Yeah, I like the ASH too for sure. And yes, the number of models is a bit nuts...
I’m still trying to digest it all. Can’t wait for my 2 new ones to show up.
Speaking of buying: where are the best places to look other than here (obviously)?
I have used Arizona Custom Knives and they are great.
I saw Knife Hunter - is he legit?
Of course eBay - not my favorite
Am I missing other good dealers?
I ALWAYS look here first...AZCK are good folk, although they sell at whatever their consigner is asking, and sometimes prices can be way variable on very similar knives. Same with EBay, minus middleman...I have gotten some great deals there as well, and just laugh at some...
Sometimes AZCK is off on their descriptions to the point they are describing a different knife, and I usually let them know that if it is that bad. You will sometimes have to call them about a particular knife if you need to know the detail.
I think the best way to engage a guy like KnifeHunter is to call him and talk with him about a knife or knives you want he has up, as you will learn something in the process - he is a truly knowledgable and genuine Busse aficionado, and that knowledge is good to soak up.
Sometimes EBay people know nothing on what they are selling and are just moving it along....got a Busse in a trade or something and are just listing it for someone who does not care about money or prefers Ebay.
Sometimes prices are legitimately high for rare, older or newer knives that folks get the sense will be very special blades now and down the line. Bad Mojo and BusseCollector are great places to go and learn about knives as well as get the sense of the heart of the company via Bad Mojo's write-ups.
In my opinion, you will see prices on here that are based on the following:
- A person is an old school hog and just wants to break-even (and break-even plus) some on their knives (this is where you see great value in old school knives and new alike)
- A person is an old school hog and wants to sell at current market (in this case, try not to look at the original price of the knife on BusseCollector....this could be a factor of huge!!!....), and this is where you see many customs come from
- Folks who are not as old as true old school hogs who fall under similar categories above, although they remember relatively good deals on forums, and they remember the biggest boom market in Busse history on the exchanges...now, (to me) it is more knife-specific in terms of you never see a "so-and-so below this price" as opposed to anything with a Busse logo (or not, remember stripped sand sterile!) fetching $500!!!
- A more recent devotee is trying to break even and sometimes break even plus a little here and there in order to give a discount here and there and make sure that things are not too far off balance in the personal cash flow analysis. This often (or usually means) the person bought at current market price, or close to it (at the time of purchase) which has been relatively high with a noticeable, yet small dip in the last 1.5 years.
- Folks who want to see what the market ceiling is, (or price knives very high relative to what is considered market) because they do not really want to part with the blade, or they are just trying to make money (no harm, no foul)
- Folks charging below market (AKA a really good deal), based on a host of factors, one being that they need the money quick for another thing (including bills, car repairs, house downpayment, unexpected "this or that", etc...)
- Knives with non-Busse custom work are all over the map, and you have to decide what you are willing to pay. Many of the mods mean great edges, near-perfect strip and satin jobs that in many cases enhance the original knife and represent something I would do myself if I could, and some are more out there that change the knife and make it purpose (or aesthetics-built) for the original client. I would always try to be certain that a knife is not too modded so as to void the warranty (basically any work that heats the blade up to a degree that would mess with the heat treat).
- You will get a feel for it...
- Also - I believe people on here are honest, almost to the person (at least the ones I have dealt with). You cannot screw over anyone (or get that reputation) if you want to remain a credible seller, or just be a part of the community. Some people communicate in more and less friendly ways, although that has nothing to do with the quality of honesty in and of itself.
