Battle Mistress - Understanding and Buying!

Grimspoon

Grimspoon

Basic Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2007
Messages
2,198
Hey guys,

I'm new to Busse knives and after browsing this forum for a bit I can tell I'm dealing with a very helpful bunch! So hopefully nobody minds if I ask a totally noob-ish question...

Anyhow, after falling in love with Busse knives, I knew what I needed to buy. A Battle Mistress!

What I want to know is, is there a difference between a Fat Fusion Battle Mistress and a Fat Flat Fusion Battle Mistress?

Are all the current e-handle BM I see in the selling forums Combat Grade, even if it doesn't say so? Is CG the lowest / default model avail? I want something more premium, what should I be watching for?

Which is the most desirable micarta handle type in terms of fabric used? Anything I should try to avoid?

One way or another, I'm gonna end up with a BM in my collection. No other way about it! I would love to make the most informed purchase I can, and with my Xmas bonus just around the corner, I can buy myself something retarded-expensive guilt free!

(Also, might as well get this out of the way - whats the right way to pronounce Busse?)
 
I can't wait for the answer...the only Busse I want is the FBM...so I wait with baited newb breath...OH...I believe its BUS...EEE
 
I'm new to Busse knives and after browsing this forum for a bit I can tell I'm dealing with a very helpful bunch! So hopefully nobody minds if I ask a totally noob-ish question...

You'll find we're prettty helpful. :D

Anyhow, after falling in love with Busse knives, I knew what I needed to buy. A Battle Mistress!
Smart man.


What I want to know is, is there a difference between a Fat Fusion Battle Mistress and a Fat Flat Fusion Battle Mistress?
No. The same blade. (Hmmmm... I think.) Unlike the original order Fusion Battle Mistress, the Fat Flat FBM was a special from the company store (as opposed to the company website.) The Fat Flat FBM has no CBT (Corrugated Bevel Technology) and is thicker than the CG FBM. The Limited Edition (LE) was satin, fat and flat grind. **Actually, the two different terms would make sense if one was sabre and the other flat grind. As it is, I think all FFBMs were saber. I could be wrong... sure wouldn't be the first time... today.**

Are all the current e-handle BM I see in the selling forums Combat Grade, even if it doesn't say so?
Unless it says LE, Custom Shop, or Variant (also, Custom Shop), or MilOverrun... I think, yes.
Is CG the lowest / default model avail?
Pretty much. Some limited number miloverrun have been cheaper than CGs, but sometimes are sold aftermarket for more $$ due to scarcity. CG used to simply mean non-LE and non-Custom Shop.
I want something more premium, what should I be watching for?
Man... I can't answer that one for you. Do you just plan to collect or use?

Which is the most desirable micarta handle type in terms of fabric used?
Purely in micarta? Probably snakeskin or black paper. Lots of G10 out now too.
Anything I should try to avoid?
Going too deeply in debt.

One way or another, I'm gonna end up with a BM in my collection. No other way about it! I would love to make the most informed purchase I can, and with my Xmas bonus just around the corner, I can buy myself something retarded-expensive guilt free!

(Also, might as well get this out of the way - whats the right way to pronounce Busse?)
"Bus" like school bus and "E" like... Eeeeek! Bus-E
 
CG is the Combat Grade you see a lot of. They are usually coated blades and unnumbered. All the BM-e's I see in the exchange are CG.

There are exceptions, for example you can get some CG blades in double cut, like the mini sus scrofa & you can request a Limited Edition blade to be sterile without the numbers.

The FFBM has been referred to as the Fat Fusion Battle Mistress or the Fat Flat Fusion Battle Mistress. They are one and the same.

I have a CGFBM with G10 & FFBM with both G10 and Linen Micarta. I like them all, but find that the linen micarta feels a little softer. No idea if that is true though.

And ANY Busse is a premium blade! :D:thumbup:
 
The combat grade is the base model Battle Mistress but with a camo blade coating and magnum G-10 grips, they could get quite expensive.

I think the Fat Flat FBM is the least desireable. The extra mass doesn't do anything for me, a CG is heavy enough.

For premium models, there is the LE, .320" thick full flat grind satin finish and magnum tigerhide handle, the 2007 SE, .270" thick high sabre grind, double cut bead blast finish with black and grey (?) G-10 slabs, the Prototypes, .320" thick full flat grind, satin finish FSH or recurve bowie profile with hand shaped G-10 grips.

There are also the Muddy CG's and a few FFFBM combinations that are more rare than others but that's a matter of taste and scarcity rather than being a "premium" FBM.

Watch the BCS, you might be able to get a "premium" FBM at list price.
 
Wow, thanks for the quick responses!

I'll probably just be "collecting" as my every day use knife is just an avg folder (not gonna name names, but it's shit - have a BM 710 on the way which I'll be recieving for xmas as a replacement).

The CBT (Corrugated Bevel Technology) are the ones that have the lines running down the length of the blade, right? Do those actually serve any purpose, or are they merely decorative?

Edit: What is the thickness of the FFBM vs the CGFBM?
 
I myself have wondered about the FFFBM. Seems some people add an extra F than need be if in fact it is actually saber ground and not flat ground.There really need be only F (fat),F (fusion), Battle Mistress if this is the case..unless I am wrong(which is very possible).
 
See how many beat me to it while I was blabbering!
Grimspoon:

First of all welcome to the family and kiss your Christmas bonus and all other paychecks goodbye!:D You have fallen prey to an addiction worst than all drugs known to man. And to be a true addict we need to clear up your last question first. Busse is pronounced like fussy or Bus-E. Now onto the good stuff.

In case I make a mistake there are plenty of HOGs here that know a hell of a lot more than I ever will about Busse knives. They will chime in, but you get to deal with me first. Most of the folks here are top notch and will help with any and all questions. Don't be afraid to ask.

My first Busse was a CGFBM (Combat Grade Fusion Battle Mistress) that I purchased directly from the shop about a year ago, right before they were pulled from the website. The CGFBM is the model with the Corrugated Bevel Technology (CBT) running along the length of the blade. CG models are the base models from which you can typically choose the type of blade finish that is available for that model, the type of handle material, which in most instances is Micarta or G-10, and the handle color. Some options cost more than others. G-10 and Snakeskin Micarta are more expensive generally.

The Fat or Fat Flat FBM are the same model I believe. They were Busse Company Store exclusives and do not have the CBT. They are thicker, aka "fatter" than the CGFBMs, with the high sabre ground of the CGFBM. Flat means no CBT in this instance. You'll notice that anything FAT is usually highly sought after by many HOGS. Fatties get a lot of respect around here. For handling in the field many prefer the CGFBM because it is a bit lighter, thus making it more user friendly, tending not to tire the swinger out as easy. But there are others who wouldn't be caught dead without there FFFBM strapped to their side. It's a personal preference for sure.

The BM-E (E for ergo) is the handle style that preceded the Fusion handle we see on FBMs today. I like the E handle, but it's not a favorite of all. The BM-E is a more sleek verion of the BM with rather straight, parallel lines along the top and bottom edge of the blade. I've never handled one, but I think they would be easy swingers over the long haul. There are several other BM-E versions that are more "premium". The ZT (Zero Tolerance) series of Ergos are satin finished with tan canvas? Micarta handles, the blades are 3/16th" thick, have zero edge geometry and a swedge grind at the tip. Only 400 BMs were made, I believe. They are very popular with collectors and aren't that easy to come by. If you find one expect to pay for it. For more info see: http://homepage.mac.com/zombiekiller/badmojo/zt.html

There is also the Aftershock Bolo which is a BM-E with a recurved blade, satin finished with black paper? Micarta handles. As with all the E series blades the handle slabs feature the quilted diamond pattern milling. More info and pics here: http://homepage.mac.com/zombiekiller/badmojo/bolo.html

As far as Micarta goes there are three types of fabric used: canvas (roughest texture), linen (slightly rough) and paper (relatively smooth). The way the Micarta is milled also has a lot to do with how it feels in the hand. It can be sanded smooth as well. I would say the canvas is the most common, with linen and paper being more rare in that order. They are all tough, so again it is a personal preference.

If I were you I would try to get my hands on a CGFBM or FFFBM as they are probably the easiest to come by and will cost you the least (at this time). Busses are known to hold there value even after being used. Some of the older production models are VERY expensive. Customs are VERY VERY expensive. They are around, but not common typically.

Good luck with your search for the perfect BM. It's a killer blade that chops like mad.

More Busse info can be found at the following:

www.bussecollector.com
http://homepage.mac.com/zombiekiller/badmojo/index.html
and of course by using the search option in Bladeforums.

Hope this was helpful. I'm sure there will be more opinions and facts to follow.
 
shigawire4sure said:
I myself have wondered about the FFFBM. Seems some people add an extra F than need be if in fact it is actually saber ground and not flat ground.There really need be only F (fat),F (fusion), Battle Mistress if this is the case..unless I am wrong(which is very possible).
Click to expand...

I think when people refer to the "Flat" in FFFBM, there aren't referring to the grind but the lack of CBT.
 
Grimspoon said:
Wow, thanks for the quick responses!

I'll probably just be "collecting" as my every day use knife is just an avg folder (not gonna name names, but it's shit - have a BM 710 on the way which I'll be recieving for xmas as a replacement).

The CBT (Corrugated Bevel Technology) are the ones that have the lines running down the length of the blade, right? Do those actually serve any purpose, or are they merely decorative?

Edit: What is the thickness of the FFBM vs the CGFBM?
Click to expand...

The CBT is supposed to strengthen the blade and may also serve to reduce friction between the blade and material being cut so that it falls away without sticking. I don't know why you would need to make a 1/4 thick piece of INFI stronger, but hey, Jerry says so.

All CGFBMs are .25" thick. FBMLEs are .312" thick. FFFBMs are .32" thick. CG BM-Es are .25". ZTBMs are .187" thick.

If you are going to lock this one in a safe I suggest looking for a ZTBM in mint condition. I believe there are several (up to three?) types of swedge grinds that were used on this model. Also the Aftershock BOLO is a sweet looking variation. Or try to find an FBMLE with the thick satin finished blade and killer tigerhide Micarta (available only on LE models).
 
shigawire4sure said:
I myself have wondered about the FFFBM. Seems some people add an extra F than need be if in fact it is actually saber ground and not flat ground.There really need be only F (fat),F (fusion), Battle Mistress if this is the case..unless I am wrong(which is very possible).
Click to expand...

I've seen it as both FFBM and FFFBM. They are the same AFAIK. Fat Flat or Fat Flat Fusion or Freakin' Fat Flat. They are all full-height flat (not saber) grind and fatter than the CGFBM.
 
At one point I spotted a FFBM in the selling forums that also had the OD designation.

I looked up OD on a Busse abbreviation and acronym page - which I beleive means it's an "Off Duty" model?

Does that mean it's suppsoed to be 3/8" (0.375)? instead of 0.32?
 
mike biz said:
The CBT is supposed to strengthen the blade and may also serve to reduce friction between the blade and material being cut so that it falls away without sticking. I don't know why you would need to make a 1/4 thick piece of INFI stronger, but hey, Jerry says so.
Click to expand...

I can't speak from stress testing any of these blades, but fluting, of which CBT is a type, increases rigidity, not strength. You can get similar rigidity at lower weight with flutes, but there is no free lunch; strength will be lower, in general, than the thicker material without flutes.

As for reducing friction, eh, maybe. I'd rather have a full convex grind. The CBT sure looks cool, though!
 
Grimspoon said:
At one point I spotted a FFBM in the selling forums that also had the OD designation.

I looked up OD on a Busse abbreviation and acronym page - which I beleive means it's an "Off Duty" model?

Does that mean it's suppsoed to be 3/8" (0.375)? instead of 0.32?
Click to expand...

No, it means Olive Drab in this, and most, contexts.
 
The Mistress of any variation is an awesome piece of INFI. I have used the BM-E, FBM, and FFBM. Thus far, the FFBM wins hands down. The extra weight just isn't a big deal to me. But I do like how it feels when swinging that baby. I think it's a personal thing.

Just get one and try it out. You can always trade it or sale it for approx. what you bought it for. Even used. Good luck and remember to post pics. :)
 
Grimspoon said:
At one point I spotted a FFBM in the selling forums that also had the OD designation.

I looked up OD on a Busse abbreviation and acronym page - which I beleive means it's an "Off Duty" model?

Does that mean it's suppsoed to be 3/8" (0.375)? instead of 0.32?
Click to expand...

OD stands for Olive Drab which is the blade coating color. Busse offers most CG models in a variety of blade finishes. It was probably an OD/Green Linen handled version. They are very nice looking.

The Off Duty is a variation of the Active Duty, a small EDC sized blade. The OD is like a sharpened railroad spike and very few (around 12 were made). Very thick, very rare, very expensive and for most practical field applications, not very useful. Unless you want to stab through a charging elephant's head.
 
b-square said:
I can't speak from stress testing any of these blades, but fluting, of which CBT is a type, increases rigidity, not strength. You can get similar rigidity at lower weight with flutes, but there is no free lunch; strength will be lower, in general, than the thicker material without flutes.

As for reducing friction, eh, maybe. I'd rather have a full convex grind. The CBT sure looks cool, though!
Click to expand...

Ah, rigidity. I knew someone would know the right answer. Thanks for the clarification.
 
Damn, this has been super informative! I think I have a pretty solid basis to make an informed puchase decision now.

I think there's a few others who wanted to have some of these questiones cleared up as well, so i'm glad I asked. I think I'm pretty much done asking - but if anyone else has more questions (better questions!) - or even general information that they'd like to contribute to this thread, by all means!

Thanks guys!
 
mike biz said:
They are all full-height flat (not saber) grind
Click to expand...

I had this one (photo is Lunde's though)... FFBM but with a saber grind.


fat-cgfbm-desertsage-1.jpg


The LE was full-height flat.

lefbm-260-1.jpg


And the CG...

pm-sgrey-blktan.jpg
 
The FFFBM is a sabre grind, the primary grind of the blade does not go all the way to the spine, so far only the FBM LE and prototypes are full flat ground.

The CG's are a bit less than .250". The CBT might make the knife stiffer than an equivalent weight sabre ground knife but it's more than stiff enough already, a sabre grind would have been fine for me.
 
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