I am INFI Obsessed!

d2eux

d2eux

Joined
Oct 10, 2010
Messages
289
Well folks, it happened. Even though I disagree with Busse's business model (releasing a blade model for a short period of time and then immediately phase it out of production, thus making it only available to find on the secondary market, driving up price), I still can't help but marvel at their blades and the capabilities of INFI. Of course, even though I realize I probably will never need to stretch the limits of infi I still feel compelled to have one in my collection.

So, after viewing a lot of the past Busse offerings, I came to really like the designs of the HHFSH, Tankbuster, and SFNO. After considering a few others, I ended up seeking out the SFNO as a good candidate for an all-arounder blade. It seems to have a good blade length, not too thick, and has the sabre grind which I love on knives, even if its not as functional as full-flat.

I remember asking where to purchase out of production Busse knives and Amy-0 suggested requesting the particular blade model at the custom shop to see if they have a blank available of the retired model but chances are that would cost me more than finding the blade on the secondary market.

It seems like I found out about Busse a bit too late because all of the models I have an eye for like are now long sold out, and have missed out on great bladeforums deals. If I was around here in 2004 and knew about Busse I would have snatched this up in a heartbeat.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/315700-Busse-MINT-FAT-SFNO

My question to you fine folks is, should I give into this newfound obsession, or avail it and settle for something a bit more modest and wallet-friendly like a ESEE-5?:p
 
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d2eux said:
settle for something a bit more modest and wallet-friendly like a ESEE-5?:p
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Blasphemy!!! ;)

SFNOs aren't too hard to find. The key is waiting until Knob Creek or another gun and knife show Busse attends. Or, if you can't make the show, just ask someone to proxy for you.

What are you looking for, satin or combat grade?
 
M67 said:
Blasphemy!!! ;)

SFNOs aren't too hard to find. The key is waiting until Knob Creek or another gun and knife show Busse attends. Or, if you can't make the show, just ask someone to proxy for you.

What are you looking for, satin or combat grade?
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I don't have a huge preference over the two, but I tend to side with the coated version (combat). even though it doesnt look as nice as satin, the corrosion protection is a plus
 
Don't forget to consider a double cut finish or bead blasted finish--it's a nicer finish with the corrosion protection to go with. Ka bar makes a very wallet friendly knife as well-- I've never owned one so I can't give any feedback on one but I have a friend who likes to talk about his. A FOLDER may emerge soon as an offering - something to consider if you like folders. But....if you want something more wallet friendly as far as that goes....... I might recommend a......................................................................................................................Swiss Army knife....................
 
wolfdad said:
But....if you want something more wallet friendly as far as that goes....... I might recommend a......................................................................................................................Swiss Army knife....................
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well let's not go overboard :D, I mean I do think Busses warrant considerable value for production blades, but as models get harder to find and show up less and less, the prices can go hundreds beyond their original MSRP and what I would be willing to pay. For example the most I think I could spend for a sabre grind SFNO would be around 350-415, but if that's just not the going rate these days I guess I'm out of luck UNLESS Jerry decides to release a similar looking blade in the future...
 
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Just go to the exchange and do a search for what you want. An orange&black G10 handled saber ground SFNO just went for ~$500 last week IIRC. That was a pretty good deal.
 
I'm in the same boat as you. Bought the War Dog when it was released, and have bought 3 more infi blades since. My suggestion, if you got the funds then take your first hit, but be careful, this stuff is addictive.
 
I've got an ESEE 5. Damn fine knife. I also have an NMSFNO which is on a whole new level of goodness. Just wait and search for the SFNO you want. I found one (not SFNO) today I've been looking for and jumped on it. So be ready, stay vigilant with your search, and pounce on it fast.
 
Well, it could be worse. Imagine if you wanted a Randall! :rolleyes:

You might find this hard to believe, but the last year or more has been the best time ever to find and buy a Busse. The resale price of older models has fallen and the Shop has cranked up production. Several years ago I scored a used, stripped SFNO for $600, and that was a great deal then. Couldn't sell it now in this post-bubble market for $500.

Yes, the Busse business model is different, and some folks won't deal with it and walk away. But the claim (not by you) that Busse knives are hard to buy is BS. Not hard, just different. The BOSS Jack has been available for months now, and the BOSS Street before that was up for months. I just got a BOSS Jack LE for less than retail on the Exchange. Patient, educated shoppers will be rewarded.

A sabre SFNO is an excellent choice. :thumbup:


tomthebaker said:
I am a huge fan of the HHFSH.
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Another great choice. And available now for less than I paid. So it goes.
 
resinguy said:
Well, it could be worse. Imagine if you wanted a Randall! :rolleyes:


. I just got a BOSS Jack LE for less than retail on the Exchange. Patient, educated shoppers will be rewarded.

.
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Patient, educated, and with a fast mouse clicking finger will be rewarded
 
d2eux said:
My question to you fine folks is, should I give into this newfound obsession, or avail it and settle for something a bit more modest and wallet-friendly like a ESEE-5?:p
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GIVE IN!!!!!! Resistance is futile .... I would say try out a HHFSH if you can't get that Fatty SFNO in decent time.
 
resinguy said:
Well, it could be worse. Imagine if you wanted a Randall! :rolleyes:

You might find this hard to believe, but the last year or more has been the best time ever to find and buy a Busse. The resale price of older models has fallen and the Shop has cranked up production. Several years ago I scored a used, stripped SFNO for $600, and that was a great deal then. Couldn't sell it now in this post-bubble market for $500.

Yes, the Busse business model is different, and some folks won't deal with it and walk away. But the claim (not by you) that Busse knives are hard to buy is BS. Not hard, just different. The BOSS Jack has been available for months now, and the BOSS Street before that was up for months. I just got a BOSS Jack LE for less than retail on the Exchange. Patient, educated shoppers will be rewarded.
A sabre SFNO is an excellent choice. :thumbup:
Another great choice. And available now for less than I paid. So it goes.
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What is the Exchange?
 
But this business model has created a near INFInite field for collectors! If I wanted to collect only Becker's, or Reeves (only to pick two I own at random), it would not take long to complete a decent collection. With Busse's, the search may go on for years. The many models/customs/variations!!! I often use the "Beatles Comparison." There were, and are many fine rock-era bands, and musicians, but the Beatles occupied a universe far and above everyone else. That's where Busse stands in my mind. Cheers.
 
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