Blade Coatings?

C

Cadman2008

Joined
Apr 20, 2010
Messages
111
Hi guys, first post, long time lurker.

I'm looking at getting a nice user (not from the scalpers that buy to sell, but when Busse bring out a 6 ish inch bladed knife next time), but it seems that there are no options for clean blade except limited edition models. Is that a mistake or is it intended?

If it IS intended, why?

Just curious, I can't see the point in buying a blade that I have to bead blast if I want it to look reasonable, or paying almost 2x the price for a LE.
 
(this is my first post, I too have been lurking for a while.)
my understanding of why there are the coated blades and then the really expensive Limited Edition ones, is that the level of work required to coat a blade is drastically lower than what's required to but even a basic satin or bead blast finish. a Satin or BB finish which would have to be done one blade at a time, to make sure that the finish is even and without flaws, whereas coated blades can be done in large batches, and the coatings themselves can cover a multitude of imperfections that would have to corrected for a satin finish.

Hope that helps.
 
They have releases in competition, satin and DC finishes...the SAR 4 and 8 werent even offered in coated blades. For example there is also a recent CF BWM, and DC BJ protos and both were available in the ganzaa and for preorder at knob creek. You just have to keep your eye out, but don't think the secondary market is bad, in fact its just the opposite if you are looking for past models in new condition.
 
My suggestion is if you don't want a coated blade, just buy one and strip it. The raw infi is awesome under the coating. Easy to do too :)

Here's a shot of my ASH1 before and after...

ASH1s.jpg


ASH1t.jpg


IMGP2190a.jpg


IMGP2192a.jpg
 
Cadman2008 said:
Hi guys, first post, long time lurker.

I'm looking at getting a nice user (not from the scalpers that buy to sell, but when Busse bring out a 6 ish inch bladed knife next time), but it seems that there are no options for clean blade except limited edition models. Is that a mistake or is it intended?

If it IS intended, why?

Just curious, I can't see the point in buying a blade that I have to bead blast if I want it to look reasonable, or paying almost 2x the price for a LE.
Click to expand...

Welcome!

Yes, many of us wish that satin or DCBB was a more frequent option, without having to pony up for the luxe LE version. As answered above, the Combat Grade (coated knives) get little in the way of finishing before the paint covers up the ugliness. So some of us will strip our new blades upon receipt, and hand sand, or use a belt grinder, or (I wish) a blast cabinet. So it goes.

If you were looking for a 6 incher, I hope you got in on the 'Ganzaa Sunday night for the BOSS Jack. Just what you wanted, no?
 
Last edited:
resinguy said:
Welcome!

Yes, many of us wish that satin or DCBB was a more frequent option, without having to pony up for the luxe LE version. As answered above, the Competition Grade (coated knives) get little in the way of finishing before the paint covers up the ugliness. So some of us will strip our new blades upon receipt, and hand sand, or use a belt grinder, or (I wish) a blast cabinet. So it goes.

If you were looking for a 6 incher, I hope you got in on the 'Ganzaa Sunday night for the BOSS Jack. Just what you wanted, no?
Click to expand...

It pretty much was, but I did a whoopsie on the time conversion and instead was out for a bush walk with my 4 yr old when the go call came :( I thought I was back with about 15 minutes to spare, but when I checked the forum there was 4 pages of posts in the go thread. Ah well, next time I guess :p

The little busse logo on them, do they survive the beadblasting?
 
RobStanley said:
My suggestion is if you don't want a coated blade, just buy one and strip it. The raw infi is awesome under the coating. Easy to do too :)

Here's a shot of my ASH1 before and after...

ASH1s.jpg


ASH1t.jpg


IMGP2190a.jpg


IMGP2192a.jpg
Click to expand...

Can I ask what method you used to strip it? Ie. how did you keep the busse logo? (I'm a showoff - I want to keep the logo)
 
Strip it if ya want.! ! Use it !! We will know what kinda knife you got.!!
If you arent sure after that, send to Wauson Ohio and that bunch up
there will let you know.!!
 
Welcome guys, you could always go with an Ash-1 like in Rob's pic. Its a great all around knife and comes in three different thicknesses. As for the second hand market, I've bought several knives at the same price as when Busse released them 2 or 3 years ago. So you just have to shop around, there are still deals to be had. Also Busse releases knives quite often at shop prices, which are hard to beat. Good luck and enjoy, :thumbup:
 
Cadman2008 said:
Can I ask what method you used to strip it? Ie. how did you keep the busse logo? (I'm a showoff - I want to keep the logo)
Click to expand...

Yes you can! I did it with ordinary old 2 pak paint thinner. Just melted it right off. The handles weren't affected at all either. I did use an old toothbrush in the little nooks and crannies, but it was very easy to remove.

The Busse logo is put on the blade with a laser I believe, so it's actually 'engraved' in the steel. The only way you'll get rid of that is to grind it off. So you'll be fine! :thumbup:
 
resinguy said:
Welcome!

As answered above, the Competition Grade (coated knives) get little in the way of finishing before the paint covers up the ugliness.
Click to expand...

Did you mean Combat Grade? I thought Comp grade was unfinished, but unsatined.

Cadman, often times there is an SE version which is satin but not numbered. It generally goes for less than the LE versions. The SAR-8 is an example. I think its SE version was about $150 less than the LE. Basically you just have to keep your eyes open. What you want IS out there.

...then... as some have mentioned you can find a coated blade and strip it. There are forum members who can do a beautiful satin job for about $60.
 
Great replies, thanks a lot guys :)

RobStanley, thanks for that info. I'll give my future user a bit of a go without cleaning the coating off first, since it's so easy to do.

d762nato, I'm still struggling to come to terms with what all these different blades are and how to tell what is what. In the for sale section tho there are some fantastic looking ash's, just no info on blade length / thickness. I'm gradually going through the google list of Busse links to see if there is an up to date info page on what they all are, but it's time consuming to say the least (not computer savvy enough I think :) )

adrock1978 - hanging out for the new options on the busse store to see what's what. The battle mistress is just too large and heavy when a smaller blade + hatchet would probably do better for most camping duties. That being said, I caved and ordered a boss street tonight because I don't have a knife yet. Except an old "Silver Moose" folder I got when I was 13, 20 something yrs ago. Since it seems that busse knives are virtually heirlooms with regards to their toughness, I'm sure my young bloke would be able to use it when he gets a bit older :)

Btw, West Australian here - the most isolated capital city in the world. Great for bushwalking, not so great for prompt deliveries to and from overseas :p but I will keep the satin job in mind for later
 
Welcome guys!!! Well, nothing to say here that hadn't already been touched on. What ever you get and do, you will enjoy the steel. Afterall, the INFI is what it's all about anyway.
 
resinguy said:
Welcome to you, too!

10 months is a long time to lurk! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
yeah, I check in from time to time, but I generally have to stay away so I'm only occasionally overcome with desire for things I can't afford.

posts like what RobStanley did to his ASH-1 (which is my first Busse) inspire me to strip one of my swamp rat waki's and make some custom scales... maybe some time this summer.
 
adrock1978 said:
Did you mean Combat Grade? I thought Comp grade was unfinished, but unsatined.
Click to expand...

You are correct, thanks. Edited above.

Cadman2008 said:
d762nato, I'm still struggling to come to terms with what all these different blades are and how to tell what is what. In the for sale section tho there are some fantastic looking ash's, just no info on blade length / thickness. I'm gradually going through the google list of Busse links to see if there is an up to date info page on what they all are, but it's time consuming to say the least (not computer savvy enough I think :) )
Click to expand...

google up:

Busse collector
Hog Cult
Bad Mojo busse

All users can now search on BladeForums. Try searching the Busse forum, with keyword 'strip' or 'naked' in the thread title. There are many tutorials here on how to do this.
 
resinguy said:
google up:

Busse collector
Hog Cult
Bad Mojo busse
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Was on the tip of my tongue. Very good resources for Busse Knife specs and pictures.

...and give stripping and sanding a shot. You probably wont get a mirrored polished finish by hand sanding, but you'll get impressive results. I've done it twice and I'm happy with both.

Here is my Skinny Ash-1

ASH-1
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top