Well it seems as though Mr. Fehrman has been producing some nice blades. I am looking to replace my Battle Mistress-E, as I get the impression that the edge geomtry of the Final Judgement or Extreme Judgement might be finer. The EJ seems to have the advantage of a greater mass of blade and thinner edge geometry because of the width. The FJ seems as though it might be better suited to prying tasks because it is a strait blade(i realize this is all subjective) So from your experiences, which one would yield itself to a wider variety of cutting tasks and simply be more practical...the FJ or the EJ? Does anyone one have any substantially validated options of 3v and INFI?
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Fehrman blade options...
- Thread starter Lukers
- Start date
First, let me say that I really have nothing of value to add to your thread as I never held either a Fehrman or Busse. 
I do still have opinions though!
I too am looking at a Fehrman (Peacemaker). I have read the same threads you have I am sure, and I keep reading that the fit and finish on the Fehrman is bettter (generally) and the blades are better cutters (generally). I also have read that really INFI is a superior steel if for nothing else its ability to prevent corrosion better. I suspect it is a bit tougher too, but that is like saying that a Polar bear is tougher than a Kodiak. Maybe, but both will kill you in less than time than it takes to figure out that you're standing too close.
That said, I can't see the advantage of the EJ over the FJ with the exception of chopping. It has more forward mass no doubt which will help you chop, but probably make other work less comfortable or more tiring. It is one badass looking blade if that is what your after, but the FJ is not exactly a pocket knife either. I would guess that the FJ is the more "practical" blade in the long run, but for you - a battle mistress owner, maybe the EJ is just the right amount of change in design to make you give it a shot. I'm quite sure you could unload it if you decide it is not what you are after.
Anyhow, please accept my apologies for making this post too long and having unsubstantiated opinion.
Good luck with your decision. I am looking forward to the other responses to this thread.
I do still have opinions though!I too am looking at a Fehrman (Peacemaker). I have read the same threads you have I am sure, and I keep reading that the fit and finish on the Fehrman is bettter (generally) and the blades are better cutters (generally). I also have read that really INFI is a superior steel if for nothing else its ability to prevent corrosion better. I suspect it is a bit tougher too, but that is like saying that a Polar bear is tougher than a Kodiak. Maybe, but both will kill you in less than time than it takes to figure out that you're standing too close.
That said, I can't see the advantage of the EJ over the FJ with the exception of chopping. It has more forward mass no doubt which will help you chop, but probably make other work less comfortable or more tiring. It is one badass looking blade if that is what your after, but the FJ is not exactly a pocket knife either. I would guess that the FJ is the more "practical" blade in the long run, but for you - a battle mistress owner, maybe the EJ is just the right amount of change in design to make you give it a shot. I'm quite sure you could unload it if you decide it is not what you are after.
Anyhow, please accept my apologies for making this post too long and having unsubstantiated opinion.
Good luck with your decision. I am looking forward to the other responses to this thread.
Kbog
Yeah I think you are right. The BM and EJ/FJ are very good blades. At a certain level, "this steel is better than that steel" becomes a very useless discussion. Plain carbon steel knives/tools have feed us, sheltered us and kept us warm for centuries. So in a way many us buy these modern wonder steel knives because we can(hey nothing wrong with that)
You make a good point that the FJ may be more versatile because it is a straighter blade. The EJ seems to be for more chopping, although the full flat grind on the blade portion nearly 2 inches wide would have a thinner blade geometry better for finer cutting. The FJ seems like it would be a better all around utility knife. I think it would be better for stabbing, prying, using as a draw knife. This is all purely speculation ofcourse. I wish I could buy both and keep the one I liked the most. I'd prefer to just buy one.
The Battle Mistress is a good knife. I used mine constantly for two years and found the more I used it, the more it grew on me. I doubt I could really tell a huge difference between steel types on a daily use basis(but then again it was the only big knife I really used for a while, so had I picked up a 1095 blade I might have said "ick"), and I've got to admire Busse for having the confidence and steel to say "lets go live with this demo". I suspect that there would be a many similarities and strong points between the BM-F(I bet the magnum handles would be a big plus for chopping) and the EJ, because of the big wide blade style. I would really be interested in the performance of INFI and 3V.
Yeah I think you are right. The BM and EJ/FJ are very good blades. At a certain level, "this steel is better than that steel" becomes a very useless discussion. Plain carbon steel knives/tools have feed us, sheltered us and kept us warm for centuries. So in a way many us buy these modern wonder steel knives because we can(hey nothing wrong with that)
You make a good point that the FJ may be more versatile because it is a straighter blade. The EJ seems to be for more chopping, although the full flat grind on the blade portion nearly 2 inches wide would have a thinner blade geometry better for finer cutting. The FJ seems like it would be a better all around utility knife. I think it would be better for stabbing, prying, using as a draw knife. This is all purely speculation ofcourse. I wish I could buy both and keep the one I liked the most. I'd prefer to just buy one.
The Battle Mistress is a good knife. I used mine constantly for two years and found the more I used it, the more it grew on me. I doubt I could really tell a huge difference between steel types on a daily use basis(but then again it was the only big knife I really used for a while, so had I picked up a 1095 blade I might have said "ick"), and I've got to admire Busse for having the confidence and steel to say "lets go live with this demo". I suspect that there would be a many similarities and strong points between the BM-F(I bet the magnum handles would be a big plus for chopping) and the EJ, because of the big wide blade style. I would really be interested in the performance of INFI and 3V.
I have just got a goodly length of hemp rope, and am planning a "cut off". I have a Fehrman Peacemaker and several Busse's, I'll probably pit an Active Duty against it and see how things go.
I've had good luck with INFI, the Busse's in the past didn't have the fit and finish of the Fehrman's but their latest couple of knives did. Maybe it's their new production techniques.
I'm really interested in both toughness and edge holding, and both steels are thought to have both. I won't be able to get to this for a couple of weeks, so check back in after that, and I'll hopefully get it posted.
I'll say one thing for the Fehrman, it's one of the few knives that I have that I haven't had to thin the grind out. These guys are confident of their steel! Gotta love it!
I've had good luck with INFI, the Busse's in the past didn't have the fit and finish of the Fehrman's but their latest couple of knives did. Maybe it's their new production techniques.
I'm really interested in both toughness and edge holding, and both steels are thought to have both. I won't be able to get to this for a couple of weeks, so check back in after that, and I'll hopefully get it posted.
I'll say one thing for the Fehrman, it's one of the few knives that I have that I haven't had to thin the grind out. These guys are confident of their steel! Gotta love it!
I would not be surprised if Fehrman allowed you to purchase both and return one. Most of these guys know that people are buying them sigh unseen. Besides, with the money spent, what would Fehrman have to lose. He would just credit back the card or whatever after he received his blade back (unused, of course).
I would give them a call.
I would give them a call.
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2004
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I guess I would fall into the category of a Busse Fan, owning several examples, and using a few.
I have only one Fehrman, a Peacemaker.
I've never understood the "Fehrman has better fit and finish" statement. I've never had a Busse that had a problem with either. Doing the direct comparison between my Busse Active Duty and the Fehrman "Peacemaker," (they are about the same size) I'd personally give the nod to the AD. The Fehrman has a much higher polish on the micarta slabs, which, to me, makes it harder to hold on to. I used the Peacemaker for yard duty once, and decided that if I were to use it again, I'd have to hit the handle with some 180 grit sand paper or something so my hand wouldn't slip up on the blade
Anyway, just my opinion. FWIW. YMMV.
I have only one Fehrman, a Peacemaker.
I've never understood the "Fehrman has better fit and finish" statement. I've never had a Busse that had a problem with either. Doing the direct comparison between my Busse Active Duty and the Fehrman "Peacemaker," (they are about the same size) I'd personally give the nod to the AD. The Fehrman has a much higher polish on the micarta slabs, which, to me, makes it harder to hold on to. I used the Peacemaker for yard duty once, and decided that if I were to use it again, I'd have to hit the handle with some 180 grit sand paper or something so my hand wouldn't slip up on the blade
Anyway, just my opinion. FWIW. YMMV.
potterma said:I guess I would fall into the category of a Busse Fan, owning several examples, and using a few.
I have only one Fehrman, a Peacemaker.
I've never understood the "Fehrman has better fit and finish" statement. I've never had a Busse that had a problem with either. Doing the direct comparison between my Busse Active Duty and the Fehrman "Peacemaker," (they are about the same size) I'd personally give the nod to the AD. The Fehrman has a much higher polish on the micarta slabs, which, to me, makes it harder to hold on to. I used the Peacemaker for yard duty once, and decided that if I were to use it again, I'd have to hit the handle with some 180 grit sand paper or something so my hand wouldn't slip up on the blade
Anyway, just my opinion. FWIW. YMMV.
I'm glad you mentioned that you have both. I was looking at the two knives and trying to decide which was more for me. Couple of questions for you.
Which knife cuts better in your opinion?
Which knife has a deeper belly?
Do you find the finger choil on the Fehrman helpful?
Which one is harder to sharpen?
Which one holds an edge longer?
Any big negatives for either knife?
Thanks for your help!
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- Jan 17, 2004
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- 2,711
kbog,
Well, my answers (or lack thereor) may be a little dissapointing, since I don't really have enough experience with either blade to make any informed commentary on sharpening or cutting differences.
I can answer a couple of questions, though.
The Peacemaker has more belly than the Active Duty. But, then if its belly you're after, look at the Badger Attack. Lots of belly there.
The choil is good from either maker.
Keep in mind, that 3V will rust and/or stain faster than INFI will, so if you are in a humid or salt air environment, that should be a consideration.
The one advantage of the Fehrman over the Busse is the take-down handles. If you want to put new scales on (for that customized look/feel) its probably easier on the Fehrman since they use threaded hardware.
Personally, my Busse to Fehrman ratio is ~10:1
Well, my answers (or lack thereor) may be a little dissapointing, since I don't really have enough experience with either blade to make any informed commentary on sharpening or cutting differences.
I can answer a couple of questions, though.
The Peacemaker has more belly than the Active Duty. But, then if its belly you're after, look at the Badger Attack. Lots of belly there.
The choil is good from either maker.
Keep in mind, that 3V will rust and/or stain faster than INFI will, so if you are in a humid or salt air environment, that should be a consideration.
The one advantage of the Fehrman over the Busse is the take-down handles. If you want to put new scales on (for that customized look/feel) its probably easier on the Fehrman since they use threaded hardware.
Personally, my Busse to Fehrman ratio is ~10:1
- Joined
- May 21, 2001
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- 2,871
I own 16 Busses and 1 Fehrman (a Peacemaker). I just obtained the Peacemaker, so I can't really review it beyond saying the fit and finish is excellent, and the attention to detail quite good. So good in fact, that I just ordered the Shadow Scout, and plan on buying a First Strike when I have the cash available. How does the Peacemaker compare to the Busses? Well, I have some Busses that are as good as the Fehrman in fit and finish department, and some that are, well, a little less so. Most of my Busses are in the collector category. I have not used them. The ones I have used functioned quite well. I particularly like the fact that the edge tends to roll rather than chip when it contacts a hard object during chopping chores. That has not been my experience with my SRKW Camp Tramp, which does tend to chip (not that it is a bad knife though, especially considering the price). And yes, the Busses are more rust resistant than CPM3V, about like D2 actually, but much tougher. Once I obtain a First Strike, I will compare it head to head with one of my Steelhearts and let you all know how it comes out. My guess is that the differences will be too small to tell.
Thanks to both of you for the info. Very helpful. I like the badger attack quite a lot, but things start to get very pricey. At $210 the Peacemaker is reasonable. The badger atacks I have seen seem to be quite a bit more.
Value is important to me also which is why I am having trouble deciding.
Value is important to me also which is why I am having trouble deciding.
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- May 21, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
kbog - E-mail me at steelhed@gci.net and I will tell you how you can get a Badger Attack for a reasonable price.