Choil too small?

AF

Joined
Jan 14, 2000
Messages
6,015
I read in a couple of posts that the choil on the Busses was too small for comfort. One fella mentioned how he cut himself, and another how he modified the knife to improve the choil.
What do you Busse lovers say to that?
 
Anthony Lombardo, noted that he cut himself on the choil of an "E" BM :

http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002349.html

and in the same thread I commented that I did some work in that area on my BM to increase comfort.

More commentary from Anthony on the "E" handles :

http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002366.html

This I think is the first serious complaint about the aggressive nature of the checkering of the new "E" handles.

In regards to what I said, to clarify, I rounded out the edges to increase comfort. I also worked a little on the grip at the top to make it more comfortable in such a choked up grip. The latter being a very hand specific change.

-Cliff


[This message has been edited by Cliff Stamp (edited 11-30-2000).]
 
While I'm extremely happy with my Natural Outlaw, I also rounded the corner between the blade edge and the choil.

The original 90 degree corner was as sharp as the blade (very) and had the potential for cutting my index finger if I choked up on the blade a little too much. This would be even more of a potential for people with larger hands / fatter fingers.

There really is no reason for concern in my opinion, though. If you intend to choke up on the blade using the choil and find that the edge is alittle too close to your index finger for comfort, simply round the corner. I used a diamond hone and modified the edge to suit my needs in less than five minutes.

I also found that the diamond pattern did rub the web of my hand when I held the NO by the aft half of the handle in a loose grip and used it for chopping.

Once again, no real problem as I was able to modify / customize the grip to suit my hand very easily using a rasp.

I am also developing a mission specific sheath for the NO. While the stock sheath is good quality and functional, the custom sheath will be exactly right for my needs and work as part of an overall system package.

Overall, I think the NO is an outstanding knife. I like it even more now that I have customized it a little to suit me.
 
Thank you all for addressing my concern. Perhaps you could also tell me a little more about the blade coating. Why is it patterened? Is it durable?
 
The blade coating on my Natural Outlaw is black, appears to be fairly thick, and has a wrinkle or crinkle finish.

So far it has proven to be more durable than I thought it would be. It is also more durable than the old style finish on my Battle Mistress (received just about a year ago).

The only area where the finish has come off so far is on the rear of the tang where I accidentally hit the finish with the rasp I was using to smooth the handle. Just what you would expect but no big deal to me as I like fact that the coating will eventually where down / off with use.
 
Steve...

I'm interested in knowing what you plan on doing for a sheath..

Can you explain your design ??

ttyle

Eric...

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On/Scene Tactical
Leading The Way In Quality Synthetic Sheathing
 
[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 11-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-05-2000).]
 
Cliff,
Check out the work I did on my E-handles in my signature link below. I found the squared off handles with the rough Checkering to dig into my hands a bit much. I just happened to have big thick hands though. So I completely turned the handles into hand shaped like the older mean streets. Though some would think a smooth handle would hurt your grip... I find that after about 2 minutes of chopping and your hand begins to sweat the micarta sticks nicely. Never had mine slip. Then again I have enough hand to cover up the handle. Also does anyone have this problem... I noticed that the new curved handle kinda beats up the palm of your hand. Is it just me? Still love my knives just wondering if you guys find the same thing?

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First impressions are usually the scale by which we are judged unless we make our second with something sharp and pointy.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/albumList?u=879893&Auth=false
 
Normark,

I'm not sure that I can give a fully accurate written description here goes;

I plan on making a kydex or concealex sheath similar to the one I saw pictured for a Becker (ie, rivets, gromets and slots on both sides on the sheath). I believe the RTAK has a similar arrangement as well.

The basic sheath will then have several methods of carry including a simple nylon webbing loop similar to the one on my old style Battle Mistress.

This simple loop will be held on with screws and thus removable so that it can be replaced with a simple kydex belt loop like the one on my Basic #3.

It will also be able to be substituted with what I'll call an "outer sheath". This outer sheath will consist of a 1.5" strip of webbing which will have a belt loop at the top and be secured to the kydex sheath the same way that the simple loop was secured, however, the strip will continue down the back / inboard side of the sheath, pass through a slot in the bottom / distal end of the sheath, and continue up the front / outboard side of the sheath to the opening. Straps with snaps will then encircle the whole thing and secure it in place.

On the webbing itself will be sewn several small pockets which will contain a small compass, a diamond hone, a small vial of water purification tablets, and a ferocium rod (or perhaps a small Mg firestarter).

The concept is to incorporate a small "mini kit" into a relatively streamlined knife sheath and have the ability to remove the outer sheath when desired for alternative carry / versatility. Also, the additional slots and gromets will provide a wide range of attachment / carry options for use in conjunction with the other gear that I carry from time to time.

I hope my description gives you some idea of what I'm planning or at least an understanding of the concept. Lately I find myself with more free time than I'v had over the last several months so maybe it's time I learned to post a picture / diagram. Finally, I've read that your sheath work is outstanding and would appreciate any imput / advise that you might choose to offer.
 
:
Ryu I have large hands, but with thick stubby fingers, and I worked the handle over on my E-BM as
well.
I have left the checkered sides pretty much intact as I haven't got to use the knife enough yet to know if anymore needs to come
off.
I did round the square corners off quite a lot up the sides though.
I did take more off in some areas more than others, trying to make the handle fit my hand as perfecty as possible.
I also left the as "rasped" finish in order to keep the handle from becoming to slick to use when ones hand's may be covered with a slick substance.
I don't find it objectionable and it also keeps it from having any kind of shine.
I may have to round off the tang on the bottom of the handle as well since the tang sticks out about 1/32" past the micarta and that's just enough to feel uncomfortable even when just holding the knife, let alone using it.
I haven't done it yet due to my reluctance to remove the coating there. However since the INFI is said to hold up well against corrosion it is no doubt a moot point.
And IMO it doesn't matter how good a knife may be, if it isn't comfortable to use it becomes pretty much useless to me.
The nice thing about the handles though is that they are big enough to personally customize to fit just about any sized hand.

I also changed the asymetrical edge to a full convex edge as I couldn't/wouldn't get used to the Busse edge.
My feelings are if the INFI is as good as it's claimed to be, and I believe it is, it should still outperform any comparable knife.


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>>>>---¥vsa---->®

Each person's work is always a portrait of himself.

---- Samuel Butler.

Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Website
 
Yvsa, your reluctance to disturb the finish on the edges of the handles is understandable
wink.gif
but if you'll note(skim through the old topics/photos), many of the pre-E knives had the coating just on the sides and not on the area your looking at grinding. I have not noticed any rust in this area on the ones I have with this feature.
 
The choil on my SH II is large. The edge is sharp right up to its leading corner, but I rounded it with the file on my SAK in about 30 sec. I have to say, the SH II is one of my less practical knives (too heavy for backpacking), but it is fun to play with. The choil makes it an ideal tool for shaping large (deadfall) trap triggers, and I've used the knife to prep fish from trout to some pretty big bass.

Great knife! Wish I could take it somewhere.
 



[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-05-2000).]
 
Is the tang hardened? If I wanted to narrow the tang top to bottom by removing a bit of material from the lower portion what would be the best (fastest and safest) way to do this?


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Alex
This way to my Knife page

<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~a.boriqua" TARGET=_blank>
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Originally posted by GPB:
I have had one heck of a versital and tactically sound custom sheath made for my NO.


GPB,
That is one real sweet looking sheath. Could you fill me in on who made it and how much it cost? I recently purchased a NO and am looking for a slimmer sheath.




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Jeff
Knives
 
JAS10, Check your e-mail.

GPB



[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-02-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GPB (edited 12-02-2000).]
 
Great looking sheath, GPB!

Just writing to let all of you know that we make an optional kydex sheath direct from the Busse Shop!

I will try to get some pic's together this week and get them posted with description and pricing.

Sincerely,

David Roberson
Vice President, Sales
Busse Combat Knife Company

 
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