a Few questions (decision assistance)

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devil07

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
77
Okay. I'm know I'm not a poster on this forum. I've used it before (reading) for knowledge, but I never post. I approach forums in the manner that, if i don't have something truly useful, that hasn't already been said, I won't post. I hope that will not discourage responses to my inquiry.

Anyways. I'm in the initial stages of selecting a new Busse. Background: several years ago, I utilized this forum to help me decide upon my first Busse, which I wanted geared toward my pending(at the time) deployment. I ended up going with a Satin Jack Tac CG, and I LOVED it. Unfortunately, about a week ago someone decided they wanted my SJTAC more that I did (it got stolen). Truly bummed.

I am uncomfortable not having a Busse. Although I never used the SJTAC anywhere close to it's full potential, simply having a knife with the reputation of indestructibly (or as close as possibly) was comforting. So I need input for the Busse gods about a new one.

I'm reluctant to go the SJTAC route again, because I know it'll always remind me of the one that got stolen :(. So, a few questions regarding features:

What does the width of the blade affect? For example, the ASH line had fairly wide blades (from edge to spine). Does this width enable/allow the knife to be used for things that a narrower blade (like the SJTAC) can't?

Thickness: My understanding of the blade thickness is: the thicker the blade, the more you can use it as a pry bar. Also, if it's long enough, you can use it to chop.

Also, any recommendations for a general use knife would be welcome. I want a knife that I can use for camping, survival(?), combat, possibly cleaning game if I get into hunting, etc. Also, in my opinion, a grunt doesn't want/need a 2-3lbs. chunk of steel strapped to his leg, so the Battle Mistress and the like is probably not going to be considered.

I appreciate any and all responses in advance. I'm hoping that some of the real users can enlighten me, since Busse blades are far to expensive to experiment with (for me at least).

S/F
devil
 
Take a look at the Team Gemini. In my opinion it is a great multi purpose blade. Keeps a thinner profile than something like an ASH1 but is a stouter blade than what the SJ tac had so you get better prying ability. May be a bit on the large side for game processing but it would work in a pinch, and it will handle any other camping/survival situation that you may find yourself in. I am sure others will be along with other insight shortly.

Garth
 
This is probably a boring answer but I have yet to find a better do all blade than a boss Jack. Comes in lots of flavors too.
 
Sorry to hear about your SJAC, they are a good all arounder.
If you can get your hands on a Skinny ASH you will forget all about it.
 
How did you like the handle? Was the blade long enough for you?

You have few options with the TAC handle: Tank Buster, Badger Attack, Jack Hammer, with BA being somewhat shorter than SJ.

Then there are all the other handle and blade options.

As Garth wrote, TGLB is an awesome knife (and quite light for it's size).

You might want to check Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard for knives with different steel but with Jerry's heat treatment protocols at much lower prices.
 
I agree with Garth. The TG is an amazing blade for its size. Made of INFI and even better, it's available now direct from Busse. :)
 
:thumbup:TGLB is a great knife. I got one for my son when he graduated from boot camp. You can even have your name engraved on it to help prevent theft. You get to choose what blade finish and handle you want. I like the hand shaped black canvas. The Spec Ops Combat Master sheath available from Busse is pretty nice too.
 
Like stated above, the Tankbuster may be an excellent choice if you were comfortable with the tac handle.

Garth
 
While the TAC handle was comfortable, it's not necessarily what I want to go with on the next one. I ended up braiding 550 cord (paracord) between the two talon holes on the SJTAC to keep my hand from (potentially) slipping from the grip to the blade. On some of the other models, there are aspects of the handle that would serve the same function.

Does the width of the blade serve a function other that simply giving "more meat" to the blade?

The length of the SJTAC was okay. In some ways it seemed too long for finer work, but it wasn't ridiculous.

The Tankbuster...I'm not sure about the spine (is that the correct term?) on that blade. The 'bump' for lack of a better word, seems like it would get in the way if I tried to baton some fire wood.

I do like the looks of the BOSS Jack CG....yet there is just something about the looks of the ASH. From the working above, I assume that a skinny ASH would be hard to find? or expensive?
 
The ASH is nice. I got a CG in .32, and a satin custom in .22. The skinny is .187, they go pretty quickly on the exchange. I just couldn't justify getting a skinny when I already have a Hellrazor. I think the .22 thick ones are a good comprise because they are more stout than the skinny and lighter than the .32 CG which is a heavy chunk of steel.
 
Team Gemini Light Brigade for sure.
 
devil07 said:
While the TAC handle was comfortable, it's not necessarily what I want to go with on the next one. I ended up braiding 550 cord (paracord) between the two talon holes on the SJTAC to keep my hand from (potentially) slipping from the grip to the blade. On some of the other models, there are aspects of the handle that would serve the same function.

Does the width of the blade serve a function other that simply giving "more meat" to the blade?

The length of the SJTAC was okay. In some ways it seemed too long for finer work, but it wasn't ridiculous.

The Tankbuster...I'm not sure about the spine (is that the correct term?) on that blade. The 'bump' for lack of a better word, seems like it would get in the way if I tried to baton some fire wood.

I do like the looks of the BOSS Jack CG....yet there is just something about the looks of the ASH. From the working above, I assume that a skinny ASH would be hard to find? or expensive?
Click to expand...

Want to try BATAC? It is shorter..
and who says it can't chop?
tesbatac2.jpg
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Good luck with your decision! I think the Team Gemini LB would be the perfect blade :thumbup:
 
I'm glad to see the Tankbuster mentioned. In my opinion, it is an underappreciated blade. While I do not own one, I have handled one and was thoroughly impressed. I kick myself for not buying one when they were being offered.

As far as suggestions for the OP, besides what has already been mentioned I would add the SAR4 and the Ratmandu. While I have some issues with the SAR4, I do believe it to be a good knife that would fill the niche he is looking for. And as for the Ratmandu, even though it's not a Busse, it is a kin and probably my most used all-rounder when I'm heading out and need to make a quick blade decision.
 
Holy necro-post Batman!
Anyways, I just realized I never ended up replying to my own thread about my decision, which I thought was rude considering the time you all spent answering. Shortly after starting this thread things changed and I had to sort out some nasty financial and personal things, delaying my reentry into the world of Busse. However, that is now in the past, and I want to thank everyone that rogered up in this thread for their input. :thumbup:

Between the above posts and other threads enlightening me about the TGLB being on my favorite show (TWD), the choice was made. I recently picked up a TGLB, black crinkle coat blade with black&tan canvas micarta handle, from thatmguy at the Indy 1500 gun and knife show. I'm quite a fan. Surprisingly light for the size.

And Mike's a hell of a guy. Very patient and knowledgeable, both he and the other guy at the table (sorry, very bad w/ names) were willing to answer a bunch of random Busse related questions for me. So, thank you, guys, for that.

So, now I have the itch...can't wait for Knob Creek to see what kind of goodies are there. I already have started setting aside cash to make at least one score at KC.

S/F
devil
 
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