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Which Busse-kin?

Considering both knives are apparently great choices, I guess there are only a couple of matters of difference to consider. The first and probably more obvious is availability coupled with cost. The Ratmandu is readily available from the company store in the setup I need and carries a very reasonable price tag. The Scrapper is a bit harder to find in the needed setup and is more expensive from what I've seen.

The other most noticeable point of difference are the tangs. While I don't doubt the Scrapper's durability and toughness, I think the hidden "almost" full tang is probably realistically weaker than the Ratmandu's full exposed tang. Granted, grip comfort may end up being sacrificed with the Ratmandu, but the heavy work I'll be doing with this blade will be performed with a gloved hand, which should mitigate any loss of comfort that comes with the exposed tang.

The last point of difference is going to be weight. I think I can probably just sack up when it comes to carrying a few extra ounces. If the need becomes great, I can probably drop a couple of the less critical items from my kit.

For these reasons I am leaning toward the Ratmandu at this point (though I have to say, I do prefer the look of the Scrapper). If there are additional points of difference that any of you think I should be considering, please speak up. Constructive input will only serve in helping me make the most logical decision.

Any suggestions on a sheath setup? Needs to be jump-proof, have desert coloration, and perform soundlessly.
 
Not too worried about the kydex being soundless - all depends on the draw. A quick release usually has an audible popping sound, but a nice smooth controlled release can be nice and quiet. Same with the insertion, though I have seen kydex made with a tab near the opening so you can assist a silent insertion with your index finger. I'm more concerned with velcro and snaps and the like making noise. Danglies, jinglies, rattling, etc...

Okuden's stuff looks good, though I too only see black. I'll give him a shout when I'm ready for it. As far as sheaths go I want to try and stay away from the big bulky nylon rigs with the pouch on the outside. Something more streamlined and no frills is more what I'm looking for. Might have to get a custom job...

I was also looking at Martin Swinkels stuff... nice mix of kydex and leather. Even some leather-lined kydex, which is quite an interesting idea. Nice lines and form, too. Could be worth looking into as well. His stuff can be seen here.
 
If you're looking for a much better alternative to the standard Kabar, a Ratmandu would be awesome. If you'd like a similar knife in the same steel but a lighter package, go with the Scrap Yard Scrapper5. It's excellent as well.

I'd consider this sheath jump rated by using the paracord with a cord lock on it. I would probably replace the leather belt loop with a tek-lok for jumps though.
DSC_0651.jpg


Also, if you're looking for alternatives to Busse knives, this ZT 0100 is a similar size and was every bit as sweet as a Swamp Rat or Scrap Yard offering.


DSC_0765.jpg
Note the sheath slide lock.
 
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absolutindian said:
Considering both knives are apparently great choices, I guess there are only a couple of matters of difference to consider. The first and probably more obvious is availability coupled with cost. The Ratmandu is readily available from the company store in the setup I need and carries a very reasonable price tag. The Scrapper is a bit harder to find in the needed setup and is more expensive from what I've seen.

The other most noticeable point of difference are the tangs. While I don't doubt the Scrapper's durability and toughness, I think the hidden "almost" full tang is probably realistically weaker than the Ratmandu's full exposed tang. Granted, grip comfort may end up being sacrificed with the Ratmandu, but the heavy work I'll be doing with this blade will be performed with a gloved hand, which should mitigate any loss of comfort that comes with the exposed tang.

The last point of difference is going to be weight. I think I can probably just sack up when it comes to carrying a few extra ounces. If the need becomes great, I can probably drop a couple of the less critical items from my kit.

For these reasons I am leaning toward the Ratmandu at this point (though I have to say, I do prefer the look of the Scrapper). If there are additional points of difference that any of you think I should be considering, please speak up. Constructive input will only serve in helping me make the most logical decision.

Any suggestions on a sheath setup? Needs to be jump-proof, have desert coloration, and perform soundlessly.
Click to expand...

The only way you could break the "hidden tang" on the scrapper is with a 10 lb sledge hammer and a vice, and about 1/2 an hour to pound the hell of of the sucker.

It is nearly a full tang, and stronger than anything you can dish out.

don't let that discourage you. The benefit of the res c is the shock absorbing characteristic. But, it also makes the over all package significantly lighter, without sacrificing any strength.

You do loos out on being able to Hammer with the pommel, which is a plus with other designs.






Not trying to say you can go wrong with any of the Busse, Swamprat, Scrapyards though.

No matter what you choose you will be covered!


With both Swamprat and Scrapyard, you do have to take more care with regards to corrosion. The steels are rust prone, if not cared for. Most of the choices from either will be coated, though.

Infi does not really have rust problems (aside from several limited versions).
 
absolutindian said:
Not too worried about the kydex being soundless - all depends on the draw. A quick release usually has an audible popping sound, but a nice smooth controlled release can be nice and quiet. Same with the insertion, though I have seen kydex made with a tab near the opening so you can assist a silent insertion with your index finger. I'm more concerned with velcro and snaps and the like making noise. Danglies, jinglies, rattling, etc...

Okuden's stuff looks good, though I too only see black. I'll give him a shout when I'm ready for it. As far as sheaths go I want to try and stay away from the big bulky nylon rigs with the pouch on the outside. Something more streamlined and no frills is more what I'm looking for. Might have to get a custom job...

I was also looking at Martin Swinkels stuff... nice mix of kydex and leather. Even some leather-lined kydex, which is quite an interesting idea. Nice lines and form, too. Could be worth looking into as well. His stuff can be seen here.
Click to expand...

Also give Buy Brown (on this forum) a look. Buybrownholsters.com if I remember correctly.

Great sheaths! Lots of colors, and he has patterns for most Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat knives on hand. I love mine in coyote brown (brownish tan). He also makes Tan tan if I remember correctly. One thing about his sheaths for Infi, is that it has a hole in the sheath that you can pass a cord or pin through to lock the sheath to make it "jumpable"
 
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