Considering a Basic, Which one?

J T Shaw · May 17, 2001

Let me start by saying "I Love Knives". Don't get to spend as much time in the woods as I would like, but when I go, I want a good blade with me. I have narrowed it down (maybe) between a Basic #5 or #7. But I need some help deciding which one. 1)With the blade .25" how good is the blade geometry on the #5. The reason I ask is, I played with a Cold Steel SRK when they first came out; could sharpen it to shave but with the steep angle of the grind it was about useless to cut with. 2) Which one would be more useful for hunting, camping and just bumming around in the woods. I always carry a pocket knife if I'm awake

. The main use for the sheath knife will be to make camp and clear vines and small limbs as I make my way through the woods.

RokJok · May 17, 2001

Given that you will be carrying a smaller blade with you to handle the more delicate cutting chores and that your uses for the Basic will be semi-chopping as you clear the trail for yourself (if I understand it correctly), I'd recommend the Basic 7 over the Basic 5. Besides having more blade mass to facilitate chopping vines, if the vines/branches are thorny at all, the 7 also keeps your hands further away from the points of the stickers.
Another thing to be aware of is that the handle on the Basic 7 & 9 is somewhat bigger than the handle on the Basic 3 & 5. But both sizes feel really comfortable to me, even though I have small hands with stubby fingers.

scottybuck · May 17, 2001

I don't own a #5 or #7, but just to let you know, there's a used #7 on ebay for sale right now for $77 and some change. Sounds like a good "user". I'd think the #7 would be the best of the 2 for chopping and clearing brush considering the extra blade length. Just type in ebay.com, then Busse.

SALTY · May 17, 2001

Based upon your statement of intended uses and the presence of a folder, it's simple. Get the Basic #7.

Normark · May 17, 2001

Hey Guys..

Definately the #7...

Of the Basic line the #7 is my personal Fav..

ttyle

Eric...

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On/Scene Tactical
Leading The Way In Quality Synthetic Sheathing

Wulf · May 17, 2001

I agree with the above recommendations, but if you still can't decide, compromise - get the new 6" model instead

OwenM · May 17, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Nimrod:
Based upon your statement of intended uses and the presence of a folder, it's simple. Get the Basic #7. </font>

I agree.
Count another vote for the 7.

s002cjs · May 17, 2001

By now it sounds repetitive, but the 7 is the way to go with the intentions you described.

As for the 7 on E-bay, I've dealt with the guy selling it (previously bought a basic 3 and 9 from him) and can only say good things. Of course, you'll have to beat me for it...

cj

Verpus · May 18, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by J T Shaw:
...bumming around in the woods. I always carry a pocket knife if I'm awake

. The main use for the sheath knife will be to make camp and clear vines and small limbs as I make my way through the woods. </font>

Sounds like you could use a Basic #9.

SALTY · May 19, 2001

Verpus, I was going to say that. The posted question was between a 5 and a 7, but I wanted to comment on the 9. The making camp, clearing vines and small limbs was the clue. The 9 does not handle or cut as well as smaller blades, but with the right folder a 9 could be the ticket.

The 7 is a good compromise, however.

Cobalt · May 19, 2001

Get the 9 now, so that you can complain about it's size and have the reason to get the 7 later.

Climber · May 19, 2001

Get your #9 first; it will do all that you need as a "big knife" chorehog; & as Cobalt said it: that way, U can complain & get another later; (did anybody say "ditto" around here?)
U could get the #9, then "move up" to combat grade with a Steel Heart, like i did!

...all the heft, without all the length...

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Clif

"Percival... I never knew how empty was my soul until it was filled."
Arthur the King upon sipping from the Grail.

R.Markus · May 19, 2001

ditto.

...or, you could get the #9, get rid of it to buy a Stealheart-E, then buy another #9...then realize the #9 is huge and buy a #3 to go with it, like I did

...and then you'll need an Assault Shaker...and so on..

[This message has been edited by R.Markus (edited 05-19-2001).]

J T Shaw · May 24, 2001

I'm Nuclear !!! My Basic 7 arrived yesterday. I was a little disappointed in the edge. The Back 1/3 would shave, from the belly to tip was dull. The rest was sharp but would not cut hair. The flat side was easy to hone but the convex side took a little work. But damn would it take a edge. I have not had a chane to put it through its paces yet, but I will this week end. Thanks for all of your help.