- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 2,101
Warning: The following photo pictorial and comments will offend you if you are a Busse safe queen collector or someone who doesn't believe in modding knives. For those of you who like knives with serious function and purpose driven design, read ahead!
A while back, I purchased a Busse Anniversary Steel Heart from a fellow forum member, Longbeachguy. The knife as is from the factory was 3/16" thick and had the magnum thick handle slabs on it. It was coated black and the edge left me wanting more. Call me a convex and scandi slut if you want but I need an edge that pops hair and is still strong enough for woods use.
That being said, the knife began its conversion. First and foremost, I wanted to remove the grooves on the handle slabs. I'm not partial to ridges or any points that might cause hot spots. Out came the sand paper and away they went.
Next, I brought the knife to a gunshop I work for from time to time for fun. I used their bead blasting tank and removed the black coating. I personally don't like it and enjoy the feel of bare steel to painted finishes. The coating came right off with ease. Thanks JoJos Gunworks!
Finally, I took Siguy (Simon) up on his offer to sharpen some blades for me. I stopped by his shop and he did a number on this blade. First he made the rounded factory spine 90 degrees on his belt grinder and made it throw sparks like crazy. Then, he convexed the edge and put an almost mirror finish on it with his belt grinder, scotchbrite wheel and homemade (controversial) cardboard polishing wheel.
The end result, a Busse that is a pure performer!
3/16" in my opinion is an optimal cutting thickness for big blades. Too thick, and the blade binds, too thin and there isn't enough heft. This is just right. The medium sized blade is now a great vehicle blade or one to throw in my pack when I know larger blade chores will be par for the course. All in all, I'm happy with the transformation thus far.
Now, the real test will be the Winter Survival Course I'm teaching this Sunday through next Friday. You guys will have to wait for pics to see how it performs in the field. Don't you hate it when I tease you like this?!
A while back, I purchased a Busse Anniversary Steel Heart from a fellow forum member, Longbeachguy. The knife as is from the factory was 3/16" thick and had the magnum thick handle slabs on it. It was coated black and the edge left me wanting more. Call me a convex and scandi slut if you want but I need an edge that pops hair and is still strong enough for woods use.
That being said, the knife began its conversion. First and foremost, I wanted to remove the grooves on the handle slabs. I'm not partial to ridges or any points that might cause hot spots. Out came the sand paper and away they went.
Next, I brought the knife to a gunshop I work for from time to time for fun. I used their bead blasting tank and removed the black coating. I personally don't like it and enjoy the feel of bare steel to painted finishes. The coating came right off with ease. Thanks JoJos Gunworks!
Finally, I took Siguy (Simon) up on his offer to sharpen some blades for me. I stopped by his shop and he did a number on this blade. First he made the rounded factory spine 90 degrees on his belt grinder and made it throw sparks like crazy. Then, he convexed the edge and put an almost mirror finish on it with his belt grinder, scotchbrite wheel and homemade (controversial) cardboard polishing wheel.
The end result, a Busse that is a pure performer!
3/16" in my opinion is an optimal cutting thickness for big blades. Too thick, and the blade binds, too thin and there isn't enough heft. This is just right. The medium sized blade is now a great vehicle blade or one to throw in my pack when I know larger blade chores will be par for the course. All in all, I'm happy with the transformation thus far.
Now, the real test will be the Winter Survival Course I'm teaching this Sunday through next Friday. You guys will have to wait for pics to see how it performs in the field. Don't you hate it when I tease you like this?!
:thumbup:
