Newbish question

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Feb 10, 2011
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17
As I understand it Busse produces only one type of knife throughout a set time period, and only that knife?

So then, what does it mean when I see people posting pics of Busse knives with the additional denotation of "(such and such model)-custom shop".

Is this to mean that the actual company makes custom spec knives upon request?

Or does this mean that you might possibly have the option of ordering the specific model of knife for the allocated period, additionally allowing for minor customizations to said knife model?

I'd really hope for one or the other to be true as I really love the bushwacker variant in knife hunter's post http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=795950

and as I am a working student don't have nearly a grand to drop on a solid knife ><
 
The Busse Combat website will have one or two different knives to order at any given time. Once they're yanked they're gone for good. Jerry did say that someday his intention is to have three knives up at all times for small, medium and large needs but that hasn't happened.

The Busse Company Store will usually have one to three different, generally exclusive designs available too. Skunk's inventory depends on how well the knives sell.

Busse Combat and the Busse Custom Shop also go to several different knife shows and generally have unique, rare and one-offs for sale. They also take orders for special knives at shows that they make and ship out later. To get these knives you either need a proxy at the show or hope Jerry will have a Ganzaa on the forums offerring those unique knives for sale. That's how we got the SLUTs recently.

Right now we are waiting for a rumored Humongous Cupid Ganzaa. The Cupid Ganzaas have been full of Custom Shop pieces in the past.

You can also get the Custom Shop to make a knife to your specifications or revive an old Busse at the price of $100 per inch of INFI. You just call and talk to Garth. I've heard it can take a long time. I hope this helps. :)
 
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Is this to mean that the actual company makes custom spec knives upon request?

To my knowledge the Busse Custom Shop does not actually make "green field" custom knifes upon request. Rather, they take current or previous production knifes and apply modifications to your liking (nuclear tops, sharpened swedges, recurves, fancy scales, etc.).

But this doesn't make their work less valuable. They do an awesome job and seem to exceed customer expectations on a regular basis :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: If you ever have the chance to get one of their pieces you can call youself lucky :)

A-S
 
Well, since Trevor's (KnifeHunter) Bushwacker Variant is numbered that was made for a specific show, usually even the custom shop won't make one exactly like it. And even if they would, it might cost just as much if not more. But if you like that, I'd just buy his, now wait time.
That knife is based off the Bushwacker's LE which I believe cost over $600 after tax so it's not cheap no matter how you look at it.
 
The vast majority of knives with the Custom Shop mark were made for sale at shows and 'Ganzas. It is possible to order a full on custom to your specifications, last I heard the cost could be over $100 per inch of OAL, and the wait was upwards of three years.

Garth and his CS crew also do a lot of mod work on knives sent back in; the costs are reasonable and the turn around not nearly as long.
 
Awesome, thanks for the info guys :D !!

I am off on a road trip this coming weekend with some friends to Cleveland (to visit some other friends that are studying there) and plan on possibly making the extra trip to the Busse shop, which I believe is in Ohio aswell?

Dropped a msg to Mr.Busse himself on this forum to see if the shop would even be open, hopefully I get a reply. Worst comes to worst I'll call ahead!

At a 100$ an inch on my 400 dollar student budget, I should probably just be thankful the jacks came out and the cb versions are mega thrifty :D!
 
Awesome, thanks for the info guys :D !!

I am off on a road trip this coming weekend with some friends to Cleveland (to visit some other friends that are studying there) and plan on possibly making the extra trip to the Busse shop, which I believe is in Ohio aswell?

Dropped a msg to Mr.Busse himself on this forum to see if the shop would even be open, hopefully I get a reply. Worst comes to worst I'll call ahead!

At a 100$ an inch on my 400 dollar student budget, I should probably just be thankful the jacks came out and the cb versions are mega thrifty :D!


Boy, wouldn't we all just love to visit the Shop? Unfortunately, because they do a large amount of military orders, the shop is closed, no visitors allowed. Otherwise, poor Amy would be overwhelmed with suitors bearing Coors Ligth and Clark Bars. ;)
 
GAH >< fails. So I wouldn't even be able to go there to handle the product and see it before buying it? Kind of turns me off
 
to add---The custom shop sometimes has blanks of certain models and Garth will make one for you as long as there is an extra blank. Last time I communicated with him, he was very short on blanks-I think he had only 5 models for me to pick from, and I'm sure this is usually the case because of the way the company operates-they do their best to avoid extra or left over materials. Also, they are more likely to have blanks of the more popular models,something to think about before you send in your request-- You may consider requesting more than one choice for the model and grip option. If Garth has the knife you want, he can make it anyway you want- any finish, any grips, any grinds or liners or polishing. If you add more, the cost will be more of course and it can add up quick-custom work can be very labor intensive. You will have a long wait as opposed to ordering one off the forum--you will have to learn to embrace the wait!! The best way to request a custom knife is to email Garth-He will get back to you the next day usually with a comfirmation and price. -- I've requested several knives from the shop and Garth didn't have blanks for about 90% of them-another thing to expect when going through this process so again, send him a list of a few models that you are interested in and he might have one or two of them available
 
GAH >< fails. So I wouldn't even be able to go there to handle the product and see it before buying it? Kind of turns me off

I believe they have been known to meet the rare person in town for lunch and/or drinks. Could have been a rumor though.
 
oO Wouldn't mind getting wasted at the local pub :P

Also thanks wolfdad.. is Garth's contact the same as the email request form on the combat site? or something seperate?
 
GAH >< fails. So I wouldn't even be able to go there to handle the product and see it before buying it? Kind of turns me off


You coming to Cleveland next weekend? We might be able to meet, I have a few knives.
 
AH Yes sir I will be leaving Toronto friday night. should make it there for around 11 pm. Will be in Cleveland for Saturday/Sunday and part of Monday. Will contact Garth and see what he has as far as blanks go and find out about pricing.

Have been looking at the sar6's on the busse company store site. Would be great to meet up with you in person too !! :D
 
GAH >< fails. So I wouldn't even be able to go there to handle the product and see it before buying it? Kind of turns me off

Your best bet would be to post for a get together with some one where you are living, or where you are going to be.

I bought all 11 different Busse models I have owned without ever holding one first, and have yet to find one I did not like in hand.

I have met with one other owner in another state and held a bunch of his as well, after I had my own.

I found out that there were several other owners actually in the town I lived in just a few minutes away. Actually never met with them before I moved.
 
If you dont have many yet, I would take it easy-baby steps- no need to wait a yr bro or longer when your budget is somewhat moderate. You really do get some bang for your buck with most offerings though-order up the BJ CG for 267- You really cant go wrong if you stopped there with black micarta and whatever color. Your choice of G10's or DC for only 30 and 60 bucks more. Same price already now for LE with G10's etc. # item and everything. I dont know where you usually purchase, but I feel like I am getting a truly SEMI-custom blade now with my orders. Yeah, it doesnt say custom shop, and sure there will be many people with my exact options- but still INFI is INFI and for what I use them for- most protect my "safe" very well at night btw. The point is you really get a lot of bang for your buck now with a BJ CG/LE. Id take my 400 bucks and get something nice tailored to your taste. Good luck bro. Pls let us know how the weekend went and the outcome.
 
Always have practiced martial arts, and generally never felt the need to carry a knife as a self defense item. (A finger or two works just as well as a knife from knife range and you don't have to draw :p)
Recently got into hunting and backwoods camping. Both require a functional tool that doesn't take up too much space. And I really love the idea of INFI and a guarantee on a quality tool.

I will definitely get back to you all after the trip. There is a rams horn sar 8 that I've fallen in love with and if I can liquidate my sweet sweet

mountainbike soon I will be sure to purchase it! (My hands are hugegantic so will try for a sar model over a bj)
 
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