Decided to respond here, since I don't have any questions, or want to argue about anything
My hands are relatively small, too, and your descriptions of the Busse Basic, Busse E, and Becker handles were pretty much identical to my impressions of them after use.
Thanks for taking the time to write it up. I enjoyed it.
edit: wanted to add that the loss of grip security you mentioned with the Becker handle really shows through with the larger knives. I've owned a Brute, and traded it. My Patrol Machete's tang is now cord wrapped, which has solved the retention issues for me, and made it easier to maintain a secure grip (and control) than the factory scales, which are a bit large for my hands. My BK7 is also cordwrapped right now. I like it.
Really doubt this is such an issue for people with larger hands...
Also noted, like you did, that the BK7 is not quite as effective at splitting wood with a baton as the thicker Busse blades.
Great all-around knife, though.
The Busse E handle is much more secure for me, but, like you mentioned, is too "tall". Choking back made for more effective chopping, but also beat up my pinky finger on the exposed tang. Aside from wishing it weren't so tall, if the micarta slabs went all the way to the butt, and were flush with the tang, it would be perfect for me. Still searching for that perfect handle
