Busse and Bark river

All of my fixed blade knives are Busses. Pretty much any need I will have can be met by one of my knives. I like the Barkies, but find the Busses to be more aesthetically appealing. If I were to pick up something along the lines of a Barkie it would probably be a Koster Bushcraft, but for right now my SFNO and GW will be a great combo.
 
moonwilson said:
Both companies make great, highly addictive knives. Busse's are generally bigger and tougher, Barkies are generally smaller and more highly finished. Busse's are basically indestructible, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Barkies are much more traditional, and generally have better out of the box edges.

Both companies make useful, durable knives that can be used in outdoorsy/ survival/ military environments. Both companies have excellent reputations, and are run by highly enthusiastic individuals who value the feedback of their end line users.
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Exactly! Both are execellent knives, and great companies. :thumbup:
 
Fair rebuttals by all. I think for me what it comes down to is selection. Bark River keeps a variety of their options on the primary market, while Busse only does a couple knives at a time.

Personally, I like having options instead of paying double retail to find what I want. I also prefer the looks of the Bark Rivers, but aesthetics mean everything to one knife nut and nothing to the next. Thats all up to preference.

Bark River knives are definitely not built to withstand the abuse that a Busse can handle, but they can out cut some of the Busse line (thick blades in any profile, of any steel, are less efficient cutters than thin blades). Bark River makes some wicked slicers.

At the end of the discussion, I have to agree with the posts of most everyone, but I personally wont wait or pay high prices because of a limited run item. Id rather get more bang for my buck (more knives in my collection). I think we can all agree that without the vast popularity of the Busse name, their knives would be much more affordable and easily attainable. They have done very well for themselves in the market and built an amazing vocal fan base. Excellent business strategy. Maximize profits through limited market release.

If you see a Busse that you like and can afford, by all means pick one up. The reputation alone will make it a positive experience, and you can always double your money a year after purchase. From my limited knowledge of after market values, no knife on the gains value as quick as a Busse.
 
Sorry for some of the answers you have got...some guys.

Busse uses INFI steel and BR uses A2. Busse uses many grinds while BR uses canvex grinds.

They are both quality knives and have many knives for whatever situation you have. Busse is one of the toughest money can buy. Are you going to be doing heavy prying?

Some of their models are very similar for there intended use. Just really depends what you are going to do.
 
It would be more fair to compare Bark River and Chris Reeve, they both use A2 steel on many of their models, are approximately in the same price-range (MSRP, but Barkies can be bought for almost half that because their dealers do not have to comply with a MAP, contrary to CRK dealers), and although very different in style and design, they still look like they come from the same planet...
 
Busse has INFI---the overall BEST performing steel.
I also recommend A2. My Leu blades are super sharp and cut for a long time.
 
yoda4561 said:
I look at it like this. They're both tasty, but kangaroo is tougher and harder to get.:D
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I like this answer.:p

Lots of good responses in this thread,:thumbup: I have nothing to add other than Fehrman vs Busse is probably more of a fair comparison.:D
 
I don't know why this thread got ressurected, but a friend of mine has several Bark Rivers and I have Busses. There is one overriding factor for me that would prevent me from ever owning a Barkie, although they appear to be well-made, capable knives.

The handles are simply too darn small.
 
I have a busse , i do not like it , i know i could probably drive it into a cross tie with a hammer and not hurt it , but it absolutely does not cut like A2 . Good high carbon or s30v or s90v etc. cuts ALOT better. INFI loses that toothy edge really fast while it does hold the profile better than anything . This dont help you when you are skinning and deboning and your in a hurry, but if i was going to pry my car door open it is just the ticket.
 
elkpro1 said:
I have a busse , i do not like it , i know i could probably drive it into a cross tie with a hammer and not hurt it , but it absolutely does not cut like A2 . Good high carbon or s30v or s90v etc. cuts ALOT better. INFI loses that toothy edge really fast while it does hold the profile better than anything . This dont help you when you are skinning and deboning and your in a hurry, but if i was going to pry my car door open it is just the ticket.
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What Busse do you have? If you don't mind me asking.:D
 
A Cultellus is a very thin knife not only by Busse standards but is around the same thickness as many other production knives. Mine holds an edge very long, just as long as my A2 blades but I do not fell like I could stab it through a cross tie either.

elkpro1 said:
Cultilus custom
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I think as far as fixed blades bark river is above and beyond chris reeve. Also I find alot of busse designs to be not as practical and not nearly as factory sharp as bark river. But I have about 12 or so busse variations and only one barkie. It is a bravo 1 it is one of my favorite knives but not alot of there other designs appeal to me. So although I am extremely impressed by the bark river I have I am content with the one. It is nearly perfect. I have an
hg55 on the way and have very high hopes though. Bottom line awesome knives either way (but don't forget fallkniven:D)



LorenzoL said:
It would be more fair to compare Bark River and Chris Reeve, they both use A2 steel on many of their models, are approximately in the same price-range (MSRP, but Barkies can be bought for almost half that because their dealers do not have to comply with a MAP, contrary to CRK dealers), and although very different in style and design, they still look like they come from the same planet...
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elkpro1 said:
So buy a Bark River and a Silky pocket saw and save your money.
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Well, if you're going to resort to the 'save your money' style of response, I've got one word for you that'll knock the BRKT right out of your post, Mora! I mean, why go half way and save a little when you can save a LOT?;)

Regards,
3G
 
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