BUSSE BOSS Jack VS. ESEE 6 - Your Opinion?

Wood Splitter

Wood Splitter

Joined
Jul 16, 2011
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I have been looking at getting a good quality 6” fixed blade for some time now, and I have come up with two options. An ESEE 6, and a BUSSE BOSS Jack.

I can get the ESEE 6 with a OD sheath in Canada for $170 shipped.

I can get the BOSS Jack without a sheath for $300 shipped from the US. So that means I would have to spend least another $50 to buy a kydex sheath for the BOSS Jack. So that brings the total price up to about $350.

The total cost of the BOSS Jack and sheath is over double the cost of an ESEE 6.

So my question is, should I spend that extra $170 for the BUSSE? Is it really worth that extra money?

Thanks for your help guys.
 
It's all up to you man. Many people don't think Busse is worth the money. I personally think that they are definitely worth the money. The warranty cannot be beat and customer service is the best in the business. Until you try one, you may not understand. I know this from experience.
 
Of the 2 I like the width of the blade better on the esee. The Busse will hold a edge longer though. Both are great knives, if you get the busse you can always make your own kydex sheath for the price of a piece of kydex and some rivits if you have just a few tools. Either way you should get the esee molle back and pouch to go with either knife. Just space your holes the same as the molle back on your kydex.

take it easy
cricket
 
As much as I love my boss jack an esee is almost impossible to beat for the price. Just watch the forums as you can get one on the cheap if your fast enough. Way below $170. I've paid $95-$75 for the ones I've had and most people have no problem sending a camp knife to Canada.
 
nick425 said:
The warranty cannot be beat and customer service is the best in the business. Until you try one, you may not understand. I know this from experience.
Click to expand...
Both companies have top of the line customer service. This is a moot point really.

I'm with cricketdave. The geometry of the blade on the esee seems better by far(wider blade and thinner stock) but that's on paper. Haven't played with either.
 
The BOSS Jack I had felt great in hand, but to me it felt more like a combat tool than a field knife.
Thick stock, fairly steep primary grind, not a wide blade from edge to spine.
The ESEE 6 is one of my all time favorite field knives.
the difference being the BJ could cut, but felt like it was designed for stab/pry/dig type chores with cutting secondary.
The 6 is thinner stock (3/16"), a wider blade, and flat grind all add up to a more efficient cutting tool, but it's still strong enough to handle chopping, prying, etc...
both have different but comfortable handles.
Both have great customer support, staff, and if anything happens to the knife, service -- no advantage to either.
Busse knives don't come with a sheath, the ESEE comes with a very functional and versatile sheath.

Part of the price difference on BUSSE & kin are the fact they are done in limited runs.
In a year or 2 or 5, the BJ will likely still sell for $300, the 6 will still pull in close to $100.

I traded off my Boss Jack and still have the ESEE6.

now in theoretical terms, you might want to liik at the scrapyard 511 or 711 -- they are currently taking orders for these.
both are made of 1/4" thick SR-101 (modified 52100) with the Busse heat treat.
the 511 has a 5.5" blade, the 711 has a 7" or so blade.
the 511s already out in use seem to be getting good reviews.
neither of these comes with a sheath, but the price is very competitive with the ESEE6, even after buying one aftermarket. (I think Azwelke is making 511 sheaths for $35)
according to the scrapyard website, the 511 sells for $90, the 711 sells for $120, shipping is $25 to Canada
They also offer a cordura sheath on the website for $25.
these might be a good alternative to look into.
 
The Boss Jack is possibly my finest single knife and you'd almost certainly enjoy it -but the lack of a sheath is a buzzkill, no way around it. The advice above to check out the Scrapyard 711 sounds pretty legit -I have one on order and it looks like it is going to be one sweet and functional design at a very fair price :thumbup:

Best of luck with your decision.
 
Scrap Yard 511 is 3/16ths thick and the 711 is .25 thick. They use a better steel than ESEE IMO but the handles are not the same. They are less expensive. But IMO don't compare to the ESEE 6. Not necessarily better or worse just different. And a good value for the price.

The Boss Jack is a better steel than the ESEE but you are comparing a semi-custom knife to a production knife.

A better comparison is the Swamprat Ratmandu but it has around a 5 inch blade 3/16ths thick. If you search you can find some Ratmandu proto types with a 6 inch blade.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys! Very much appreciated:)

I think I should mention that I already own a Ratmandu, and I love it, but I am looking for something a bit bigger.

At the moment, I am looking into an ESEE Junglas, any opinions on that? I cant seem to find any negative reviews on it, and it comes with what looks to be the best factory sheathing system on the market.
 
I prefer my boss jack to my esee 6, but I prefer my busse basic 6 le to them all. the basic 6 has the wide blade like the esee6 but way better ergo's and better steel, there is one on the exchange now for a fair price.
 
Junglas is a great knife, and you are right that it has one of the best production sheaths available.
 
In my opinion Busse's INFI is the overall best steel that i know of. That said you will have no problems with the esee
the only difference you will notice is that the Busse will have a bit better corosion resistance there are other reasons infi is better but you woln't notice it unless you are trying to break them on purpose. If you are buying this knife to have incase the world ends or a survival situation then get the busse. If its just for camping or everyday stuff get the esee. your paying the double cost to have the best possible steel you can get.Some people just want the best. Some people want the smartest value. thats the difference in my opinion
 
I have the Junglas. Best 10' knife (not kukri) for another 200 bucks (Busse BWM) and even then it will be tough to tell the diff unless you send them to noss. I agree with the other guy get a Scrapyard 711. maby lessen the edge slightly or give it a convex edge and your golden.
 
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I ended up getting a CG BOSS Jack with a choil and fullers in desert warfare coating, with an Al Welke kydex sheath in desert digi camo. I am loving this blade:thumbup:

I am also pretty sure I am getting a Junglas with sheath for Xmas:D

The edge on my BOSS Jack is pretty thick, and I am thinking about thinning it out. I am probably going to convex it.

Thanks again for the input guys!
 
I'll have to 3rd or 4th the Scrap Yard 711 idea . If you already have a Ratmandu that's 5" , then the 711 would be just the right size up . here are the specs right from their site'

Overall Length: 12.5"
Blade Length: 7 3/8"
Thickness: Approx: 1/4"
Steel: SR-101 / 58-60 Rc
Handle: Resiprene C

Blade Width: 1-3/4"
Grind: Ultra Convex Saber Grind
Finish: Black


That to me looks like a great choise for the price .
 
IMO off the shelf the ESSE 6 works a little better do to the thinner blade. But once I took the BJ to the belt and knocked the shoulders down a bit it is pretty close. No doubt INFI holds an edge longer but I have pounded the ESSE as hard as any Busse and it held up well. The BJ is a little thicker and yet more compact and holds its value. The ESSE is the right price and in stock. They both have a lifetime warranty. Its a tough one. Good luck
 
nick425 said:
It's all up to you man. Many people don't think Busse is worth the money. I personally think that they are definitely worth the money. The warranty cannot be beat and customer service is the best in the business. Until you try one, you may not understand. I know this from experience.
Click to expand...








The warranty on the ESEE is even better than the one on the Busse.
 
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