How practical is the asymmetrical bevel?

Yvsa, yes the tape is highly abrasive. When I first started using it I would have to stop frequently as my skin would be seriously abraded along multiple contact points. However I have been using it for sometime now, it no longer bothers me.

-Cliff
 
Ever since getting married and having a couple of rug rats, I need to watch my dollars a little closer than I like. Anyway, since many of you have apparently rehandled your knives, I was wanting your opinion on the following. I noticed that some of the "old style" knives are still available from some sources as "BASIC" Knives. They appear to be the same as the Micarta knives, other than the Rubber handle and leather sheath. Since I have plenty of Micarta and knife working tools, and since these knives are available at around $150.00 less than current knives(in the case of the BS-9 and BM-E), I am thinking of purchasing two of these to rehandle in Micarta, my preference.

What I need to know is this.

1) Are these knives the same? That is, is the profile, steel, edge and tempering the same? I don't care about the epoxy coating, but the rest does matter to me. Those attributes are why I want a BUSSE knife.

2) Under the rubber handle, are the same holes present that are used to attach the Micarta handles? I don't want to drill hardened steel.

3) If I'm willing to spend the time and effort, does this make sense? Seems to me, for the price of one knife, I can get two. I'm interested in the BS-9 and BS-3, which I'm thinking are the same as the BM and Badger Attack.

4) Does anyone know if BUSSE knives will sell the older Micarta handles that should fit these knives, and if so, how much they cost.
 
The Basic's are not the same knives as the combat line, there are differences both in geometry and steel. No, I don't think the holes are in the tang of the Basics.

-Cliff
 
Cliff, Thanks for your reply. I was able to find a site that listed the weight of the BS-9 as 15oz., as compared to the 21oz of the BM-E knive. Although it also said it was made of INFI steel, clearly there is a difference. Oh well, perhaps I just need to keep saving my pennys a while more.
 
Originally posted by dvcavall
I noticed that some of the "old style" knives are still available from some sources as "BASIC" Knives. They appear to be the same as the Micarta knives...I am thinking of purchasing two of these to rehandle in Micarta, my preference.
1) Are these knives the same? That is, is the profile, steel, edge and tempering the same?
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Knives in both the Basic line and the Combat Grade have the Busse assymetrical edge. Thus they both are quite good at edge retention in use. The differences between the Basic line and the CG line are that the CG have micarta handles, slightly thicker blades (spine to edge) & so weigh more per blade size, and are made of INFI steel. The Basics have rubbery material handles, no exposed tang, slimmer blades spine-to-edge, and are made of Modified-INFI steel. The M-INFI makes it easier to machine IIRC. Both steels are incredibly tough and make bombproof knives. Both steels are somewhat ductile while retaining RC hardness in the 58-60 range.
2) Under the rubber handle, are the same holes present that are used to attach the Micarta handles? I don't want to drill hardened steel.
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From a picture of a Basic that was cut down to the tang (by Cliff, I think) the only hole in the tang was the thong hole. For drilling, you could look into some of the carbide drill bits from Bad Dog Tools or other such vendor. http://www.baddogtools.com A drilling lube may be in order as well.
3) If I'm willing to spend the time and effort, does this make sense? Seems to me, for the price of one knife, I can get two. I'm interested in the BS-9 and BS-3, which I'm thinking are the same as the BM and Badger Attack.
Click to expand...
I think it's a great idea!! M-INFI is NEARLY as tough as INFI in empirical number limits. In terms of human usage, I doubt that we would be able to tell the difference between the two steels while running them through their paces. So I say go ahead and buy the Basics to capitalize on the savings in blade prices and rehandle them. They are great knives in their own right and are still better survival blades than anything else except the CG Busses IMHO.

However, I believe the Badger is actually closer to the Basic 5, not the Basic 3. Both the B5 and the Badger have approximately 5" long blades, whereas the B3 has a 3" blade.
4) Does anyone know if BUSSE knives will sell the older Micarta handles that should fit these knives, and if so, how much they cost.
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For this I recommend calling the Busse shop and asking them. They may even handle a Basic in micarta for a price, since some of their other services (recoating, sharpening, etc) are are available for a fee.
 
As Rokjok the Basics are high quality knives, and the vast majority of the feedback from users has been positive. As well just use it awhile before you try to modify it. If it doesn't work out the way that you want it to then it is not like you will take a huge loss when you sell it on the secondary market.

-Cliff
 
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