ESEE Junglas vs BUSSE Bushwacker mistress

[DarkoMaledictus]

Hey guys,

was about to take the plunge and either get a Junglas or a Bushwacker Mistress from Busse. I'm sure a lot of you guys have preferences on either blade but what do you guys think would be the best buy out of the two? Was also looking at the Limited edition Bushwacker mistress but other than being an uncoated blade is there a real advantage on choosing that one other than the serial number (really not in it for the hype).

vs

So in the end, what would you guys choose if your life depended on a big fixed blades up in the jungles of Brazil?


thanks!

 

[DallasSTB]

I wouldn't take either into the wild, as they both would wear you out in a hurry chopping all day. In Brazil or any similar bush, I'd carry these..

+ [

Now for the backcountry of North American in the winter, I'd probably pair up a Junglas+ Izula vs. the BWBM simply because I like ESEE so much. If was going with a Busse, I'd go whole hog and get a BM or SFNO, just because.

 

[Fpooner]

I think PRICE would play a role here.

 

[banana-clip]

If price was a factor the ESEE Junglas would be your best knife, plus i think it would be a better knife in the Jungles of Brazil.

If price wasn't an factor and you were using the knife as a camp knife for chopping and splitting wood, the Busse Bushwacker Mistress would be a better choice.

 

[bearcut]

I got a chance to use a Junglas a couple weeks ago.

For the price, it is a really good knife.
The handle is one of the best I've ever used. it is better than many similar knives that cost much more.

The sheath is also better than many others I've used, plus, you can reverse it to right or left handed.

Overall, I'd give the Junglas a BIG :thumbup:.

 

[soapboxpreacher]

These are very different knives IMHO. One is substantially heavier and thicker (Busse). Making it better for Chopping and Batoning. But not as good for slashing through brush, slicing, or skinning....which the ESEE would excel at. If you had to clear some light brush or clear a small area niether will be better than a machete but the Junglas wont wear you out as much and actually do a better job. However The Busse will take a substantial better beating. It should retain its edge better as well. If I had to pick one knife to use forever it would be a Busse Bushwacker Mistress Combat. However the Busse is more than double the cost...and the limited edition is completely ridiculous! 5x the cost of the Junglas in this economy I couldnt justify it but the Junglas certainly has my interest!

 

[Zombie Zeke]

That Junglas is awfully nice, the only thing keeping me from buying it is Yangdu and her awesome Chunk Munk 9.5" and 3/4" at the spine of pure steel goodness...as for the Busse, the BWM would be my choice of their larger blades it seems to have the best versatility. But the price is a dealbreaker on that one, I just can't justify that much money when the Junglas has the same warranty and better overall ergos, for me.

 

[sambo.]

i'd go the ESEE route from those choices.

the Busee offerings are lovely, i can't deny that. but i wouldn't be able to justify spending that kind of money.

i should point out that i don't own any knives from either company. although i can see an Izula entering my life at some point.

 

[Ekdrm2d1]

Good thread.

Have you tried searching around BF for Junglas and Bushwacker Mistress?
I've been obsessing over large knives lately. If you search "Bushwacker" you get 15+ threads.
There's lots of threads that are similar to what you're asking. Read up on what people say, there is good information on BF.

I'm in the same boat as you kinda.
I would like to buy a Busse Bushwacker Mistress. I personally held the ESEE Junglas and I loved it. The handles felt awesome, as somebody previously mentioned. The weight of the knife felt good, well balanced.

I have not held the Busse Bushwacker Mistress. I would hate spend $400 on something that I've never personally held. What if I don't like the weight or handle?
Immediately turn around and sell it?

I went to Home Depot today (local home repair store) and I found a Fiskars 22" blade machete for $16.99

http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Yard-and-Garden/Axes-and-Striking/Machete-22-inch

$16.99 vs. $400 for a Busse BWM

Good luck on your quest for a big knife.

i should point out that i don't own any knives from either company. although i can see an Izula entering my life at some point.

Same here.

 

[John Smith V]

Honestly, I think these big heavy knives are like big cigars.

In the jungle, you'd be better off with a light machete (ESEE has them) and a small, agile fixed blade.

But if I had to choose between the two mentioned, you really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[stabman]

Honestly, I think these big heavy knives are like big cigars.

Yes, totally awesome!

 

[Volk]

Hmmm, the difference between CG and LE is not only coating. LE is thicker, has different grind.

I love Busse blades, but instead of BWM I got B11, I don't foresee getting stuck in the jungles anytime soon. But to take one on a hike well thats a different story.

Machete is what you need in the jungle as most of your cutting tasks will be clearing the way for yourself. And that paired with a small fixed blade would be my choice. As has been mentioned both knives you mentioned will wear you out.

Also jungles can be a very humid place bringing blades made out of steel that can rust will require extra attention.

Between the two I would go for BWM, if you don't like it, you can always sell it for what you got it. But my opinions are biased.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

Thanks for all the replies!! I am also getting an Izula next week! Wicked little neck knife!

Very helpful information guys! Still not 100% sure but a good step in the right direction!

 

[Volk]

Thanks for all the replies!! I am also getting an Izula next week! Wicked little neck knife!

Very helpful information guys! Still not 100% sure but a good step in the right direction!

please allow me to add some more confusion to your thoughts since you are considering Izula.

swamp warden

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

These are very different knives IMHO. One is substantially heavier and thicker (Busse). Making it better for Chopping and Batoning. But not as good for slashing through brush, slicing, or skinning....which the ESEE would excel at. If you had to clear some light brush or clear a small area niether will be better than a machete but the Junglas wont wear you out as much and actually do a better job. However The Busse will take a substantial better beating. It should retain its edge better as well. If I had to pick one knife to use forever it would be a Busse Bushwacker Mistress Combat. However the Busse is more than double the cost...and the limited edition is completely ridiculous! 5x the cost of the Junglas in this economy I couldnt justify it but the Junglas certainly has my interest!

From what I gather both knives have very close stats except for the steel they both use.

Here are the stats for the Junglas :

O.A Length: 16.5"
O.A. Handle Length: 5.88"
Maximum thickness: 3/16"
Weight: 22.5 ounces (Knife Only)
Weight: 33 ounces (Knife and Sheath)
High Sabre Blade Grind
Hammer Pommel
Canvas Micarta Handles
Black Textured Powder Coat Finish
1095 Steel
Serial Number On Pommel
Standard Equipment: Kydex Sheath w/ Cordura Backing

Here are the stats for the Bushwacker Mistress :

Blade Steel : INFI
Blade Length 10 1/4"
Overall Thickness: 3/16"
Grind Convex
Weight : 23 oz

So all in all they seem pretty equal. One thing I'm wondering is the coating used. Esee coating is known for being an extremely strong powder coating. How does the Busse coating stand compared to it? I've seen some destruction tests on the battle mistress and the coating really looked beaten after just a little use. Not sure if the Junglas would of looked as bad.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

please allow me to add some more confusion to your thoughts since you are considering Izula.

swamp warden

Hehe, no confusion there I'm afraid as I already ordered it 3 days ago. But these look sweet too! What I love about the Izula is it comes with a no nonsense survival package and nice sheath. For the price its hard to beat.

Also another point for the the Junglas is the handle uses screws. Changing or modding the handles seems easy. On the Busse I would have no idea how to do it...

 

[Volk]

Well I got one of those wardens for $50 slightly used, so I don't think I walked away with a bad deal. But I hear nothing but good stuff about Izula.

Now to coating, I haven't had experience with the ESEE, but on th BUSSE, well it no longer looks pretty after the first time you use it. Satin on the other hand cleans up, like nothing happened after serious abuse.

The handle, well its not an easy process, but its doable, and once you take 'em of you can replace them with the screws. Also I've seen a guy mod his LE handle on his BWM. He didn't take it off, but man it looked sick on pictures.

I would suggest you also check out the Busse sub forum, there is plenty of information about the BWM there.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

The handles on the Busse aren't too bad to replace. You just drill out the fasteners and pop the scales off. From there, you just make new handles like normal.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

The handles on the Busse aren't too bad to replace. You just drill out the fasteners and pop the scales off. From there, you just make new handles like normal.

That doesn'T seem too bad. Might go with a Busse. But after hearing all the great stuff from a Battle Mistress I'll probably want that over a Bushwacker. If i'm going to pay this much I better get what I want! Also seems Satin is the way to go! Do they make the regular versions in Satin sometimes? Because LE just seems crazy right now...

Seems strange they would discontinue their better seller and always keep replacing the single production blade with something else. Seems like a very dumb way to do business!

You would think they would always produce their best product and add an alternate blade to try to see if it sparks interest...

Right now I dont feel the Bushwacker as much as a Battle Mistress... my only option is the secondary market or hope they restart production of their model someday.

Now to coating, I haven't had experience with the ESEE, but on th BUSSE, well it no longer looks pretty after the first time you use it. Satin on the other hand cleans up, like nothing happened after serious abuse.
.

About coating, I've seen the Esee look mint after cutting 10 or so logs so hmm seems their process for coating is a lot better than Busse. You would think at that price range they would do a monster coating or at the very least offer satin as an option... not just on the LE. Also why on earth do they not offer other options on their LE... black paper handles for 600? Wow just wow!

 

[cziv]

Wow, how did we get from a recommendation request - into the jungles of S. America? Machetes aren't large choppers and vise versa.

They are similar in dimensions I have both of them sitting here on top of a tupperwar box next to me. That said, the Junglas comes with an excellent (I do mean excellent) kydex sheath. The Busse BWBM didn't but the Scrapyard sheath for the Dog Father is a perfect match for $20.

My Junglas is #22 and I got it pre-ordered for about $15 less than I see them going for now. Maybe the dealers jumped the price up $10 -15, not a dealbreaker.

The Junglas came sharper than the Bushwacker "Battle Mistress" ....BWBM... The Infi holds a better edge and longer retention than the Junglas after being touched up. Busse doesn't ship them hair popping sharp for safety reasons....the claim is anyway.

In hand there's no comparison, the Junglas delivers for it's price point - big time - but it's handle heavy and warm in your hand (heavy canvas micarta). The Busse is blade heavier and feels cool (literally) in hand. I have a G-10 handle. It's also much roomier than the Junglas which kind of locks your hand in place if you have big mitts.

I didn't worry about it myself, I wanted the Busse and I couldn't afford not to get the Junglas if that makes sense. They're both great and a good weight for me - with more gray hair coming in every day.

I recommend either one and of course these are just my personal opinions.

As far as that machete, I'm sure it's a great foliage cutter, but the Busse could cut it in half using a vice and mallet.