Questions Re: Busse and Fehrman

lagarto

lagarto

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
1,438
Hello all,
Looking for a little help here. I've decided I want a large outdoor knife to add to my collection and was wondering if anyone here has any experience with the Fehrman Final Judgement and could post a mini - review. Is it worth the extra money to get the satin as opposed to the black crinckle finish.Also, Busse's Site is currently down, so I was wondering 1. if anyone knows how much the Battle Mistress and Steel Hearts cost and 2. How does the quality of Swamp Rat compare with that of Busse. Thanks for your data/advice.
Lagarto
 
Swamp Rat is Busses midprice line, and the quality is quite good. The major differences are that there knives have the Respine-C handles, and a different steel, that being SR101 a carbon steel.

Busses site is down for a few more weeks, but you can get their knives iether through a dealer of theirs, Thatmguy is one and he is on these forums. Or you could call the shop directly and see if they have one of them available. ( I dont know the current cost of the two knives you mentioned though.
 
All the reports I've heard about Fehrman knives are "outstanding". I have one of Fehrmans custom bowies, a Hood Hunter on order and am just waiting for it's arrival.......hopefully early next week. I have yet to see any negative statements made on Fehrman's quality, and their service. I didn't get the Final Judgement simply because I had the chance to get the Hood Hunter which is in limited supply and I wanted to grab one up before they are all gone. From the quality of contruction, grinds, and hand sharpening you can't beat a Fehrman as far as a workhorse blade goes. The CPM-3V steel used in his blades is super tough, and holds an edge as well as M2 steel.
 
I also want to know how the Fehrman knives are compared to Busse, for myself, I have a Steel Heart-E. I know that that knive is amazing!! I chopped through ammo crates and cut through wires and the thing still pops hairs! I think that the E-Handle is awesome for chopping and functional for slicing, or cutting. I have heard a lot of forumites saying "Why don't you just use a Mora or an Opinel for slicing and carry an axe to chop?" I agree, they have a point, use the tools as they are designed, but it is nice as HELL to have a blade that is tough enough to not have to worry about it's capabilities or how it will hold up. Believe me, I had to wait to get this thing, but it was REALLY worth it. When I say that I was shaking my head after using this thing, I mean I was amazed how the edge performed and how sharp it was after the abuse. If any of you guys have used a Fehrman I would like to know how it did, especially compared to Busse, I have heard good things, not only about his heat treat, but also of the customer service, sorry for the long post guys..
Semper Fidelis
 
I would also like to know about experiences with the Fehrman. There are a couple of reviews out there, but not many. Seems to be a lot of knife for the money.

I would pay extra for the satin finish because there is probably less drag when cutting certain materials and I like the look. Coated is definitely better protection though.
 
Geode I asked about the satin finish for the same reason, I really don't like the look of the crinkle, as it seems like it could wear off pretty easily.
Lagarto
 
logarto,

Somewhere, don't recall exactly, I read that the Fehrman black coating is plenty tough. The Busse is pretty tough too. My experience with the Busse is that the coating is more subject to chips upon impact than from wear due to friction. It is fairly wear-resistant.
 
I have several Busses/Swamp Rats and only one Fehrman. For quality I give high marks all around. I'm afraid I can't give you feedback on Fehrman hard use, as my model is the Peace Maker (the small one) so it hasn't seen a lot of chopping. I did want to mention that if you do go for the satin finish, keep an eye on your exposed tang. The blade seems to resist rust and staining fairly well with the cutting I've done with it, but fingerprints/sweat definitely seem to set in fast with corrosion. I finally coated the exposed tang edges with a thin film of superglue, which is clear enough not to ruin the aesthetics, and seems to do a pretty good job of protecting it. Just thought I'd mention it.
 
I own 3 Fehrmans,I have owned Busse's...Steel Heart and straight handle Battle Mistress.
IMHO I have yet to see attention to detail like Fehrman,everything is PERFECT.
They hold a edge better then anything I have used,there handles are perfect for me,there choil is set just right.There leather sheaths are built like tanks with a kydex lining.

Did I mention how there attention to detail is SUPERB :D Plus Eric Fehrman is a great guy to deal with and he will answer any questions you might have.

Oh yeah,I have used the FJ for over a year,its cleaned out pigs,chopped legs off of yotes,chopped about 2 pick up truck loads of wood etc and all I have done is strop it a couple of times.

Also Fehrmans edges are very very sharp,they are great slicers,being able to slice meat with ease,mine has also sliced and scraped hides,and will easily prepare food for camp.
I highly recommend Fehrman knives..
 
MicroAlign, do you happen to have a pic of the custom Fehrman bowie? I'm really interested in seeing it and hearing more on it.
 
tknife said:
MicroAlign, do you happen to have a pic of the custom Fehrman bowie? I'm really interested in seeing it and hearing more on it.
Click to expand...

Well, I haven't gotten mine in yet.........you know how specialty knives can be delayed. However, here are some pics and specs on the Hood Hunter.

http://www.survival.com/the_hood.htm

I got mine in the satin finish. :p
 
Okay, I have seen the HH, I thought you had some top secret, one off model in the works! ;) I have a FJ, and hope to be getting a HH soon.
 
I liked the Busse so much I made myself a small version of the Battle Mistress. This blade is just shy of 7". Handle is OD micarta. Sharp as HE**..........
 
heheheheh I have a Battle Mistress from Busse and a Battle Rat from Swamp Rat. I didn't buyed a Ferhman cause I think they look like a TOPS and Busse mixed up, but that's my personnal opinion so we won't go there.
If the price doesn't matter, get a Battle Mistress, but still,even if I have them both my main user is my Battle Rat. Believe me, you can not find a better knife for the price of a Battle Rat, and there I speak about quality, finish, and customer service. Busse and Swamp Rat (it's almost the same compagny) really stand with their customers. Whatever wich one you choose, if you break one of them you'll get a new blade no question asked. I can't see how I can possibly break my Battle Rat... I've used it for almost everything, even cleaning game from fish to wild pigs! :D
 
hey Olive.

Need someone to baby sit your mistress?...... ;)
 
oh I know......here is my other baby....Its 13" overall....my first blade making experience. Chops like a mad man! Slices with ease too......
 
one last thing... oliverplomion where did you get your Battle Mistress from?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top