Knife ID

[cmcampbell]

I think this is a Buses Battle Mistress it has Asymmetric Edge and Slotted Screws slight finish scuffs, Kydex drop leg sheath. No markings.
15 1/4’’ OAL 10’’ Blade x .260’’ Thick
Spine and tang edges look bead blasted.

What model variation and value please ?

Thanks.

 

[Currawong]

looks like an original straight handle battle mistress (SHBM)

 

[gk4ever2]

Yes, it is a SHBM. It is a relatively early one, based on the screws instead of the rivets seen later. The drop leg sheath is the original factory sheath, and is the nicest one offered in my opinion. Value is tough to estimate because not many of these change hands - I would guess roughly about $1000, maybe more or less. They are great knives to collect or use!

 

[JFLemm]

Nice piece.
Thought about going the "total Fake" route, but couldn't muster it. Gorgeous early, early example, congratulations on a score!

 

[mpjustin]

What steel would this likely be? A2 or infi?

 

[slowride11]

INFI...

 

[JohnTheTexican]

Battle Mistresses were INFI from day one, up until Operation 2 Weeks.

 

[Murman]

Battle Mistresses were INFI from day one, up until Operation 2 Weeks.

Old formula?

 

[gk4ever2]

Old formula?

I believe so. From an earlier thread where Cobalt discussed different variations of INFI (and also from other threads through the years), the impression I got is the chemical composition of INFI in SHBMs remained the same (and for some time beyond the SHBM), but some of the earlier SHBMs were hardened more. I'm guessing Jerry was perfecting the heat treatment and performance of INFI in the early days.