Question on Purchasing another Busse Knife

A

APC

Joined
Dec 1, 2004
Messages
26
I have a question about purchasing a Busse that I hope could be answered. I presently own one Busse Combat and also a Battle Rat and they are certainly within my favorites.

I was at a show recently and someone had what they said was a Busse Steel Heart. Since there was no printing on the blade or handle, I did not know how to tell if it was a real Busse and what the value was. I really wanted to purchase it but held off due to my ignorance.

How would one tell and how would access the value? He was asking $400.00 for the knife. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

APC
 
The best way to know is to be educated on the Busse models and then really check out the knife. If it looks sketchy or you don't feel good about it, the best bet is to pass. While there are a few things you can look for, most of these could be copied by someone trying to "fake" you out.

Now, about value, was it a Straight handle, E-handle? That has a lot to do with the value.

For more pics, and so great info check out www.badmojo.tv

I know it sounds stupid, but once you become familar with some of the models you'll know if it is real or not. It's one of those things that is hard to describe.

I hope that helps

:D:D
 
Eric Isaacson said:
If it looks sketchy or you don't feel good about it, the best bet is to pass.
Click to expand...


Eric is a wise man and gives good advice. He is also correct that once you become a little familiar to the appearance and feel of certain models its a lot easier to judge whether they are real or fakes.
 
APC, good question.

Eric is dead on. Education will help immensely.

I would recommend looking at the sites listed on the Busse Help thread stickied at the top of the forum. A lot of pics and info in that thread.

The marking of blades has only been done in the the past few years, so a sterile blade in not uncommon.

Keep an eye on the sale forums. You will get a feel for what models are moving for. It is though to keep up with all of them though, especially when some folks delete the selling price from their posts... :grumpy: Makes it hard to guage market for some models.

I've never seen a bootleg Busse yet. Not to say someone may not try it, but I don't recall eharing of any either, and it WOULD be broadcast for sure...

Let us know if we can be of furhter assistacne bud.

OINK on!!
 
One thing to look for is the thick crinckle coat, yes it can be replicated, but I've to yet see one like the Busse Coat. Also, the texturting of the handles is not something that is easily reproduced.
 
this is an excellent thread topic. guys need to know as much as possible about getting into INFI. by the way, has anyone ever seen a busse knockoff?
 
Excellent topics and I concur with my colleagues, after you start learning more about them you develop a "feel" for them. Nothing replaces handling them though, so if you can find another hog nearby who has some different models, perhaps you might get together and get some handle time in.

APC, where are you from? Midwest is a broad location, if you are near me, you are welcome to come by sometime for a hands on familiarization with some of the models. You better hurry though, I have been selling quite a few lately. :D
 
Walking Man said:
One thing to look for is the thick crinckle coat, yes it can be replicated, but I've to yet see one like the Busse Coat. Also, the texturting of the handles is not something that is easily reproduced.
Click to expand...
BTW, the crinckle coat is only true of new models.
If you can, post a picture.
or take a look here:
www.badmojo.tv
 
there was a really, REALLY bad copy of an active duty at the santa maria knife show... reeeeeeally crappy knife, but exactly the same... and then theres the masters cutlery version of the mean streat (same knifer, but with masters written on it, and 440)

definitely look around the web some, and try to get to one of the blade shows and really handle the knives as much as possible.

its good for the soooouuuuuullll :cool: :D
 
Progunner said:
APC, where are you from? Midwest is a broad location, if you are near me, you are welcome to come by sometime for a hands on familiarization with some of the models. :D
Click to expand...

i really could go somewhere with this.... :cool:
 
APC,

Welcome to the BladeForums Busse forum! Definitely check out the badmojo site; there is a lot of good info and pictures there. The most common Steel Hearts (SH) are the ergonomic (curved) handled ones (E-handle), and the older straight handled Steel Heart II (SHSHII). The newest SH, the Fusion model (FSH), just recently started to ship from the factory. Assuming it is a standard version, age and condition would determine its value; custom one-of-a-kind versions are rare and command higher prices. The type of finish affects the value; bead blasted and satin finished SH versions cost up to $100 more than the standard black coated ones (except for the 3/16" Zero Tolerance version - a satin finish was standard on these). The SHSHII has a standard thickness of 1/4"; less common thicker ones up to 5/16" thick sell for more. Another factor if it is a SHSHII is whether or not it is made from INFI steel; the earlier ones were made from A2 steel and might not sell for as much as one made from INFI. So here is a rough guide on the $400 price:
- for an FSH, the value would depend on whether or not it had an optional finish and upgraded micarta (the base price was $327)
- too high for a standard black crinkle coated E-handle version
- a good price for an INFI SHSHII in mint or lightly used condition

In summary, check the SH to see:
- what style handle it has (straight, ergonomic, or Fusion)
- what finish it has (smooth or crinkle black (or other colors on the FSH), bead blast, or satin)
- the thickness (generally 3/16", 1/4", or 5/16")
- the condition (new or used, factory edge or re-sharpened, any modifications)

Gene
 
Wow, great information! I am definately now on my way to the higher level of understanding. As often as I am able, I attend two blade-related show places here in southwest Ohio: Dayton Hare Arena and Wilmington Roberts Centre. I unfortunately find most of the time that Busse company (or through dealers) is not represented; are there dealers listed somewhere that sell in this area or other info where Busse representation might be? I would love to expand my collection with Busse, and the Internet photos are spectactular, but I am very much a see/feel/buy person whenever I can be. Thanks to all for supporting a rookie.
 
APC, this is mine to field.

I have not set up at the Goodman shows in Dayton or the Wilmington venue.

I do however set up when the PRO organization (www.peoplesrights.org) is at Wilmington, as well as all of the Columbus and Springfield shows.

I always announce the shows I am doing here, on the Swamp Rat forums, and the Busse home forums.

You should have no problem finding me, I have a big BUSSSE COMBAT KNIVES sign over my table.

I also set up at all of the INDY 1500 (www.indy1500.com) shows (except the June one due to Blade).
 
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