- Joined
- Jan 2, 2009
- Messages
- 3,143
This is what Jerry said about serrations,
They will be at the base of the edge right in front of the ricasso near the handle.
Hope this helps,
Jerry
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Tankbuster features you like
- Thread starter lsheldon
- Start date
This is what Jerry said about serrations,
- Joined
- May 31, 2005
- Messages
- 6,860
Do you guys really think the little bit of steel removed from the swedge is gonna change the overall weight (or even balance) that much???
I'm thinking other knives are better choppers.
I agree the round-butt is better than a skull-crusher in general. What if you do use a skull-crusher and it sticks. Now you've got an opponent with a knife to head-butt you with. Sorta like fighting a unicorn. I ain't never fought no unicorn nor do I intend to try.
I'm thinking other knives are better choppers.
I agree the round-butt is better than a skull-crusher in general. What if you do use a skull-crusher and it sticks. Now you've got an opponent with a knife to head-butt you with. Sorta like fighting a unicorn. I ain't never fought no unicorn nor do I intend to try.
- Joined
- May 15, 2009
- Messages
- 554
Consider this though...if attacked by a unicorn, wouldn't it be nice to have the option of slamming the skull crusher into your own head....you know, level the playing field, even the odds a bit.
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2009
- Messages
- 3,143
Removing the swedge may have a bit of effect on the balance, I'm going with the swedge because I like the blade profile with it over without it.
I'm pretty sure the NMSFNO is a much better chopper.
When was the last time you were in a knife fight? Likely never. I doubt I ever will have a need for a skull crusher. I simply like the knife profile with the skull crusher vs without it.
Last Visible Canary
actively parsing hurf durf
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2006
- Messages
- 4,577
i plan on getting no choil, no swedge, hammer pommel in jungle green with standard black canvas micarta (though I'd like the snakeskin)
Ideally I'd like to get 2 of them, with the second being for custom shopping. send it to have the blade shortened to 4" and the handle shortened to 5.25". that format, the 9.25" oal w/4" blade is the perfect edc for me, not so long that it really scares people, but not so short that you can't baton with it.
i'd basically have them make the same format as my custom shop sar5.
Ideally I'd like to get 2 of them, with the second being for custom shopping. send it to have the blade shortened to 4" and the handle shortened to 5.25". that format, the 9.25" oal w/4" blade is the perfect edc for me, not so long that it really scares people, but not so short that you can't baton with it.
i'd basically have them make the same format as my custom shop sar5.
My post is more about the "Features" themselves as "Options" rather than specifically related to the Tank Buster.
Personally, money is VERY tight and scarce for me right now. Unfortunately, I am having to consider selling some knives I don't want to sell.
And there are a few blade shape/design features I am not sure about on the TB.
I already have a SJTAC and a HR. I prefer the blade shapes on those two over the TB. I like the shallower edge belly and dropped point of both the SJTAC and HR. And the SJTAC's blade shape (without waves and once I fixed/removed the ramp) is one of my ALL-TIME favorite all-round utility blade shapes.
So, it is a little hard for me to add or consider the TB right now.
I actually prefer the handle shape and feel on my HR over the TAC handle. They are fairly close, but the subtle differences add up. The HR's ramp is fine, but the ramp on my SJTAC didn't work for me, so I ground it off. Without the ramp on my SJTAC and with a few minor handle tweeks that actually make my SJTAC handle a bit more like my HR handle (minus the mags on my HR), I LOVE my SJTAC as an all-rounder.
Personally, I don't care for the wavy scalloped spines on the TB. I like my HR for various reasons, but the wavy spine isn't really one of them. However, I think the waves blend more aesthetically on the HR and I don't mind them nearly as much on my HR. On this TB, the waves are just too much for me.
Also, I am pretty concerned with how the thumb recess/ramp would work on the TB for me. I use my thumb on the spine quite often. The ramp and recess on the TB looks VERY pronounced which concerns me.
I like simple lines for both function and my preferences on aesthetics.
I never really liked the CBT on the HR and always wanted a Mud Razor, but for some strange reason the CBT is growing on me.... But, CBT discussion is another story. Anyway, I doubt I have much interest in more CBT. (??????)
If this TB had a blade similar to the SJTAC's minus the thumb ramp, maybe a slightly taller blade to give it a bit more beefy look and feel, but with a very similar spine curve to the SJTAC, same dropped point and shallow edge belly as the SJTAC and with the thicker 0.22" thickness of the satin TB blade vs. the lighter faster 0.187" thick SJTAC's blade, add the hammer pommel and a HR styled handle and I would be VERY interested. I would love to draw a concept to clearly show what I have in mind, but Jerry has requested no photoshop pics or drawings. So, what are the odds anyone understands what I have in my head and just tried to describe?....
---------------------------
Anyway...., what I "DO" like is the fact that Jerry is offering so many options.
I have my opinions, but obviously opinions vary.
IMO, this grocery list of options is a WIN/WIN for us the consumers.... sounds a bit like a logistical nightmare for the Busse crew, so I assume they have been working on streamlining the "organizing", "records" and probably some sort of "Tagging" process part of the business as much as the production part. - Good luck Garth and Amy!
In any event, we should all be thankful to Jerry for him going out of his way to help accomodate all of our different preferences. :thumbup:
I think it is great that Jerry is offering options for "KEY" often debated features:
Choil and no choil
Swedge and no swedge
Skull crusher vs. Hammer pommel
Personally, I easily prefer the function of the hammer pommel. I wish both my SJTAC and HR had that style pommel. But, I will take the SJTAC's Skull Crusher over the funky thing at the butt of my HR.
(I will have to do something someday about that silly/frilly butt on my otherwise fairly BA looking HR. 
)
I generally prefer NO swedge for function as I rarely look to stab, but aesthetically I think many swedges look nicer. A well shaped swedge can make a knife's blade look extra cool. And in some cases it can actually improve "through" cutting. The argument against swedges generally seems to be that it diminishes a knife's ability in batoning. But, IMO, not all knives need to baton. So, even though, I generally prefer no swedge for functional reasons (especially on larger knives I might want to baton with), I still appreciate both options.
Choil vs. No choil - ??????? Tough one. For me, I think on mid-sized knives like this TB and my SJTAC and HR, I generally prefer the choil. But, it depends and not always so easy or cut and dry.
For my HR, I am certain I prefer the choil.
On my SJTAC, I am pretty sure I could appreciate it with or without a choil. As is, I think the choil on my SJTAC is actually larger and further from the natural grip than I prefer. I wish it were a bit closer in. I actually ground my choil closer in to the handle. But, had to compromise and end up with an over-sized choil and still have the blades edge far from the standard grip. Yet, I still love my SJTAC.
For me, the 5.0" - 6.0" blade length (+/- a bit depeding on knife style/over-all size) is pretty close to my change-over.
Generally, for blades at 4.75" or less, I do NOT want a choil. The original Tank Buster had a 5.25" blade. And the BATAC had a 5.0" blade. I am not 100% sure my preferences on those two. I don't own either, but I would likely prefer both of those without a choil.
Oddly, as much as I love my SJTAC, I never had an interst in the BATAC.
At 6.0" blade on this TB, I probably prefer a choil. But, how the handle fits and feels in a natural grip is part of the factor for me as well. Some knives feel a need to choke up. Some feel better in the standard grip.
My Ratmandu with a 5.25" blade is fine with a choil, but I could EASILY appreciate the knife without a choil as well.
My SAR5 with a 5.25" blade is VERY good without a choil. The SAR5 wouldn't be right with a choil.
I did not like the choil on the SAR4 and so I didn't buy. I will use restraint on my feeling about the choils on the AD, Meaner, Cultellus GW and similar smaller knives.
I have not handled the HG55. It is not a style I am interested in. However, I think I can see where I might appreciate a choil on the HG55 if I had an interest in it.
I am 100% certain I would have had more interest in the BA3 without a choil. I would also prefer the BAE without a choil. And while the SHBA doesn't have the worst choil, I would still WAY prefer it without the choil.
Those who know me know I am VERY strongly against choils on most (maybe all) of the smaller blades. ESPECIALLY - when the choil is there taking up blade edge space only for snagging stuff and not functionally usefull. It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone can appreciate the non-functioning choils that are too small for choking up into and waste functional space.
I LOVE how Jerry brought the no-choil blade's edge right up to the Talon Hole (without a "Mini" choil). :thumbup: - Perfect and how it should be IMO.
Anyway, I am optimistic/hopeful that this trend to "Choose" choils will carry over to future smaller knife designs. :thumbup:
What I REALLY like though (at least a LOT better) is the satin option without having to pay $200 - $330 for an LE.
Personally, I honestly wish satin were only about a $40 - $50 upcharge. To me, $100 is still a lot of upcharge for a simple satin finish and more than I feel it should be. But, it is a LOT better than having to pay $200 - $300 more for an LE.
Previously, at $200 - $330 upcharge, Busse/INFI satin was a NO-Brainer "NON-option" for me.
Now it is at least getting closer to tempting.... even if still higher than I feel it should be.
However, at a $50 upcharge on a knife this size (maybe $40 for smaller knives and $75 for 10" blades or so), I would consider it reasonable and pay for satin - NO-Brainer. Anyway, that is just my wishes and feelings. Still glad to see some improvement that might help others. But, I still believe my pricing suggestion is reasonable and would sell a LOT more satin.
I "Would" like to see a darker brown canvas micarta offered. :thumbup: .... And the Green linen brought back.
Also, "if there weren't already enough options", the options for full height convex would be HIGH on my list on certain knives. Ability to choose between full height convex, sabre and full height flat might be nice. but, I don't want to take away from the great steps with options that have been made and offered by Jerry.
.
Personally, money is VERY tight and scarce for me right now. Unfortunately, I am having to consider selling some knives I don't want to sell.
And there are a few blade shape/design features I am not sure about on the TB.
I already have a SJTAC and a HR. I prefer the blade shapes on those two over the TB. I like the shallower edge belly and dropped point of both the SJTAC and HR. And the SJTAC's blade shape (without waves and once I fixed/removed the ramp) is one of my ALL-TIME favorite all-round utility blade shapes.
So, it is a little hard for me to add or consider the TB right now.
I actually prefer the handle shape and feel on my HR over the TAC handle. They are fairly close, but the subtle differences add up. The HR's ramp is fine, but the ramp on my SJTAC didn't work for me, so I ground it off. Without the ramp on my SJTAC and with a few minor handle tweeks that actually make my SJTAC handle a bit more like my HR handle (minus the mags on my HR), I LOVE my SJTAC as an all-rounder.
Personally, I don't care for the wavy scalloped spines on the TB. I like my HR for various reasons, but the wavy spine isn't really one of them. However, I think the waves blend more aesthetically on the HR and I don't mind them nearly as much on my HR. On this TB, the waves are just too much for me.
Also, I am pretty concerned with how the thumb recess/ramp would work on the TB for me. I use my thumb on the spine quite often. The ramp and recess on the TB looks VERY pronounced which concerns me.
I like simple lines for both function and my preferences on aesthetics.
I never really liked the CBT on the HR and always wanted a Mud Razor, but for some strange reason the CBT is growing on me.... But, CBT discussion is another story. Anyway, I doubt I have much interest in more CBT. (??????)
If this TB had a blade similar to the SJTAC's minus the thumb ramp, maybe a slightly taller blade to give it a bit more beefy look and feel, but with a very similar spine curve to the SJTAC, same dropped point and shallow edge belly as the SJTAC and with the thicker 0.22" thickness of the satin TB blade vs. the lighter faster 0.187" thick SJTAC's blade, add the hammer pommel and a HR styled handle and I would be VERY interested. I would love to draw a concept to clearly show what I have in mind, but Jerry has requested no photoshop pics or drawings. So, what are the odds anyone understands what I have in my head and just tried to describe?....
---------------------------
Anyway...., what I "DO" like is the fact that Jerry is offering so many options.
I have my opinions, but obviously opinions vary.
IMO, this grocery list of options is a WIN/WIN for us the consumers.... sounds a bit like a logistical nightmare for the Busse crew, so I assume they have been working on streamlining the "organizing", "records" and probably some sort of "Tagging" process part of the business as much as the production part.
- Good luck Garth and Amy! In any event, we should all be thankful to Jerry for him going out of his way to help accomodate all of our different preferences. :thumbup:
I think it is great that Jerry is offering options for "KEY" often debated features:
Choil and no choil
Swedge and no swedge
Skull crusher vs. Hammer pommel
Personally, I easily prefer the function of the hammer pommel. I wish both my SJTAC and HR had that style pommel. But, I will take the SJTAC's Skull Crusher over the funky thing at the butt of my HR.
(I will have to do something someday about that silly/frilly butt on my otherwise fairly BA looking HR. )I generally prefer NO swedge for function as I rarely look to stab, but aesthetically I think many swedges look nicer. A well shaped swedge can make a knife's blade look extra cool. And in some cases it can actually improve "through" cutting. The argument against swedges generally seems to be that it diminishes a knife's ability in batoning. But, IMO, not all knives need to baton. So, even though, I generally prefer no swedge for functional reasons (especially on larger knives I might want to baton with), I still appreciate both options.
Choil vs. No choil - ??????? Tough one. For me, I think on mid-sized knives like this TB and my SJTAC and HR, I generally prefer the choil. But, it depends and not always so easy or cut and dry.
For my HR, I am certain I prefer the choil.
On my SJTAC, I am pretty sure I could appreciate it with or without a choil. As is, I think the choil on my SJTAC is actually larger and further from the natural grip than I prefer. I wish it were a bit closer in. I actually ground my choil closer in to the handle. But, had to compromise and end up with an over-sized choil and still have the blades edge far from the standard grip. Yet, I still love my SJTAC.
For me, the 5.0" - 6.0" blade length (+/- a bit depeding on knife style/over-all size) is pretty close to my change-over.
Generally, for blades at 4.75" or less, I do NOT want a choil. The original Tank Buster had a 5.25" blade. And the BATAC had a 5.0" blade. I am not 100% sure my preferences on those two. I don't own either, but I would likely prefer both of those without a choil.
Oddly, as much as I love my SJTAC, I never had an interst in the BATAC.
At 6.0" blade on this TB, I probably prefer a choil. But, how the handle fits and feels in a natural grip is part of the factor for me as well. Some knives feel a need to choke up. Some feel better in the standard grip.
My Ratmandu with a 5.25" blade is fine with a choil, but I could EASILY appreciate the knife without a choil as well.
My SAR5 with a 5.25" blade is VERY good without a choil. The SAR5 wouldn't be right with a choil.
I did not like the choil on the SAR4 and so I didn't buy. I will use restraint on my feeling about the choils on the AD, Meaner, Cultellus GW and similar smaller knives.
I have not handled the HG55. It is not a style I am interested in. However, I think I can see where I might appreciate a choil on the HG55 if I had an interest in it.
I am 100% certain I would have had more interest in the BA3 without a choil. I would also prefer the BAE without a choil. And while the SHBA doesn't have the worst choil, I would still WAY prefer it without the choil.
Those who know me know I am VERY strongly against choils on most (maybe all) of the smaller blades. ESPECIALLY - when the choil is there taking up blade edge space only for snagging stuff and not functionally usefull. It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone can appreciate the non-functioning choils that are too small for choking up into and waste functional space.
I LOVE how Jerry brought the no-choil blade's edge right up to the Talon Hole (without a "Mini" choil). :thumbup: - Perfect and how it should be IMO.
Anyway, I am optimistic/hopeful that this trend to "Choose" choils will carry over to future smaller knife designs. :thumbup:
What I REALLY like though (at least a LOT better) is the satin option without having to pay $200 - $330 for an LE.
Personally, I honestly wish satin were only about a $40 - $50 upcharge. To me, $100 is still a lot of upcharge for a simple satin finish and more than I feel it should be. But, it is a LOT better than having to pay $200 - $300 more for an LE.
Previously, at $200 - $330 upcharge, Busse/INFI satin was a NO-Brainer "NON-option" for me.
Now it is at least getting closer to tempting.... even if still higher than I feel it should be.
However, at a $50 upcharge on a knife this size (maybe $40 for smaller knives and $75 for 10" blades or so), I would consider it reasonable and pay for satin - NO-Brainer. Anyway, that is just my wishes and feelings. Still glad to see some improvement that might help others. But, I still believe my pricing suggestion is reasonable and would sell a LOT more satin.
I "Would" like to see a darker brown canvas micarta offered. :thumbup: .... And the Green linen brought back.
Also, "if there weren't already enough options"
, the options for full height convex would be HIGH on my list on certain knives. Ability to choose between full height convex, sabre and full height flat might be nice. but, I don't want to take away from the great steps with options that have been made and offered by Jerry..
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2005
- Messages
- 8,808
It's like we're brothers from different mothers. Black paper, of course.
- Joined
- May 19, 2006
- Messages
- 194
I'm considering CG, choil, swedge, round butt, plain blade DC or Satin with black paper.
Not 100% sure I'm gonna get one, but if I do, them's the options I'll take.
Not 100% sure I'm gonna get one, but if I do, them's the options I'll take.
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- Messages
- 14,600
- Joined
- May 30, 2008
- Messages
- 3,603
I totally agree with this, hence the reason if I am able to afford one I will be getting satin finish with black paper, choil(because it dont look right without one) heavy swedge, skull crusher!!!
Gonna be a po boys LE!!:thumbup:
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- Messages
- 14,600
You're not the only one.
- Joined
- May 19, 2006
- Messages
- 194
I'm soooo glad Double Cut and Satin finishes are available on the Combat Grades again.
I hope these finishes are back for keeps.
Even if that means knives offered with Corrugated Bevels have their bevels removed for people who want DC and Satin finishes.
So many people seem to be stripping/polishing their own blades anyway, I'm really glad Jerry if offering those uncoated offerings again, it means people can just buy what they want.
Now we can have respectable looking users again - by that I mean we can use 'em then polish out the scratches. Makes 'em look presentable again. Not an essential quality but one I'm reallyhappy to have available again.
Thanks Jerry and co.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I hope these finishes are back for keeps.
Even if that means knives offered with Corrugated Bevels have their bevels removed for people who want DC and Satin finishes.
So many people seem to be stripping/polishing their own blades anyway, I'm really glad Jerry if offering those uncoated offerings again, it means people can just buy what they want.
Now we can have respectable looking users again - by that I mean we can use 'em then polish out the scratches. Makes 'em look presentable again. Not an essential quality but one I'm reallyhappy to have available again.
Thanks Jerry and co.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I plan on buy a Tank Buster or two simply for my collection. So I'm all about picking a combo that I simply love to look at, hold and perhaps display. I love both the swedge and the choil, and overall prefer the hammer pommel. As for color combo, this is always where I get hung up. I have yet to buy a knife with the Jungle green/ black canvas combo so I think that would be my first choice. However, some of these newer options have me really thinking.
I can also see creating a more rugged combo, no swedge, no choil, serrations, skull crusher with a gray blade and black and blue g-10.
I can also see creating a more rugged combo, no swedge, no choil, serrations, skull crusher with a gray blade and black and blue g-10.
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2007
- Messages
- 14,463
Camo blade, G10 handle, and the different colors to choose from is the biggest thing I like.
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2005
- Messages
- 2,984
Your custom spec's would be my ideal size as well....BBDC for me and black/green G10....I would add the swedge though....how much would that sort of mod work cost?
Soulrack223
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2007
- Messages
- 5,656
Tank Buster #1:
Double Cut
Standard Black G-10
No Choil
Skull Crusher
Heavy Swedge
No Serrations
Tank Buster #2:
Satin
Magnum Olive Drab G-10
No Choil
Round Butt
No Swedge
No Serrations
I think I can live with these 2. If it's up for a year like the ASH-1, then I might get another one.
Double Cut
Standard Black G-10
No Choil
Skull Crusher
Heavy Swedge
No Serrations
Tank Buster #2:
Satin
Magnum Olive Drab G-10
No Choil
Round Butt
No Swedge
No Serrations
I think I can live with these 2. If it's up for a year like the ASH-1, then I might get another one.