Has anyone owned or used a BK&T Brute?

[Dave Costin]

I am wanting a Busse soooooo bad but I don't really know which. I know this question has come up many times before and I have read all the old posts. I have a BK&T Brute that I use very often mostly hacking and pruning trees, ect. After sharpening it with a belt sander and file and then honing it on a cloth wheel on the bench grinder it does very well.

My question is, would a Steel Heart do as well as the Brute or would I have to go to the Battle Mistress?

Also, is the BM ('cause I know that's what you're all going to recommend) going to REALLY out perform this old Brute or am I just going to have a much higher "quality" knife? Am I really going to notice a BIG difference in the handles? That's one downfall of this Brute is the handle just kind of "flops" around in your hand after using it for a while.

Anyway, just wanted all your opinions. Besides it will give you something to do while waiting for Jerry!

 

[gundy]

Dave,

I have an NO and once owned a brute. My NO cuts, slices and chops better than the BK&T Brute. Probably due to the fact of the blade ergonomics and weight etc. Never really gave it much thought but I did notice that the 'E' handles fitted my hand better which could have given me more control.

BK&T make an excellent product and are excellent value for money. I have a steel heart incoming and can comment on how that performs at a later date.

Busse knives are simply the best performers in my book, and I have not done half of the stunts as compared to a few of the others in here.

They are usually heavier than expected for most people so handle one first.

later...

 

[Andrew Lynch]

Welcome to the Busse forum Dave!

Chopping performance will depend on several factors. I'm probably missing some here, but these factors include the weight of the knife, the balance of the knife, the handle angle and style, the curvature of the edge (recurve, like a bolo or khukuri), and the geometry of the blade and edge.

From what I've heard, the Becker knives have a rather thick factory edge, which will really limit its chopping performance. The reason the factory does this is to protect the edge; if it's too thin, it will deform and chip quite readily.

The cool thing about INFI is, you can put a thin edge on it (even thinner than the factory edge, which is already quite fine for knives of this size (SH's and BM's), while still maintaining edge durability. Plus, the Busse assymetrical edge is estremely robust, being half convex (and half flat ground).

Also the Busse E handles are great from chopping, and really decrease chopping fatigue in my experience. They are very secure, as well. The diamond-quilted micarta is very grippy, while not what I'd call abrasive.

If you really thin down that Becker (edge), it will probably out-chop the SH, probably not the BM. However, it will have a less durable edge (in regards to rolling and chipping) which also holds an edge for a shorter time, and that will rust much quicker. Also, the E handle is great, and I think you'll prefer it (I haven't chopped with a Becker, but I've held one. I liked the thickness and contour of the handle, but it was a little slick and I like drop in the handle).

For a mostly dedicated chopper, I'd go with the BM. For a little less chopping power (still very impressive) and more fine-work control, go with the SH. I don't know if I've helped you choose or just made the decision that much harder! Basically, go with the Busse, you won't regret it

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Andrew Lynch :

If you really thin down that Becker (edge) ...

Because the primary grind on the Busses is more acute (full flat as opposed to sabre-flat), you will need to run the Beckers much more acute than the Busses in order to get the same level of cutting ability. Now you get hit by the double whammy of a more acute edge on less durable steel, not a great combination for keeping the edge sharp. If you have them at the same level of cutting ability, the Busse will be far more durable. The Busse can also take the advantage in both aspects at the same time due to the more optomized primary grind and higher grade of steel.


-Cliff