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In Search of the Best Busse
- Thread starter Balislinger
- Start date
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- Dec 13, 2007
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LOL.
I was thinking that the the other day:
"What's your favorite Busse?"
"Why, the next one, of course."
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I think I'll be very satisfied with the combo of a sabre SFNO and an ABA.
New...the sabres are around. You just hafta look well and be willing to pay what they're worth. Or just grab an LE. There are some extras laying around...
New...the sabres are around. You just hafta look well and be willing to pay what they're worth. Or just grab an LE. There are some extras laying around...
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- Nov 11, 2003
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That satin/snake Saber is just GORGEOUS!
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Another Busse has landed worthy of being put up against the top dog in this review. This is a very special FSH. It began life as a CG FSH, so it mics out at .22", and it has been drastically Banned. It sports a full height convex grind, convexed edge, gorgeous satin finish, and the original green linen scales have had liners put under them to beef them up to a perfect grip. This is going to be close . . . .
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The scales on this knife are just awesome. I love the soft feel, texture, and the wild patterns, as well as the color. They feel very nice beefed up, and the liners have a nice greyish-blue hue to them. The blade on this is also a work of art. Not a flaw, sharp all up and down the edge, and ready to go to work. I like this knife better than the 2008 FSHSE, as this knife is a little bit thinner, reducing the weight by a little bit, and I like the scale color better.
This knife came even closer to knocking off the top contender than the Saber/Tiger SFNO did. In fact, for a moment I thought it might unseat the champion, but, in the end, the custom SFNO still won out. Why? This knife is still--even with the reduced weight--a little too heavy for regular carry. Going on a long hike with it, it's hard to justify the extra length over the SFNO for most chores, so not much need to pack the extra weight. As a chopper it would be better, the the goal here is to find the best all-around camp knife. Secondly, while the blade profile is as sexy as I've seen on an FSH, overall the FSH blade profile is not a good looking as the SFNOs.
This is a heck of a knife, but lost by a tiny margin to the mighty SFNO custom. Nonetheless, this one may see some duty.
This knife came even closer to knocking off the top contender than the Saber/Tiger SFNO did. In fact, for a moment I thought it might unseat the champion, but, in the end, the custom SFNO still won out. Why? This knife is still--even with the reduced weight--a little too heavy for regular carry. Going on a long hike with it, it's hard to justify the extra length over the SFNO for most chores, so not much need to pack the extra weight. As a chopper it would be better, the the goal here is to find the best all-around camp knife. Secondly, while the blade profile is as sexy as I've seen on an FSH, overall the FSH blade profile is not a good looking as the SFNOs.
This is a heck of a knife, but lost by a tiny margin to the mighty SFNO custom. Nonetheless, this one may see some duty.
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I had the privilege recently of picking up a rare fatty saber SFNO, so being an SFNO guy, it's awesome that I get a chance to include it in my search for the best Busse (for me). First off, let me say that I'm pretty sure at this point that my fav Busse is the SFNO. So now, it's just a matter of which SFNO is the best (for me). Although I love the old-school sabers with mag handles, the current winner--a custom--is in the lead because of it's distinctiveness (stabilized wood handles, satin blade, custom shop logo, neat vibrant colors) as well as the comfort of the hand-shaped handles. But the old sabers are definitely very close, so I was excited to be able to compare a fatty in the mix.
My first impression of the fatty is that is not that much thicker than a regular saber SFNO. I don't know what I was expecting, but based on all the hype about how great the fatty is, I think I was expecting something significantly different and more robust. Looking at it, it's pretty close to the regular SFNO. Where you really notice the difference, however, is in the weight. The fatty is significantly heavier, and a little blade heavier as well. That would make it a better chopper, but also heavier to carry around. The thicker spine does give it more lateral strength and support, but honestly, I don't think that would ever be an issue for me with a regular SFNO. I'm not out there trying to bend back iron bars with my knife.
(Fatty is on the left, regular Saber on the R)
This particular example of a fatty is kind of rough. It's a CG that was stripped. It's been used. It cleaned up nicely and has a cool "I mean business" type of appearance much like the competition finish on the knives we saw this year.
The mag handles are of the newer variety. I prefer the older variety, with deeper grooves, swells, and recessed tubes, but the mags on this one have deep enough swells and they are fine.
My ultimate assessment of this knife is that it is definitely a hard-use knife. This is a chunk of steel that can be put through most anything. In the end, however, I actually prefer the lighter, standard SFNO. I would be happier carrying around the standard, as it is lighter, and the spine on the standard is plenty thick to put the knife through most uses. The grip is thick enough on the standard with mags, so it fills my hand appropriately.
Although one can tell the fatty makes a better chopper, I wouldn't want to lug this thing around just for a little extra spine thickness, when the spine on the regular is plenty thick.
Just my two cents. I'm sure others would disagree, as the fatty is almost legendary around here. Thought my review might helps others who have not had the chance to hold one, though. Keep in mind that my review is not based on actually using the knife.
So the winner still has not changed, even against the mighty fatty. Let's see what the SFNOLE will do
My first impression of the fatty is that is not that much thicker than a regular saber SFNO. I don't know what I was expecting, but based on all the hype about how great the fatty is, I think I was expecting something significantly different and more robust. Looking at it, it's pretty close to the regular SFNO. Where you really notice the difference, however, is in the weight. The fatty is significantly heavier, and a little blade heavier as well. That would make it a better chopper, but also heavier to carry around. The thicker spine does give it more lateral strength and support, but honestly, I don't think that would ever be an issue for me with a regular SFNO. I'm not out there trying to bend back iron bars with my knife.
(Fatty is on the left, regular Saber on the R)
This particular example of a fatty is kind of rough. It's a CG that was stripped. It's been used. It cleaned up nicely and has a cool "I mean business" type of appearance much like the competition finish on the knives we saw this year.
The mag handles are of the newer variety. I prefer the older variety, with deeper grooves, swells, and recessed tubes, but the mags on this one have deep enough swells and they are fine.
My ultimate assessment of this knife is that it is definitely a hard-use knife. This is a chunk of steel that can be put through most anything. In the end, however, I actually prefer the lighter, standard SFNO. I would be happier carrying around the standard, as it is lighter, and the spine on the standard is plenty thick to put the knife through most uses. The grip is thick enough on the standard with mags, so it fills my hand appropriately.
Although one can tell the fatty makes a better chopper, I wouldn't want to lug this thing around just for a little extra spine thickness, when the spine on the regular is plenty thick.
Just my two cents. I'm sure others would disagree, as the fatty is almost legendary around here. Thought my review might helps others who have not had the chance to hold one, though. Keep in mind that my review is not based on actually using the knife.
So the winner still has not changed, even against the mighty fatty. Let's see what the SFNOLE will do
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George, I got my LE's 2 days ago. I'm not sure I'm feeling them--mostly because of the linen hand-shaped slabs--but I think you might REALLY love this knife. Matter of fact, I think your user will end up being an LE.
I've really enjoyed reading this extended review, brother. Thanks for sharing.
Jason
I've really enjoyed reading this extended review, brother. Thanks for sharing.
Jason
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- Nov 11, 2003
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Hey guys, 2 of my SFNOLEs landed today, so I can do an initial comparison. It took me a while holding my various SFNOs to settle on my opinion. Here it is:
The SFNOLE is a beautiful knife. The blade is absolutely gorgeous, and by far the nicest blade I've seen on a Busse. This satin finish saber grind with the fancy custom shop logo is just beautiful. The handle slabs, well, they're not my favorite. I don't really like the color (I would prefer plain black G-10 or perhaps green cavas micarta), or the feeling much. If you're wondering how green canvas would feel any different, well, the other micarta scales I have have deep grooves and ridges, which I like. So it may be the fact that these are hand sanded micarta that is the reason they don't feel as good in my hand.
The scales, however, aren't bad. They feel decent, and aren't ugly. So I'll say they are adequate.
Holding this SFNOLE back and forth with the current leader, the custom SFNO with stabilized wood mag hand-shaped handles, I notice a few things. One, the present winner, the custom, is diminished in the presence of the LE. There are certain things I notice now about the custom, when compared with the LE, that I did not notice before.
The main thing that stands out is the beauty of the SFNOLE's blade. The satin finish flat grind on the custom is really nice, but it seems plain in comparison to the LE's blade. The spine of the custom has a slight downward curve to it as it travels toward the tip. This is a "droop" that I have never liked on the FSH, and keeps the FSH from being more competitive in this contest. A knife should look bold and strong, IMHO, and a blade that looks droopy just feels a little depressing. I know, a little melodramatic, but design is important to me.
Even the handle of the custom, which always seemed distinctive, takes on a more wacky type of effect when compared with the LE. These are all points I could have noticed before, in comparing the custom to the satinized saber, for example, but I didn't. All I can say is I think the SFNOLE is so great in its execution that it brings out the flaws in the other knife. Comparing the SFNOLE to my other sabers, including the satinized one, it is still no contest. The SFNO's blade is gorgeous, and the total execution of the package just goes together well. The design difference between the saber and the flat grind matters here, whereas the other sabers were not powerful enough to knock off the satin flat grind.
I think one difference is that this satin saber blade is factory produced, whereas the other satin saber I have is aftermarket satinized. The Busse shop produced saber blade is clearly superior to the aftermarket job in its clean execution, so it is easier to focus on the difference in the design of the grind, as compared with the Busse shop produced flat grind.
Overall the custom shop flat-grind SFNO that has been leading the pack is a great knife. But in comparison with the SFNOLE, the LE is greater. There's another design cue on the LE which I like. It's subtle. The handle portion of the knife is slightly cocked down relative to the parallel plane of the blade, giving a very mild fusion or ergo effect, which I like.
I think that not every SFNOLE is alike. Even though I have only compared 2 so far, they are slightly different, and I like one more than the other. Mild differences, mind you--very subtle--but noticeable to me. Keep in mind this is coming from a guy who tells car salesmen that one car is not "exactly" like another car, even if it has the same color and the same options. Every manufactured item is going to be slightly unique, and even more so a handmade knife coming out of the custom shop.
I also haven't mic'd these, but it seems the SFNOLE is thicker than the satin by a little bit, but not as thick as the fatty. I like the middle ground, it seems perfect.
I may change my mind, as this is a first day impression, but for now the SFNOLE is our new current winner. Congrats, SFNOLE! And congrats to the Busse shop for making a very nice knife. Now I can only look forward to the competition finish SFNO. Pics, and a follow-up review will be forthcoming.
The SFNOLE is a beautiful knife. The blade is absolutely gorgeous, and by far the nicest blade I've seen on a Busse. This satin finish saber grind with the fancy custom shop logo is just beautiful. The handle slabs, well, they're not my favorite. I don't really like the color (I would prefer plain black G-10 or perhaps green cavas micarta), or the feeling much. If you're wondering how green canvas would feel any different, well, the other micarta scales I have have deep grooves and ridges, which I like. So it may be the fact that these are hand sanded micarta that is the reason they don't feel as good in my hand.
The scales, however, aren't bad. They feel decent, and aren't ugly. So I'll say they are adequate.
Holding this SFNOLE back and forth with the current leader, the custom SFNO with stabilized wood mag hand-shaped handles, I notice a few things. One, the present winner, the custom, is diminished in the presence of the LE. There are certain things I notice now about the custom, when compared with the LE, that I did not notice before.
The main thing that stands out is the beauty of the SFNOLE's blade. The satin finish flat grind on the custom is really nice, but it seems plain in comparison to the LE's blade. The spine of the custom has a slight downward curve to it as it travels toward the tip. This is a "droop" that I have never liked on the FSH, and keeps the FSH from being more competitive in this contest. A knife should look bold and strong, IMHO, and a blade that looks droopy just feels a little depressing. I know, a little melodramatic, but design is important to me.
Even the handle of the custom, which always seemed distinctive, takes on a more wacky type of effect when compared with the LE. These are all points I could have noticed before, in comparing the custom to the satinized saber, for example, but I didn't. All I can say is I think the SFNOLE is so great in its execution that it brings out the flaws in the other knife. Comparing the SFNOLE to my other sabers, including the satinized one, it is still no contest. The SFNO's blade is gorgeous, and the total execution of the package just goes together well. The design difference between the saber and the flat grind matters here, whereas the other sabers were not powerful enough to knock off the satin flat grind.
I think one difference is that this satin saber blade is factory produced, whereas the other satin saber I have is aftermarket satinized. The Busse shop produced saber blade is clearly superior to the aftermarket job in its clean execution, so it is easier to focus on the difference in the design of the grind, as compared with the Busse shop produced flat grind.
Overall the custom shop flat-grind SFNO that has been leading the pack is a great knife. But in comparison with the SFNOLE, the LE is greater. There's another design cue on the LE which I like. It's subtle. The handle portion of the knife is slightly cocked down relative to the parallel plane of the blade, giving a very mild fusion or ergo effect, which I like.
I think that not every SFNOLE is alike. Even though I have only compared 2 so far, they are slightly different, and I like one more than the other. Mild differences, mind you--very subtle--but noticeable to me. Keep in mind this is coming from a guy who tells car salesmen that one car is not "exactly" like another car, even if it has the same color and the same options. Every manufactured item is going to be slightly unique, and even more so a handmade knife coming out of the custom shop.
I also haven't mic'd these, but it seems the SFNOLE is thicker than the satin by a little bit, but not as thick as the fatty. I like the middle ground, it seems perfect.
I may change my mind, as this is a first day impression, but for now the SFNOLE is our new current winner. Congrats, SFNOLE! And congrats to the Busse shop for making a very nice knife. Now I can only look forward to the competition finish SFNO. Pics, and a follow-up review will be forthcoming.
foxyrick
British Pork
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- Dec 26, 2006
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Balislinger, that's a most eloquent review; it was a pleasure to read. Although I don't have the benefit of any other SFNO's to compare my LE to, I can easily believe that it is the leader of the pack.
Even my wife agreed that the SFNOLE is the best looking Busse knife I have. I think I might have found my 'one'!
Even my wife agreed that the SFNOLE is the best looking Busse knife I have. I think I might have found my 'one'!
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- Apr 28, 2003
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You've covered my two favorites, the SFNO then closely followed by the SJ-tac.
I've recently pulled the trigger on an SKINNY ASH. They look great, do you have one of these? if so, what is the blade thickness and length? they don't show that on the CS.
Ian.
I've recently pulled the trigger on an SKINNY ASH. They look great, do you have one of these? if so, what is the blade thickness and length? they don't show that on the CS.
Ian.
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Ian: if I'm no mistaken, blade on the skinny is 6.5, and thickness is.17.
Rick: You are right about the review. I actually see it more as George's documentation of his search to find his ultimate FB used, and I'm glad he's done it. He's pretty much come to the same conclusions as myself. Glad you and your missus are happy with the LE, too.
George: I feel you on the slabs; they're nice, but they're not perfect. Machines mags would have been the ticket, no doubt. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with mine, but they are here, and they are beautiful. Later on I'm going to compare them to the Sabre you sent me, and form my own conclusions.
Btw...can you do me a favor? Check the slabs on the sabre I sent and see if they're linen or canvas. I'd appreciate it. Thanks, brother.
Be well,
Jason
Rick: You are right about the review. I actually see it more as George's documentation of his search to find his ultimate FB used, and I'm glad he's done it. He's pretty much come to the same conclusions as myself. Glad you and your missus are happy with the LE, too.
George: I feel you on the slabs; they're nice, but they're not perfect. Machines mags would have been the ticket, no doubt. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with mine, but they are here, and they are beautiful. Later on I'm going to compare them to the Sabre you sent me, and form my own conclusions.
Btw...can you do me a favor? Check the slabs on the sabre I sent and see if they're linen or canvas. I'd appreciate it. Thanks, brother.
Be well,
Jason
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My light carry!
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Great thread, thank you.
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You may reach the same conclusion that I have, George. I'm popping the slabs off my second SFNOLE and installing mags from another SFNO on it. Then, the only thing that will detract from its perfect-ness is that the mag machined slabs aren't tigerhide.
I'll try to suffer it quietly.
Great review!!
I'll try to suffer it quietly.
Great review!!
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360joules: Old school mags or new-style mags? What kind?
Horton: What knife is that?
Jason: I'll take a look at those mags on the saber you sent. Keep me updated on your thoughts about how to customize the LE, I may be interested in doing something similar. BTW, what is "ultimate FB used"? You mentioned it in your post above.
Horton: What knife is that?
Jason: I'll take a look at those mags on the saber you sent. Keep me updated on your thoughts about how to customize the LE, I may be interested in doing something similar. BTW, what is "ultimate FB used"? You mentioned it in your post above.