be a Scrap Max model with Elmax steel and V edge. Its satin for gaming or making sandwhiches. The 375 would be the best for what you wanting IMO. You get a resc handle that will give you plenty of grip when your fingers are cold that will not soak up blood etc nor will it get as cold as the plain steel , micarta or g10 with an open tang. THe .09" thin blade will be the best for a bird knife the 375 is long and narrower than the 340 and its still light enough not to get in the way.

They had some at the last show so there might be some available direct. I dont know. There are some on x I would bet.
 
Last edited:
The Rodent Solution feels "butt heavy" in the hand. The Scrapivore's "pry bar" at the end of the handle digs into your palm. Both have SR101 steel which isn't very resistant to rust (in my experience). If I were going to choose a small SR101 it would be a Swamp Warden, but be warned: 3" of blade isn't much to work with.

Personally, I really like Busse Leaner Meaners. At 4" x .17" they're about as perfect as a small knife can be. The blade is "lean" in the belly making small detail work easy too.
 
If you do go with a Scrapivore choose OPPOSITE handing. They're sold as "handed" so if you plan on using it in your right hand - buy a LEFT hand model. This helps with the digging into palm issue.
 
I think the best bang for buck here being a long time duck hunter myself would be a Scrap Max model with Elmax steel and V edge. Its satin for gaming or making sandwhiches. The 375 would be the best for what you wanting IMO. You get a resc handle that will give you plenty of grip when your fingers are cold that will not soak up blood etc nor will it get as cold as the plain steel , micarta or g10 with an open tang. THe .09" thin blade will be the best for a bird knife the 375 is long and narrower than the 340 and its still light enough not to get in the way.

They had some at the last show so there might be some available direct. I dont know. There are some on x I would bet.

Thanks knife hunter. That looks just about right. Nice and thin with just enough belly for peeling back the skin on those p.i.t.a. diving ducks.
 
Thanks knife hunter. That looks just about right. Nice and thin with just enough belly for peeling back the skin on those p.i.t.a. diving ducks.

my pleasure. The resc wont make as much noise if bumps into anything either or scratch up that old trusty shotgun:cool:
 
The Elmax Steak Knives get my vote as well. They are incredibly resilient for being such a thin blade.
 
Whats are some of the smallest knives busse makes? I have a culti and love it but not a big fan of the game warden, mostly cause its kinda short and fat. But what other knives are the size of a culti or smaller?
 
I just bought the Busse steak knife for this exact purpose and I don't regret the decision! Awesome little blade with great corrosion resistance and it cuts like a light saber.
 
Back
Top