Busse Combat - questions

[FrankRaz1114]

Hi

I'm not new to the knife world by any means , but I just recently heard about the Busse brand when I looked for a reliable fixed blade
Good looking knives I must say and the reputation seems to be solid too, but I'm very confused what this Busse brand is all about and how it works


1. Where and how the heck do you purchase all those Busse knives ? when I look at the Busse website I see only one knife - "Boss Jack" , which really does not suite my needs.
Where are all the other good looking models I see people posting in this forum such as the "Team Gemini" and "NMFBM" ? how do you order this models directly from Busse ?

2. Does Busse Combat knives are actually provided to and used by operators in combat ?
I must say that personally , I'm not aware of it , at least not in my own country (not the USA) and at the time I served , but maybe it is a different situation in the US .


3. Does Busse offer any discount for military personal or first responders ?


4. What is the difference between knives labeled as Busse Combat and Busse Custom Shop ? is the Custom Shop is a separate company who are doing modification for Busse Knives ?


Thanks

 

[Need2Know]

Save yourself a fortune and run while there is still time. Just kidding, kinda. Easiest way to join in the fun is to go to a show/event where the Busse crew has set up shop. However, that is not always easy. Especially if you are not in the USA. So, perhaps you should find a person selling on this site who will work with all the issues related to out of country sales. Easiest thing may be to decide if a Boss Jack or Boss Jack LE is right for you. You can order those direct. Also watch closely for a shot at the upcoming Knoboganza. Will be some very sweet items there, I assure you. If you need more information try searching. If I do all the work for you, then you lose out on the education.

 

[HandofCod]

Busse make short runs of new models. There are no dedicated models which are being continuously produced. For this reason you can only puchase direct from Busse the model currently on offer.

However! The second hand market is very strong with many different models easily available through forum users and most often these knives are in brand new condition.

As far as combat goes, i'm not a soldier but if there was a knife I needed to put my life on, it would be a Busse. They do not however supply to the govt (that I know of).

 

[Jaxx]

Hi

I'm not new to the knife world by any means , but I just recently heard about the Busse brand when I looked for a reliable fixed blade
Good looking knives I must say and the reputation seems to be solid too, but I'm very confused what this Busse brand is all about and how it works


1. Where and how the heck do you purchase all those Busse knives ? when I look at the Busse website I see only one knife - "Boss Jack" , which really does not suite my needs.
Where are all the other good looking models I see people posting in this forum such as the "Team Gemini" and "NMFBM" ? how do you order this models directly from Busse ?

2. Does Busse Combat knives are actually provided to and used by operators in combat ?
I must say that personally , I'm not aware of it , at least not in my own country (not the USA) and at the time I served , but maybe it is a different situation in the US .


3. Does Busse offer any discount for military personal or first responders ?


4. What is the difference between knives labeled as Busse Combat and Busse Custom Shop ? is the Custom Shop is a separate company who are doing modification for Busse Knives ?


Thanks

It can be a little confusing to those who are new... Here's the basic rundown.

1. Busse Combat, Swamp Rat Knives, and Scrap Yard Knives are the 3 companies that make up the Busse Family Group... Busse uses their proprietary INFI steel and is the top tier, so to speak. Swamp Rat is the middle tier and uses primarily SR101, which is like 52100 steel with a great heat treat, The Scrap Yard is the lower tier and uses primarily SR77, which is like a modified S7 steel, again with a really great heat treat protocol. Both Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard do also occasionally use other steel for certain models, like INFI or 154CM, but Busse is usually always INFI. All 3 companies release 1 or 2 models at a time in runs, which are available for pre-order. When the run is done, another model is introduced, and so on.
Also, occasionally, the Busse Company Store (www.bussecompanystore.com) which is run by idahoskunk who is a member here will receive shipments to sell via his website store from time to time for immediate delivery upon purchase. In addition, Busse Combat does do several shows each year with a decent selection of models, both previously released and sometimes not released yet as a production model at that time, like the Team Gemini, which debuted at the BLADE Show in Atlanta in 2010, but has yet to be released as a production run.
EDITED TO ADD: Lastly, Buuse occasionally throws what is referred to as a 'Ganza'. Another name for this would be "virtual show" where models/custom knives are shown to us here on the forum and when the time comes, we wait for Jerry to post a GO thread...then race like mad to submit email orders for what we want and hope we were fast enough. The next Ganza will be coming, probably in about "TWO WEEKS" and will be called something like KnoboGanzaaaa, so if interested, check in frequently to look for announcement threads with the details.

2. Yes, Busse has done orders for specialized military units, both in the U.S. and our nation's allies. We don't usually get the details on which units, but occasionally we get a crack at purchasing the models as "military overrun" offerings which are sold to us "sterile" (having no identifying logo).

3. You can call 419. 923.6471 to inquire about any discounts for military/first responders. I seem to recall that they do, but I don't work for Busse so I can't speak on this as fact.

4. The Busse Custom Shop is a 'division' of Busse Combat operating at the same location as Busse Combat with BC employees, and they specialize in custom Busse's, variants, special orders, and limited runs.

 

[FrankRaz1114]

Thanks for info Jaxx and Handofcod , but I must say , it seems like a rocket science to order a Busse knife
As I said , I'm looking for a large dependable fixed blade , but it seems like a simple individual like me would have to go through serious bullshit in order to own a Busse knife
I have an hard time believing there are actual military operators or emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle
Please correct me if I am wrong , but you say there are no dealers , only Busse directly , there is nothing in stock and you can only order knives that Busse offer at this moment , and not the knife you need you want and that will suit your needs ?

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

 

[Jaxx]

Thanks for info Jaxx and Handofcod , but I must say , it seems like a rocket science to order a Busse knife
As I said , I'm looking for a large dependable fixed blade , but it seems like a simple individual like me would have to go through serious bullshit in order to own a Busse knife
I have an hard time believing there are actual military operators or emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle
Please correct me if I am wrong , but you say there are no dealers , only Busse directly , there is nothing in stock and you can only order knives that Busse offer at this moment , and not the knife you need you want and that will suit your needs ?

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

If you have a certain model in mind, it never hurts to call that number I posted and ask to see if you can order it. They might be able to take an order. This depends on what you are looking for and availability of it in stock. Busse Combat's customer service is second to none. :thumbup:

The Busse Combat website is the company's official website. The Busse Company Store website is run by an authorized dealer of Busse Combat knives.

BTW, I added to my last post to describe the Ganza thing.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

Thanks for info Jaxx and Handofcod , but I must say , it seems like a rocket science to order a Busse knife
As I said , I'm looking for a large dependable fixed blade , but it seems like a simple individual like me would have to go through serious bullshit in order to own a Busse knife
I have an hard time believing there are actual military operators or emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle
Please correct me if I am wrong , but you say there are no dealers , only Busse directly , there is nothing in stock and you can only order knives that Busse offer at this moment , and not the knife you need you want and that will suit your needs ?

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

Really it comes down to 4 ways to get it directly from busse, anything else not offered through those ways is aftermarket.

1 - get it directly off the website when it's offered
2 - buy it at a show where busse is at
3 - watch the forum, and get it during an online offer like a ganza
4 - call the custom shop and see if they have it in stock


When people say 'operators who can't afford it' I think they are neglecting two things - operators of all sorts pool their limited resources for high end gear, it just depends on what they think is important, and also thats why scrap yard exists. Scrap yard tries for the same durability as busse at a much reduced cost. They are still equally as difficult in their sales set up, but if you do some searching you can get a hard use knife at 1/4 or less the cost of a busse.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

The company store is very similar to ganza's, just at a different location. Ganza's are bulk online sales of a given model or models in limited numbers. Normally they come after shows, but it's completely up to jerry what he wants to call a ganza. If he has a bunch of overrun knives from a big order, he can put them up as a bulk sale and when their gone the ganza is over.

The company store is the exact same thing, just at the company store website instead of at this forum. Jerry sends a bunch of knives to skunk (the store operator), he sells them until their out, and then it's over until a different set of knives come in.

 

[Davor]

Thanks for info Jaxx and Handofcod , but I must say , it seems like a rocket science to order a Busse knife
As I said , I'm looking for a large dependable fixed blade , but it seems like a simple individual like me would have to go through serious bullshit in order to own a Busse knife
I have an hard time believing there are actual military operators or emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle
Please correct me if I am wrong , but you say there are no dealers , only Busse directly , there is nothing in stock and you can only order knives that Busse offer at this moment , and not the knife you need you want and that will suit your needs ?

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

Once you buy and use a high end knife, you'll appreciate the quality and the price will not matter. They are easy to find and calling the number or shooting an email to Busse may provide you overstock items. Knife shows are the best place. If you want a lower priced knife, walmart sells some. The key is to keep your knife sharp after each use.

 

[cricketdave]

Thanks for info Jaxx and Handofcod , but I must say , it seems like a rocket science to order a Busse knife
As I said , I'm looking for a large dependable fixed blade , but it seems like a simple individual like me would have to go through serious bullshit in order to own a Busse knife
I have an hard time believing there are actual military operators or emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle
Please correct me if I am wrong , but you say there are no dealers , only Busse directly , there is nothing in stock and you can only order knives that Busse offer at this moment , and not the knife you need you want and that will suit your needs ?

Also what the difference between the Busse combat website (which have only "Boss Jack" model for sale) and the Busse company store which have zero knives available ?
And what the heck is this ganza thing ?

Thanks

Hi and welcome, Your right its neither simple or easy to order a new busse, excepting what is currently offered on the website. If you actually want one the best place is the busse exchange here on the forum. Busse makes some very nice knives, the fit and finish is first rate and the infi steel works very well. With that said there are some drawbacks, the lack of availability and not coming with a sheath along with high price turn alot of people off.

As for military folks using them, well when I was active duty I carried what I could afford at the Px. Certainly not something expensive that I would have a fit about loosing in the field. I'm sure a few folks do use them but the majority of active duty people are not knife nuts.

take it easy and enjoy
cricket

 

[Ovcharka]

"emergency personal out there that will not only be able to afford to pay such a price for a knife but also go through this hassle"

I can't speak for anyone but myself- but I am a full time 23yr. veteran "emergency personnel" and I own and use several Busse and Kin blades- I carry a ScrapYard Dumpster Mutt (that I purchased on BF) on my gear all the time, and if I can find someone to sell me a Crash Rat I am going to try and get that approved through my training division as well.
Sure, they can be expensive, especially on the secondary market- but I consider the price an investment in a quality tool, one that I know will not fail me when I use it- more importantly- one that will not fail me when I abuse it!

 

[FrankRaz1114]

Thanks for the replies fellas , appreciate it

Jaxx - How much is the "Team Gemini" you posted in the pictures thread cost ? Look like a blade that can take punishment very well and also deliver it with style , and the overall size look reasonable , at least in the pictures
What is the approximate cutting edge length and thickness of the blade ?


What are the prices in the Busse "Ganza" ? as brutal as the secondary market or a little bit more reasonable?
How often the actual Busse Combat website (not the company store) get updated with new models ?

It seems like my problem purchasing a Busse will be this bizarre marketing method rather then the prices
I can probably afford paying 400$ for a blade that I would be able to trust for a lifetime , but I don't see how I can purchase one without getting raped in the secondary market or following those Ganza sales , which according to what you are saying ,are very limited in quantities

 

[FrankRaz1114]

When people say 'operators who can't afford it' I think they are neglecting two things - operators of all sorts pool their limited resources for high end gear, it just depends on what they think is important,

I can honestly say it have very little to do with the actual resources
The fact is , at least during my time and service , most operators (especially the top tier ones) don't give a shit about quality knives , unless their getting them for free , which they do 99% of the time

There are few that can appreciate a good blade and willing to pay for one , but they are few and far between

 

[Jaxx]

This version?

These were $497 for a satin and Tigerhide micarta Team Gemini with a convexed edge, (shown above)
But if you are looking for one to beat and not worry about...This one below is your standard combat grade version with a V-ground edge and they were $327 at the knife show I bought it at, if I recall correctly.

My combat grade TG's thickness is .25" at the spine and approx. 7-1/8" of actual edge length (7-3/4" blade length from tip to top of handle)
Keep in mind that because of concerns like yours, in the sticky threads at the top of this forum's main page, there is a thread with models and original prices for all to use as a reference. Yes, many discontinued models can fetch more than the original price, but deals can be found on the secondary market.
If you are active military, and you want a Team Gemini, I would recommend calling Busse to inquire about the possibility of ordering one through them first. They might still have some available. But like I stated before...I don't work for Busse, so please understand that I can make no promises on their behalf.

'Ganza' prices are set by Jerry & crew. They are not like secondary prices as these knives offered in Ganza's are from Busse directly. Coated versions are less than satin or double cut (Busse's bead blasted finish), natural handle material is usually more than synthetic, and so on.
Again, prices do fluctuate considerably on the Exchange, even for the same type of knife, and I've even seen models sold at less than Busse's prices occasionally...it all depends on how quickly someone is looking to sell their knife/knives, how popular or rare they are, etc.

 

[Super X]

I will post just to make sure you are not over looking the Busse exchange froum. The prices are not overly inflated in the exchange normally, and I see many sold at cost or slightly above especially, around Ganza, Show's, and new release times, as folk's try and raise money for new purchases. There are also a couple folk's here who have a large inventory of Busse/Kin knives for sale and normally have good inventory. I have bought from Knifehunter once and the price was very fair as a example. There is also Ebay however, the prices are usually a bit higher there compared to the Busse/Kin exchange forum. As you learn the forum and forum member's, you will get to know who does what and where to look. It's not nearly as hard as you are making it sound, of this, I am quite sure of.

 

[resinguy]

FrankRaz1114, welcome the the Busse Forum!

Yes, the Busse sales model is certainly different. But it works for them. <shrug> Some guys don't want to deal with the BS and move on, so it goes. You will find this hard to believe, but the last year has been the best time ever to buy Busse knives of the five years I have been hanging around here. You just have to look to the resale market. That's is where the variety of inventory is found. And the prices are at the lowest level in years, too, despite appearances. Many knives are being traded at near cost or less. So, if you can patient, and watch the Exchange for a little while to get a feel for prices, you can be rewarded with a knife that will serve you well.

If you describe your needs and use conditions, we will be happy to recommend various models that might fill the bill for you.

Good hunting.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

Thanks for the replies fellas , appreciate it

Jaxx - How much is the "Team Gemini" you posted in the pictures thread cost ? Look like a blade that can take punishment very well and also deliver it with style , and the overall size look reasonable , at least in the pictures
What is the approximate cutting edge length and thickness of the blade ?


What are the prices in the Busse "Ganza" ? as brutal as the secondary market or a little bit more reasonable?
How often the actual Busse Combat website (not the company store) get updated with new models ?

It seems like my problem purchasing a Busse will be this bizarre marketing method rather then the prices
I can probably afford paying 400$ for a blade that I would be able to trust for a lifetime , but I don't see how I can purchase one without getting raped in the secondary market or following those Ganza sales , which according to what you are saying ,are very limited in quantities

scarcity breeds desire, and desire trumps frustration a lot of the time.

Ganza prices are factory prices. If you find a cg model at a show or at a ganza, it will be the same price as it was when it was first introduced.

Secondary market prices can be exceedingly high, but you can also score lower prices on some users or on something someone is trying to move because they need the money. I've seen 300$ blades go for 180$, and 650$ blades go for 480$, it all depends on how willing you are to keep watching the sales forum and have the funds at hand.

 

[Need2Know]

There is a wealth of useful information in this thread. Sounds like you are wanting a Team Gemeni. Call Busse directly or shoot an e-mail their way. I can tell you that there were some TGs at the Knob Creek table; because I held them. That is untill the MOAB caught my attention. Then overwhelmed by the SOS series. Had my head spinnin'. I guess what I am saying is that a Team Gemeni might (fingers crossed) find it's way into the upcoming Ganza. Who knows?

 

[Amy-0]

FrankRaz1114,

Welcome!!!

If you have any questions please feel free to call one of the lovely ladies of Busse Combat M-F 9am to 5pm (EST) or you can send me e-mail to amy@bussecombat.com

We will do our best to answer any of your questions

Thank you so much
Amy
Customer Service
Busse Combat

 

[dieseldog]

Many things hogs may be, but impatient they are not.