Quick newb questions from a Busse forum lurker...

Joined
Dec 28, 2003
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Hi Guys,

I've been looking at knives on this forum for a long time and never bit. I always thought they were a bit too pricy for me, so instead of buying a few really nice knives here, over several years I bought a couple hundred $125-$150 ones somewhere else LOL! (But think of all the money I saved! :rolleyes: :D)

Anyway, in reading the sticky's and many of the posts here in advance, this is what I see, and please tell me if this is basically correct:

- Busse's are sold new only at the Busse company store.

- Swamp Rat's are also made by Busse, but are slightly less pricy, with non-Infi steel? (NOT dissing those fine knives, just asking...)

- The Busse store only makes certain models at certain times?

- If I want a model not currently in production, then I would need to try and buy it on the pre-owned market until it might rotate into production again, which could be up to 3 years?

- Right now I see the Busse store is making a light version of the Team Gemini, which I really like. The description says it's a third pound lighter than the original but I didn't see a weight. Can anyone tell me the original weight? (Or the light version weight.) Just wondering where that 5-6 oz. is coming from. (A thinner blade thickness?) I would still want a strong knife.

- Looks like you buy the knife with whatever colors or handle variants you want, and then buy the sheath separately. To me these guys cry out for some nice custom kydex, but I'll check.

I did check the above sticky's first before posting, so apologies for any obvious / dumba$$ questions whose answers I might have missed. Thanks very much for any info on the above questions, and I'll go back to lurking / drooling!

Best,

Norm
 
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Hi Guys,

I've been looking at knives on this forum for a long time and never bit. I always thought they were a bit too pricy for me, so instead of buying a few really nice knives here, over several years I bought a couple hundred $125-$150 ones somewhere else LOL! (But think of all the money I saved! :rolleyes: :D)

Anyway, in reading the sticky's and many of the posts here in advance, this is what I see, and please tell me if this is basically correct:

- Busse's are sold new only at the Busse company store.


There is the Company Store and Direct from Busse ....2 different places. Also, the numerous shows throughout the year.
- Swamp Rat's are also made by Busse, but are slightly less pricy, with non-Infi steel? (NOT dissing those fine knives, just asking...)


Swamp Rat and Scrapyard are also Busse. The other two use their own main steel, but usually will have limited versions in other steels including Infi
- The Busse store only makes certain models at certain times?


Yes, they generally carry one or two models for a duration them something new replaces them.

- If I want a model not currently in production, then I would need to try and buy it on the pre-owned market until it might rotate into production again, which could be up to 3 years?


Generally yes, you may want to contact Busse directly and ask about xxxx model. They generally carry blanks for warranty purposes and they also usually release limited numbers of past models at Knob Creek and Blade and the "Ganzas" online here.

- Right now I see the Busse store is making a light version of the Team Gemini, which I really like. The description says it's a third pound lighter than the original but I didn't see a weight. Can anyone tell me the original weight? (Or the light version weight.) Just wondering where that 5-6 oz. is coming from. (A thinner blade thickness?) I would still want a strong knife.

No clue about weight , but the weight reduction stems from the deep hollow grind and "I" beam like structure of the handle.....there is a thread around here with pictures somewhere. If I weren't using my phone I would attempt to locate for you.

- Looks like you buy the knife with whatever colors or handle variants you want, and then buy the sheath separately. To me these guys cry out for some nice custom kydex, but I'll check.

Yes, they generally need custom pants. BUT there are numerous talented Kydex benders here and leather workers. Also at the company store, mashed cat sheaths are usually available when the knife is available direct from them.

I did check the above sticky's first before posting, so apologies for any obvious / dumba$$ questions whose answers I might have missed. Thanks very much for any info on the above questions, and I'll go back to lurking / drooling!

Best,

Norm


No dumbass questions here. All solid and good luck. If I can be of any assistance answering questions, please feel free to PM I attempted to answer he best I could as quick as I could but in the end....All I know is I know nothing!
 
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Jason, since you were using phone I highlighted your responses in red highlight so that it was easier for all to see:thumbup:



Svashtar, welcome to the madness and good hunting :)
 
Looks like all the questions are answered so good luck with your hunt.

Click the below link for some pictures and info of the the Team Gemini LB that shows how the weight was shaved. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Badmojo.net
 
from this very informative thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ghts-of-Swamp-Rat-Busse-amp-Scrap-Yard-Knives

Team Gemini = 19.9 oz; .26"; 7.875" blade; 13.25" oal
Team Gemini LE = 19.3 oz.

Ya missed the Light Brigade part ;)

Team Gemini Light Brigade (Anti-Vibe Skeletonized handle - Shallow Hollow grind) = 15.7 oz (for micarta); 7.75" blade; 13.25" oal
- See: Scinece Behind Light Brigade: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845708-The-Science-Behind-The-quot-Light-Brigade-quot-Series-%28Cool-Pics%29?highlight=science+gemini
 
Hi, the only thing you don't have quite right is that there are two places to get new Busse knives:

bussecombat.com
bussecompanystore.com

All purchases from Busse Combat directly are pre order.

Busse company store (run by idahoskunk) only sells knives that are in stock and available, but less often has knives available for sale.
 
Perfect! :thumbup: Thanks everyone for the great info, you covered everything. Honestly I highly regard the work of another knifemaker, so I'm basically trying to decide between a Sandbox Bowie and this TGLB for a main fixed blade application. The basic specs are almost identical (7 3/4" blade, 13.25" OAL, .25" vs. 3/16", Rc 58-60 vs. 58-59, etc.), but obviously depending on extras this would be a bit of a premium. I like the camp/field knife aspect of the SB, and the slightly wider blade and all the development thought behind it, but have heard fantastic things about this steel.

I need to move some $ around and see if I can swing it.

I'm not trying to draw a comparison between the two, but basically am trying to decide if the "Lincoln" is a good enough knife and value or if I should go for the "Cadillac"! :D

Good to see you Jay! (Guess this explains why you don't have any more $ for my kukris lately! ;) )

Best,

Norm
 
Norm, hey what's up Bro??? You know my E-mail give a yell and I'll fill in the blanks. Good seeing ya over here!!!
 
Norm, hey what's up Bro??? You know my E-mail give a yell and I'll fill in the blanks. Good seeing ya over here!!!

Hey Russ! Should have known you would be here for sure! Didn't want to bog you down but sent an email earlier on this exact topic. Saw a TGLB for sale here with a "competition" finish that was just stunning. I'll have to get up on all the blade finishes and handle options.

Thanks and talk to you offline soon!
 
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