Busse vs. Irene

[stray]

It was comforting having my BFC #9 strapped to my side last night when I was wrestling with the shutters. This one snuck up on us and didn't seem such a threat but when some large branches from the 8' diameter banyan tree came down I started to take it more seriously. Jerry's #9 came in real handy since it was raining too hard for the chainsaw (bucket after bucket!) and the branches were blocking the windows. I also used it to take some height off of plants dear to my heart to keep them from cracking off at the base. Scuffed, but no scratches on the finish and the edge seems like it was when I got it. Tough stuff. I even used it this morning when it was not raining just because it's fun. The blade is heavy enough to put a good deal of inertia behind the chops. It went through a 6" branch of pretty tough (dulls a chainsaw quick) banyan branch in under a minute. Did real good on macadamia too, which is a very hard wood. Excellent job Mr. Busse!

I learned a few things last night and this morning besides the quality of a Busse:

Nobody can predict natural disasters.

It was psychologically comforting to have that kick-butt knife at my side.

I miss the heck out of coffee when the powers out (just came back on from about 6 last night).

Give up the bowling when needed. Me and a couple of hundred others were stupid enough to show up for a league. My father was one of them so it shows you that the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. Power went off 5 minutes before starting time and stayed off.

I wish the best for the people in the Carolinas who have had more than their share of Mother Nature's fits.

jeff

 

[Donald]

Yes, I like my Busse too! I tried the Basic #9 and it felt good, but I mostly stuck to the Battle Mistress. The Basic would be a little lighter to carry, but I found the added width and thus weight of the Battle Mistress gave it more authority. Smallish branchs came off with one chop instead of two. Besides although I have not had the Blade Forum Basic 9 very long, I have had the Battle Mistress even less time. After waiting about 11 months I had to use it. Of course if I hadn't been talked into ordering a BladeForums Basic when I ordered one for a friend, the Mistress probably would not have come when it did.

Some have complained of the parrot beak rubbing, but I definitely like it. I imagine they may have larger hands. I find it necessary to keep it secure in my hand while chopping.

My pile of litter in the front has the smallest pieces of anyone in my Miami neighborhood

...of course I'll probably have the sorest wrist and arm too

I did have leather palmed gloves on most of the time.

What I did not like was the saw blade on my Sears Craftsman tree trimmer, the expensive one with the rope inside. Overall, a good design, but as I expected the saw blade is mediocre.

For the price, as I recall at least in the $50 range they should do better. I have used worse, but certainly would like to use better. I have a Sharktooth folding tree pruning saw which is much more effective. I wish it was on the end of the Sears tree trimmer.

Lastly, a question. The grind on the Basic is supposed to be asymetrical and it is. The grind on my Battle Mistress, however, also has more off on the right than the left. Is this correct? I note that they both seem to have a slight recurve.

[This message has been edited by Donald (edited 16 October 1999).]

 

[Mike Turber]

Why is it that three weeks in a row I have tried to have a knife test and Hurricanes came in to ruin it! Luckily the Busse is at least getting tested!

------------------
Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com

 

[stray]

Mike, I suspect it's a dark plot by the "brand x" makers. You know, sacrificing virgin goats by the light of the full moon... I am very interested though. Maybe next week if hurricane Jeff stays away...

Don, if by recurve you mean the edge side mine is straight as an arrow. I don't know about the BM but the #9 does have different grinds on each side. Since they are kissing cousins I imagine it's the same for a BM.

I went for a beer run about 3:00 and didn't even think about my number 9 strapped to my side until the counter guy asked me if it was a machete.

He really got into it and I let him handle it. A new BFC member is born! I gave him our .com here and also to another guy that was hanging out. A 50+ a/c man who gave me his card and seemed feverish after I showed him my Paragon elephant auto.

Nifenut #2 is born! They both seem like decent people and I'm sure they will fit in just fine here.

jeff

 

[Donald]

Stray, yes I mean the edge side. The recurve is very slight, but I don't THINK (¿?) it is my imagination.

Mike, What is the edge like on your Busse Battle Mistress? Is it ground the same on each side, like mine--a wider grind on the right side--or something different?

Did you get wet up there in Jacksonville?...if so it is time to test the handles

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