[Bruz]

Been thinking about getting a Busse and heard about "Swamp Rat" which is made by Busse? Anyone gots one? Hate to sound cheap but I am...if I can get the same knife for half price...

[Ron L]

FWIW, my brother has 3 or 4 Busse's and has great things to say about the SR's. While they may not be exactly the same as "Infi" Busse's, they may be the next best thing. I'm saving my pennies for a Battle Rat.

[Bruz]

Thanks Ron...found the SR site, apparently they are made by Busse, even in the same shop afterhours. Buying in bulk I would amagine they use the same steel, on the same machines. Put in my order, I'll see how they compare...

[hso]

Don't assume that the SRs use the same steel. The difference in price has to come from somewhere and lower price point products made on the same line mean lower price point materials and techniques. INFI isn't the only good steel for knives out there so do a little research (phone call/email) with SR before you assume you're getting the same thing as the Busse.

[Ed Brunner]

SwampRat website says it is not INFI. It is (Quote):
"SR-101 Steel

(Think of it as 52-100 tool steel with added Kryptonite)

SR-101 Steel is the combination of an extremely fine-grained tool steel and a proprietary multi-step tempering protocol. This process includes the incorporation of a deep cryogenic treatment for grain refinement with the added benefits of differential tempering which add greatly to the overall toughness and strength of what will most certainly prove to be your favorite blade."

I will likely order one.

[Bruz]

That may explain why Busse is selling off all his D2 steel, to make room for the SR steel...anyone need 20 tons of D2! It's being sold cheap!

[Ron L]

Yeah, it's a slightly different steel and the handles differ a bit, with Busse's using a full tang and the SR's use a pretty much full tang but it's enclosed in the handle, which is different as well. Kinda like "same thing but different". Take a look at the Swamp Rat and the Busse forums on Bladeforums.com and you'll find some posts with comparisons. There are also a few comparison threads on the Swamp Rat website forum itself.

[JShirley]

http://www.swamprat.com/

[GW]

I'm a newby to this group and saw the link to Swamp-Rat. I've wanted a Busse for a while but, alas --$$$. Now I see this Swamp Rat and I just decided "What the heck" and ordered a Battle-Rat
I hope to have it in a week or so--At least I'll be able to tell you how quickly they process an order.
This looks like a great forum. I'm glad I found it.:)

[JShirley]

Welcome. Glad to have you.

John

[Bruz]

Now I see this Swamp Rat and I just decided "What the heck" and ordered a Battle-Rat

Got a confirmation that my order was going to be shipped from SR...in 3 to 6 weeks! If you're going to war I would suggest a Becker, got mine within the week. :scrutiny: Ordered a Busse and should receive it within 2 weeks...it was shipped from Korea! Patients has never been a virtue of mine. :fire:

[GW]

I bought 1 of the Beckers at a Gun Show a few months ago The 7 1/2" model. I was disappointed to get the 3-6 weeks message as well. I thought they would have these in stock--perhaps they make them as they go. Oh well...It still looks to be a good knife and now I'll have some time to figure out where to store it;)

[Bruz]

Got my Swamp Rat "Battle Rat". They said it was going to be shipped in 3-6 weeks; I received it in 10 days...nice surprise! It is a beast of a knife, makes my Becker 7 look wimpy. It is very blade heavy, make a great chopper. Came very sharp with a cool black blade. The blade is not glossy but not matte either. What look like bumps in the finish up close are smooth and appear to be almost a birdseye effect. Love the handle, fairly soft and smaller than most...having smaller hands it fits better than most Bowies I have handled.

Was going to do a comparison between it and my Becker, Bagwell, and Busse, but there are little similarities between the first two, and have not recieved the third yet.

Have only used it to cut paper, boxes, and brussell sprouts, but am impressed by how well the finish is holding up. More test to follow.

[GW]

That's good news on your Battle Rat.
I decided to go for the Desert Battle Rat
They sent an e-mail saying they would ship it this week. I'm hoping to have it before Memorial Day weekend as I am going camping
Congratulations on your new arrival

[brownie0486]

Bruz:

Congrats on the "rat"

Brownie

[GW]

My Desert Battle Rat arrived today!!!
Very cool blade and VERY sharp.
Major kudos to the folks at Swamp Rat Knife Works for getting it to me so quickly, too
Looking forward to my camping trip Memorial day to give it a workout:)

[Bruz]

Congrats on the "rat"

Thanks Brownie, not as nice as the Bagley I got from you but sure is alot more practical...just can't see myself whacking firewood with the Bagley!


Congrads Bigchoad, does your blade have the "birdseye" in the coating I refered to?

[GW]

No birdseye effect, its a pretty uniform tan
Does anyone make a form fitted type of kydex sheath for this knife?

[Bruz]

Does anyone make a form fitted type of kydex sheath for this knife?

There's a guy who makes them for any knife, I'll try to find his addy...what would a kydex sheath offer you the one that came with it does'nt?

[GW]

Well, to be honest, I just like kydex or concealex sheaths
Second I just think the sheath that comes with it is too loose.Its a "feel" issue for me if that makes sense. :confused: