Battle Mistress Again

Officially giving up on the knife.
That'll be one more for somebody who has more patience than I do. :)
Quality products, but hard to do business with. :confused:
Good luck to whoever gets the one I was planning to buy. ;)
Denis
 
I just ordered a Randall #11, and the expected delivery date is May 2010.

My guess is that I will have an FBM long before then, and if I don’t I know I will have bought several other cool Busses in the meantime.

Who needs patience when there is a world full of cool cutlery to be explored, owned, and used.
 
Got the Fusion version, that'll have to do for a heavy blade. Was hoping for a spare, but trying to figure out how this operation works has left me looking elsewhere. :)
Not interested in collecting, just wanted another quality tool & Jerry'd promised a slight discount on the "next one" after the first experience went awry. When they finally do come available, whoever gets mine be sure to mention that discount to Jerry when you order it. :D
The time delay on a Randall is one of the reasons I've never gone for one of them. I'm not heavily into instant gratification, but there's no knife on the planet I can maintain interest in for five years when there are so many other good blades I can pick up much sooner to meet my needs.
I should really be spending the money on getting out to use what I've already got anyway, instead of buying more. Just not enough time in life. :(
Denis
 
I doubt I’ll even think about the Randall until I get notification about it being ready to ship. It’s just a great tool that I may or may not like/keep once it’s in my hands.

I can’t see the point in thinking about things I can’t alter, and waiting for things to happen is a waste of time and energy.

If I can make something important or useful happen I’m all for getting busy, but one more knife just isn’t that important.

I’ll be sure to remind Jerry about the discount when I order my FBM.
 
The only "dates" I've heard are around the beginning of the year:confused: I've waited this long what's a couple more weeks?;)

Bob Mills
 
DPris said:
Officially giving up on the knife.
That'll be one more for somebody who has more patience than I do. :)
Quality products, but hard to do business with. :confused:
Good luck to whoever gets the one I was planning to buy. ;)
Denis
Click to expand...

Nothing special or unusual about you my friend. We've all been there and done that. We all wait for the stuff we want. Hell the folder has been discussed for over 4 years and it is still not around.:eek:

Like the others have said, I have waited a year and a half for Randalls, about the same time for a Kit Carson, and finally gave up on an Emerson Custom because the wait was so long and the knife wasn't really worth it in the long run, to me.

Sounds like you already had a Busse before?
 
There are plenty of cheap, readily available knives at Walmart. There is a reason that they are not Busses.

If it was readily available off the shelf anytime that anyone wanted it, then the necessary compromises on work force expansion, manufacturing shortcuts, materials substitution, etc., would destroy the essence of a Busse knife.

Suppose that the original published Busse production schedule had been adhered to - two new knives from the original list, every month. Many more would have been unable to buy due to short term budget constraints. The AK47, Hell Razor, Pork Belly Skinner, and some others would not exist. Either the Heavy Ordinance LE's would not exist, or production numbers of both them and the CG knives would be lower, so availability problems would be exacerbated.

Finally, idea creation and innovation don't happen on fixed schedules. We will probably see some more knives that aren't even a glimmer in Jerry's mind right now, before the entire original schedule is worked through. Worth the delays, in my opinion.

Kinda like Christmas as a child. Lots of waiting and anticipation followed by some surprises.
 
thats why i traded to a basic 9, so i wouldnt have to think about the fusion battle mistress while i wait for it.

and i'll be getting the hogfbm version, so it will come even later then the normal version (if all goes well i will be anyways)
 
Cobalt said:
Nothing special or unusual about you my friend. We've all been there and done that. We all wait for the stuff we want. Hell the folder has been discussed for over 4 years and it is still not around.:eek:
Click to expand...
I remember a quote from Jerry in an old magazine, it was referring to his new BBSHSH2, and there was talk of a folder even at that time, was it '95 or 97? :eek:
 
It's an unusual way to run a business.
Most volume knife makers offer a core line that's in more or less continuous production, or at least availability. With the bigger outfits, special limited editions can augment that periodically, but the core line remains (with minor adjustments) in the pipeline.
Custom makers offer a smaller core line, and multiple optional variations on order.
If I want something from Buck, SOG, Spyderco, Camillus, Cold Steel, KaBar, etc., I can order the knife or pick it up locally, and I know the time frame. If I want a custom knife, I can find a maker who does the general form I want in the materials I want, order it, and expect to wait.
Busse does neither, and for somebody who couldn't care less about buying strictly for name value (it has to be backed up by quality & meet a need) or collecting a wide range of blade types that will never be used, it's an exercise in frustration when trying to get one or two specific knives that are frequently mentioned on this forum, but with such a vague production schedule that it's necessary to just about check daily to try to figure out what's going on. I don't have the time or motivation to do that.
Most of the regulars here are an Internet "family", most enjoy the banter, most like to talk about the knives & look at various photos of them. That's fine, nothing at all wrong with that. Many seem to be Busse collectors, and there's nothing wrong with that, either. I don't fit into any of that, just want to buy a knife that's repeatedly mentioned but shows no signs of appearing for sale. I don't mean to be insulting to anybody in saying that, it's just a fact.
Jerry Busse & Company are obviously successful in selling products, which is again fine, but trying to do business and determine the availability of a particular item on a very vague revolving production schedule with apparently only two models in production at any given time is hard on the guy who just wants a particular knife. With so many models and designs "in the works", but only two actually buyable at any given time, for the non-collector & the non-"family" member looking for one or two high quality tools, it's something of a turnaway.
Jerry does not need to defend or explain his business practices to me, but from my viewpoint I'd think a lot of potential buyers are turned off by them. I realize Busse sells everything it makes, but my impression is that the company might sell more by re-arranging production facilities to produce a small core line of knives in blade sizes and configurations to meet the most common needs & demands for constant availability, and then rotate "special editions" on the side. That would involve a certain expenditure of investment funds to do, but it seems to me the return would be justified in increased sales.
But, I could be wrong. Have been before. :D

Cobalt,
Finally got the Fusion Steelheart after a lost order & three times the waiting period initially mentioned. (I do understand glitches occur & Jerry did apologize. :) ) The knife will do exactly what I bought it to do, I have no real complaints about it other than the availability thing. Was hoping for the Battle Mistress as a spare for the heavy-duty category, but time's passing & I'm not getting any younger. :)
A good part of the difference in philosophies here (and I appreciate the absence of "Don't let the door hit you you on the way out" comments :) ) lies in the fact that I'm just looking for a couple specific high quality tools, I don't want to participate in the club (not meaning to be sarcastic), and it makes no difference how good INFI steel is if it's in a blade shape or type that I have no use for. I have more than a passing interest in knives, and certain uses for them, but I don't collect, and I prefer to use my discretionary funds elsewhere. While understanding the passion of those who do collect just to collect, and again not criticizing it, I just don't share it.
Denis
 
I have been collecting for about 20 years now, and only this past year discovered Busse. All of the points you make are very valid from your viewpoint, so I guess I only have my own experience to comment on. As far as true "custom" knives there has only been one occasion where I have I ever received my order on time. I have learned to expect this, and with honest communciation from the maker I have no issue with a delay at all. Things happen. I have quite a few Randall's on order shipping between 2006 and 2009. Certainly and extreme wait, but I knew that when I made the purchase. I have always received these on time, or a month or so early. Busse's are certainly a different case, but I guess that I fit into the group that just enjoys the whole knife/forum experience. The quality is top knotch and communication has always been very good in my experience. I am really looking forward to both the FBM as well as the folder but like "customs" there are Busse rules Busse time and that works for me too. :D Good luck with your next purchase. :thumbup:
 
Have you considered buying a BM-E or other Battle Mistress on the Secondary market? Near- Instant gratification is to be had in that case. . .:thumbup:
 
Denis,

Sorry to hear that you'll be looking elsewhere. . . . If you do miss the initial offering on the FBM, you might want to check with the Busse company store who is sure to have them in for 10-15 minutes at a time!!!:eek: :eek: ;)

We have quite a few cool blades coming up and the FBM is just one of them. I realize that our production schedule makes it difficult for the occasional buyer. But our focus has been on the dedicated Busse Combat INFIdel and INFI HOG. We are able to offer many more custom options with this production methodology and the reception has been overwhelming. Demand for our blades is up over 30% from any previous year and we have limited our marketing and advertising in order to keep the demand in check. We are very fortunate to have such a loyal following and such a strong secondary market for our blades.

As for what's coming, I will tell you that next month's curvy knife ought to knock some socks off. . . .after that, it's all about the return of the "baddest blade in the land":eek: :eek: :D !!!!

Best of luck,

Jerry
 
DPris said:
It's an unusual way to run a business.
Most volume knife makers offer a core line that's in more or less continuous production, or at least availability. With the bigger outfits, special limited editions can augment that periodically, but the core line remains (with minor adjustments) in the pipeline.
Custom makers offer a smaller core line, and multiple optional variations on order.
If I want something from Buck, SOG, Spyderco, Camillus, Cold Steel, KaBar, etc., I can order the knife or pick it up locally, and I know the time frame. If I want a custom knife, I can find a maker who does the general form I want in the materials I want, order it, and expect to wait.
Click to expand...

one thing that has to be noted is that busse is not like the companies named, especially cold steel. much of cold steels line is made by other manifacturers, so a portion of their line isnt even made by them.

in regards to the custom knife, you can do the same with busse combats custom shop.

while busse combat is a production company - there are several factors that have in the past limited there ability to produce blades quickly, or consistently.

the steel that is used is custom made, and every knife is tested after production to ensure that there are no cracks or irregularities in the steel or heat treat. (as was seen in the swamp rat forum in regards to the luminescent liquid used to detect cracks after heat treatment was done). previously there knives were blanchard ground offsite (im not sure if this is still the case, but assume that is).

the knives that are made are all fixed blades, and generally of a larger nature, and require more time and machining then the knives of the companies mentioned above.


this is not meant to say that it is okay to be way over your projected delivery times, but just meant to state that busse combat is not like those companies, and their process's are both more extensive, more expensive, more time consuming, and more thoughough then much of what is seen in other production companies.

when they had a "core line" their wait time was anywhere from 12 months - 3 years. it is now down to around 4 months. so they are progressing in their wait times and reliability in regards to shipment dates.

if busse were to continue to have a core line, much of what is being offered simply would not be feasable, such as the ak47. when your bussiness is 8 months behind schedule on ALL of their main models - there is no room, time, or manpower to extend to special projects like the ak47, and if so it is a rare treat for the customer.




DPris said:
Busse does neither, and for somebody who couldn't care less about buying strictly for name value (it has to be backed up by quality & meet a need) or collecting a wide range of blade types that will never be used, it's an exercise in frustration when trying to get one or two specific knives that are frequently mentioned on this forum, but with such a vague production schedule that it's necessary to just about check daily to try to figure out what's going on. I don't have the time or motivation to do that.
Most of the regulars here are an Internet "family", most enjoy the banter, most like to talk about the knives & look at various photos of them. That's fine, nothing at all wrong with that. Many seem to be Busse collectors, and there's nothing wrong with that, either. I don't fit into any of that, just want to buy a knife that's repeatedly mentioned but shows no signs of appearing for sale. I don't mean to be insulting to anybody in saying that, it's just a fact.
Jerry Busse & Company are obviously successful in selling products, which is again fine, but trying to do business and determine the availability of a particular item on a very vague revolving production schedule with apparently only two models in production at any given time is hard on the guy who just wants a particular knife. With so many models and designs "in the works", but only two actually buyable at any given time, for the non-collector & the non-"family" member looking for one or two high quality tools, it's something of a turnaway.
Jerry does not need to defend or explain his business practices to me, but from my viewpoint I'd think a lot of potential buyers are turned off by them. I realize Busse sells everything it makes, but my impression is that the company might sell more by re-arranging production facilities to produce a small core line of knives in blade sizes and configurations to meet the most common needs & demands for constant availability, and then rotate "special editions" on the side. That would involve a certain expenditure of investment funds to do, but it seems to me the return would be justified in increased sales.
But, I could be wrong. Have been before. :D
Click to expand...

from what i have seen that would require an entirely new shop and machinery, a doubling of employee's, and a completely new production protocol regarding how the company is run. for a period of anywhere from a year to several years the company would be struggling to produce enough blades to keep the backlog from piling as high as a 10-15 year wait, and they might have to completely shut down production for a period of time to accomplish it.

it could be done - but it would be a massive undertaking.

if you consider that the company is currently running at full capacity with only 2 models in production at any given time - consider what they would be like with 6 or 8 core models, and 2 rotating special editions.

like i said, it could be done, but it would be extremely difficult, and it may not be worth the years of frantic struggling to keep things from completely grinding to a halt when the company, as you said, currently sells everything it makes.

getting more busseness is not always a good thing. like having more freshwater then you can use - if it breaks the levies it doesnt matter how good and clean the water is - its more detriment then it is benefit.

obviously this is just my opinion, and not a reflecton of the opinions of busse combat or swamp rat knives.


DPris said:
Cobalt,
Finally got the Fusion Steelheart after a lost order & three times the waiting period initially mentioned. (I do understand glitches occur & Jerry did apologize. :) ) The knife will do exactly what I bought it to do, I have no real complaints about it other than the availability thing. Was hoping for the Battle Mistress as a spare for the heavy-duty category, but time's passing & I'm not getting any younger. :)
A good part of the difference in philosophies here (and I appreciate the absence of "Don't let the door hit you you on the way out" comments :) ) lies in the fact that I'm just looking for a couple specific high quality tools, I don't want to participate in the club (not meaning to be sarcastic), and it makes no difference how good INFI steel is if it's in a blade shape or type that I have no use for. I have more than a passing interest in knives, and certain uses for them, but I don't collect, and I prefer to use my discretionary funds elsewhere. While understanding the passion of those who do collect just to collect, and again not criticizing it, I just don't share it.
Denis
Click to expand...

thats understandable. i had to carve out the blade shape i wanted out of a pre-existing busse model to get what it, becuase i didnt want to wait the 3 years or spend the 1,000$ it would take to get a custom model made.

i want 3 things, and i want them to be able to perform in a certain way. i only know of 3 companies that produce knives that perform in such a way, and busse is the highest quality of the three. because i want the absolute best of the best, i go through whatever motions it takes to get them, sometimes meaning waiting a year and struggling to find the right model, or the right amount of cash to get it.

should i ever find that it isnt worth it anymore, i will certainly default to other companies who make similar quality blades.
 
Jerry Busse said:
As for what's coming, I will tell you that next month's curvy knife ought to knock some socks off. . . .after that, it's all about the return of the "baddest blade in the land":eek: :eek: :D !!!!

Jerry
Click to expand...

Oh my. . . . did he. . . . After curvy. . . .

"Baddest Blade In The Land"!!! a.k.a. FBM

:eek: :D :eek: :D :eek: :D :thumbup:
 
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