Yarborough vs Busse

Very interesting opinions here guys. I'm sitting here with a new CRK GB (Birsthdate 12/23) that I just traded into. I've owned the Shadow IV in the past and have to say the fit, finish and quality are all equal to or superior with this knife. The blade is very reminicent of the Project I but he handle is very well thought out. The undercut scales seem to flow into the graceful curve or the radiused tang. Together this makes for a mighty comfy grip. Like you, Chad, I've never been much of an undercut fan but this one may be the exception. My only criticism has to do with finger grooves. Though this knife doesn't have a complete set of grooves, the two that are there are pretty pronounced. If your hand doesn't fit the parameters of the design, you are never going to have quite a comfortable feeling of control here. My personal jury is still out until I handle this a bit more.
I originally went to look at a Buck/Strider Solution. While at my local shop, the owner asked me if I had seen the new CR Green Beret. Here, my personal feelings took over and I wasn't too impressed with the idea. (This was prior to actually seeing it. I am Recon after all, I have pride, tradition, and a reputation to uphold.);) Once I held this puppy, I new that it was indeed a very nice knife.
I still don't know whether or not I will keep this one but with the very real possibility of a deployment in the near future, I would feel very well equipt with it.
Doc
 
Recondoc,

You didn't happen to get that at Nagel's gun shop did you?
I love that place and the people there are awesome. Let me know how the GB works out.

Roy
 
I've really enjoyed this post, many thanks. Eric Draven's imput was excellent.

I haven't handled the Yarborough yet, but think it looks the biz for an infantryman - so long as someone else pays for it.
I used a Project II throughout my service and I'm still using it. It was plenty of knife and up to the job.
The military hate hollow handles knives due to the Rambo effect. Another, in my view misplaced, criticism of the CR fixed line are the handles: round and checkered. The Yarborough puts these all to bed.

Weight to an infantryman is sweat and blood; one reason Kar Bars (light weight compared to most) have always been so popular. Here the Yarborough wins again. I like Busse knives but they are heavy/dense.

Finally, associating a knife too closely to a particular unit is a two edged sword. Maybe the improved edition, having been battle proven, might be just called CR combat utility?
 
Roy,
I did indeed pick it up from Robin at Nagel's. Robin is one knowlegeble Lady (In the absolute true sense of the word) when it comes to knives and guns. Also raises some mighty fine show dogs if you are into the little yippy ones.
GJ,
I agree about the naming from one particular unit. If I do decide that this will be my carry piece in the months to come, I'm sure I'll hear an earfull of crap about packing a Greenie Beanie Blankethead knife in a Marine Recon unit. It's all good fun but still gets to be a pain in the ass after a while. (I do think that it is aweful nice of the Army to give all of their folks a little blanky to sleep under.;) )
I'm handling the Yarbourough quite a bit when I can to see if the handle will ever feel really natural to me. The balance point is right at the guard, but due to the finger groves, it sits about an inch forward in my grip. Doesn't feel bad. It just doesn't feel quite right either.
Doc
 
Originally posted by GREENJACKET


Weight to an infantryman is sweat and blood;
Click to expand...

Why would carrying a knife a few ounces heavier cause an infantryman to bleed ? Your statement seems nonsensical to me!
 
Jackboots,
I'm going to insert my viewpoint here in answer to your question about weight. When all of the gear which you must function with is carried on your person ie: ruck, web gear, vest, helmet, etc...., you find that every ounce does in fact count. Ounces tend to add up very quickly into pounds and those pounds are going to be carried by only you. The gear that the Government issues is what is refered to as your T/O gear. (Table of Organization) This is the stuff that is mandatory and therefore cannot be customized too much or left behind. (Although many times I sure as hell wanted to.) That leaves the area of personal gear (the stuff individuals can choose) to cut the excess weight from an individual's gear.
The Government procurement officers are not known for taking weight into consideration. They almost always tend to focus on Leutenant proofing (Indestructability) and COST. Remember, most of the field gear carried by the folks that defend your freedom and individual rights (ie:Being able to voice any oppinioin you wish here on the forums.) was made by the LOWEST bidder. Kind of frightening eh?
Well, hopefully in my rambling here, I've managed to explain why I look at every ounce of personal choice gear I pack.
Doc
 
Originally posted by JackBoots
Why would carrying a knife a few ounces heavier cause an infantryman to bleed ? Your statement seems nonsensical to me!
Click to expand...

Extensive weight to carry slows a soldier down and exhausts him more, thus making him more vulnerable.
 
JackBoots, so you have never yomped, tabbed, marched with weight, and a kitchen sink, long enough for your webbing straps to rub you raw or for your blisters on your feet to burst and fill your boots with blood? You haven't lived mate :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
I use to be an infantry soldier in the Canadian military. Your original statement is hogwash. 3 ounces would not make any material difference in a soldiers short/long term performance in the field.

Originally posted by GREENJACKET
JackBoots, so you have never yomped, tabbed, marched with weight, and a kitchen sink, long enough for your webbing straps to rub you raw or for your blisters on your feet to burst and fill your boots with blood? You haven't lived mate :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
 
Easy there killer. . . . Both Greenjacket and Doc Bretz are PROVEN men in these forums. There word is taken heavily, you don't go calling it hog wash without good reason.

Here, as both explained, from personal experience, that the weight adds up quickly. No, 3 ounces by itself would not make a noticable difference, but in THE AGGREGATE, all gear must be examined for weight issues, because it ADDS UP.

The point, well made above by two experienced men, is that a few ounces here and there quickly adds up to a substantial amount, where it would make a difference.

I can say that in backpacking, the same is true, as it is when looking at what equipment to carry at work on my belt.
 
Originally posted by JackBoots
I use to be an infantry soldier in the Canadian military.
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I think this is Jackboots problem! ;) :D :p (Canada has a "military" ?)
 
Since these are both being put into Military use and not slicing carrots, either of these knifes would be great.

What this thread really shows once again is....
That the ARMY is still much tougher than a bunch of Jar Heads!!!!:D :p

I use to carry a 90+ lb pack every where I went when I was in.
Lots of spare stuff including 50 meters of 11mm rope.
I would have prefered to have had a Busse Satin Jack over the 5" Pilots knife that I carried.
(it was closer to 4" by the time I got out)
But even at that I still love that ol Ka-bar.
 
Hogwash or not, back to knives. Take the CR and Busse and weigh them in the hand. One feels a lot heavier than the other. This has probably a lot more to do with their ballance and how they are set up to be used.

For a personal combat utility knife the Yarborough looks just about right, all compromises taken into account. Considering the usual junk that is carried I'm just happy that CR now produce something so militerily conservative.
 
ALRIGHT!!! That was just a plain cheap shot 1whobuys.......Good.....But Cheap....Well maybe not that cheap.:D

As for the whole of the knife choice, it really comes down to what you find as personal preference. I know a hell of a lot of guys who work and live in the mud that swear by Cold Steel and Ontario Spec Plus. That's what they are comfortable, and more importantly, confident with. Me, it tends to depend on the mood I'm in. Yeah, that's the reality of it. I know I can depend on quality makers. From Becker to Strider to Reeves to SwampRat (I have yet to own a Busse, just haven't gotten there.) there are plenty of well made tools out there to get the job done. It tends to turn into a 9mm vs. .40 vs. 45 debate that we see rehashed about every 8 months or so in the gun world. The bottom line to me is that quality comes in many shapes, sizes and prices for various makers. It just takes an eye and some simple basic knowledge see it.
As for the GB knife from Reeves, I'm still not sure I'll ever get a natural feel with the handle. Similar thing happens to me with the 1911 pistol. It's probably my favorite design in the history of fighting handguns but they don't point for me like an ugly Glock or Browning HP will. It's more to do with my hand dimensions than the tool it's holding. (That's what she said too.;) )
On the topic of saving weight, I've gotten into my creature comforts a bit as I've aged in the game. I now save weight in my load out for a Primus Himalaya Multifuel stove, a lexan french press coffee pot and a pound of Green Mountains finest. There can always be time for a civilized cup of coffee and a good cigar. :)
Doc
 
I am in contact with TK magazine by email. They feel confident that 100 knives were actually tested and the GB Knife came out on top.

I have requested that the 100 knives tested, the test criteria and the results be made public. I am now waiting for a response from TK magazine.

IMHO there was not serious testing, just an agreement to make the GB knife for the Special Forces!

Only time will tell...

Cordially,

JB
 
TK magazine got back to me by email, a person named Stephen Dick. he will not allow me to post his email to the forum. However, he states 100 knives were considered, but no lengthy testing was performed.

IMHO, I would be willing to bet money zero testing was performed :)

I wonder if TK now wishes they chose their words more carefully ?

I suggested they test 100 combat knives and find the best one, but he did not respond to my suggestion :(

Cordially,

JB

Originally posted by JackBoots
I am in contact with TK magazine by email. They feel confident that 100 knives were actually tested and the GB Knife came out on top.

I have requested that the 100 knives tested, the test criteria and the results be made public. I am now waiting for a response from TK magazine.

IMHO there was not serious testing, just an agreement to make the GB knife for the Special Forces!

Only time will tell...

Cordially,

JB
Click to expand...
 
I suggested they test 100 combat knives and find the best one
Click to expand...

Must it be only one? I would hate to be on the commitee that tries to put that criteria together. They are going to need plenty of coffee for sure. :D

n2s
 
I received a private email from Bill Harsey discussing the testing done. He states I may not post his email here. I am not sure why the GB Knife people are so upset and worried about the testing.

If the testing was done, then simply post the 100 knives tested, the criteria and the results! He claims it is not the public's business to know what testing was done :(

My response would be that if you want people to take your knife seriously, then you better support it with the proof that it is a some kind of super knife :)

Regards,

JB
 
The problem would be that everyone that didn't win would be hollerin about it and causing a big stink.

And if it isn't supposed to be known, they should have taken the editor of the article to task for even mentioning it, since he let the cat out of the bag. Which they might have done.
 
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