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If you don't have an NMSFNO yet
- Thread starter Elen
- Start date
The edge is very different on the LE and CG. And I think there may be variation on how they come from the factory, or so some have said. The LE has a thinner tip and edge, but still beefy. The CG has a thicker edge, but not too thick for what a knife like this may be used for, and it seems to be thinner than with some earlier Busses with very thick edges (like the FFBMs). Sorry I don't have any pics. I haven't done any measurements on the angle, but these are good enough for me without reprofiling. Come weekend I'm going to have a better look at them.
I agree with pretty much every word Elen said about the NMSFNO. There is VERY little to complain or critque about this knife and like Elen claims of self, I too often get accussed of being overly critical. Personally, I am very fine with being critical and honest with my opinions.... sometimes others not so much so... 
Anyway, on that note, like Elen, the only issue I have with the NMSFNO is the same as Elen's and honestly I am sure most people wouldn't have the same issue I have with the thumb ramp. Even for me, I would call it a minor issue. But, still to perfect it a little more, I will very likely grind down the rear peak of the thumb ramp as I find it pokes the underside of the front knuckle of my thumb just a bit more than I prefer. I will probably contour the front of the ramp into a continuous slope with no transition ridge/line. Both of these mods are very minor. I don't know if my intended mods will help, hurt of be indifferent to the aesthetics of the NMSFNO. But, feel and function rank very high on my requirements - especially for $327+ knives.
As is though, the lines of the NMSFNO make it (IMO) one of the, if not the, most aesthetically pleasing regular production Busse knife. The Saber Grind SFNO (LE of course) would be the NMSFNO's biggest competition. (.... probably some of the BBSH's and Uncle Mofos as well ???).
I wish I could have afforded the LE.... More honestly, I wish the LE was priced MUCH more reasonably at say $40 more than the CG. For my part, we can just call it "Satin Finish" and I don't need to call it "LE" and I don't need a number on mine....... if that would help me get satin finished INFI at reasonable prices.
While the Sage coating is nice for a coating, I still GREATLY prefer satin finish. Having to pay $150 - $330 premiums for a satin finish and a number is still rediculous to me.
And paying these prices for CG to turn around and have to spend so much time and effort on my part to get a decent satin finish is still my biggest issue with INFI. 
In any event, that LE is Gorgeous!!! :thumbup:
For a coated blade, the sage really is an awesome color. I picked up the tan handle / Sage blade combo and I like it more than the Black/black combo. I will probably strip my black one to make it satin... I HOPE the convex is pretty smooth under the coating. I tire of grinding out pits.
I have owned a fair number of Busse and Busse-kin blades now over the years (... nothing like Tony and some others... ) and I have to say, the NMSFNO has to rank pretty high as one of the "MUST-HAVE" Busse blades in my book.
I may be in contradiction to some degree here: But, I will probably end up using a couple of my other INFI blades a little more. But, the NMSFNO just still might be one of the biggest Must-Haves. It really is awesome!!! :thumbup:
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Anyway, on that note, like Elen, the only issue I have with the NMSFNO is the same as Elen's and honestly I am sure most people wouldn't have the same issue I have with the thumb ramp. Even for me, I would call it a minor issue. But, still to perfect it a little more, I will very likely grind down the rear peak of the thumb ramp as I find it pokes the underside of the front knuckle of my thumb just a bit more than I prefer. I will probably contour the front of the ramp into a continuous slope with no transition ridge/line. Both of these mods are very minor. I don't know if my intended mods will help, hurt of be indifferent to the aesthetics of the NMSFNO. But, feel and function rank very high on my requirements - especially for $327+ knives.
As is though, the lines of the NMSFNO make it (IMO) one of the, if not the, most aesthetically pleasing regular production Busse knife. The Saber Grind SFNO (LE of course) would be the NMSFNO's biggest competition. (.... probably some of the BBSH's and Uncle Mofos as well ???).
I wish I could have afforded the LE.... More honestly, I wish the LE was priced MUCH more reasonably at say $40 more than the CG. For my part, we can just call it "Satin Finish" and I don't need to call it "LE" and I don't need a number on mine....... if that would help me get satin finished INFI at reasonable prices.
While the Sage coating is nice for a coating, I still GREATLY prefer satin finish. Having to pay $150 - $330 premiums for a satin finish and a number is still rediculous to me.
And paying these prices for CG to turn around and have to spend so much time and effort on my part to get a decent satin finish is still my biggest issue with INFI. In any event, that LE is Gorgeous!!! :thumbup:
For a coated blade, the sage really is an awesome color. I picked up the tan handle / Sage blade combo and I like it more than the Black/black combo. I will probably strip my black one to make it satin... I HOPE the convex is pretty smooth under the coating. I tire of grinding out pits.
I have owned a fair number of Busse and Busse-kin blades now over the years (... nothing like Tony and some others...
) and I have to say, the NMSFNO has to rank pretty high as one of the "MUST-HAVE" Busse blades in my book.I may be in contradiction to some degree here: But, I will probably end up using a couple of my other INFI blades a little more. But, the NMSFNO just still might be one of the biggest Must-Haves. It really is awesome!!! :thumbup:
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Well shucks. I just ordered a second. First was sage/black, second is sage/tan. I am hoping this will all make sense someday.
Busse number one is great and number two is now on the way. Well, this is it. I can call it quits now.
Spade pushes his chair out, stands and tips his hat, and turns towards the door...
Busse number one is great and number two is now on the way. Well, this is it. I can call it quits now.
Spade pushes his chair out, stands and tips his hat, and turns towards the door...
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,985
I wish I could have afforded the LE.... More honestly, I wish the LE was priced MUCH more reasonably at say $40 more than the CG. For my part, we can just call it "Satin Finish" and I don't need to call it "LE" and I don't need a number on mine....... if that would help me get satin finished INFI at reasonable prices.
While the Sage coating is nice for a coating, I still GREATLY prefer satin finish. Having to pay $150 - $330 premiums for a satin finish and a number is still rediculous to me.
Yes, I too would very much like to see the CGs offered with an optional satin finish. I could see myself paying 40 to even 100 $ extra for a satin finished CG. But 210 $ as with the NMSFNO LE is pretty steep (although it does also include the tigerhide and full convex grind without a secondary bevel, and the fact that it's a limited edition). Of course, I can understand that there would be reluctance to offer such a satin option for CGs, because that would likely cannibalize LE sales. But we can always hope, can we not?
When you get your thumbramp mod done, post pics if you can! That should be interesting stuff.
Actually, I would call it $270 more for the LE than the CG. The base price is $327 vs. $597 for an LE. That is almost twice as much. $387 includes a $60 premium for "Hand-Shaped".
I am more than happy to pass on a $60 premium for "Hand-Shaped" for my purposes. Machine shaped (if well shaped), is fine with me. And I can appreciate "Hand-Shaped" being an option for those who want it.
I used to have issue with many of my Busse blades coming with very fuzzy scales. But, I am happy to say most of my recent Busse knives have come with much better finished scales. Not polished and/or buffed, but good. :thumbup:
I "DO" prefer a full convex grind and I can appreciate a full convex edge having a value.... But, I can name at least 3 prominant companies that provide full convex edges as a standard on many, most or all of their blades at much less than INFI pricing.
Still, I could appreciate a Full convex grind/edge being a premium option at about $10 - $20 per small to larger sized knives. And I would pay a reasonable premium. (* I assume that was the trade off on Competition blades having nice convex edges, but no coating to cost the same as CG ???)
It takes me a while to modify a knife to a full convex grind with my piddly belt sander. But, that is what I ultimately do with my user knives. So, that is how I like and want them. The current LE "Package" is still WAY too steep.
A full blown knife maker/shop can do a full convex edge quickly - especially in volume production.
I would be happy to pay a "little" extra for a full convex edge, but putting my own full convex edge on a blade is WAY easier than having to put on a satin finish which to do properly requires "ME" to "Disassemble" a brand new knife, strip it down, grind out all the machine, marks, dimples and "Decarb", re-attach scales, etc. - all to save $270 that shouldn't have cost more than $40 (*Retail) on an 8" bladed knife - as it really probably only costs about $10 - $20 to add a decent satin finish in factory cost.
Satin is relatively EASY for a factory and a BIG PITA for me.
And IMO, $100 more for a satin finished blade is STILL "WAY" too much!
I have said it before, I will say it again: Most knife companies offer satin finish as a "Standard" on knives at ANY quality of knife, ANY size of knife and ANY PRICE range of knife!
So, I will NEVER understand, appreciate ( or PAY!) a $270 increase for a satin version.
Nor will I understand, appreciate or pay a $170 premium for a BATACLE to $330 for a NMFBMLE or anywhere in between.
* But, even to accept a $100 premium for satin as a good deal is "Being Trained"!
I firmly believe that $20 premium for small satin knives vs. CG, $30 for medium, and $40 for large is MORE THAN FAIR!.... Heck even $50 for over 10" blades like the NMFBM would be somewhat reasonable.
We "KNOW" that $20 - $40 for satin is "Reasonable" and "Achievable" from Busse because Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard have both provided satin finishes within those ranges.
I would pay $40 for satin and $20 for full convex.
IMO, Tigerhide shouldn't cost more than $20 extra (retail!). But, I am fine with black or tan micarta. I wish the tan were more brown though. I might actually consider Tigerhide at times if it were around $20 (??????).
For those who want hand-shaped, they can pay the extra $60. I will pass.
For those who want to pay the remaining $130 for an LE # etched on their blade, they can have it.
Of course, I can understand that there would be reluctance to offer such a satin option for CGs, because that would likely cannibalize LE sales. But we can always hope, can we not?
Yes. I have "Hoped" for "Reasonably" priced satin INFI as long as I have known about and been buying (and fixing/satin finishing my own) INFI. And with all of the pieces of INFI I have owned (maybe 25 or so - down to 12 at this time), I have "Unfortunately" had to purchase ALL, but one of them as CG. One was "Competition" Grade. But, while I prefer the Competition edge, the competition finish is actually worse than a coating IMO because it looks like crap until you can get to it. Stripping a coating is EASY with a chemical stripper. Stripping the coating only takes about 10 minutes and almost no effort or skill. Making a CG or Competition finish comparable to satin finishes on about 99% of the other knives on the market (especially when having to work around the attached scales) is a PITA!
I LOVE INFI. There are MANY GREAT qualities. So, don't get me wrong. But, I wish I didn't have to buy CG blades that to me come with a big thorn in the side. My Busse knife is awesome knife "BUT".... I have to work my A$$ off to get the knife to how I feel it should be and how most knife companies provide their knives (??????)
I can except that the thumb ramp issue/mod is just my opinion and no maker can make a knife of any design that is going to perfectly please everyone.
* But, satin finishes on blades is a STANDARD in the industry and shouldn't come with such a rediculously high premium.
I am really looking forward to getting this one stripped and modifying the thumb ramp. Unfortunately, I messed up my back (3 weeks ago today) and I am still jacked up in chairs. I am actually having to sleep reclined in chairs - not so good. So, I don't know how soon I can get out to my shop and work on this.
For the fun of it and since I can't do much else, I will probably take a pic of mine and photo-shop how I intend to modify it. If I get around to the photo-shop concept, I will post a pic to hold over till the real mod is done.
* I don't want my view of the need for this mod to deter those on the fence. The NMSFNO is an INCREDIBLE knife. And most probably won't have much issue with the thumb ramp. That is very likely just me being very picky.
In the mean time, in spite of my feelings about coatings, the NMSFNO is still an AWESOME knife that I can't put down. I have had it here by my side at my desk..... actually - I have almost all of my knives in a set of 6 full ball bearing extension Intermediate chests under my credenza behind my desk. But, the NMSFNO has been "On" my desk at hands reach.
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I think that hefty price increase on the LE's are a good thing. Busse Combat, not Busse shiny custom knives that are mass produced because everyone should have one of our knives.com
All kidding aside, the LE's are more than just beautiful, they are rare and you are paying for that. Besides you guys know darn well the resale on LE's is break-even at worst.
The other aspect is that you as the consumer can remove the coating from your blade, a little grinding and buffing, some beer, and love and now you have a shiny new blade. So think about the price that way; table sander, belts, compound, time, and the most important experience in polishing steel.
Add all of that up and that is well over the $300 premium.
Not everyone should have everything, just my $0.02
All kidding aside, the LE's are more than just beautiful, they are rare and you are paying for that. Besides you guys know darn well the resale on LE's is break-even at worst.
The other aspect is that you as the consumer can remove the coating from your blade, a little grinding and buffing, some beer, and love and now you have a shiny new blade. So think about the price that way; table sander, belts, compound, time, and the most important experience in polishing steel.
Add all of that up and that is well over the $300 premium.
Not everyone should have everything, just my $0.02
Yes, I was thinking about a CG with hand-shaped mags with the price comparison. With machined it's even bigger, as you said...
I would certainly prefer to have an inexpensive satin finish option for CGs, as you do. But while we're waiting (and the wait may be eternal), I will take what I can get, even if that means sometimes paying a lot to get that satin finish.
The coated CGs work well enough for me. Even so, I really do wish we could get satin finishes outside the LEs, too, in regular CG models. The satin finish is pretty much the standard in the industry after all, and it is the best for cutting performance in mind... Man... I still need to decide if I am getting one. CG if any. White or Sage Blade with Black Micarta, machined if I do...
ARGHHH!! These threads are killing me!!
Sage and machined mags. You know you want to!
I am not interested in "RARE" or resale. CG's are typically break-even at worst as well. So, for those interested in paying $270 more for investment.... buy the custom variants.
I buy knives because I like them and want them in my collection and/or for use. I don't buy them to turn around and sell. Investment, user or whatever, I fail to see your logic. Why would I want to pay $270 more in ANY scenario??? I am only interested in paying what I feel it is worth and justified.
Even if I was buying for investment and could "at worst" only hope for breaking even, I would consider that questionable investing at best.
I can appreciate the experience in making something my own. But, if and when I spend that much time and effort into fixing something, I don't want to have wasted so much time and money as with fixing a CG. If I "wanted" to enjoy making the knives my own from the get go, I would prefer to buy the heat-treated INFI blank pre-shaped, ground, satin finished and sharpened. Note that I mentioned: even if buying a blank, I would prefer the blade be satin finished.
I have purchased Spyderco Mule Team blades and Fallkniven blanks. All I have to do is attach the scales and if I so desire, make some minor mods. AND I save a LOT by not paying for the finished product. - Great blades made with VERY high quality well heat-treated blades... I might add.
With a Busse, I am having to pay a finished product price that isn't finished in my mind. This means MORE work "AND" more COST!
Obviously, I like Busse and INFI blades enough that I keep doing it. But, I find it very frustrating. I desire a "WIN - WIN" situation.
I have actually mentioned it before: First, my preference would be to get satin finished complet knives at a reasonable price (as described above). Short of that, my second preference would be to just be able to buy the INFI blade, heat-treated and primary grinds - PREFERRABLY with a satin finish and a "Reasonable" savings compared to a finished CG blade (meaning "LESS" than a CG blade!). Considering how the scales are made with CNC and pretty much pre-made to fit the blades, I would think even the scales could be offered as optional at very reasonable prices.
This way, I would have to pay for an assembled knife that I have to turn around and disassemble.
I disagree.
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Man... I still need to decide if I am getting one. CG if any. White or Sage Blade with Black Micarta, machined if I do...
ARGHHH!! These threads are killing me!!
I keep reading a lot of enthusiasm over the white. Personally, I can't get into the white. :barf: That just really seems like a strange color to me for a knife blade.
I like SATIN!!! :thumbup: ..... To each their own.
As is probably obvious, I don't like coatings and I strip the coatings off all that I keep.... sometimes it takes me longer than I would like to get around to. But, the intent is to strip and make satin anyway.
That aside, as far as coatings go, I have to say the Sage is IMO the hands down nicest finish I have seen. I got my Sage with tan handles and think it looks very nice for a coating. As far as colors go, the Sage is neutral, classic, not too tactical and not to toyish (white ???).
So, I would have to recommend Sage with black micarta and machine cut.
Get order it NOW!!!!!, and report back with thanks when you get it.
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- Joined
- Nov 17, 2008
- Messages
- 1,724
I totally agree ,,,,,, sage wiv black mags looks gr8.Real nice heft to it to, but not too heavy. Mine just arrived this afternoon,,,,,the wife is NOT home so wearing the beast(for the time being,,,lmao) This is a gorgeous knife,,,,, gr8 alternative to the mega priced LE ,,,,,, I'm happy as a pig in INFI
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- Joined
- Jan 7, 2007
- Messages
- 243
a convex option from the factory would be absolutely terrific.
You're in luck. According to Jerry, in his announcement of the NMSFNO: