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Which Busse-kin?

Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
519
New to the forum, and have never owned a Busse. I'll be deploying soonish, and I'm thinking that a Busse is probably the only way to go. Looking for a 4-5 inch blade, non reflective, good and sturdy, desert colors preferably.

What models should I be on the lookout for? Pics are ALWAYS welcome. :-)
 
RATMANDU!

srratmandu1.jpg


srratmandu2.jpg
 
You should try a Scrapyard S5LE (INF), S5SE (INFI) or S5CG (SR101). Those mudder grips are the amazing.
 
Might also want to look into a skinny ash. Bit longer than you are looking, but probably my favorite combat knife.

If you were not too concerned with weight, look at the ash1 combat grade. .32 thick, and a real beast. Pry what ever the hell you want to with that.

The tank buster is thinner, with more belly. Might want to take a look at that one too.
 
Terror Monkey Boss Street,

but it might be too little for your liking.
 
I have a question for the folks recommending knives that have the Resiprene C handle material. Do you think those handles will hold up under the sort of abuse given to a combat utility knife in the service?
 
I actually had more or less the same question. I think, through everyone's suggestions, that I've narrowed it down to either a Ratmandu or a Scrapper 5, and was curious as to the durability of the Scrapper handle material.

Also, I'm a bit hesitant based on the Scrapper handle shape as well. Looks like it gets pretty narrow up towards the neck, and I tend to choke up more often than not, which usually means I need more handle material at the neck, not less. I do love the blade profile of the Scrapper more so than the Ratmandu, though.

What do you guys think?
 
The Ratmandu can't be beat in that size range. I would also recommend the SAR4 but it has no usable choil to choke up on and didn't come in a desert coated blade.Or any coating for that matter. I think the RMD is the way to go for you.
 
The resC material is stinking tough. I would call it nuclear tough. If you are worried about resc holding up, watch knifetests.com for what it will take. The stuff will take full power hits from a sledge hammer while in a vice.

As to size, I wear a 2xl glove and the basic handles fit my hand great. The scrapper handles are a bit bigger than the basics. Size should not really be a problem.

The res c handles also have a forever warranty!
 
I would recommend a Tan/Tan Dumpster Mutt. Cheap, and well MADE for grunt work.

EDIT: Sorry...too much coffee this morning....I think I'm a little hyper-active.
 
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The knives you have narrowed it down to are both excellent and I have both and have used both.

Picking up on your queries .... the S5LE does narrow at the forefinger but then swells out to form a useful "stop" .... griped forward on a choked grip with your forefinger on the base of the ricasso your middle finger naturally locks into the forefinger slot so it is a very comfortable choked grip. I removed the spine ramp on mine to enable good thumb control on the spine to assist in a choked grip and would recommend that modification.

The finger cut away on the Ratmandu choil is even more comfortable than the S5LE but it is a heavier knife if weight is a premium. Both are very tough.

The toughness of the S5LE and Res C handle is more than you will need. You can hit the end of the handle with a helmet to push the blade through an adobe wall for a fire slit if you have to with no problems .... but an entrenching tool does the job a lot easier ....
 
Nice piece with the S5 is weight too- bunch lighter and plenty tough!

oops, just saw Peter said same...I'll slap a photo in to help redeem myself!

The bandicoot is pretty sweet too actually- tough little bugger!

IMG_2882.jpg
 
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