Why is your knife the best "Survival" knive??

L

Les Robertson

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For those you who posted on the other survival knife thread. Also, for those who didn't.

Why do you say your knife is the best? When were you in a survival situation with it?



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
I say, here and now for all to see, that my Butter knife is my best survival knife. It has fed me more than any other knife I own. If it weren't for that Butter knife, I would own 100's of jars of peanut butter.

It also slices cheese, and vegetables well and can cut ground meat. I can't cut my finger on it when I slip and my kids can't get hurt using it.

I say that it is the best survival knife.
 
Why is my knife the best survival knife? Because I have it with me when I need it. A nice forged bowie under a bankers light behind glass won't help me much when my pickup breaks down in the middle of nowhere. When I'm on a tractor 12 miles from the nearest house, the few tools in the tool box and whatever I have on my person is the "best" survival gear I have.

What are these wonderful tools I have? A Leatherman Supertool, an Emerson Commander and, probably some other random liner lock or lock back knife. I'm starting to carry a small fixed blade so, I guess things are improving on the survival front.

Have I ever been in a true survival situation where a knife would have made a tangible difference? No. I'm not a soldier or some sort of extreme backpacker or adventurist. Think of Walter Mitty when you think of me and survival. I can read all the books, buy all the gadgets but, it would take grave errors in judgement on my part and even more bad luck to ever truely be in a survival situation where a good knife would make THE difference.

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
I'm with Sid on this one. The best survival knife is the one I've got on me. And it's usually a good one....today it's a small Sebenza and an Umfaan and a Gerber Sport Plier. Definitely a proven combination of useful tools that would stand up to some of the demands of a survival, if not most of the requirements.

Who is in a survival situation these days? Not too many folks, although things can happen. Have I ever been in a life or death situation? Not really. But I was a boy scout and I take their motto to heart.



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Peter Atwood

email: fountainman@hotmail.com
 
Howdy, Les--

I would stand by my original suggestion of a Busse Steel Heart II-E as a good choice for a “survival knife” against any other choice, based on materials, versatility of design, and ergonomics, and I’d welcome open discussion with anyone who has another candidate. My reasons are outlined in the thread I offered earlier:

http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum39/HTML/001266.html

Since you’ve suggested the Brend Model 2, Les, I’ll share a contrasting opinion:

Although the Brend appears to be a good, strong knife, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a general purpose “survival knife”, for a number of reasons.

First, if you are recommending the double-edged version, a sharpened swedge keeps you from being able to place your finger along the spine of the blade, or grasp the blade itself with your hand, for controlled point work. Also, a sharpened spine offers no platform for pounding the blade through other material, as when splitting wood. The double hilt is another hindrance—the upper guard gets in the way when you need to choke up on the blade. The length of the Brend blade, at 8 1/2 inches, makes fine point control difficult to begin with. The blade is obviously not designed for chopping, which is the only reason I can think of to carry such a long blade to begin with, in the field, other than as a weapon. I typically carry a firearm, so my knives are always first tools, and only weapons of opportunity as a secondary role.

The Brend’s grinds do meet to form a support ridge to the point, which is important to strengthen the point, but the construction of the SH-E point, for example, is broader and stronger by far. Also, from a steel standpoint, I think D2 and 3V are both potentially good steels for the application. But your recommendation of the 3V, when your personal experience was actually with D2, does seem to moot your point in terms of what you can say about it from personal experience. 3V can be heat and cryo treated to do some amazing things, no doubt, but the proof has to be in the product. I’ve seen no performance test data on Brend’s 3V, and so would certainly not care to trust it over INFI, which has been thoroughly tested in finished blade form, and reported on voluminously. Of course, I would certainly welcome whatever comparative testing you might share, to support the choice of Brend’s finished 3V over Busse’s finished INFI.

Last but far from least is Busse’s guarantee, which is a guarantee to any owner of any Busse product, to stand behind every knife and repair or replace it if it fails, for any reason. Jerry’s intense interest in whatever might make a blade fail, rather than in limiting his liability, is my bottom line there, and I have some personal experience with his policy in that regard. I’ve not experienced a Busse failure, but he’s re-conditioned two blades for me, and I was not the original buyer of either. I have yet to get a bill from him, even for return shipping. To me, that kind of confidence from a maker-to make that kind of guarantee-and that kind of personal interest in my satisfaction, speak volumes about the source behind the product.

As I said, dissenting opinions are heartily solicited, in the interest of my continuing education!

Thanks--Will


 
On a serious side(if that's possible), I think I would have to agree with Will on this one.

For my purposes, I'll state that I'm going to keep the cost of survival knives down to $1000. I can take with me any knife or knives worth up to $1000.

So I start with a Busse SH-II or BM for $350 max. Then I add to that a Busse NO for $250.
Then add to that a BK&T Machette for $100.
Then I add to that a Spyderco Military $100
Then a gerber multitool or sog or leatherman and a swiss SAK plus a Spy Delica or Endura. Or for my $1000 I can get a Brend. Gee, let me think about that one for a second.....

The Busse's are flat ground for excellent edge profile with good amount of steel at the edge for strength. They are made of one of the best steels out on the market, are not hollow ground making them potentially weaker at the edge. Do not have a double edge, so the spine can be used as a mallet or hammer or for my other hand to help in puching or choking up on the blade.

Don't get me wrong, Busse is not the only knife out there that I would feel confortable with. A Carson U-2 in 3V would do and I could still get all the other knives mentioned above. A chriss Reeves Project 1 or 2 would do just fine also.

But I really don't think this is the question that you asked. I think your question was more on the order of the following:

What do you think makes you so qualified to say that the knife you choose to make a survival knife is the best choice? Not so much why you chose the knife you did.

So I'll say this, I have had more reasons to using large blades when out in places far from civilization than anything else. As so many have said in the past, you need the right tool for the right job. However, if you only had one then it is better to have one that can do a little of everything ok, than one that can do only one thing right. You can't dig, pry or chop with an SAK.

As for what situations I needed a knife for, cutting netting, rope, pointing sticks, digging, chopping, backup weapon, skinning, hammering stakes into the ground, etc.

These are the opinions from someone who doesn't know much, but likes to think he does.
 
Cobalt--

I think the dollar figure is a valid point.

Finding myself in a "survival" situation is likely to mean one of two things has happened. Either I've made a serious miscalculation or I've run into some real bad luck--we all know it happens. However, I am even more likely to LOSE equipment due to those same two eventualities, and whether by my own stupidity or bad luck, I'd much rather be out $300 for a Steel Heart than the grand for a Brend. I have knives that cost as much as $1500, which I believe would perform very well under adverse conditions, but losing a knife like that would sting at least five times as much as losing a $300 knife--and would make me feel even more stupid or unlucky.

If I don't have to compromise on performance by going with a Busse (and I don't think I do), then limiting my dollar liability is one more advantage gained.

-w




[This message has been edited by WILL YORK (edited 04-28-2001).]
 
Ok Guys,

Will, there is some confusion on your part. Just because you are not up on 3V does not mean it is not a great steel. I bought the first sheet of 1/4" 3V that Crucible ever made in the US.

Obviously, this would give me a slight advangtage over you in what it can and cannot do. In addition to Walter, RJ Martin and Jim Siska have made several knives for me over the last 18 months out of 3V. Additonally, Kit Carson has made several that have been and are currently being used and tested in the field by the Military.

I will give you that most of my work with Walter's knives is in D-2 so if you like I will use this for a reference.

Will, I have to ask, what survival situations have you found yourself in? You seem vague on this point.

You and Cobalt seem first and formost afraid to spend $1,000 for a knife as you might lose it. Lose a $1,000.00 knife? You would be amazed the relationship you develop with a knife like that! You ALWAYS Know where it is.

As for a situation that you would lose your gear in, I have difficulty imanging what that situation would be.

Guys, gotta tell you I have Parachuted, Rapelled out of a helicopter as well as down moutain sides, Did Helo-Casting out of a Chinook at 40 Feet, doing 20 Knots. Additionally, I have done STABO Operations (to include being drug through the triple canopy of the jungle in Panama. Had my Brend strapped to my leg when I went through Sniper School. Hell, even went through a short little SERE Course courtesy of the 1 SFG. I am PADI Advanced Open Water Dive certified and have done a fair amount of diving in the Caribean. In addition to all this, I did all the other fun things grunts get to do!

NEVER....I REPEAT NEVER LOST A KNIFE. And I always carry a knife. Well except through the metal detectors at the airport. You should have seen the look on their faces when I tried to explain the Brend was a tool!

See this is why I asking. As you can imagine after having done all that stuff, I would find it difficult to imagine a situation that you would lose your knife in. Don't you attach it to your body, via a belt and a leg strap?

Ok Will, here is the answer to your double edge Brend questions. First, have you ever acutally handled a Brend Model 2? If you did you would realize that there is actually 3 1/2" of top not sharpened. More than enough room for your thumb. This is to work in conjunction with the choil cut out in front of the guard. This allows you to choke up and really control a large blade. You will correct me if I am wrong, I don't belive the Busse has that feature.

Next, as for chopping. You can take one piece of wood and pound it onto the secondary edge (don't worry you won't hurt the knife). Then if necessary you can pound on that with a larger piece of wood if necessary. Gotta ask, are you building a log cabin or a shelter?
biggrin.gif


If you use the Brend like you would an axe, it goes through a fairly large piece of wood pretty quick.

I will tell you that I have opened up 55 Gallon drums of fuel, broken the metal bands around the ammo crates. Dug holes, chopped aiming stakes, cleared brush, chopped though ice, built a little "pungi" trap for a pesky Racoon (even dressed it out with the Brend), I have even made a hooch for the night.

The Brend NEVER FAILED.

Will I agree with you that a knife in a survival situation is a tool. That other things such as you stated like a firearm should be your weapon.

So you can appreciate my situation when I purchased my first Brend Model 2. I personally had a .45 and a M-16. Backing me up I had up to 45 trained killers, M60's, M203's, LAW's, on call artillery, mortars and at times TAC-AIR and Naval Gun Fire. Ok, that's overkill and Im being a smart ass, but you see my point. As you can see the Brend was not chosen as a "weapon" it was chose first and formost as a tool.

One of the best things about the Brend is the tip. Obviously a flat ground blade would not have this capacity. If you ever get a chance to look at a Brend, notice that the 1/4" thickness is complete through the middle of the blade, almost to the tip. You cannot break the knife.

Guys, again we are talking real world survival. I am always interested in other people's opinons. So with that in mind, please tell me what extremes' you have put the Busse to.

Don't get me wrong, I like Jerry and his knives. Matter of fact, back when he was a custom knife maker I owned several of his knives.

As for the Gerber's. A Gerber failing in the field is what got me into custom knives. You couldn't give me a Gerber for free.

Guys I only know what I have experienced. You are correct I have never used a Busse. But since I don't worry about losing knives, and I put a very high price tag on what my life is worth.... I worked in an environment where at any time we were expected to be at the Airfield loading planes and the first one was to be "wheels up" within 18 hours of notification. We would be heading places where, if your knife broke, there would not be a replacement for it. Having had so many factory knives fail, you can see why I would choose not to use one.


Like my dad always told me, buy the very best you can afford. If the Busse is what you can afford, then you have taken this advice, and I commend your choice.

Will and Cobalt, I was fortunate enough to be in a unique position. I was an Infantry Officer in the 101st Airborne and a custom knife dealer at the same time.

Consequently, I got to use a lot of custom knives in the field. I did not use factory knives in the field. Im sure some did well. However, I saw a lot that did not.

Since then I have bought and sold more custom tactical knives than I can remember. I have handled and/or owned just about every custom tactical knife that has been made in the last 15 years. Twice I got on a plane headed for "exotic places" with live ammo on the plane. The knife I chose to take with me then as I would now is a Brend Model 2.

The Busse Factory produces a very good product. If you are happy with it that is all that matters.

Also, don't get me wrong there are other great custom tactical fixed blades out there.
In your price range you should look at Trace Rinaldi, Neil Blackwood, Ryan Wilson, Matt Lamey, RJ Martin, Mike Snody and Geno Denning. These makes are doing excellent work that is underpriced.

There are others showing up (seems like every day) all the time. So lets here from some other people about who's knives they carry.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Les—

No confusion—we were talking apples and oranges on the 3V. I was talking about Brend’s finished steel compared with finished INFI, including heat treat, cryo, etc. Your comments were on 3V in general, but I agree—3V is not likely to disappoint. I have some excellent 3V blades from Jerry Hossom & Ed Schott. Just no evidence I’ve seen that it would be superior to INFI.

If you can’t imagine a situation in which you might lose a knife, let me suggest a few: 1) Lost in airline baggage; 2) working over water; 3) working over deep snow, etc. Sure, one should be careful to use a lanyard when working over water or snow, but what if your lanyard is frozen into a stick? Or what if you get in a hurry, because an urgent situation demands immediate action? But here again, you’re right that being afraid to lose a knife shouldn’t cause you to buy anything but the best.

My only point was that the Brend design and materials aren’t demonstrably better than those of the Busse; in fact, I’d much prefer the Busse design, for the reasons I gave earlier. The dollar difference is just an added plus in the Busse’s favor. As I said, I have knives costing half again the price of the Brend, but I have no evidence that they’re any more reliable than the Busse--or the Brend either, for that matter.

You asked for some background on my own experience, and since you’ve shared some of your history, I’ll share a little of mine. I’ve not been in a survival situation where a knife has failed, nor have I even had to push a blade hard under survival conditions. I consider that a testament to good planning and good luck. I’ve enjoyed over 40 years of hunting, fishing and camping in wilderness areas, and have been lucky enough to survive exposure resulting in hypothermia twice in my lifetime. I’ve been lost in the brush and timber more times than I’d like to admit, but only once was bad enough that I actually began to doubt if I would make it out. That was probably the funniest, in retrospect, because I had the benefit of both a good compass and quadrangle maps. Amazing what tricks the mind can play--I got to a point when I actually no longer believed my compass heading. But I digress. I’ve lost a step or two—turned 50 last year—but just to show I haven’t completely wussed out, here’s a photo Rick Dunkerley took of me as we were riding into the teeth of a blizzard last September, while elk hunting together in the Scapegoat/Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana:

View



I’m always fascinated to hear of others’ exploits and anecdotes, and when it comes to blades, that fascination is keenest. As a former member of the editorial staff of Outdoor Life Magazine, I’ve had the good fortune to get to know many globe-trotting adventurers, most of them hunters and fishermen, who spent much of their lifetimes in the wild places. I enjoyed hearing more about your adventures, too, Les. You have a history rich in experience and service to our country, and the fact that you stand behind your Brend says to me that it must be a very good knife.

However, from my experience, the question, "Which survival knife is best?" can’t be answered satisfactorily by anecdotal experience. Certainly the stories are fun to hear, and certainly any failure of a piece of gear, experienced afield, is potentially an important piece of information. Obviously, we all use the equipment we use based on personal experience and the confidence that comes from that experience. But one thing you learn, when over 2 million people are reading your material every month, is that you’d better get it right or be prepared to catch plenty of flak. And in my opinion, controlled testing is vital if you want to make any viable claim, or to debunk any claim, of equipment reliability or failure.

When it comes to comparing knives of any kind, I think it’s always important to consider:

1.) Blade material properties;
2.) Heat treat (which may include cryogenics);
3.) Blade geometry, including blade shape, dimensions, primary grind, and edge bevel geometry;
4.) How well the knife design comes together to serve its intended function; and
5.) Ergonomics.

The first three aspects, as applied to Busse knives, have all been addressed voluminously by various independent testing sources, using a variety of methods. The book on Busse to date includes exhaustive, independent, controlled gathering of empirical data in which INFI steel, in its finished, treated state as a working blade, has been compared with many other blade materials. I’d like to see a lot more testing of this kind, because I think in many areas, we’ve yet to see answers to some important questions about blade materials and their relative properties. But INFI has been vigorously tested, there’s no question about that, and in my mind it has characteristics that are vital to any situation where I might have to stake my life on the properties of a blade.

These characteristics include ease of sharpening, excellent edge retention against all kinds of wear, a relatively low rate of rust/corrosion, and most importantly, the strength, impact toughness, and ductility to stand up to extreme abuse without catastrophic failure. The profile and grind features of Busse’s knives, as described by Cobalt above, are also proven, efficient designs. These features of Busse’s steel and knives are so well documented that I saw no reason to revisit them in my original thread; I was commenting there on the design of one particular model, the Steel Heart II-E, in terms of its versatility, as compared with other Busse models in particular and other big knives in general.

Les, your concept of custom vs. production, as a standard of quality/reliability, doesn’t mean much to me, and I say that in all seriousness after having personal experience with the knives of many different custom makers, as well as “production” knife manufacturers. There are some custom makers whose knives I’d stake my life on in a minute. Rick Dunkerley is one of those, for example, and I’ve had many conversations with Rick about exactly that subject—talk about some impressive testing! On the other hand, there are many custom makers with big reputations whose products I have no earthly use for whatsoever, and especially not in a survival situation, even though their prices would make you think they were selling the direct descendents of Excalibur.

In short, my point is that the only way to meaningfully evaluate any piece of equipment is by testing that particular piece of equipment in a controlled way, and comparing its performance against a known standard, in a stated context. That’s one of the things I come to Bladeforums to find--meaningful, objective first-hand test results--and I’ve learned a lot from the exchange I’ve had here with many diligent seekers of that same truth. Thanks for perpetuating the search.

-w
 
To me the hand that guides the knife is far more critical than the knife itself. Every knife has its design limitations and breaking points, and until you know exactly were these limits are it would be inprudent to use the knife agressively in a survival situation.

I would argue that the best knife to use is the knife you know best. The Brend and Busse knives offer good hardworking solid designs. But, if you do not know how far the knife can be stressed, you will have to baby the knife during a survival situation, and you would in effect be packing a lot of extra worthless weight.

By all means go with the Brend if you can, but don't be surprised if your buddy performs equally well with an old ka-bar.
 
Well I for one am damn proud to be on Les' short list of makers doing "Underpriced, Excellent" work!:-) BTW I am making a "Survival knife set" for Ron Hood's new Woodmaster video series, and one for Scott Stoddard to review for KI. Its based on my Armageddon design with a small dropped point ride-along, and a few other things tucked away in the sheath...In the Woodmaster video We will get to see Ron Hood bang around in the woods for a couple weeks with nothing but my knives to survive with, should be interesting!

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com

[This message has been edited by T_H_Rinaldi (edited 04-29-2001).]
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by not2sharp:
But, if you do not know how far the knife can be stressed, you will have to baby the knife during a survival situation, and you would in effect be packing a lot of extra worthless weight.

By all means go with the Brend if you can, but don't be surprised if your buddy performs equally well with an old ka-bar.</font>
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I would say that you statement makes sense until you get to the part of performing equally with a Ka-Bar. I would bet money that a Ka-Bar would not stand up to anywhere near the punishment that a Busse, Brend, Project, and a host of other custom tough design large blades. The Ka-Bar is good for what it is, but nothing to compare with the others.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
See this is why I asking. As you can imagine after having done all that stuff, I would find it difficult to imagine a situation that you would lose your knife in. Don't you attach it to your body, via a belt and a leg strap?.</font>
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You are most apt to loose your knife when you are using it than carrying it. When you are going through a strong running river and have to cut yourself or others free in the water, there is a chance you could loose the knife. I know since I almost lost a knife this way. The knife can get stolen, there are theives everywhere including the Army. This is not the biggest factor though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
This is to work in conjunction with the choil cut out in front of the guard. This allows you to choke up and really control a large blade. You will correct me if I am wrong, I don't belive the Busse has that feature.</font>
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Yes, the Busse does have that feature.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
One of the best things about the Brend is the tip. Obviously a flat ground blade would not have this capacity. If you ever get a chance to look at a Brend, notice that the 1/4" thickness is complete through the middle of the blade, almost to the tip. You cannot break the knife.</font>
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I have seen the knife and was very impressed with it and would buy it since I have paid as much for several other customs recently.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
Guys, again we are talking real world survival. I am always interested in other people's opinons. So with that in mind, please tell me what extremes' you have put the Busse to.</font>
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Well, meaning no disrespect here, but the Busse knives have been put to more tests than most other knives out there including the Brend #2. Ron Hood, tested them, Chriss Janowski Tested them, of course Cliff S. tested them Aubrey from Africa has also, as well as many others. These tests were way more brutal than many survival situations would require and the knives passed with flying colors.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
Guys I only know what I have experienced. You are correct I have never used a Busse. But since I don't worry about losing knives, and I put a very high price tag on what my life is worth.... I worked in an environment where at any time we were expected to be at the Airfield loading planes and the first one was to be "wheels up" within 18 hours of notification. We would be heading places where, if your knife broke, there would not be a replacement for it. Having had so many factory knives fail, you can see why I would choose not to use one.</font>
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See, this is the point. You are telling us how great the Brend is and saying that it has to be better than the Busse, just because it is a custom versus factory. Well, that does not make sense. Just like you say we should look into a Brend, I state to you, that you should look into a Busse, just to experience what the hype is all about. A brend in 3V versus an INFI Busse. I really don't know which is better, but I can tell you that there is nothing you will do with the Brend, that I could not do with the Busse(except for uses with the false edge).

 
Les,
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:

Had my Brend strapped to my leg when I went through Sniper School.</font>
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:

I was an Infantry Officer in the 101st Airborne and a custom knife dealer at the same time.</font>
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Don't take this the wrong way, but did you go to the U.S. Army Sniper School. If you did, did you do so as an enlisted soldier? Sniper School does not take officers, only PFC-SFC. See this link for info

http://www-benning.army.mil/29thInf/SNCRSPRE.HTM

Maybe you went to a division level sniper course or something similar.


[This message has been edited by det (edited 04-29-2001).]
 
Hi Les,
Your main argument in favour of Brend knives always seems to be there ability to take any abuse without breaking. I have always wanted to ask you, what about Strider knives? I have never had one ,but posts from their forum suggest that it is almost impossible to break one. And they are much cheaper than Brend's knives. Speaking about his knives. I used to have model 2 and 5. Great knives and grinds are amazing. However the handle was kind of slippery. I am not sure if I could trust it in certain cituations when the gripping ability is compromised. I have had both factory and customs with much more comfortable handles.As for the tip strength, I would assume that the tip on Lum tanto's is probably as strong as Brend's. Again all my assumptions are purely theoretical. I am not very outdoorsy kind of guy. But when I go to Algonquin park in summer for camping my CS Bushranger performes adequately. The only thing that I was unable to do with it is peel potatoes,the blade is just too wide. Had to use AFCK for that. As for the best survival knife, superior strength is not the only necessary condition. The number of features in the knife counts too. For example one of the Aitor knives has the crossbow built into the sheath. A wire cutter is handy too, as well as the saw.
By the way,it was great to meet you in Toronto. Alex.
 
Trace,

Ron will have your knives for the filming trip so long as he can keep me from stealing/borrowing them!
wink.gif
They look beautiful!

Peace,

Brian.

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Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum
 
Brian, please dont steal/borrow the knife until Ron is back safe and sound:-)I would hate to see our brother end up as bear fecal matter... Personally if they "TELL" you to bring a slug gun, or rifle, I would bring one!!! Ron is MUCH more brave than I!!! Sorry I am not signing up for that without a Benelli 12G with rifled slugs at least...

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com
 
Will,

Obviously you have an extensive field background. You are one of the few who post here that do.

I take whatever you have to say at face value. Im glad you are happy with your Busse and it has served you well.

det, The US Army Sniper School at Ft. Benning was formed after I went through Sniper School at Ft. Campbell. They also had a Sniper School at Ft. Bragg. I belive there may have been one or two others as well.

You are correct that generally enlisted men go through this course. I was the first officer to attend this course in over 8 years. The next officer that went through was my XO when I was a Company Commander. Two years later.

There is nothing more important than being comfortable with and have 100% confidence in any piece of equipment. As this will add to your positive state of mind if and when you enter into a survival situation.

As for situations losing knives. Yes, I have forded several strong rivers, nope didnt lose my knife.

I will agree that theft is a problem. However, I was refering to situations involving mother nature not a SOB.

As for comparing steels. I know early on Infini had some problems, which created the back log. I believe some of the blades actually broke during use.

Don't know about Busse knives being the most field tested. I would think that probably Randall knives hold that distinction. Having been used in 3 Wars that Busse knives weren't around for.

I am glad to see people coming out and posting who have experience and the background to give informed opinions on.

Guys, if you are happy with your knife and the quality of performance it gives you that is all that matters.

But yes, I do feel that the average custom knife is superior to the average factory knife.

"Arguing with an Infantryman is like wrestling with a pig. Everyone gets dirty but the pig loves it".

Guys I am always looking for new custom knife makers to work with. So if your using a knife that is working great for you, let us know.



------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Sorry Les, I guess I should have realized that you were there in the 80's(?).
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Les Robertson:
I do feel that the average custom knife is superior to the average factory knife.
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Les,
I don't believe you'll get too much of an argument from anyone here concerning the veracity of this statement. But just as it would be unfair to characterize a Brend as an "average" custom blade, so it is unfair to classify a Busse as an "average" production blade. In fact, a strong case could be made that Busses currently represent the ultimate in backwoods, hard use production blades. I suppose it's important that we at least remain open to the possibility that for every rule, there is an exception.

For what it's worth, here's a link to a review I posted last year that will add a bit more to the pile of anecdotal evidence mounting in favor of the utility of Busse blades. My life was certainly not directly threatened at any point in this outing, but my Steel Heart helped to minimize this possibility, and in the process performed admirably at many of the types of chores that could reasonably be encountered in a true survival situation:


http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001815.html

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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
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