Help with models

[bsquare]

Ok from other portions of the forum, I've decided on a Busse for a fixed blade knife.
The Busse site lists a #3, #5 #7 #9 all relating to the length of the blade. But I hear about the Battle Mistress, Outlaw, Mean Street. They aren't mentioned on the Busse site by these names. Can anyone here help me decipher which is what so I can order from my dealer?

 

[tique]

The #3, #5, #7, & #9 are the basics line.

The Battle Mistress, Steel Heart, and Natural Outlaw are all on the Busse site, but they are the more expensive line. The Mean Street is discontinued as far as I know, so it won't be on the site.

Check this link for info on the Busse site on the above mentioned knives.

 

[slag]

I'll try and help out.....I'm always learning so this may not be 100% correct

Busse Basics(production line)

Basic 3--3" blade
Basic 5--5" blade
Basic 7--7" blade
Basic 9--9" blade

*Basics use M-INFI (modified INFI), not sure
of what that really means. Can only assume
it aids in more efficient production, at a
somewhat lower cost. It's properties also
differ from INFI in use(to an extent).


Busse Combat(higher grade, less manufactured)

Mean Street--3.5" blade, 1/4" stock

Lean Mean Street--3.5" blade, 3/16" stock

Desert Warfare Mean Street--3.5" blade, .230 stock
*Mean Streets are discontinued, original Mean
Streets of older vintage can be had in A2 of
5/16" stock, and perhaps other variations.

Badger Attack E--4.5" blade, 1/4" INFI stock

Natural Outlaw--6.5" blade, 1/4" INFI stock
*Natural Outlaw has "E-handle"

Steel Heart E--7.5" blade, 1/4" INFI stock

Battle Mistress E--9.5 blade, 1/4" INFI stock


Many variations exist of the "Combat" series
of knives. Whether it be steel used, or
thickness of stock, etc. Earlier versions of
the Badger Attack, Steel Heart(known as Steel
Heart II), and Battle Mistress had straight
handles as opposed to the E(ergonomic)
handles.
It is quite apparent that the Combat knives
have been continuously evolving, and ever
improving. Thus, many small differences can
be noted on the eariler knives. This includes
type/style of the micarta handle slabs, type
of finish, and also the fasteners used on the
handles.

Hopefully this helps with knowing what's what.
I know I kinda started to ramble. But it is
all quite fascinating to me, so I tend to
retain a lot of what I read.

Definitely DO NOT rule out the cheaper(not to
be confused with "cheap") Basic line.
They have a very distinct shape of their own,
and I must say they are extremely impressive
in both their fit and finish. The Basic #7 is
a killer knife, and a cost effective solution
to the more expensive Steel Heart E.

The easiest and most affordable to obtain,
would be either the Basics, or, for the
Combat line......the Natural Outlaw, Steel
Heart E, or Battle Mistress E. I believe that
all are currently in production.

Blah.....blah.....blah......

 

[Andrew Lynch]

The Basics line as mentioned earlier use M-INFI (modified INFI). This steel is cheaper but it is also quite inferior from what I've read. Cliff Stamp has done tests on the subject, and you can decide the quality of both steels for yourself. Just do a web search for Cliff Stamp. You should find his website.

Another reason I much prefer the Combat line is because they have, obviously, a full tang. I've seen pics of the Basic line's tang, and unless it's changed, the tang is more like a Japanese tang that extends to the lanyard hole. Not a full tang.

But, the Basics are much cheaper. In fact, if you're interested in the #9 (the big one), then you might want to check out the Knife Exchange (the individual one). There is a #9 for $140.