What 8-9.5" INFI?

[emt1581]

Mike had a black canvas doublecut sar8 at the last Indy 1500 gunshow, you may want to message him and see if he still has it.

I wish I could but I am not allowed to. I appreciate the info though. If I see him in a thread I'll say something...Mike The Knife right?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[AZTimT]

Oh I love choppers! But the only one that interests me JUST for chopping is the kukri-style and I'm not sure what a KZ would offer over my CS Kukri??

I'd rather one that is well rounded just like my BJ but ALSO a DECENT chopper....not the best chopper or one devoted to chopping...just DECENT to give me the capability if I could only have one blade for whatever reason.

Thanks

-Emt1581

The Zillas, like NMFBM's, will stomp all over the CS khuk and the edge retention is much better. Once you hold or use one you will understand much better. :thumbup:

In response to the second line, it really sounds to me like you are describing one of the res-c blades with your needs/wants list. Basic 8, Basic 9, Basic 10, will all fit that description perfectly and be light enough to carry on your belt all day, which should be a requirement for a "one blade" solution. Remember, with the basic handle being shorter than any of the full tang offerings, you can get a basic 10 for a similar overall length as the SAR 8. FSH or NMSFNO work too, but are heavier.

However, I think you are looking for either a SAR 8, a DSF or the Basic 8 at the end of it all, although the SARGE 7 SE might be worth a look too since it might just be offered in DCBB/black canvas soon.

I just took this pic for your thread, here are: FSH, BJ LE, SAR 8 SE, DSSF, BJ proto, SARsquatch, SAR 6 SE with a 711 vertical.

The same knives with a Team Gemini and Battle Rat/911 added.

Just stepping up to a SAR 6, SARsquatch or Team Gemini would get you into the decent chopper/all rounder territory compared to the little Boss Jack which is the upper limit of the EDC task category size in a Bussekin. There's a CS SRK in there to show I don't have anything against CS.

Since you compared the Zilla to a CS product, you apparently appreciate price/performance ratio, even though you asked only for INFI. If you don't plan on storing your knives in a tub of salt water and can provide minimal knife care with a little bit of oil or just dry storage when not in use, yet want a better price/performance ratio you could go with SR101 which makes up for a higher chance of rusting with slightly better shaving sharp edge retention. The Rodent 9 is a very similar design to a SAR 9 (which doesn't yet exist) and is currently available factory direct, as well as the SYCKO 711 now, the Basic 8 and 911 should be coming soon if you are not in a hurry. Patience and understanding is a virtue in this addiction.

The Rodent 9 at 9 1/2" is available with black canvas if you can't get a SAR 8 from the shop. You might be able to pay extra for DCBB treatment to it?

 

[emt1581]

Tim, ya got me thinking...

Actually now you have me considering that Rodent 9.

I would NOT get that in a DC finish though. Anything that can rust with a lack of care, as might happen in some extreme situations, I would NOT want the metal exposed.

Not sure about that lightning-bolt looking handle but it is attracting me for the length and price...

Never owned a Swamp Rat...they built to be used/abused just as much as the INFI Busse's??

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[emt1581]

Ok I did some reading. It could be because you can't search for the number 9 so all I saw were threads with the word "Rodent" in them...but not much good has been said about the Rodent 9 except people like the grip. Other than that all I saw were people saying they preferred a knife over it.

So if yall know of any review threads or anything like that, I'd greatly appreciate any links or key words to search or something like that.

Right now I'd like that SAR-8 but if it can't happen I might go for the Rodent 9. With it being under $200 it's not a huge deal either way.

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[resinguy]

I wish I could but I am not allowed to. I appreciate the info though. If I see him in a thread I'll say something...Mike The Knife right?

Thanks

-Emt1581

No, he is referring to thatmguy, who has a Busse table at gun shows in Columbus and Indy. AFAIK he only sells direct at those shows.

 

[HikingIsLife]

Go B10LE. Still some floating around on secondary here.

 

[AZTimT]

The SR101 is every bit as tough as INFI, heat treated and manufactured in the same place as INFI and has all of the same warranty coverage... so pretty much it is cheaper INFI that requires a little more maintenance, but not much in my experience. I cold blued a satin ratweiler with the $3 cold blue at walmart and now it doesn't rust at all. Untreated, it only surface rusts if you leave it exposed to moisture, but it hasn't pitted for me, so it is not like 1095 where it can rust away to useless just sitting in a leather sheath. The edge holding of SR101 is slightly superior to INFI (though INFI is amazing in it's own right) which is really nice on a user. I don't worry too much about the finish as coatings come off with use and scratches show up on satin/dcbb, so I just use them and enjoy them.

I have been on the fence about the R9 myself, only because I have others in that range already, not because of the handle or design. It is going to cost me over $1k to drive to Blade this summer and that really cuts into my knife budget, or else I would already have one. The swell is placed in a spot to prevent only issue I have had with the SAR handle, slipping a bit when your hand gets tired. Honestly, if you bought it tried it and didn't like it I doubt you would lose much more than a night at the movies on it, if that much.

I put "rodent9" together and searched the swamprat forum, also used "rodent user". These had some good info & pics:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...chopper!-Swamp-Rat-Rodent-9?highlight=rodent9
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ally-like-the-Rodent-9!?highlight=rodent+user

 

[emt1581]

The SR101 is every bit as tough as INFI, heat treated and manufactured in the same place as INFI and has all of the same warranty coverage... so pretty much it is cheaper INFI that requires a little more maintenance, but not much in my experience. I cold blued a satin ratweiler with the $3 cold blue at walmart and now it doesn't rust at all. Untreated, it only surface rusts if you leave it exposed to moisture, but it hasn't pitted for me, so it is not like 1095 where it can rust away to useless just sitting in a leather sheath. The edge holding of SR101 is slightly superior to INFI (though INFI is amazing in it's own right) which is really nice on a user. I don't worry too much about the finish as coatings come off with use and scratches show up on satin/dcbb, so I just use them and enjoy them.

I have been on the fence about the R9 myself, only because I have others in that range already, not because of the handle or design. It is going to cost me over $1k to drive to Blade this summer and that really cuts into my knife budget, or else I would already have one. The swell is placed in a spot to prevent only issue I have had with the SAR handle, slipping a bit when your hand gets tired. Honestly, if you bought it tried it and didn't like it I doubt you would lose much more than a night at the movies on it, if that much.

I put "rodent9" together and searched the swamprat forum, also used "rodent user". These had some good info & pics:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...chopper!-Swamp-Rat-Rodent-9?highlight=rodent9
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ally-like-the-Rodent-9!?highlight=rodent+user

You are making this sound mighty tempting there Tim.

This blade has the handle material I want and is on the border of the larger size I'm looking for. I guess my only user concern would be it's versatility because most proclaim this as a chopper. What about shaving/tinder, draw/slicing, whittling, etc.?

I did see some who didn't give a clear idea if they were neutral on or just disliked the handle but I haven't seen many rave about it because of that lightning bolt looking bump mid-grip.

As far as ordering, are the kins all different companies or can I go through Lexi? Last time I ordered with Scrap Yard it was through a woman named Renee but I haven't seen that name pop up around here.

EDIT: As far as thickness/geometry/shape...how close is the R9 to the Regulator? IMO, my Regulator is mostly for decoration. I could never get a fine enough edge on it due to the shape/geometry. But I do know this has the newer convex-sabre or whatever they call it which would tell me easier to put a nice edge on...no?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[<Flux>]

The Rodent 9 is pretty great. The handle is comfortable and versatile, in my opinion. I wouldn't carry it without a smaller companion blade, however. I would consider it more of a dedicated chopper. The Rodent 7 looks really promising and I definitely plan on getting one.

Honestly, I wouldn't carry any bigger blade (7"+) without a smaller blade, even if it's just a folder. The way I see it, you're better off with something large, to handle the tasks that only a larger blade can and something small and thin to handle the delicate tasks than just having one blade in the middle. I love my NMSFNO & the SFNO LE, but find myself not carrying them as often. If I could only bring one blade, it would hands down be the NMSFNO because of the ergonomics and versatility, but I have yet to find myself in a situation where I could only cary one.

My favorite combo for the woods is a large (10"-11") Res-C blade and a smaller (3"-4") blade. For instance, the Basic 11, Basic 10, DogFather & BAD,Basic 4 LE, SAR-3, Skinny Game Warden, et. al.

Then again, my needs may be completely different than yours. I don't have the luxury of a backyard where I can go wail on my blades for fun. I use my blades as wilderness survival tools when I get the chance to get out of the city and go up north. I usually take a pack with the essentials and cover a lot of ground. I require a larger blade to chop and baton wood for fire making and shelter building, clear a path, occasionally dig, etc. and a smaller blade for meal prep, bushcraft, fire prep, etc. Other folks might prefer a one knife strategy, or even a 3 or 4 knife strategy.

In your case, the Basic 10 may be a good compromise because it is super light for its length, agile, comfortable, versatile, etc. It can chop, clear brush, baton through larger wood than a shorter blade can, handle some delicate tasks, & more.

If you rely on your kukhri for chopping, than I don't see the purpose of getting a larger blade at all. If you carry your Khuk and feel the need for some more Busse or Kin, you may want to focus on getting a mid-sized knife that is more versatile than the BJ, that way you can have all the advantages of the BJ, plus can chop a bit in a pinch. For example: a SAR-6, SARGE-7 SE; ASH-1 (SE @ .22", Skinny @ 3/16ths, CG @ .32"); TG; etc. I do like the BJ, but I prefer other blades in the same size range for some of the factors mentioned above.

Speaking of the ASH (Anniversary Steel Heart,) it is my favorite blade in the mid sized category. I happen to have the .22" version, but the .32" CG is a fan favorite because it is a monster and can chop very well for its length.

It takes a lot of time and energy to find what works best for you and other people's opinions can only take you so far. I have bought blades that on paper look perfect, but have later found out that they don't work for me. Look how highly regarded the BMs are; I have yet to find a BM that works for me because of the handles, and I have tried most of the popular recent offerings. Because of this, I have purchased many blades that I ended up selling. I really urge you to do the same. The most I've lost on a Bussekin blade is the cost of shipping and several times I have made a few bucks, which evens things out in the long run. Without trying the blades, I would never know if they would've worked for me. Also, without trial and error, I wouldn't know what kind of setups work best for me. What works for you will most likely be different than what works for me and anyone else on this forum.

I realize that my post is a bit of a rant, and could use an organizational makeover, but hopefully you get the idea.

Best of luck in your hunt!

 

[emt1581]

If you rely on your kukhri for chopping, than I don't see the purpose of getting a larger blade at all. If you carry your Khuk and feel the need for some more Busse or Kin, you may want to focus on getting a mid-sized knife that is more versatile than the BJ, that way you can have all the advantages of the BJ, plus can chop a bit in a pinch.

Best of luck in your hunt!

See what I was going for was a mid-range (not neccessarily mid-SIZE) blade between my BJ and Kukri. I'm not sure what purpose it'd serve other than maybe a longer spear. Plus I wanted to further my options with better quality non-kukri blades.

I see what you're saying about a smaller blade and a longer blade. For me I ALWAYS have my leatherman on me and usually my Rajah II (folding kukri)...but for a straight blade my BJ will accompany me out doors as well as my larger kukri.

Now I'm question what niche the R9 would serve for me other than a longer blade than my BJ. Would I carry it instead of the BJ? I don't know...

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[<Flux>]

See what I was going for was a mid-range (not neccessarily mid-SIZE) blade between my BJ and Kukri. I'm not sure what purpose it'd serve other than maybe a longer spear. Plus I wanted to further my options with better quality non-kukri blades.

I see what you're saying about a smaller blade and a longer blade. For me I ALWAYS have my leatherman on me and usually my Rajah II (folding kukri)...but for a straight blade my BJ will accompany me out doors as well as my larger kukri.

Now I'm question what niche the R9 would serve for me other than a longer blade than my BJ. Would I carry it instead of the BJ? I don't know...

Thanks

-Emt1581

Ok. So you've got your detail work covered with your leatherman. It seems like what you're looking for is more options.

You've said so yourself that you don't need a dedicated chopper, so I think you should be looking in the 7"-8" range.

Again, my old time favorite is the NMSFNO at 8", but there are many other great options as stated above.

Get yourself a good drop loop sheath and carry the NMSFNO or other 8" blade strong side for most of your work and keep your leatherman in pocket for detailed work. Again, the Basic 8 is a great option, but personally I'd take the Basic 10 over it because it adds 2 inches and really doesn't take anything away from it. With a good drop leg sheath, you honestly won't even notice that it's there.

My personal favorite is Rainwalker's split drop loop Kydex sheath, but there are many others that will serve you very well (Azwelke, Buy Brown, Mashed Cat, Okuden, and others.) I carried my NMSFNO outside my house and down the street before realizing that I had it on (true story,) and mind you the Basic 10 is lighter than the NMSFNO, albeit a bit longer.

Here's some random pics on my phone of some of my favorite 8-11" blades, with some pics of the aforementioned Rainwalker sheaths. The Basic 11 & BAD piggyback setup is one of my favorites (sheaths by Mashed Cat.)

You can see how, as mentioned previously, the Res-C handles are generally shorter, making the Rodent 9 around the same length as the Basic 10 LE and Dog Father.

 

[emt1581]

Ok. So you've got your detail work covered with your leatherman. It seems like what you're looking for is more options.

You've said so yourself that you don't need a dedicated chopper, so I think you should be looking in the 7"-8" range.

Again, my old time favorite is the NMSFNO at 8", but there are many other great options as stated above.

Get yourself a good drop loop sheath and carry the NMSFNO or other 8" blade strong side for most of your work and keep your leatherman in pocket for detailed work. Again, the Basic 8 is a great option, but personally I'd take the Basic 10 over it because it adds 2 inches and really doesn't take anything away from it. With a good drop leg sheath, you honestly won't even notice that it's there.

My personal favorite is Rainwalker's split drop loop Kydex sheath, but there are many others that will serve you very well (Azwelke, Buy Brown, Mashed Cat, Okuden, and others.) I carried my NMSFNO outside my house and down the street before realizing that I had it on (true story,) and mind you the Basic 10 is lighter than the NMSFNO, albeit a bit longer.

Here's some random pics on my phone of some of my favorite 8-11" blades, with some pics of the aforementioned Rainwalker sheaths. The Basic 11 & BAD piggyback setup is one of my favorites (sheaths by Mashed Cat.)

You can see how, as mentioned previously, the Res-C handles are generally shorter, making the Rodent 9 around the same length as the Basic 10 LE and Dog Father.

I use my leatherman mostly for the screwdriver, pliers and file...The blades a too flimsy for my liking.

I saw the 711 and did not much care for it.

I'm thinking the R9 would be somewhat easier to conceal in places where a gun may not be allowed. I mean think about it...not trying to be a tough guy or anything but would YOU screw with a guy wielding that and pulling a Kukri out of his pocket??

This can be my "now that's a knife!"...knife...

Again, the large kukri curves around the front of my thigh. The R9 could be carried a few different ways about would take up less space.

Any other thoughts on the R9?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[Raging Rhino]

Conceal the R9...that's kind of a stretch...don't get me wrong we think alike. I like to conceal the largest things possible just to see if I can...concealing the R9 can be done, but not comfortably...you'll be walking a little stiff and you'll feel and look awkward sitting down or picking anything up off the ground. I imagine that if concealing a gun is not allowed, concealing a 9.5 inch fixed blade would also be naughty. UR much more likely to get caught with the R9 than a small hideaway pistol.
Thoughts on the R9...do it...it's an awesome knife for the $...I love it...some folks complain about the handle...I personally find it to be quite genius...both functional and comfortable. Besides, if the hump is not to your liking, it could easily be sanded down on a belt sander to the contour of your liking in very little time (make sure to dip it in water frequently...as a precaution...if it's too hot to hold in your bare hand cool it).

 

[emt1581]

Conceal the R9...that's kind of a stretch...don't get me wrong we think alike. I like to conceal the largest things possible just to see if I can...concealing the R9 can be done, but not comfortably...you'll be walking a little stiff and you'll feel and look awkward sitting down or picking anything up off the ground. I imagine that if concealing a gun is not allowed, concealing a 9.5 inch fixed blade would also be naughty. UR much more likely to get caught with the R9 than a small hideaway pistol.
Thoughts on the R9...do it...it's an awesome knife for the $...I love it...some folks complain about the handle...I personally find it to be quite genius...both functional and comfortable. Besides, if the hump is not to your liking, it could easily be sanded down on a belt sander to the contour of your liking in very little time (make sure to dip it in water frequently...as a precaution...if it's too hot to hold in your bare hand cool it).

Starting at the end...wouldn't the grip transform into one almost identical to the SAR series if I did sand it down? Would it also void the lifetime warranty??

As far as concealment I was thinking either rigged around the shoulder/back (had a bunch of those cheap United ones as a kid) or handle above the waist line. Either way, ANY way is going to be more concealable than the Kukri's curve.

-Emt1581

 

[Raging Rhino]

Starting at the end...wouldn't the grip transform into one almost identical to the SAR series if I did sand it down? Would it also void the lifetime warranty??

As far as concealment I was thinking either rigged around the shoulder/back (had a bunch of those cheap United ones as a kid) or handle above the waist line. Either way, ANY way is going to be more concealable than the Kukri's curve.

-Emt1581[/QUOTE]

Yes, I believe it would resemble the SAR handle alot...I do not own a SAR, but based on pics... I think the hump makes it a more functional handle for chopping/stabbing almost everything...it gives a good point of reference for muscle memory as well.
Definitely more concealable than a Khuk...more power to ya...

 

[emt1581]

I'm sure Busse will bring out more INFI that tickles my fancy but right now the R9 is continuing to draw my attention.

-Emt1581

 

[RokJok]

EMT, Where are you located? It could be that there is a Hog or Uber-Hog close to you so you could get together and do some hand-time with various knives to see which one appeals to you.

Handling various knives will clue you into one of the finer differentiations to consider -- handle ergonomics. One of the vastly *UNDER* considered components on a knife is the handle ergo's. Yet it is one of the more important due to the fact that it is the knife-to-user interface. A lousy handle fit to your hand can make an otherwise efficient blade geometry an uncomfortable and inefficient experience. Likewise, a handle that fits and works well with your hand shape and size can compensate a lot toward making a less-than-optimum blade work well for you.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a personal in-hand experience (especially of the A-to-B comparison kind) working with knives is worth more than any advice I or anyone else can give you here, no matter how eloquent we may be. Hence my query on your location and recommendation to spend some time with the knives in-hand.

That said, as you probably have realized from the many suggestions already made to you, there are a lot of Bussekin knives that are easily capable of meeting your specs. Now it's a matter of picking & choosing among them based on what your projected needs and budget are. And that is part of the fun after all, isn't it?

(edit to add) To answer your question more directly: Assuming that the handles suit your hand, in my experience the knife that seemed to fit well the "chopper that handles smaller chores well" role when I had it was the NMSFNO. Quite capable for the chopping, long enough for batoning, light/short enough to wear. I sold it eventually because to my hands, the Res-C handles fit better than any others I've found on Bussekin knives, including the Mag micarta scales on the NMSFNO.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m186/RokJok/knives/NMSFNO_sage-tan_3661.jpg

 

[Demonic1]

Ok. So you've got your detail work covered with your leatherman. It seems like what you're looking for is more options.

You've said so yourself that you don't need a dedicated chopper, so I think you should be looking in the 7"-8" range.

Again, my old time favorite is the NMSFNO at 8", but there are many other great options as stated above.

Get yourself a good drop loop sheath and carry the NMSFNO or other 8" blade strong side for most of your work and keep your leatherman in pocket for detailed work. Again, the Basic 8 is a great option, but personally I'd take the Basic 10 over it because it adds 2 inches and really doesn't take anything away from it. With a good drop leg sheath, you honestly won't even notice that it's there.

My personal favorite is Rainwalker's split drop loop Kydex sheath, but there are many others that will serve you very well (Azwelke, Buy Brown, Mashed Cat, Okuden, and others.) I carried my NMSFNO outside my house and down the street before realizing that I had it on (true story,) and mind you the Basic 10 is lighter than the NMSFNO, albeit a bit longer.

Here's some random pics on my phone of some of my favorite 8-11" blades, with some pics of the aforementioned Rainwalker sheaths. The Basic 11 & BAD piggyback setup is one of my favorites (sheaths by Mashed Cat.)

You can see how, as mentioned previously, the Res-C handles are generally shorter, making the Rodent 9 around the same length as the Basic 10 LE and Dog Father.

Hey Flux- would you mind posting a comparison shot with a NMSFNO, b10 & b11. I love my nmsfno and want to know if I really need a bigger blade.
Thanks.

 

[GregB]

I'm going to echo what others have said, you pretty much have to handle them, and sometimes even use them, to really "feel" what works for you. I never thought I'd buy a MOAB until I handled it Couldn't justify keeping it, but I did get to use it. I'd buy the R9 while it's available and if you didn't like it, I'd order the Team Gemini. I tend to favor larger choppers, I haven't really found a 5"-8" blade that I love. I tend to favor blade heavy knives. Here's a quick run down of what I've owned/used:

DSSF, liked it, but the handle was a little short for me.
SAR8, just didn't do "it" for me.
FBM's, still searching for the "ONE", maybe a .25 with standard scales?
NMSFNO and SH make me want something a little bigger.
BWM felt too thin and neutral to me.
Sarsquatch, swedge made it too neutral and the hump in the middle of the handle didn't work for me
B11 felt more like a machete than a knife, and point was too high for me, and needed more handle, same for the B9
SFNO, too short to be a decent chopper for me
NMFBM, I've owned three, all were too thick and heavy, IMHO. Would like to try a .25 one with handshaped scales though
KZ, used the TT and it just didn't work for me, bought a LE KZ II, but couldn't justify using it, wouldn't mind trying a CG KZ II.
Dog Father CG a bit heavy for my tastes for what it was, and not a fan of the square choil
Son of Dogfather one of my favorite midsized blades, but still don't like the square choil
TT Regulator, fun knife, but same choil issue. Haven't tried the Military version with new choil.


I prefer Micarta or G10 over ResC, that being said I've got a Battle Rat right now, and I wish it were a little more blade heavy, but I do like the width of the blade. Always on the lookout for the "ONE" Bussekin chopper.

YMMV, just my .02 cents...

Thanks,

GregB
BaconBeavers

 

[<Flux>]

Hey Flux- would you mind posting a comparison shot with a NMSFNO, b10 & b11. I love my nmsfno and want to know if I really need a bigger blade.
Thanks.

You got it! Just give me a few to get some pictures up.