SHSH Question

B

blademik

Joined
Oct 29, 2014
Messages
188
Hi Folks,
Fairly new to the site, I did search for my answer but couldn't come up with anything definitive, sorry if it's been covered countless times,
I'm considering purchasing a 1998 Straight Handle Steel Heart and don't know if they were made from Infi steel ?
The seller claims it was made by Jerry himself as part of a batch for the Seals, I can't really tell from the pic's, the blade finish looks almost bead-blasted or coated, There are No markings on the blade, anywhere
and it has a plain canvas looking handle and is unused.
Any and all info would be appreciated, or if you can just tell me where to look ?
Thanks, Mike
 
Last edited:
Ah, Straight Handle Steel Heart, one of my all time favorites!

There are tell tale signs of the make (either A2 or INFI) that would only be tellable by pics. ie, slotted bolts vs solid bolts, smooth handles vs grooved handles, INFI dimples or smooth flats. It goes on and on.

IIRC, one has to be Gold level to ask values, dont quote me on that.

In any fashion, the venerable SHSH is worth getting a hold of, but users IMHO are best. :)
 
Thanks for the info !
Didn't know about the Gold member thing (fixed) thanks.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post pic's, but here's a link to the only pic I have

If I bought this one, I was thinking it'd be a user, or is it better as a collector ?
 
Last edited:
Based on the strait plunge line , it may be A2 , there are several other things that may point in other directions
 
From the looks of it, I would say 51% sure it's A2.Also if the time period is right I'd be willing to say I'm 52% sure. I got mine about then and it was INFI but came with an Eagle sheath. Aw hell, I have no frickin' idea. I've confused myself again!

Bob
 
Thanks guys,
I can't decide, if it's not INFI, I may save my money...or maybe not....or...Damm this obsession, and it's only just starting...
 
The knife is definitely coated. It could be either A2 or INFI – a close-up photo might reveal the presence or absence of INFI dimples on the sides in front of or to the rear of the grips. That sheath is the nicest one (in my opinion) that came with the knives back then. The SHSHII is a classic Busse and is still one of my favorites!
 
Both my long gone INFI SHSH and SHBM came in that sheath.

I want to think I see grooves in the middle of the handle, between the screws, both mine had that. Usually an indication of INFI. Cant tell if the bolts are slotted or not, its a bit fuzzy, but I think I see them.

The plunge line being straight isn't an indicator, I've had both. An early INFI model of mine had a curved line, but a later one had a straight line. The length of the ricasso sometimes is a tale tell thing as INFI is usually longer while the A2 models was shorter. But again, most of them back then were made by hand, so all of them are a little different. That one thing makes them the most interesting of the whole line. I've never had two that were identical. :)
 
Check posts/info on this site by Mulder and Papathud. They have the knowledge on older Steel Hearts. I'm a newbe here with only three of them (so far). What I go by is: SHSH2 with slotted bolts (yours), 90% A2; smooth bolts, 50/50 A2, INFI; tubes, 100% INFI. Have also heard there are exceptions to this rule. And made for SEALs? Doubt they would carry any blade this big/heavy with all their other gear. But I, like everyone on the planet, can be mistaken. Would be helpful if anyone with more direct knowledge than I on actual SEAL carry gear could add something to this...;-)
 
Your mostly there tuica, just reverse the smooth and slotted bolt and your good.

Smooth bolts mean A2 for the most part, though INFI came to being right as they were going out

Slotted bolts came in with the transition, There are a few SHBMs with smooth bolts but most have slotted.
 
Thanks for all the info everyone, keep it coming !!
As far as the "made for the Seals" thing, I have no idea, just what the seller told me.
Can't wait ! ( kind of ryhmes with B-8 ! ) ;)
 
As most said, more than likely A2. As they say in another sub forum, buy the knife..not the story.

Smooth Bolt Straight Handle Battle Mistress.....now you're talking!!!!

So glad I have mine.
 
leatherman said:
...
I want to think I see grooves in the middle of the handle, between the screws, both mine had that. Usually an indication of INFI. Cant tell if the bolts are slotted or not, its a bit fuzzy, but I think I see them.
...
Click to expand...
The handles are partially grooved with slotted screws - this is what makes me think it could be either A2 or INFI.
 
This knife should be used……. DUH!!

My money is on A2 at this point, but I'm pretty sure the only way to tell without stripping the coating is using the darned thing…….. ;)
 
Thanks leatherman. An apparent lapse of reason. Now I'm back. I forgot - and perhaps you could verify - my belief that round pommel SHSH2's were only made with slotted bolts, then tubes. They were never made with smooth bolts. That would have been the Bird's Beak, (and other early SH's), domain.

Also thanks for that link, W-457. Also looked up some info on these models by randucci. Some other great photos on these fine SH's can also be found by diligent searching. Would be great - does one already exist? - if there was a sticky with just SHSH2 photos and info.

Cheers...;-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top