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Let's Talk About The Collector's Group !!!
- Thread starter Jerry Busse
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Eric Isaacson
Pirate
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- Dec 19, 1999
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Man, there are a lot of great idea's so far for the collectors club.
Is anyone a member of any type of club that has done something that has upset you? Maybe we should add some "don'ts" in this thread also.
Just a thought
Is anyone a member of any type of club that has done something that has upset you? Maybe we should add some "don'ts" in this thread also.
Just a thought
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One thing that could be done especially with the LE and serial numbered knives is to take pre orders so everybody would have a chance. The BCA (Browning Collectors Association) did this years ago with the collectable firearms. Then the factory would know just how many to make for the BCA membership. I am no longer a member and don't know if this is still done,but it seemed to work out very well. This could also be done with the over runs by seeing how many more to over run. Eliminate hundreds of request for less than 50 blades,give the modem guys an equal chance to the DSL guys and really level the field.
Wet
Wet
SALTY
Gold Member
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Originally posted by Jerry Busse
Fan of Steel,
We have been discussing that and would love to get some ideas from you guys.
So far we have,
"B-CUT" Busse Collector's and User's Team
"CBL" = Collectable Busse Lovers
Naturally, we should have a contest to reolve this, but I take dibs on the following:
-Busse CUT (Collectors and Users Team) and also a play on the phrase for the popular hair cut style - buzz cut.
-Busse INFIdels
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Been sick most the weekend.........count me in
Bob
Bob
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Jerry, I've been a big fan of yours and Busse knives for a long time now, extolling the virtues of Busses to alot of folks whenever the opportunity arises. With that said, I'd sincerely suggest that some rethinking be done regarding this idea.
There are, apparently, alot of people who are ready to jump in with both feet. However, alot of people are being left behind.
In my own personal situation, I'd be quite reluctant to ante up $100 on a "gamble" that I may want, or could even afford, to take advantage of three knives being offered during the year. Even two knives make the decision truly difficult, indeed.
Jerry, there are alot of Busse owners who aren't of the ways and means of others who are capable acquiring a quarter-ton of INFI per year. There are those, including many members of the underpaid military you support, that often have tough choices to make. New tires for the car, or the latest variant? A variant set, or taking the family to Disney World for vacation?
There are those who have had to save over time to afford the one or two Busses that they do already have. Some people even have tougher decisions like that to make. Owning a Busse can often require various levels of sacrifice from individuals who simply want that one balls-on, do-it-all nuclear knife.
Yet, the common binding thread, is a love and appreciation of all things Busse, from old bird's beaks, to Basics, to the awesome current Rat Pack.
I seem to recall that when this idea came up a few months ago, it was considered as a Busse owner's club, not a collector's club. Frankly, and this is just my opinion, maintaining that it's a collector's club, and with the apparent suggested price of admission, removes the common Busse owner from participation. In some ways, it smacks of elitism.
Is this intended to show appreciation for everyone with a Busse in the closet or on their belt, or cater to a much smaller segment of Busse owners?
I'd like some discussion of forming that original owner's club, with a nominal membership, offering perhaps a deal or discount on only one knife per year, maybe deals for some of the more menial fringe benefits (dogtags, apparel etc.).
There could certainly be a higher level of membership, or a collector's corner, that's part of the larger club, with higher membership fees and offerings as those already discussed.
However, to structure this endeavor in a manner that excludes the much-broader base of customers that have brought Busse Knives such success over the years, is turning one's back on those that have helped make Busse great.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. As the club is currently suggested, in the words on Kramer in the infamous "master of your domain" episode, "I'm out."
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Don,
I understand where you are coming from on this but, I'm pretty sure that no one who is "in" at this point is looking at this as a way for them to be a member of the elite. I have been in the position that you are describing. Military and underpaid. Making hard decisions about whether to buy that new peice of gear (no matter how necessary) and the everyday necessities of life and family. I bought my first Busse 10 years ago (a SH1) and it was a long time (nearly a decade) before I acquired another.
I am in a position now where Busse purchases are a little more possible and a little more necessary. And I've worked hard to be there. If the current system stays in place... I'm fine with that. If there is a members program whereby I can get a look at the tools I might want before the rest of the pack and it requires an entrance fee that is going to net me a 50% gain over the course of 3 purchases... I'm fine with that too. I personally am not looking to collect Busses for the sake of collecting them or as a growth investment. I have never met a Busse I didn't use and subsequently abuse. There is nothing elitist about my motivations here.
Jerry himself has stated that, initially he was opposed to an "entrance fee". I think that the "club" idea can work with or without a dues system but I recognize that the membership package will be much more generous if there is a set fee.
The bottom line here is that, you are right. Everyone will not be able or willing to be a member of such a club. But, by the same token, everyone will not be able or willing to pay for a Busse knife in the first place. Does that mean that all the current Busse owners (even those who only own 1) should have a case of "Busse Guilt" at having the means to buy the tools they want or need?
Regardless of the final decision on this.... I'm in.
I understand where you are coming from on this but, I'm pretty sure that no one who is "in" at this point is looking at this as a way for them to be a member of the elite. I have been in the position that you are describing. Military and underpaid. Making hard decisions about whether to buy that new peice of gear (no matter how necessary) and the everyday necessities of life and family. I bought my first Busse 10 years ago (a SH1) and it was a long time (nearly a decade) before I acquired another.
I am in a position now where Busse purchases are a little more possible and a little more necessary. And I've worked hard to be there. If the current system stays in place... I'm fine with that. If there is a members program whereby I can get a look at the tools I might want before the rest of the pack and it requires an entrance fee that is going to net me a 50% gain over the course of 3 purchases... I'm fine with that too. I personally am not looking to collect Busses for the sake of collecting them or as a growth investment. I have never met a Busse I didn't use and subsequently abuse. There is nothing elitist about my motivations here.
Jerry himself has stated that, initially he was opposed to an "entrance fee". I think that the "club" idea can work with or without a dues system but I recognize that the membership package will be much more generous if there is a set fee.
The bottom line here is that, you are right. Everyone will not be able or willing to be a member of such a club. But, by the same token, everyone will not be able or willing to pay for a Busse knife in the first place. Does that mean that all the current Busse owners (even those who only own 1) should have a case of "Busse Guilt" at having the means to buy the tools they want or need?
Regardless of the final decision on this.... I'm in.
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- Jun 30, 2001
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- 542
DonL,
I understand where you are coming from, I have to save up a really long time (sometimes up to a year)to afford Busse combat knives. Luckily, Swamp Rat knives came into being so my craving for tough knives can be filled. Personally, I like the idea of Collector group's, I am a Star Wars fan after all.
But, I would rather have Mr. Busse at the grinding machine or drawing board, than having to collect dues. Maybe, the Swamp Rats will make a Collector's Group.
By the way, I am an elitist. I belong to a great group of people who enjoy knives that will not fail me, when the chips are down.
Darkjedi - Waiting for the Great Day when Star Wars conventions and gun/knife shows merge.
I understand where you are coming from, I have to save up a really long time (sometimes up to a year)to afford Busse combat knives. Luckily, Swamp Rat knives came into being so my craving for tough knives can be filled. Personally, I like the idea of Collector group's, I am a Star Wars fan after all.
But, I would rather have Mr. Busse at the grinding machine or drawing board, than having to collect dues. Maybe, the Swamp Rats will make a Collector's Group.
By the way, I am an elitist. I belong to a great group of people who enjoy knives that will not fail me, when the chips are down.
Darkjedi - Waiting for the Great Day when Star Wars conventions and gun/knife shows merge.
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DonL,
I can definitely see your point. Perhaps it is a possibility of having a multi level owner's group with varying degrees and fees for membership. I think the big man will choose fairly. I am personally not trying for elitist status, but if it takes $100 dollars to benefit from Jerry's generosity of $150 in discounts, I'm there. I am a man of modest means, regardless of what some of the other hogs might say, I just have one vice these days and it's name is Busse.
I can definitely see your point. Perhaps it is a possibility of having a multi level owner's group with varying degrees and fees for membership. I think the big man will choose fairly. I am personally not trying for elitist status, but if it takes $100 dollars to benefit from Jerry's generosity of $150 in discounts, I'm there. I am a man of modest means, regardless of what some of the other hogs might say
, I just have one vice these days and it's name is Busse.
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Oooooink.. snort oink. wheeeeee OinK Squeelllllll OINK!
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Pro
Even BladeForums has several levels of 'subscriptions' so thats a good thought. The level of benefits could vary accordingly also. Gold,Platinum,INFI or whatever.
Wet
Even BladeForums has several levels of 'subscriptions' so thats a good thought. The level of benefits could vary accordingly also. Gold,Platinum,INFI or whatever.
Wet
Jerry Busse
Moderator
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- Aug 20, 1999
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Don L,
Good stuff! I threw the $100.00 number out as a point of discussion. I agree that it's a bit high and I also agree that we DO want it to be for ANY Busse owner, whether a user, collector or both, and even "Yet-to-be" Busse owners. We could do a ONE-TIME Life Membership for a $50.00 Membership fee with a $100.00 rebate or credit program. The initial $50.00 could be returned on the first knife purchased. So, for example, a Skeleton Key would still cost $97.00 with $50.00 applied to the membership and the Skeleton Key cost being $47.00. To avoid "Dues Collection", subsequent years would be free. Throw in a secret handshake, free beer for me, and there you have the beginnings of the Nuclear Owner's Group. There could be different levels that would be dependant on different criteria such as "Do you own a Nuclear Challenge Coin?". . . if so, then you would be at the "Bar" level of the organization!!!!
I, of course, don't think that everyone who buys a Busse knife will be interested in T-Shirts, Hats, Challenge Coins, Decoder Rings, Busse Beer. . . well, okay maybe the beer, or any of the other stuff that could be made available to members. But for those who "go nuclear", this kinda stuff makes it that much more fun. I think that "Fun" is the key element that I'm interested in with this group of Busse Knife Nuts. Sometimes people get so "wrapped" up in their hobby that it becomes one more cause of stress in their life instead of a source of enjoyment. I think that the gang that has collected on our forums is by far the best group of ANY that I've seen gather on the various forums I have visited. Of course, I am slightly biased.
What do you guys think of this idea?????
Good stuff! I threw the $100.00 number out as a point of discussion. I agree that it's a bit high and I also agree that we DO want it to be for ANY Busse owner, whether a user, collector or both, and even "Yet-to-be" Busse owners. We could do a ONE-TIME Life Membership for a $50.00 Membership fee with a $100.00 rebate or credit program. The initial $50.00 could be returned on the first knife purchased. So, for example, a Skeleton Key would still cost $97.00 with $50.00 applied to the membership and the Skeleton Key cost being $47.00. To avoid "Dues Collection", subsequent years would be free. Throw in a secret handshake, free beer for me, and there you have the beginnings of the Nuclear Owner's Group. There could be different levels that would be dependant on different criteria such as "Do you own a Nuclear Challenge Coin?". . . if so, then you would be at the "Bar" level of the organization!!!!
I, of course, don't think that everyone who buys a Busse knife will be interested in T-Shirts, Hats, Challenge Coins, Decoder Rings, Busse Beer. . . well, okay maybe the beer, or any of the other stuff that could be made available to members. But for those who "go nuclear", this kinda stuff makes it that much more fun. I think that "Fun" is the key element that I'm interested in with this group of Busse Knife Nuts. Sometimes people get so "wrapped" up in their hobby that it becomes one more cause of stress in their life instead of a source of enjoyment. I think that the gang that has collected on our forums is by far the best group of ANY that I've seen gather on the various forums I have visited. Of course, I am slightly biased.
What do you guys think of this idea?????
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Jerry,
I think you're going to have to have annual dues just to cover basic operating expenses magazine etc. Look how much the NRA charges for a 'Life' membership as opposed to a yearly membership. The higher levels can be worked out. Say $25 (basic) $75 (better) $125 (best) for example.
Wet
I think you're going to have to have annual dues just to cover basic operating expenses magazine etc. Look how much the NRA charges for a 'Life' membership as opposed to a yearly membership. The higher levels can be worked out. Say $25 (basic) $75 (better) $125 (best) for example.
Wet
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