So I wana buy a busse....

[sketchbag]

The most appealing Busse knives to me are the Steel Heart E and the Camp Tramp. Apparently both are discontinued so I'm stuck with trying to buy a new Steel Heart (fusion?) for $330 or a used SH-E for $450+. Why is there such a huge mark up for a used knife? Havent been able to find any Camp Tramps.

I'm told that there are often "hints" when a new batch of knives is ready at the store, can you tell me specifically what I'm supposed to be looking for? Sounds like you have to hunt for clues and decode riddles just to find out when they'll be in stock....

What about customs? Can anyone give me a ballpark idea of how much a basic 8" infi blade (straight, with drop/spear point, no fancy curves, lips or ridges) with a resiprene-c grip would cost?

 

[flatlander]

Custom= $100 per inch but you'd need to call the shop for exact prices.
Secondary market is what it is. For starters I'd suggest looking at the top of this forums page at the stickies for alot of useful info to FAQ's like yours.

Bob Mills

 

[JGarrison Knives]

If you want a res-c handle you might want to look at Scrap Yard Knives, its a sister company to Busse Combat.

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/intro.htm

 

[STEELWHORE]

If i could find a Fusion Steel heart for $330,even used, i would take 10.
I think you may have been mislead or maybe misread some info.

 

[Gerberblades]

My first Busse was a HHFSh, and I have no regrets. I payed 550 for it, but it is an awesome knife. But I have to warn you,Busse Knives ARE ADDICTING.

Good Luck
Bill

 

[sketchbag]

Custom= $100 per inch but you'd need to call the shop for exact prices.

Damn! does that include the handle?

If you want a res-c handle you might want to look at Scrap Yard Knives, its a sister company to Busse Combat.

Ive looked at the scrapyard line, couldnt find exactly what I'm looking for (7.5-8" blade, straight edge).

If i could find a Fusion Steel heart for $330,even used, i would take 10.
I think you may have been mislead or maybe misread some info.

I'm just going by the catalog I downloaded. The prices match up for the few knives listed on the web page so I figured the rest are correct too. Am I to assume the catalog is BS?

 

[sketchbag]

My first Busse was a FSHHH, and I have no regrets. I payed 550 for it, but it is an awesome knife. But I have to warn you,Busse Knives ARE ADDICTING.

What do all those extra "H"s stand for?

 

[Elen]

I'm just going by the catalog I downloaded. The prices match up for the few knives listed on the web page so I figured the rest are correct too. Am I to assume the catalog is BS?

Yes, and no. The catalog probably has the right prices - the right prices out of the shop, that is. But for models not currently in production, the prices are what the market sets for them, and that translates to "a whole lot higher".

 

[sketchbag]

Yes, and no. The catalog probably has the right prices - the right prices out of the shop, that is. But for models not currently in production, the prices are what the market sets for them, and that translates to "a whole lot higher".

The Fusion Steel Heart is still in production, right?

 

[JurT]

The Fusion Steel Heart is still in production, right?

No it's discontinued. It's only available through ganza's or on the exchange forum.

 

[Hogwash]

No, the FSH is not in production any more.

The Aniversary Steel Heart 1 is coming "soon" but it's a smaller knife, 6 5/8" I think (not really a chopper).

The Swamp Rat Ratweiler might be what you are looking for and you should be able to get one new for around $200.

If you aren't afraid to go big and heavy, there should be some very nice FBM's at the BCS soon but they are quite a bit heavier than an FSH CG.

 

[foxyrick]

What do all those extra "H"s stand for?

Heavy Heart Fusion Steel Heart (HHFSH)

 

[OldPhysics]

What do all those extra "H"s stand for?

We usually call that knife an HHFSH -- Heavy Heart Fusion Steel Heart. It's a Fusion Steel Heart knife that's extra thick. It is an outstanding chopper and is a target for most Busse collectors.

I still remember when I found mine!

Take a look at the Fusion Battle Mistress or FBM. I know it's longer and heavier than what you'd like, but it is an outstanding knife ... and it is still 'around' ... more easily found than an FSH. What you would probably want is the CG FBM or Combat Grade FBM -- the cheapest yet paradoxically perhaps the most useful of the FBMs.

You ought to have little trouble finding one. The cheapest have coatings on the blade -- black, muddy, OD or olive drab, etc. INFI is such a hard steel that satin or doublecut (matte finish) blades are more expensive.

If you continue to have trouble finding an FSH or an FBM, let us know ... I'm sure one of us Knuts will help you find what you're looking for.

Prices can be tough to predict. I'd expect a mint HHFSH to go for $550 to $600. I haven't seen a plain FSH for quite awhile, but it should definitely go for less than this. The SH with an Ergo style handle, the SH-E, is paradoxically pretty expensive (I think you've got the price right for that). A CG FBM ought to be cheaper -- what do you think, fellow Knuts ... shouldn't he be able to find a good CG FBM for $400 or so [maybe less if you get lucky]?

I see the immortal KAAK sold a used FSH (coated) for $350 back in late October. There's a price point for you! Ignore the prices on the custom FSHs you see ... way too expensive!!

 

[JGarrison Knives]

No it's discontinued. It's only available through ganza's or on the exchange forum.

I wouldnt call it discontinued just currently not in production. It will be released again but it could be awhile

 

[sketchbag]

Whats the difference with the Combat Grade Battle Mistress? Anyone got a picture?

I'd really like to keep it under 8.5" (from tip to handle). Reason one, I got a spec ops sheath to use, and two, I really dont think I need or could even use anything larger.

I'm still considering a Ratweiler, it's a suitable length and reasonable price, but I'd like to try out the INFI, and I only want to buy 1 chopper.

I dont mind getting a used knife, I just cant bring my self to pay a 30% mark up on something thats used. Might be different if I was collecting them, but I just want it to use.

I like the SH-E because of its straight forward design. I dont get the newer models with the ridged spines, and fancy textured grips, they just dont appeal to me.

 

[sketchbag]

Is there any idea of what the next offering at the company store will be and approximately when they'll be posted?

 

[Gerberblades]

The ASH 1, and Iam not sure when.

 

[Elen]

The ASH 1, and Iam not sure when.

Wasn't Amy-0 hinting that they might be "bringing it" the ASH soon?

 

[Gerberblades]

Wasn't Amy-0 hinting that they might be "bringing it" the ASH soon?

Yeah. A lot of people were kind of hinting that it would be soon, but no set time yet. I'll most likely pick up a couple of them.

 

[OldPhysics]

Is there any idea of what the next offering at the company store will be and approximately when they'll be posted?

You ask good questions.

Looks like the CG FBM will be too long for you. The blade is 10" long.

My Heavy Heart FSH has an 8" blade (you've seen a picture above), but is just over 14" from tip to the end of the handle. I suspect when you say "tip to handle" you mean the length of the blade -- so the HH FSH will likely fit your spec ops sheath.

If you cannot find an FSH or HH FSH, look for the under-appreciated Hell Razor. The blade is 6.75" long (full length of blade, tip to handle) and it can do useful chopping. You should easily be able to 'score' one for under $400.00 on the secondary market -- it is a great blade.

The Ratweiler you mention may be perfect for you. The blade is 7.5" long, the entire knife is just over 13" long. They were available new from the Swamprat Knife Company very recently for a price in the mid 200's. I have a few myself and I'm quite happy with them. The man to talk to about the Ratweiler is Eric Isaacson, the Super Bully. He's active on BladeForums and you can reach him very easily. He's a great guy to talk to and also another 'addicted' Knife Knut.

The next offering at the Busse Company Store (Idahoskunk's site) will probably be doublecut and/or satin FBMs ... and they'll be there any day now. I expect them to be relatively expensive and the blades will be too long for you (see my second paragraph).

The next offering at the Busse Combat Knife Works site (Jerry Busse's main site) will undoubtedly be the Anniversary Steel Heart 1 (ASH1). It will be available in both Combat Grade (cheaper coated blades) and a more expensive satin limited edition, most likely. We aren't sure of the prices, but we hope the CG versions will be in the mid 200 range. The knife blade will be 6.5" long and 1 7/8" wide at the widest point (INFI steel, naturally). The full length of the knife will be about 12". They could go 'up' at any time and will probably be available for ordering for quite awhile (months). Even if you get an order in on day one, you'll have to wait a few months before you see your knife -- but you won't be charged anything until around a week or two before your personal blade is finished and shipped to you. [I base the dimensional information on the custom ASH1s I have ... I've managed to score quite a few since Blade 07 in early June.]

Just keep asking questions ... we'll keep trying to answer.

Some pictures:

The third from the top is an ASH1 (orange/black handles).

This is a Hell Razor.

The bottom type is a doublecut version of an FBM. The two knives above it are doublecut versions of the FSH.

The lovely Ratweiler.

We finish with an obligatory picture of 'Grail Knives' -- knives we would all LOVE to have, but don't. These are original Straight Handled Battle Mistresses or SHBMs. Sadly, not mine. They belong to some HOG or other .... think his handle begins with a C.