Busse KZ (any kind) vs. Bark River Bolo III

abizzybomb

abizzybomb

Joined
Dec 30, 2012
Messages
450
So my grail is a satin TTKZ user or new but, I'm really seeing how hard it is to get any KZ let alone something less than $1000. I'm a Hog through and through. In the future I plan on owning a KZ, BM, TGM and an AK to go along with my TGLB. With that said don't flog me too hard but, at $250 I'm considering a BR Bolo III. Does anyone have any experience with the Bolo? Any advice or comparison pics would be great! I know it's no Busse but, it could do for now at a pretty awesome price.

o==={:;;;;;:::::::> Zombie Thuggin'!!!
 
Yes, the Grasso Bolo III is a monster, easily outchops anything I own or have owned. BWM, 1311, Dogfather, B11, even some smaller axes. Easily worth the money and then some. Buy a pair and a spare. I'll get some pics up in a bit.
 
My KZII is my favorite chopper by far, I just asked if they had any more blanks at the shop so I can have a back-up.

I'll have to look into it...

I dunno, I miss/hit a lot of things I don't intend to and I'm always afraid if I don't use INFI I'll crack it...

Then again, they're not extremely expensive, might be good to branch out a bit, they do look like monsters
 
The Zilla outweighs it by a good bit, so for pure heavy chopping, I'd go Zilla ( I'm also a bit biased, as its my favorite blade)
 
doindonuts said:
Yes, the Grasso Bolo III is a monster, easily outchops anything I own or have owned. BWM, 1311, Dogfather, B11, even some smaller axes. Easily worth the money and then some. Buy a pair and a spare. I'll get some pics up in a bit.
Click to expand...

That's great to hear! I look forward to the pics.

I'm still planning on a KZ in the future but, the Bolo will be a good interim blade. Maybe Jerry will give us the KZLB and that'll be the one in CF to match my TG.
 
I posted this under Busse threads so I could hear what the Hogs had to say?... I guess it got moved because of too much bolo praise? The TTKZ is still my all time favorite. Oh well I still look forward to more info, pics and comparisons.
 
A little chop off I had last week on a fallen tree at the property. Gives you a pretty good idea of the size. I don't own nor have I ever had a Zilla, so I can't speak to that, but the GBIII flies through lumber better than anything else I've had. It goes through wrist sized limbs in one snap. In the top pic, all the chops minus a couple with the ax were done with the Bolo. I was really surprised with how quickly that job was done. In the bottom pic with the 1311, the Bolo took about half the chops to get through the larger limb on top. It really is a fantastic knife, you won't be disappointed with one.

2013-03-14_15-19-06_947_zpsfcfa677e.jpg

2013-03-14_15-34-50_906_zps51ce63a6.jpg

2013-03-14_15-37-04_637_zpsb3278116.jpg
 
I do not have Bolo but I know BRKT and can without hesitation say that their knives are top notch. If Mr. Stewart makes a chopper, it will chop and it will chop better than most.
 
I got a grasso bolo III about two weeks ago and it came frighteningly sharp. I'm a big kukri guy and I'd put it up against any one the the 20+ I own.
 
abizzybomb said:
I posted this under Busse threads so I could hear what the Hogs had to say?... I guess it got moved because of too much bolo praise? The TTKZ is still my all time favorite. Oh well I still look forward to more info, pics and comparisons.
Click to expand...

Well you got me interested in this blade over the KZ. My only question is, these blades are made in America right, not outsourced?
 
ridnovir said:
I do not have Bolo but I know BRKT and can without hesitation say that their knives are top notch. If Mr. Stewart makes a chopper, it will chop and it will chop better than most.
Click to expand...

Mike Stewart from that other knife forum? He runs BRKT?
 
POINTMANDDT said:
Well you got me interested in this blade over the KZ. My only question is, these blades are made in America right, not outsourced?
Click to expand...

Yes, made in Escanaba MI. Don't forget the Busse is made of superior steel but the 5160 in the bolo is damn tough stuff.
 
POINTMANDDT said:
Well you got me interested in this blade over the KZ. My only question is, these blades are made in America right, not outsourced?
Click to expand...

As far as I know it's USA all the way. My brother has a BR and the quality is amazing especially for the price. I'm just not sure about their warranty. I've never seen better than Busses.
 
Dirtbiker said:
Yes, made in Escanaba MI. Don't forget the Busse is made of superior steel but the 5160 in the bolo is damn tough stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks, yeah I have a B11 and other busses. It looks like a great deal with a lifetime warranty. I think I my have to buy one.:D
 
abizzybomb said:
I posted this under Busse threads so I could hear what the Hogs had to say?... I guess it got moved because of too much bolo praise? The TTKZ is still my all time favorite. Oh well I still look forward to more info, pics and comparisons.
Click to expand...

No Busse mod moved this for any reason.

It was moved by other mods because in many cases knife vs knife threads can start bickering by lovers and haters of each group. It was felt that this topic shouldnt be in either manufactures camp so that you could get the most unbiased opinion.

I understand the reasons of why it was done, and hopefully everyone else will now too.

Good luck with you search.
 
knife hunter said:
No Busse mod moved this for any reason.

It was moved by other mods because in many cases knife vs knife threads can start bickering by lovers and haters of each group. It was felt that this topic shouldnt be in either manufactures camp so that you could get the most unbiased opinion.

I understand the reasons of why it was done, and hopefully everyone else will now too.

Good luck with you search.
Click to expand...

You're the man! I love how on it you are with every post. I hope the context of my post and comments are understood. I truly wanted to hear what guys like you had to say especially with the type of collection I've seen that you have. I don't understand when folks do all the "hating". If it's sharp and pointy with a cool design and quality craftsmanship I'm in! Especially now that I'm obsessed with Busse. I literally am on BF at all hours of day and night. I need to up my membership. With that said I think I'm really digging BR and ESEE too.
 
doindonuts said:
A little chop off I had last week on a fallen tree at the property. Gives you a pretty good idea of the size. I don't own nor have I ever had a Zilla, so I can't speak to that, but the GBIII flies through lumber better than anything else I've had. It goes through wrist sized limbs in one snap. In the top pic, all the chops minus a couple with the ax were done with the Bolo. I was really surprised with how quickly that job was done. In the bottom pic with the 1311, the Bolo took about half the chops to get through the larger limb on top. It really is a fantastic knife, you won't be disappointed with one.

2013-03-14_15-19-06_947_zpsfcfa677e.jpg

2013-03-14_15-34-50_906_zps51ce63a6.jpg

2013-03-14_15-37-04_637_zpsb3278116.jpg
Click to expand...

Great pics! I'm sold on the GBIII. I think I'm going to have to pick one up.
 
Doindonuts, could I bother you for a side by side of the Bark River and the 1311, say with handles lined up or something. I may need to get myself one of these. Thanks man
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top