Busse vs Reeve

H

harrydog

Joined
Feb 29, 2000
Messages
332
I posted this question on the knife review and testing board but then realized this board would probably be a more appropriate place.
I want to buy a high quality fixed blade somewhere between a 4 1/2" (Badger Attack) and a 6" blade (CRK Shadow or such at 5 1/2"). On the Reeve board and the Busse board, all owners are very happy with their knives. I'd like to know which would be considered the better of the two brands. I know that INFI is super stuff but I haven't heard of an A2 Reeve breaking either. How do the blade designs compare? Comfortable handles? If anyone has had experience with both brands I would appreciate your comments.
Thanks.
 
It is kinda hard to compare these two brands because busse doesnt make folders, reeve is basically knoown for his folder, the sebenza, but his fixed blades are also very tough,

But my vote goes to the reeve fixed blades............ IMHO
 
Don't have either of these knives. I do have a Busse Steel Heart II and the Reeves Project I. Based on the later I would rate them as follows:


Weight: Busse is lighter
Steel: Infini will outperform the A2
Blade: Reeves has a nice design
Handle: Reeves hollow handle can be useful
Comfort: Busse is easier to index and hold
Strength: Both knives are very strong
Sheath: Reeves has a very high quality

Conclusion: I bought both, maybe you should too. They are excellent knives.
 
Gary Bussey is pretty shot, but he can still kick ass on some guy in a wheelchair.
 
Ummmm, Phil, what kind of knives Does Gary Bussey (the actor) carry?

Paracelsus, wondering if it really matters
 
I have knives by both Reeve and Busse. I haven't done any side by side cutting tests, but I doubt if Infini will show much of an advantage over A2 in day to day usage. Both are carbon steels and will rust. ( If that's a problm for you.)

I think the Reeve knives are better looking and made as concerns attention to detail, grind and overall appearance. However I think the Busse grip design is vastly superior when it comes to ergonometrics and comfort. The round grip on the Reeve knives is not as comfortable as the formed Busse grip. I also think the the slight drop in the angle of the Busse grip gives a major advantage when using the Busse knife. I've never been a fan of storing things in a hollow knife grip, so I don't think the Reeve design gets any points for that feature.

I don't think you'll be able to break either of these knives unless you really want to. Both really cut. However as much as I like Chris Reeve and his products, for a hard use woodsman's knife, I'd go with the Busse - not because of the steel - but because of the (IMHO) superior grip design

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Totally new website!
http://www.wilkins-knives.com
 
Apples and Oranges!!!
Personally, I consider Busse as something of a "mini-machete" workhorse. While the project 1 or 2 will be able to handle small utility projects, don't expect to chop wood all day with them, like you would be able to do with a busse.
I think you're going to have to answer the question, What am I going to use this knife for?

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One small step for man, one giant leap for frogs, one mile for fleas
 
edrozen, you say that the Reeve would not be as good as the Busse for prolonged chopping. Does that mean that the Busse is not as good at other cutting tasks as the Reeve? If so then you're right, I need to decide what I'll be using the knife for. But if the Busse is equal to the Reeve in most all other uses and is superior in chopping then it would be a no brainer to go with the Busse.
 
They are very different knives. You would have to work very hard to break either of them, but that's about all they have in common. The Reeves are A2 tempered on the soft side for toughness and won't hold an edge as long as INFI but the main differences are balance and ergonomics.

Besides deciding what you want to use the knife for, you need to find out whether you like a round checkered metal handle. Many people hate 'em, and if you're one of those.... If you don't have the opportunity to fondle a Reeve cheap hollow-handle survival knives are everywhere; playing with one of those in a store should give you some idea.

-Cougar :{)


[This message has been edited by Cougar Allen (edited 03-18-2000).]
 
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