Help with handle choice-newbie

MVF

MVF

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
2,811
Hi all,

Man, I thought I liked knives! You guys make me feel like a piker! I've got to say though, after about 2 weeks of lurking, I officially MUST have a FSH!!!! You guys (and Cliff Stamp) really did a job on me- 2 weeks ago I would have never thought of spending this kind of $$ on a knife- and it doesn't come with a sheath?! ROTFL! Logically, I couldn't possibly even use up one of those rodent type knives that I could actually afford- but how do you say no to what looks like possibly (probably) owning one of the best blades on the planet?

Now my only question is whether to get the Magnum handle or not. Could someone (one of those fortunate many who are blessed with multiple knives- drool) either post a side by side, or possibly give me the actual measurements?

This is going to cost me a years allowance by the time I get a sheath! (any help on the types of sheaths available from the different makers would also be appreciated if you guys feel like it) -My wife put me on a budget 'cuz I spent too much on a gun (Wilson Combat- YEA Baby!)

Seriously- it's great to find an American company with this kind of ethic these days- and it's obviously appreciated- too bad more companies don't follow suit.
 
MVF, welcome to the forums.

The FSH will be an excellent first Busse.

Sorry I don't have both handles to provide a shot, but one of the other porkers will be along shortly and most likely be able to help you.

Hope you stick around and post more man.

Mike
 
MVF said:
1) 2 weeks ago I would have never thought of spending this kind of $$ on a knife- and it doesn't come with a sheath?! ROTFL!
2) Logically, I couldn't possibly even use up one of those rodent type knives that I could actually afford- but how do you say no to what looks like possibly (probably) owning one of the best blades on the planet?
Click to expand...
1) It doesn't come with a sheath because many folks just don't want the nylon and plastic. You can see many people who will make a kydex or leather sheath on the Busse website, and they are all very skilled. But if you do want a sheath, they sell them at very low prices, and I've even guess they make no profit from them.
2) I know how you feel about the rodents. Good is great, but there's NOTHING like knowing you have the absolute BESTEST.
and welcome aboard.
3) ONE MORE THING. If you want to spend a little less, you might be able to pick up a SHE, that is a Steel heart with an E (ergonomic type as opposed to straight or fusion) handle, but you won't get as many, if any choice in colors.
 
I just got my FSH with Mag handles. I flat out love the thickness of the Mag handles. I have one of those rodents y'all are talking about. Personally I like em. Bless Mrs Busse's heart for starting it up. But... as was mentioned, there is nothing like owning the best of the best.
My Ratweiler is close to the same size. I use that term loosely. The handles of my Rat don't even compare to the ones on my FSH. The Mag handles fill my hand in a way the Rat doesn't even come close to. It feels like it would take a act of God to rip it from my grip. Total control. Now I don't know how big of mitts you got but mine are pretty sizeable so the Mag handles work for me. Hopefully I'll have some pictures up tomorrow of both, time willing. But like it was also said I'm sure someone will beat me to it.
Welcome aboard and good luck with you purchase. Just a hint, don't wait to long, these blades go fast.
 
MVF,
Welcome to the Busse forums.

You sure can't go wrong with a FSH, it definitely is the "best in the land"

Be sure to keep us updated on what you choose

:D:D
 
Solstice said:
I just got my FSH with Mag handles. I flat out love the thickness of the Mag handles. I have one of those rodents y'all are talking about. Personally I like em. Bless Mrs Busse's heart for starting it up. But... as was mentioned, there is nothing like owning the best of the best.
My Ratweiler is close to the same size. I use that term loosely. The handles of my Rat don't even compare to the ones on my FSH. The Mag handles fill my hand in a way the Rat doesn't even come close to. It feels like it would take a act of God to rip it from my grip. Total control. Now I don't know how big of mitts you got but mine are pretty sizeable so the Mag handles work for me. Hopefully I'll have some pictures up tomorrow of both, time willing. But like it was also said I'm sure someone will beat me to it.
Welcome aboard and good luck with you purchase. Just a hint, don't wait to long, these blades go fast.
Click to expand...

Hello Solstice

Could you please provide me with the measurements of the thickness of the handle at both the thinner portion as well as the thickest part of it? Also, what about its weight? What combination (blade and micarta scales) have you got?

Thank you

George :)
 
Thanks for the welcome- but now you've really got me worried- talking about how fast they go, and I still haven't got any info on the handles comparative size! :( My hands aren't all that big, about a medium in most of my bike gloves, that's why I'm concerned. I really want the black micarta over the green tho- so here I am!

I've checked Bad Mojo, the Busse website, and the company store- should I just email the company with the question?

Thanks, Mike
 
MVF, I have avoided the Magnum handles for exactly that reason. I think my hands are a pretty solid medium and regular handles are definetly a handful.
 
MVF said:
Thanks for the welcome- but now you've really got me worried- talking about how fast they go, and I still haven't got any info on the handles comparative size! :( My hands aren't all that big, about a medium in most of my bike gloves, that's why I'm concerned. I really want the black micarta over the green tho- so here I am!

I've checked Bad Mojo, the Busse website, and the company store- should I just email the company with the question?

Thanks, Mike
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my hands are barely large, i wear a large glove but always have a lil finger space left over. here's what i would buy from what you say.

in the standard fsh get either reg or mag grips, you will like them both.

in the hofsh definitly get the standards, i think the mags will be to thick for you.

i know the folks at the company store will tell you the same thing. :thumbup:
 
MVF, welcome to the site. I have a HOFSH with Magnum handles in route to me and I'm curious as to how it's going to feel in hand. If it's to much then there is always someone who will buy it off of you and you can get the regular handles. The guys, and gals, on here are great and very informative.
A very funny group!

:D
 
i also have a hofsh with mags and i like it a lot, but i wear a large glove. medium go reg, large go with whatever you like.
 
Welcome - I think you have been good advice so far above. I have large hands and I still prefer the reg grips best. The FSH is just an incredible piece of work, and this forum with its' members is one of the best places you will ever find. :thumbup:

Good Luck!

Andy
 
MVF said:
Now my only question is whether to get the Magnum handle or not. Could someone (one of those fortunate many who are blessed with multiple knives- drool) either post a side by side, or possibly give me the actual measurements?
Click to expand...
Welcome to the BladeForums Busse forum! Here is a thread with some good pictures that show the thickness of the regular Fusion handles: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346023
I have handled a FSH with the regular handle, but not a magnum handle yet; the regular size grips felt OK in my medium size hands.

Gene
 
Quote: g-moutafis
Hello Solstice

Could you please provide me with the measurements of the thickness of the handle at both the thinner portion as well as the thickest part of it? Also, what about its weight? What combination (blade and micarta scales) have you got?

Thank you

George


Hi George, sorry it took so long for me to reply. I didn't see your question.
I have the standard FSH with a black crinkle coating & black canvas mag handles
Thickness of handles, from front to rear:
0.97"
0.66"
0.94"
0.64"
0.92"
Weight:
1 lb 8 oz
Full length, standing on butt to tip:
14-1/4"

Hope this helps.
Stay Strong & No Regrets!
Brian
 
Same measurements for a HOFSH with standard grips:

.814"
.673"
.785"
.651"
.760"

Blade mics at .315"

Weight on my admittedly uncalibrated scale is also 1.5 lbs.

Based on what I see here, the difference is in the peaks of the slabs. The magnum version "bulges" more, if you will. I find the standards to be very comfortable with my largish hands (XL to XXL depending on the glove). For heavy use, the magnums may be more secure. Dunno

Rick - big hands, small feet
 
Wow- thanks to all who replied, especially ejskle, gk4ever, Rick, and Brian (Solstice) twice- once for the pics that ejskle sent me the link to and also for the measurements!

This really goes to show (as I've read before) how personal a thing grips are (large handed folks who prefer the standard grips, medium handed people who prefer the magnum). I was hoping to be able to "model" the grips with the measurements, but after looking at the pictures, there are just too many curves. I was able to find a knife with the same thickness (a VERY large chef's knife inherited from my Chef father-in-law), but it doesn't seem to be as deep.

Anyway, Brian- you have the exact knife I want (FSH w/black magnum)- how big are your hands, and how do you like the grips? And since you also have at least one knife close to the standard profile(your RW), how would you compare them? We seem to have similar tastes- do you also have a BR or a BM? (strictly wish list stuff for me now- decided that the FSH comes first)

I really appreciate all the help- one last question- if it turns out to be too thick, can I reprofile the grip? How hard would that be?

Thanks again, Mike
 
No prob Mike, glad to help. Research is good. Especially when high $ are involved.

I wear a X-large Larkin leather glove but they are a snug fit. So I'm guessing I would wear XX-large comfortably.

I flat out love the Magnum grips! Trying to compare the Ratweiler's grips to the FSH's Magnum is difficult at best. They have different grip designs. The Rat's swell in the rear and that makes for a good feel. Where as the varying thickness of the Mag handles are more ergo than just a plain flat slab of micarta. Maybe the biggest difference is that the Mag handles fill my palm better. My fingers don't wrap around as far as they do with the Rat. This gives it a more secure and comfortable feel. Not to say that the Rat is uncomfortable, just different. I probably could even handle the Mag handles being a bit thicker. So I'm guessing that they would be darn near perfection for someone with a X-large or Large glove sized hand. Bottom line.... I like the Mag handles better! :D

No BR or BM ( wish list also ). Really want a fatty SFNO with Mag handles ( really big wish ). We'll see how things go. BR is more affordable than either of them. Thinking I might try to get an Active Duty before any of those.

I can't imagine you will want to reprofile the handles Mike. Once you wrap your mitts around this knife, I'm thinking all you'll want to do is go chop down a tree or kill a wild boar! But... I've heard tell that some have down some reprofiling of Justin's Ranger knives handles by sanding them. Not sure of the procedure. I believe they stated they did so because of sharp edges on his handles. The only thing sharp on the FSH is the edge of the blade! :eek:

Hope all this helps. Let me know how things work out for you either way. The company store's website still has a FSH like mine for sell. May want to move on it! Good luck.

Stay Strong & No Regrets!
Brian
 
Thanks Brian- I just ordered one!

I went to Sears and went all through the tool section picking up different sized handles, and decided the thicker ones felt better and more secure. But to be honest, the real deciding factor was...........evidently they sold out of the regular handled ones- it was no longer listed on the "order" page!

Scared the $#&* out of me that I might miss out after going through all the gut wrenching soul searching effort of deciding that "Yes, I will be a HOG! (well, at least as much of a hog as I can afford to be)

I can't believe that I can get so "involved" in a knife- although I always have ever since I was a kid, but I guess as the price goes up you really find out where you stand!

What's really great is to see that I am far from alone! I have a boss that goes on E Bay a lot, and the other day he comes in and says something about he saw all these knives on E Bay and "what would anybody want all those knives for?" :rolleyes: I wanted to ask him if he actually grew up as a male! I thought it was in the chromosomes!

Thanks for the support- now, about the sheaths......
 
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