I just rec'd Busse's pamphlets in the mail. Don't have either, so I'm just reiterating printed info: the BM appears to have a beefier (slightly wider) blade and full-tang, which amounts to 19 oz listed weight. The Basic #9 is listed at 14 oz -- so the weight diff is pretty significant.
While both blades measure 9.5", the BM's handle (and OAL) is longer: 6" handle / 15.5" OAL for the BM, 5.25" handle / 14.75" OAL for the #9.
The BM also has a legit finger-choil, while the Basic #9 doesn't.
These differences pretty much apply to the Steel Heart 2 vs Basic #7 (although the SH2 also has a 7.5" vs 7" blade...)
Folks who use both or either can speak to performance. My guess is that, for "everyday" uses (what do you use a 9.5" blade for everyday?!), there probably isn't an appreciable difference. But I'd be curious to hear whether the presumable increase in high-stress performance is worth the price diff between the BM and #9 -- or whether the design differences noted above, in themselves, justify the price diff for the BM's owners/users?
Just curious --
Glen
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"What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding?" -Elvis Costello
