In Praise of the Active Duty

M

MikeH

Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
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The thread on a lengthened Game Warden (not a bad idea, IMO) got me to thinking about small knives. After considering actual day to day usefulness, versatility, handiness, etc., and as much as I love my NO-E's, I have come to believe that the Active Duty is the best Busse knife design ever. It is not the one I choose in those "what if you could have only one" scenarios, the NO-E is my choice there. But those are just fanciful musings. In real life, the one I reach for most often, day in and day out, is the AD. I have also noticed at the Blade shows that the AD is the knife that is most commonly worn there by Hogs.

On most of my Busses, I can envision modifications. But if I had unlimited access to the Custom Shop, there is nothing that I would change about this little knife. For it's intended purposes, it is a perfect design.
 
I like it a lot too! :thumbup:

Mike, do you have a Leaner? If so, why do you prefer the AD? Just smaller size?
 
My mint DCBB AD with black linen scales :eek: is a safe queen, to pretty (and valuable) for me to use.

My HD, on the other hand, is beat up to a point I need to consider stripping off the coating !

I know ;) I can do some serious auto body work with the HD. I might worry a bit about the AD.

But I agree, the design is about perfect for an EDC knife.

I think there were almost as many HD's as AD's at Blade this year, I know I had mine.

For Xaman, I've got a Leaner, my other EDC, it's a little large and scary for alot of venues, so yes, size is a factor.
 
The width of the HD fills up my hand better when I really grip it, but I do like the AD blade thickness best.
 
I've never held an AD... but i'm sure its a great knife. Just curious... does anybody have a pic of an AD with either a LmS or MrS for comparison? What's the OAL and blade lenght difference between the two?

Foo
 
I was just commenting to another HOG yesterday how much I like the Active Duty. It is my favorite small Busse by far.

:D:D
 
Lil' Foo said:
I've never held an AD... but i'm sure its a great knife. Just curious... does anybody have a pic of an AD with either a LmS or MrS for comparison? What's the OAL and blade lenght difference between the two?

Foo
Click to expand...

Here are some pics I borrowed from the Nothing but Pics thread. I hope they help

bussesofafeather.jpg


edc19xr.jpg
 
Thanks Porkerson... didn't think about lookin' there!!! :thumbup:

hmmmm... maybe I should think about trying to snag one of those ADs. :D
 
Those AD's ar awesome. I never handled one but if I ever go for a small fixed blade the AD with satin/snakeskin will be my first choice:thumbup:
 
Gotta love those Duties! :thumbup: :cool: :)

attachment.php


L toR -- HD Tan/Tan, HD Green/Black, HD Black/Black, OD Green/Black Paper, CS AD Satin/MP-45 & Ram's Horn, Original AD Satin/SS, Original AD Satin/SS (user)
 
RVO3VOM said:
Gotta love those Duties! :thumbup: :cool: :)

attachment.php


L toR -- HD Tan/Tan, HD Green/Black, HD Black/Black, OD Green/Black Paper, CS AD Satin/MP-45 & Ram's Horn, Original AD Satin/SS, Original AD Satin/SS (user)
Click to expand...

Hmm that custom AD is also lovely! And a nice AD collection!:thumbup:
 
xaman said:
I like it a lot too! :thumbup:

Mike, do you have a Leaner? If so, why do you prefer the AD? Just smaller size?
Click to expand...

I have a Leaner and a Leaner Meaner (safe queens).

Nothing wrong with them, but I like the AD blade shape better, for all around utility. If I need to go larger then I will take the Anorexic Badger.
 
I don't have an AD but I do have a Dozier that is the same blade size and about 1/8 shorter overall. It is a near perfect size for most day to day stuff. I keep missing the ADs that go up for sale, some day I snag one.

TG
 
what advantages does the AD have over the GW? because i was torn between the two and finally decided on the GW due to availabilty and price. but did i make the wrong decision? should i have opted for the AD instead of the GW for everyday carry?
 
I love the Heavy Duty. It's what I always wanted the Active Duty to be. It's my most carried and used knife.
I have Mean Streets and Meaner Streets but the HD is what I grab when it's time to head out.

Sure, I'd love to be able to tote around a larger blade. Just because. And I actually used to. It became inconvienient though. And not a good idea around here.

I like the way the HD feels in the hand better than the GW. More straight edge and less belly to. It just works for me better.

Wish I'd have been able to get a couple more Heavies just because I'm beating the snot out of the one I EDC.
At least it's a Busse and will always survive. :thumbup:
 
what advantages does the AD have over the GW? because i was torn between the two and finally decided on the GW due to availabilty and price. but did i make the wrong decision? should i have opted for the AD instead of the GW for everyday carry?
Click to expand...

The GW fits in the pocket better than the AD.
 
i been wanting to get an AD for awhile but they seem out of my budget. i am saving though.. it really looks like a sweet blade.
 
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