In Search of the Best Busse

Balislinger

Balislinger

Joined
Nov 11, 2003
Messages
6,787
Well I've been a knife hound for a long time, but aside from a HR and an SJTAC I picked up along the way, was never much into Busse's. For some reason this week the bug hit, and now I'm interested in finding the best Busse (for me, of course). So far (and I know almost nothing about Busse knives), I like the profiles of the SJTAC, HR, SFNO, FSH and ASH. I definitely agree on magnum scales rather than standard scales, and I think .32 stock is too thick and heavy for regular use. So far I prefer satin blades to coated ones.

I know there have been many variations of these kind of knives over the years that I probably haven't heard of. So my question for you, is, can you help me find the perfect Busse? What models have I overlooked, and what variations exist of the models I like? I don't care if the knife was made a long time ago, and custom shop renditions are fair game as well.

So far, I started with the ASH since it was the most accessible model available this week. I bought:

CG ASH DC black G-10 Mags
Skinny Ash Sage with Tan canvas micarta Mags
ASH Limited Edition Satin with Tiger micarta Mags
ASH Blade 2008 Special Edition Satin with G-10 (Mags?)

I will compare them once they all arrive and select the best of them, but I suspect the SFNO will beat them all, just because I prefer the look of the SFNO profile. As for the FSH, the only thing I imagine I might not like about it is the weight and width. Were any made in less than .31 or .32 blade stock?

Thanks for your help in this journey, of course I will post pics along the way.
 
WOW...four ASHs...you really got hit with the INFI bug. And it won't stop here...be prepared:D
 
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Of the ASH's I like the skinny and the LE. They have about as much thickness as I need for a blade that size withouot the added weight. INFI is more than capable of filling my needs at a thinner stock. I had a CG and sold it. It was just not my thing. I'm guessing you're going for mid sized blades? The Sarsquatch feels great to me. I have extras coming in (have to check the mail). I was thinking of doing a passaround of one of them with a skinny (not sure though). You could always check the Busse collector site and the other two. Also, the Busse site has archived pics of past offerings.
 
It just occured to me that you live in Texas. Their may be some Texas Hogs nearby willing to show you other models in their collection.
 
There are heavy hearts that are .28 or so that are to die for.

THe old school SJ is king! and will do everything on a normal outing. THe Large Barf is one of the Best of everythying in a BIG knife, and if you aint got a Mistress better get one while you can afford it.

THe smaller knives :

the BAIII is my favorite and if you can find an abale..get it

just my .02
 
Hey George, There are a few really great places for info and pictures so you can check styles/combos/thickness etc. Check:
www.bussecollector.com (go to the catalg),
www.hogcult.com and...
Bad Mojo (http://homepage.mac.com/zombiekiller/badmojo/index.html)

As for other models, everyone will tell you to get a Mistress. Check into the CG's at .25. The CG FSH's are great, too at .25" If you DO try to get a thick (.30" or greater) try the standard handles and you might really like them.

I personally love the aesthetics of the BATAC (moreso than the SJTAC) and am starting to want an ASHLE a lot.

There's also the recently released SarSquatch at 7" and the NW baby Sar5 (5")

It really just depends on your needs. If you're looking for an all-arounder, you might not do better than your SFNO or an ASHLE. If you can find a cg FSH, DEFINITELY grab that.

Jason
 
Even if you grab a coated CG blade you could always strip it and satin it yourself. It takes a little work but nothing too crazy.
 
what exactly are you looking for then if the HR and SJTAC didn't pull you in? length/width/thickness? what's the intended use?
 
Thanks guys, all great recommendations, keep 'em coming! Intended use is sitting in my knife drawer and occasional light camping. Silverdragon, I think what grabbed me is seeing Busse's with satin and dc blades and the new g-10 grips. I hadn't seen either of those before. I know micarta's great, but I like the softness and feel of the g-10. As for length I would say the FSH would be tops, and I prefer a midsize shorter than that. Width doesn't matter that much and as for thickness, .32 is too heavy and thick for my taste so something less than that.
 
Do not forget the Ergo Steel Heart and Ergo Natural Outlaw.

Sure, the SHe is the ugly duckling of the Steel Heart lineage but it is not much longer than the SFNO and it definitely feels more secure IMHO.
If you set out to find one try to find one with the Raptor Scale handles and hand finished tang perimiter, blasted or satin. These are the best fit, finish, and feel:thumbup:.

I have SHes and FSHs as my users. I go between the HH(.270") and HOG(.320") FSHs but I imagine I'll be debating between the two for a long time;) I have also been using my HOGASH1 a lot lately but it is no replacement for my Ergo SH.

Keep on buying the ASH1s! IMHO they are a perfect alternative to the discontinued SFNO and have a more secure handle design. Don't always focus on the looks and sexy lines for functionality. The SFNO, SHSHs, etc. all are gorgeous but there might be something else that feels just right.:D
 
I think in your case the ASH1 LE or skinny is the go. They are not overly thick and IMHO have just the right length blade for mid size knife.

I have the LE and and am waiting on a Skinny ASH to arrive. When it gets here it will be stripped and satin finished with a clip point added for good measure (and looks :D :D).

You already have two of the best in the SJ and HR, the ASH is more of the same :thumbup:
 
Since you trying to choose I will share my humble experience about which one not to keep.

I played a little bit by chance with one of the skinny ASH and I did not like it. It feels too thin and at the same time heavy. The balance is for chopping but the thickness is more suitable for general cutting tasks. However, your experience may vary.

Hopefully, Noss will do a destructing test on one of the thinner Busse's soon and we will find out how suitable INFI is for thinner blades.
 
Balislinger said:
Thanks guys, all great recommendations, keep 'em coming! Intended use is sitting in my knife drawer and occasional light camping. Silverdragon, I think what grabbed me is seeing Busse's with satin and dc blades and the new g-10 grips. I hadn't seen either of those before. I know micarta's great, but I like the softness and feel of the g-10. As for length I would say the FSH would be tops, and I prefer a midsize shorter than that. Width doesn't matter that much and as for thickness, .32 is too heavy and thick for my taste so something less than that.
Click to expand...

if you want g10 and satin or DC, check out the 2007 and 2008 special editions. sounds like the 2008 SFNO SE would be perfect for you
 
I'm thinking he needs a MoFo or MoJo of either Mister or Uncle flavor. Longer than the SHe but lighter and more lively than the BMe. It is just about ideal for a "perfect" knife.

customshopbig.jpg


You can see how it compares with the SHe and SH2 below it.

Here it is with my old HOFSH:

phatties4.jpg


The stock on the MoFos is only 0.220", so they are quite a bit slimmer than even the regular FSH, let alone the HO versions.
 
I think you might have it there, Rick. And it just so happens, Bali, that Knifehunter has one for sale right now. ; )
 
I have tried chopping with an Ergo handle knife (ZTBM) and didn't like the grip, but I love the EU-17 style handle which is a variant of the Ergo handle.

A Muddy Mojo has the EU-17 handle with that nice lively Mojo blade. I just started using mine and I like it a lot. For a knife that is a lot lighter than a Battle Mistress it can still chop.

Right now it has the stock factory edge but eventually I'll get Ban to convex it and it should perform even better.

The Muddy Mojo isn't the only Mojo with an EU-17 handle, if you like them, keep your eyes open, you might find something.
 
vvk said:
Hopefully, Noss will do a destructing test on one of the thinner Busse's soon and we will find out how suitable INFI is for thinner blades.
Click to expand...

Trust me, Jerry's the one that knows how suitable INFI is for thinner blades;)

Not trying to flame anyone, but if Jerry put's it out you can bet it's been tested:thumbup:
 
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