Busse Combat Basic 5/7?

mjoury · Apr 18, 2001

I have been considering one of these knives as my next purchase. I know that this is a very subjective question but for anyone who has considered it and made a choice (or for that matter anyone with opinions on the subject) which one did you choose? What were your deciding factors, etc. I will be using this knife as a utility knife around the house, as a carry knife during back country hikes, etc., and it will be the knife I throw in my flight bag on cross country flights (so in a worst case scenario it could turn into a survival knife).

Also, in general what do people think about the Busse Combat Basic series and are there any other knives I should consider in addition to these? I would like to keep this purchase in the sub $200 range so don't go suggesting $500+ custom jobs

.

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Marwan

sgtmike88 · Apr 18, 2001

I've had a Busse basic 5, and although it was one of the finest blades I've had the pleasure to own, the handles were too small for my large sized mitts. I've since sold it and have moved on to the Becker lineup. I prefer the large, ergonomic handle of the Becker's. If you're in the market and have a large hand, the Becker may be the way to go. I purchased a Becker Campanion (5 1/8" blade) and a new Becker Patrol Machete for about the same price of a new Busse 5. Both Beckers came with razor sharp edges and good grinds. Their sheath for the Campanion is excellent as well. If you need a larger blade, the Becker Magnum Camp (8.5" blade) looked pretty nice, too.

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.

mjoury · Apr 18, 2001

Hi Sgtmike88

I actually have pretty small hands. But I will definitely take a look at the Becker.

Thanks!

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Marwan

OwenM · Apr 18, 2001

That's funny. I've tried the Basic and Becker handles-just with opposite results, 'cause I've got small to medium hands, and my Basic 5 fits me well. Had a Becker Brute, that has since been traded, and the handles were too big for me. They were very comfortable, just too big.
The Basic 5 is a great knife, and I've done things to it I would never do to another knife (except a Busse) "just to see". Like ripping apart and splitting logs, ramming tip first into a 2x4 and torquing it out sideways-rips a chunk out of the board and does zero damage to the knife. I've read one too many "destructive testing" reviews, I guess

Great knife, though it is a little thick for some fine cutting. I think it's a pretty good utility knife, though.
btw, you can probably get a Natural Outlaw or Badger-E (Combat line) for around $200, check the for sale forum from time to time.
I got a NO and am very impressed.

sharp thoughts · Apr 19, 2001

While reading your post it sounds like the basic 5 would suit your needs. For about $150.00 you'll receive a knife that is nearly indestructable and guaranteed against any and all major damage for life. I don't see where you could go wrong with whatever one you decide on. Good luck on your decision.

mjoury · Apr 19, 2001

Originally posted by sharp thoughts:
While reading your post it sounds like the basic 5 would suit your needs. For about $150.00 you'll receive a knife that is nearly indestructable and guaranteed against any and all major damage for life. ...

So, Mr. Sharp (or would that be Mr. Thought) -- sorry, couldn't resist (high on medication this morning)

, are you suggesting that in your oppinion the 5 would be a better choice then the 7 based on my requirements? Any additional info on blade length choices would be a big bonus -- overall advantage and uses of 5 vs 7 inch blades.

Thanks for your answer, I do appreciate your help! At least from what you said I don't seem to be out in left field somewhere with my choice(s)

.

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Marwan

Shawn R Sullivan · Apr 19, 2001

mjoury,
I have a Basic #7. The only thing that I regret about it is that I should have gotten the #9. I feel that the #9 and a good pocket knife (BM 710) would be a great small/big knife combination. The seven is a great general use knife. OwenM is right on about how tough this knife is.
To answer your questions;
The deciding factor was cost/durability. The #7 was on sale for a very good price, and it was a Birthday present. I have always wanted an indestructable knife and the #7 is bar far the most indestructable knife that I have ever owened. Also this "could" turn into a survival knife for you so I would go with the #7.
Hope this helps,
Shawn

sharp thoughts · Apr 20, 2001

mjoury---Based on your requirements i.e. general utility/back country hiking I would go with the basic 5. Keep in mind that this is a heavy bladed knife and actually closer to 5 1/2 inches(blade length). I feel that this knife is capable of just about any task required and is compact at the same time. It's been an ideal size for me especially since I bought it for the same requirements as what you're looking for. Hope this helps you out a little.

Cliff Stamp · Apr 20, 2001

OwenM:

it is a little thick for some fine cutting

The NIB edge is too thick for fine work as it is overbuilt to handle hard stress like chopping bone and similar. If you are just going to be using it for cutting soft materials, just lower the grind. I put the edge on the #7 Basic I had down to close to 10 degrees per side.

Even as thin as this, the edge is still strong enough for heavy work. While it will take damage on power chopping through hard knots, hardened metal, bone and the like, the edge will not become "serrated", that is to say blow pieces out the size of the edge bevel.

You will see some impaction and denting with a very low bevel if you do hard work, but it will only minor and not difficult to remove by sharpening. Now of course if you plan on doing this type of work on a regular basis you would want to leave it at the NIB profile.

You can also go sort of inbetween which is to put a very low bevel on say 8-12 degrees and then put a thicker on top of that, say around 15 degrees. This will easily outcut the NIB profile, but still be decently durable. The exact angles to use would be determined by they type of material you are cutting and how hard you are doing the cutting.

The deciding factor for me in regards to the #5 vs #7 would be if I was planning on doing any chopping. If so go with the #7. The handle is a little bigger on the #7 as well (recent thread in the Busse Combat forum).

In regards to suggestions on other blades. Take a look at this :

http://www.caffreyknives.com/EKBpage.html

The price is insanely low and the edge geometry looks simply *excellent*. While I have not handled one I would bet heavily that this would outcut a #5 both NIB.

The #5 does have a more secure grip though, the EBK looks like it could become insecure with a compromised grip due to lack of a guard and a relatively smooth surface.

As well, the #5 is built to take a lot of pounding and prying, the EBK looks like it is optomized simply for cutting.

-Cliff

OwenM · Apr 20, 2001

Cliff,
I agree about the edge. Mine is now v-ground, and down to about 15 degrees. For some reason I had trouble sharpening the factory edge on the #5 (but had no problem re-sharpening my Natural Outlaw??).

When I said "too thick", it wasn't referring to the edge geometry, though. I meant that a 1/4" thick blade (especially one that's only 1 3/16" wide) isn't going to be my choice for fine, detailed cutting, or for soft materials, like you mentioned.
I really like the looks of that EBK, thanks for the link.

btw, I'm noticing that the Natural Outlaw only has about 1/4" more edge than the Basic 5, but the blade is 1/2" wider, giving it a "higher" grind. It outcuts the Basic 5 on everything I have used it for. Hoping to use the NO more this coming week (I'll be in the Smokies all week, and hope to get in a couple of days in the woods). So far, I've only used it around the house, and in the backyard.
Ordering a #2 gripper when I get back, too

mjoury · Apr 20, 2001

Originally posted by OwenM:
...I really like the looks of that EBK, thanks for the link.

btw, I'm noticing that the Natural Outlaw only has about 1/4" more edge than the Basic 5, but the blade is 1/2" wider, giving it a "higher" grind. It outcuts the Basic 5 on everything...

Owen,

I have to agree with you. I like the looks of the EBK. Question: Where did you get you NO from?

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Marwan

OwenM · Apr 20, 2001

Originally posted by mjoury:
Owen,
Question: Where did you get you NO from?

Trade with another forumite. I've seen several on the FS/T forum, since.

toothed · Apr 20, 2001

I read a post where someone suggested that the Basic 5 could be carried for self-defense. If this is the primary purpose behind the knife purchase, then the Basic 3 could be "too small" and the Basic 7 could be "too long." However, be advised that this would be one heavy duty SD knife to be carrying.

Cliff Stamp · Apr 23, 2001

Owen:

the Natural Outlaw only has about 1/4" more edge than the Basic 5, but the blade is 1/2" wider, giving it a "higher" grind. It outcuts the Basic 5 on everything I have used it for.

Yes, this is one of the problems with slimmer blades, they are easier to turn in materials (removing the core from an apple), but because of the reduced width the blade has a thicker wedged shape.

You can of course just reduce the stock thickness, but this of course does not make for a heavy use knife - then again you have to draw the line somewhere in regards to the intended used.

Regarding the gripper, considering the way you mangled the #1, I have no doubt that either you will close the #2 right out of the box or certainly in a few weeks. In the meantime while you are waiting for it to arrive, you can continue to use the #1 for strength training by doing heavy closes instead of high reps.

Close the gripper as fast as you can in a very explosive manner and squeeze as hard as you can holding the gripper shut. If you continue to just do reps you will switch from training maximum strength to conditioning for endurance, which is fine if you want that but could be problematic if you want to close the #2.

-Cliff

[This message has been edited by Cliff Stamp (edited 04-23-2001).]