Busse and Fehrman comparisons....

corwise

corwise

Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
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People often ask about Busse vs Fehrman, and since I just received my first Fehrman this week, a Last Chance, I thought I'd give a brief comparison. The closest Busse to the Last Chance (that I own at least) is the Badger Attack LE.


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The numbers:

Fehrman Last Chance (from their web site)
Blade Size : 5.5" x 1.68" x .25"
Overall Length : 11"
Steel : CPM-3V
Hardness : 57-59 Rc
Handle : Linen Micarta, Cushioned
Standard Cost : $ 240

Busse Badger Attack LE (from Busse Collector Web site)
Blade Size : 5" x .25"
Overall Length : 10.75"
Steel : INFI
Hardness : 58-60 Rc
Handle : Micarta
Standard Cost : $ 397

I have no professional skills/tools to truely compare these knives, but some overall impressions. They're obviously both about the same size, thick heavy knives. I've read in the past that the fit/finish is usually better on Ferhmans, but while the Fehrman is very nice, but Busse isn't bad at all, so no real winner there. The Busse does feel a bit heavier to me, don't have anything to get an exact weight. I like the weight, but it is a bit much on my belt. I took them both out back and used them as choppers and to split some wood. Both worked fine, cutting through oak and hickory logs without any problems. The Busse worked a little faster as a chopper, but not by much.

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Busses of course never come with a sheath, so I had to order a Spec Ops sheath in addition to the knive. Fehrman sells leather and kydex sheaths on their web site, and I ordered a leather one with my knife. I don't like it at all, and ordered another Spec Ops sheath today. It's just huge, not sure why, but my advice would be to just get a Spec Ops (it fits nicely) or the kydex.

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Overall, they're both extremely well made knives that initially at least perform very well. I'll continue to use them and let you know if I have any problems, but I seriously doubt that I'll have any. Both of these knives are well made and have great reputations. The cost difference is significant (especially since you now have to buy the Badger Attack on the secondary market), and that will probably influence a lot of folks. Personnally I'll be buying several more of each brand in the future.

Any questions or requests for pics let me know.

Dave
 
Thanks for the pictures and review! They are both great companies, I look forward to hearing more as you test them long-term!
 
nice review Dave. You better bring that Fehrman to dinner tomorrow night!!!!

I gotta handle that one!

Take care,
Brett
 
Coincidently, the 2 knives I have coming to me, are a BATACLE, and a Fehrman Peace Keeper.:D
 
Good review and pics. Thanks. I really want to try a Fehrman sooner or later. Handle wise, I am thinking that the Busse BA-E would be a tad closer for comparison. The Ergo handles are thicker than the TAC handles. Great knives either way. ;)
 
Is the Fehrman completely flat ground? Did you notice any difference between the flat grind and the saber when batoning?
 
The LE badger attacks are full flat ground. The CGs are sabre ground, but are from thinner stock. Rumor has it that the geometry of the CG would be identical to the LE if from the same thickness of stock, and flat ground, ie the angles of the primary grinds are the same.
 
Ok, having had a BATACLE (for one day) It's WAY bigger than it looks in pictures. A larger hand is needed but mostly for the way the TAC handles are shaped. Someday I hope to handle a Last Chance, but I'd be very wary to purchase one without having it in hand.:(
 
Great pics and review. I've got a smaller Fehrman and love it... Had a BATAC and sold it... great blade, but I feel the balance is way off. Too much handle for that size blade, at least for me.

I have 6 other Busse's that I really like and don't plan on selling...

Don't think either would be a bad purchase of they fit your hands and needs.
 
Both great brands of knives, I have the Fehrman First strike and Shadow Scout and 11 Busses. The First Strike handle is a little on the big side for me, but still works ok, the shadow scout has a very small handle, but works fine and does make it very compack and slim.
 
I had a chance to hang out with Corwise and he brought both the Fehrman and the badger. I have to say I liked the Fehrman a bit more in the hand. It had a really cool feel in terms of the lines of the blade and the handle.

Both great knives though!
Brett
 
Yeah, the Fehrman leather sheath is way too big. I do not like it at all...

For original price comparison, probably the Satin Last Chance @ $280 would be closer, but the price difference is still considerable either way...
 
Let us know how the Spec Ops sheath for the Fehrman works out. I would like to see some pics of it if possible. Great review. I love my Fehrman blades!
 
Thru Hiker didnt feel right to me, the curve in the handle was to pronounced. Maybe it had scales it would be better. YMMV.
 
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