Res-C handles

dbltap45acp

dbltap45acp

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Dec 19, 2008
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Can you really feel the difference between the handles on a B11 and a B10? What is the real difference between them grip wise? I have read some people say that there is less vibration with one over another and the B10 is more comfortable on the hand while chopping. I have searched old threads and that's the sum of what I found, but nobody really explains why. Is the density the same on both, or is the B10 Res-c more squishy or what? Thanks in advance, as always, pictures help and are always welcomed.

I ask, because its pretty cheap to send my B11 off and have them changed if it will make a difference in a positive way. Since I haven't held both I am relying on you guys here. I haven't had any real issues, and I don't chop a ton, but I batton a lot. If it will really help in the long run incase I go on a chopathon then why not, right?
 
To me, the original ("old") Res-C handles seemed a little denser and a little harder than the new handles--as if the old Res-C was condensed somewhat compared with the new. The old surface was also smoother and less tacky. So the new Res-C has a bit more cushion and sticks to the skin more, i.e. it doesn't shift as readily in the hand.

I've seen reports here of the old handles transmitting more vibration, and that may be true since they are a little harder and possibly have less cushion between hand and steel than the new. On the other hand, I've seen reports of the new handles being worse about raising blisters, because your skin won't slide to let the handle rock back and forth as smoothly in hand when chopping. So hot spots may be more of a problem with the new.

To me, the differences are not significant. If you compare the vibration transmitted by any Res-C handle to a full-tang knife with micarta/G10 handles, the Res-C dampens vibration much better. And the harder, older Res-C is soft enough to be much more comfortable in hand under prolonged use than micarta/G10, while the new offers even more cushion. I'd take either over a solid handle, and I think both old and new Res-C have advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. YMMV
 
I sent my b11 for the handle swap and my hands like it 100% better.
I don't know about the density of the res c, but I think the new handle is slightly larger and I definitely get less vibration.
 
voracious1 said:
I sent my b11 for the handle swap and my hands like it 100% better.
I don't know about the density of the res c, but I think the new handle is slightly larger and I definitely get less vibration.
Click to expand...

Got a picture brother? How long did it take to get back?
 
I don't have a current pic handy,I'll get you one or 3 when I can.
I can't speak for turnaround time because I sent a bunch of knives in for custom work and spa treatment at the same time.
 
I'm going through a bit of a resiprene handle evaluation myself.

My history has mostly been with the Swamp Rat-style resiprene handles on Battle Rats, Camp Tramps and Howling Rats. I absolutely love these handles and felt no hot spots during aggressive, prolonged use. I've never had a problem with vibration through these handles. I don't know that they're softer, per se, but they are slightly larger and have more of a square-ish cross section - neither of these pose a problem for me.

I've recently started picking up some Basics, a 5 and a couple 9's, and admit that there are some positives and negatives to this style of handle. I like these handles visually and while I find the smaller, oval shape comfortable, I have some issue with the texture. There are spots near the textured indentation that produce hot spots for me. I've used these blades a bit and do find that they are slightly less forgiving than the Rat-style handles - possibly due to the handles being smaller, providing less resiprene to act as a cushion.

I don't know that the difference is significant enough to be cause to have the handles switched out on these blades, but it's something I may consider on my future Basic 11. :)
 
I have a B11 with the old Res C and I do notice some vibration from time to time. I'd like to try a B11 with the new handle but no way I'm getting mine changed since they don't make the Busse labeled Res C anymore.

I also have an 1111 and 1311 with the new style Res C handles and rarely ever get any vibration.

If you don't chop a ton with it and don't have a problem with the current Res C then I'd leave it alone.
 
I agree both handles have there positives and negatives , I would leave well enough alone.
 
That's true, I guess if I somehow become a person who chips a lot down the road I can always change it then if it's an issue. For the $30 they would charge I figured it was cheap enough to try out but there really isn't a true need as of yet. I will leave it be for now. I guess I already fell in love with this blade, why screw with perfection and try and fix what isn't broken.
 
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