Looking for?

[Marks1]

Hello All
I am new to the busse forums here and looking for a specific busse knife if there is one. I will explain, I am an avid backpacker and I pack pretty far away from civilization. Things can go terribly wrong and I want a knife I can depend on 100%. After much research I ended up a Busse believer. I am looking for a 71/2 to 81/2 blade in the steel heart style but with a thinner blade say 3/16 inch. Weight is a real issue and a 81/2 inch blade in 1/4 steel weighs too much. This will be a working knife, so it doesn't have to be a collectable, but if it is so be it, I will still use it. I don't want to sound dramatic, but my only concern is that I can bet my life on it, collectable or not.
So if anyone has any ideas or would like to sell something that would fit the bill, I would truly appreciate any help.
Great forum you all have here, I thank you for letting me participate in it.
Mark

 

[randucci]

I would think one of the ZT Steel Hearts or Monkey Terror Steel Hearts or even one of the Sarsquatchs would work well for you, they are about the lightest for that blade length. The Sarsquatch would be the lowest priced one of the three.

 

[steelnut]

I just got a Basic 9. They are still floating around at decent prices.
While it is .25 inches thick, it benefits from being less wide than a lot of the others.
The Resiprene C handle really cuts the weight down, making for a big knife in a medium package....

Here is one of the destruction test videos by Noss:


[youtube]V5vFJBB5esk&hl=en&fs=1[/youtube]

 

[JohnTheTexican]

Sounds like you want a Zero Tolerance Steel Heart. Good luck.

 

[JohnTheTexican]

If you were willing to go a little shorter on the blade (6 1/2 inches), you could pick up a Skinny ASH from the Company Store for $302 plus shipping, and you'd have a choice of color combinations, and you could have it by the end of the week.

 

[rt014]

My vote would be for a Sarsquatch based on your requirements and relative availability.

 

[Guyon]

If you were willing to go a little shorter on the blade (6 1/2 inches), you could pick up a Skinny ASH from the Company Store for $302 plus shipping, and you'd have a choice of color combinations, and you could have it by the end of the week.

Certainly the easiest route. A ZT Steel Heart is going to be a LOT harder to find.

 

[Will York]

...The Resiprene C handle really cuts the weight down, making for a big knife in a medium package....

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: for the Basic 9
Absolutely--and don't forget the Busse Basic 7, which falls right into the blade-length range you first mentioned. I don't think there is a stronger knife in its weight class, and you still get the benefit of a .25" thick blade which will stand up to a tremendous amount of punishment in terms of chopping, prying, levering. It's virtually a Basic 9 cut down to 7 inches and as such may be even stronger than the B9 in terms of leverage. The Basic 7 actually weighs less than a SJTAC, because of the reduced tang. And if you look at Noss' testing of the B9 mentioned above, you'll see that the tang NEVER failed--and it's the same size tang on the Basic 7.

Also, if you want to go ULTRA light in a knife that will still do everything these others will do (other than prolonged/extensive chopping) and is just as strong, don't forget the Basic 5, which is still .25" thick and highly packable. I never hit the trail even for a short hike without a Basic 5 in my daypack.

will

 

[Lil' Foo]

Sounds like a SARsquatch might be about right if you drop down to a 7" blade. :thumbup:

Here are the specs:
Blade Length: 7"
Overall Length: 13"
Blade Width: 1 3/4"
Blade Thickness: 3/16"
Grind: Convex
Handles: Micarta

 

[Uncle_Jarvis]

Sounds like you are in need of a sarsquatch..

I would go for the comp. finish with zero/convex edge.. They are still a newere release so I would find one b4 the prices skyrocket.

Here are my 2 favorite users... Oh yea, there is nothing wrong with using expensive rare/collectable Busses. The top blade is prob. equivenent to a one month car payment on a Lambo..

HERE IS A QUICK VIDEO OF THIS EXACT BLADE IN ACTION


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Wml4rxjv8














.

 

[Will York]

Sounds like a SARsquatch might be about right if you drop down to a 7" blade. :thumbup:

Here are the specs:
Blade Length: 7"
Overall Length: 13"
Blade Width: 1 3/4"
Blade Thickness: 3/16"
Grind: Convex
Handles: Micarta

Thanks, Foo! Great opportunity for a heads-up comparison with the Busse Basic 7.
Here are the B7 specs:

Blade Length: 7 1/8"
Overall Length: 12 1/8"
Blade Width: 1 1/2"
Blade Thickness: 1/4"
Grind: Full Flat (asymmetrical edge)
Handles: Resiprene-C (contoured hard rubber--very comfortable and extremely durable)

And one other factor:

Sarsquatch Weight: 17.1 oz
Basic 7 Weight: 11.8 oz

So by comparison, the B7 is lighter by more than 30%, the blade is thicker by more than 30% (for strength), and the B7 handle is softer and very comfortable. The Resiprene handle is also super durable, having survived the same punishment in Noss' tests (B9) that eventually broke the handle fasteners on an FFBM.

Don't get me wrong--the Sarsquatch has a lot going for it, and I also really like the Skinny ASH1 available right now from the Busse Company Store. (I actually prefer the Skinny because of the security of the 6-function horsehead pommel) Both incredible knives...but...

When weight is a primary concern as in long-distance backpacking I'd go with a Basic every time. And although they've gone up in price as collector's items over the years, you can still get one for about the same price as the 'squatch or the Skinny ASH--between $300-400 w/sheath.

 

[fbusmc]

I'm in agreement with my fellow hogs recommendations. When your doing serious backpacking every ounce counts when your in the bush. cutting toothbrushes in half, making items serve more than one task is essential for packing your pack. Yes, your knife is one of your most valuable items to have and Busse is your best choice.
Some thoughts: for General backpacking use I would look at the new Sarsquatch, excellent weight, reach and blade thickness. hopefully Jerry might put this one on his homepage sometime, but in the mean time, the forums, and if you can make to a show like Knob Creek or Blade west, you will probably be able to pick one up at a good price.
Next Choice is the ASH1 skinny, good weight, more compact, but at a slight cost of chopping ability, still a great backpacking size. yes, the old basics are excellent knives, but getting harder and harder to find. Availability and price are paramount in getting your blade in a good time frame. I like my Heavy Heart Fusion steel heart in a spec ops sheath, but some might think this a bit too much weight (if your ok with some extra on your side or pack its great) If your wanting one right now.. Skinny ASh would be the way to go at the company store, since you can have it within a week at $$317.00 shipped and can maybe pick up a sarsquatch when it becomes available.. I like the spec ops sheaths due to flexability in movement and ability to access though the loop as well as the accessory pouch "and its quiet" good luck on your quest, a busse will last a life time, and your descendants as well.

 

[Marks1]

What a great group on this thread, I come home from work and see 11 reply's and pics. I really appreciate all the help and great idea's, seriously I wouldn't of thought of some of the reply's you guys have really helped me out.
Now I have to find one.
Thanks again, appreciate it and if anyone else has any ideas keep them coming.
Mark

 

[JWBirch]

Something else to consider is that the ASH isn't being made anymore. If you're lucky and fast you can pick up a Skinny ASH at the CompanyStore and that can hold you over until you find the "perfect" Busse that you're looking for. Then, if you decide to sell the ASH after you find the one that makes you happy, you'll be able to get at least as much as you spent on it. But bear in mind that INFI can be addictive...

Best Wishes!