So I wana buy a busse....

[Hogwash]

I love the CNC cut handles, it gives a very secure grip.

Also the Ergo handle puts a blister on my pinky when I chop.

I could care less about the spines, the blanks are laser cut so a coated version requires no additional work, I'm sure it doesn't impact the price.

The BCS might have knives today, allegedly FBM's, probably FFBM's which are almost 5/16" thick and sabre ground making for a quite heavy but nearly indestructable knife. The FBM CG is quite a bit lighter but I haven't seen them at the BCS for many months.

If you want something FSH sized in Infi, there have been a few knives in the 'ganzas but they have all been very thick and heavy. I think the plain CG FSH is a better all around package but they are $500+ on the exchange. A SH-E is cheaper but you can usually find a BM-E for around the same price, I think it's a better package than the SH-E and very close to the weight of a CG FSH but with more usable blade.

The Ergo handle can be fixed if you don't like it, the EU-17 used a modified Ergo handle, a good bladesmith should be able to duplicate it easily (but probably not cheaply).

 

[peter469]

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

CG is coated, has corrugated bevels and is 1/4" thick. The other ones are thicker and doesn't have the bevels.

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.

Nor could i when i first got into this. Had to trade for my first Busse because i didn't want to pay $150 more than it (a hell razor) cost new It still bugs me sometimes, but for the most part i've accepted that the market is sort of upside down when it comes to Busses.

 

[Gerberblades]

Since there are a lot of questions being asked, I thought of one myself ! What is the Blade 08? ( I know it is off topic)

 

[OldPhysics]

Since there are a lot of questions being asked, I thought of one myself ! What is the Blade 08? ( I know it is off topic)

That would be the next big Blade knife show in Atlanta, GA in 2008. I forget the actual date -- late May or early April. Three days of THE largest knifeshow on the planet.

Fun times, indeed. I'll be there!

 

[Cobalt]

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?

all you have to do is check with the company store or the busse site until the next offering comes up. It takes what we call patience if you have none, then you got a problem. If you want one now, go check the exchange for something.

Not sure why you keep on bringing up the SH-E when it has not been offered in 4 years, I know you are not finding that in the Busse site, so I have no idea where you are looking.

 

[Gerberblades]

That would be the next big Blade knife show in Atlanta, GA in 2008. I forget the actual date -- late May or early April. Three days of THE largest knifeshow on the planet.

Fun times, indeed. I'll be there!

Thanks. Does Busse go to the show in Eugene OR? That is supposed to be a HUGE show. I will probably be going to the show in Las Vegas, partially because it is relatively close to Tucson AZ., I am hoping Busse is going to be there.

 

[JGarrison Knives]

Thanks. Does Busse go to the show in Eugene OR? That is supposed to be a HUGE show. I will probably be going to the show in Las Vegas, partially because it is relatively close to Tucson AZ., I am hoping Busse is going to be there.

I think 360 usually goes to the Eugene show.

 

[OldPhysics]

Thanks. Does Busse go to the show in Eugene OR? That is supposed to be a HUGE show. I will probably be going to the show in Las Vegas, partially because it is relatively close to Tucson AZ., I am hoping Busse is going to be there.

Send an e-mail or a PM to ThatMGuy ... he knows everywhere the Busse Knives are going to show up.

Is Eugene the site of Blade West? If it is, I know Busse always shows up there. I'm on the Right Coast, so I haven't been able to get to Blade West.

Busse Knives seem to show up at shows in or near Ohio most often -- because they are made in Ohio.

Believe me, it is DEFINITELY worth it to go to a show. You'll see amazing knives and the lowest possible prices. Just be sure to get there early. Mike (ThatMGuy) will give you great advice ... be sure to follow it.

 

[Gerberblades]

Thanks oldphysics, and gimmejr.

 

[OldPhysics]

Thanks oldphysics, and gimmejr.

Any time.

Perhaps I'll run into you at one of these shows.

At any rate, 'snag' something great!! And post pics!!!

 

[Bkultra]

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.

+1 I just bought a hell razor and often wounder why it is so under appreciated myself. Its about the same size as the other knives you are looking at, I know you said you don't like a lot of the "fancy" styling of some of the knives. If you want a more simple and straight froward looking knife, look for a Mud razor... same knife different style.

I also realize this is blasphemy around here but I prefer the thinner blade for my camp knife. I find it easier to use for a prolonged time and I find it easier to preform more detailed tasks with a thinner profile.

 

[Uncle_Jarvis]

If you are trying to find a SHe, I believe there is an unused one on the exchange for under $440. I looks similar to the one in this pic.. Over all, E handles are quickly becoming my favorite, they feel proper in my hand and look decent also. .

 

[sketchbag]

Thanks for all the info (and pics!) guys, very helpful.

Cobalt,
Like I said, i'm not in a big rush to get one, I dont mind the waiting, its just the uncertainty and the prospect of having to constantly check.

How was I to know the SH-e has been discontinued for so long? I'm just going off of whats in the catalog, what Ive seen around here, and what looks good for me.

I love the CNC cut handles, it gives a very secure grip.

Also the Ergo handle puts a blister on my pinky when I chop.

I could care less about the spines, the blanks are laser cut so a coated version requires no additional work, I'm sure it doesn't impact the price.

The BCS might have knives today, allegedly FBM's, probably FFBM's which are almost 5/16" thick and sabre ground making for a quite heavy but nearly indestructable knife. The FBM CG is quite a bit lighter but I haven't seen them at the BCS for many months.

If you want something FSH sized in Infi, there have been a few knives in the 'ganzas but they have all been very thick and heavy. I think the plain CG FSH is a better all around package but they are $500+ on the exchange. A SH-E is cheaper but you can usually find a BM-E for around the same price, I think it's a better package than the SH-E and very close to the weight of a CG FSH but with more usable blade.

The Ergo handle can be fixed if you don't like it, the EU-17 used a modified Ergo handle, a good bladesmith should be able to duplicate it easily (but probably not cheaply).

What does CNC stand for?

Blisters eh? Thats no good. I just recently read that someone was getting a blister on their index finger with one of the fusion handle knives, frankly they dont look too comfy. Thats why I'd love an infi knife w/ resiprene grips (are there any?).

Which one is the EU-17?


I havent seen any Camp Tramps in the exchange, when they do show up what do they usually sell for?

I might just end up getting a Ratweiler. I'm sure its been done to death, and I'll probably be told to do a search but how does "sr-101" stack up against INFI?

Corrosion/stain resistance isnt a big issue for me, and that seems to be the most significant difference between the two. I'm mostly concerned with how well it will maintain an edge.


Where can I read about the warranties? Are all the busse (scrapyard/swamprat) knives held to the same standard?

 

[Cutshaw]

+1 on the Ratweiler potentially being the perfect blade for what you describe. It is a fantastic camp knife and function much better as a chopper than many blades the same size. A lot has to do with the handle configuration that affords multiple grip options.

Regarding SR101, the biggest difference typically cited is that INFI is somewhat more corrosion resistant. Since all of the Ratweilers available now are coated, it shouldn't be an issue. For what it's worth, I stripped a RW to hand satin and, with reasonable care of the blade, never had an issue.

Otherwise, expect to pay a premium for used blades. It's not like cars (or even firearms.) Used doesn't mean a price hit. Unavailable means greater demand for a discontinued/unavail blade. The upside is that if you buy a Busse at retail or "the market price" and it doesn't fit your needs, you can resell and recoup the funds for an alternate purchase.

Good luck!

 

[Cutshaw]

I'm just going off of whats in the catalog, what Ive seen around here, and what looks good for me.

What catalog???

BTW - each companies website will outline the warranty. At least, I believe it will. Actually, only the Scrap Yard site spells out the warranty. The SRKW is pretty out of date and the Busse site, while it may have warranty info, I didn't immediately see it. That said, I think you'll find the warranty stated by Scrap Yard is pretty universal for all three:

"Our guarantee is simple. We warrant your knife against any and all unintentional MAJOR damage for life. The Scrap Yard guarantee is on the knife and NOT just for the original owner."

 

[Elen]

The Ratweiler is a good idea. Those are tough blades, you wont regret it. With something like Busses (and Swamp Rats and Scrapyards, too), meaning stuff in limited supply and varying prices, I think it's important to take the size and style of knife you want and can get for an acceptable price. The Ratweiler sounds like it would be it for you.

 

[OldPhysics]

What does CNC stand for?

Computer Numerically Controlled -- you 'punch' your design into a computer, which runs various sorts of milling machines to carve your basic knife shape out of the raw steel. Rather cool to see in action.

Blisters eh? Thats no good. I just recently read that someone was getting a blister on their index finger with one of the fusion handle knives, frankly they dont look too comfy. Thats why I'd love an infi knife w/ resiprene grips (are there any?).

You'd have to chop yourself crazy to get anything like a blister. And you could avoid even that by using a glove. However, the old Basic line of Busses knives had respirene grips (Basic 3, 5, 7, 9 in the US and some even number lengths in Europe). You can still find them on the secondary market. You'd probably want the Basic 7.

Which one is the EU-17?

Hmmm. Let me check my picture stash ...
Here tis:

I havent seen any Camp Tramps in the exchange, when they do show up what do they usually sell for?

Sorry, not one of my favorites. Somebody will drop by to comment on this, though!

I might just end up getting a Ratweiler. I'm sure its been done to death, and I'll probably be told to do a search but how does "sr-101" stack up against INFI?

Pretty well, really. Not as corrosion resistant and perhaps doesn't keep an edge as long as INFI. Really, an excellent blade steel. I doubt you'd be unhappy.

Corrosion/stain resistance isnt a big issue for me, and that seems to be the most significant difference between the two. I'm mostly concerned with how well it will maintain an edge.

Better than most steels on the market.

Where can I read about the warranties? Are all the busse (scrapyard/swamprat) knives held to the same standard?

Always go to the source for this sort of thing. Let's see:
http://www.bussecombat.com/

http://www.shop.ratknives.com/main.sc

Happy reading.

....................

 

[sketchbag]

BTW - each companies website will outline the warranty. At least, I believe it will.

Not sure where I downloaded it from, but its a *.doc file with what appears to be the whole Busse Combat line up with pics, specs and prices.

If you are trying to find a SHe, I believe there is an unused one on the exchange for under $440. I looks similar to the one in this pic.. Over all, E handles are quickly becoming my favorite, they feel proper in my hand and look decent also. .

I think I see the one your talking about, looks like I missed the boat though. Gona have to troll the exchange more vigorously I guess!


How frequently does swamprat restock?

Maybe its just my bad looking skills, but I cant find the warranty info on either of the pages you linked to OldP

Thanks again for answering all my questions

 

[Cutshaw]

Can you email a copy to me please?

staceycutshaw@gmail.com

Thanks!

Not sure where I downloaded it from, but its a *.doc file with what appears to be the whole Busse Combat line up with pics, specs and prices.



I think I see the one your talking about, looks like I missed the boat though. Gona have to troll the exchange more vigorously I guess!


How frequently does swamprat restock?

Thanks again for answering all my questions

 

[OldPhysics]

Not sure where I downloaded it from, but its a *.doc file with what appears to be the whole Busse Combat line up with pics, specs and prices.

Heck -- I'd like you to e-mail that to me, too. My e-mail links properly through my BladeForums account -- just right click on my screen name. Otherwise you can use: averoigne@aol.com


I think I see the one your talking about, looks like I missed the boat though. Gona have to troll the exchange more vigorously I guess!

That ALWAYS helps. And put a post in WTB or Want to Buy section.

How frequently does swamprat restock?

Infrequently. Why not contact Eric Isaacson -- you can PM or e-mail him through BF. He knows better than anyone.

Although the FBM is too big for you, I just noticed three FFBMs put up for reasonable prices in the Busse For Sale forum. Priced in the mid-400s. FFBM means Fat Flat FBM. Why not take a look?

Thanks again for answering all my questions

Hope that helps.

Hmm...no warranty info? Let's see ...

Jerry's is straight-forward and simple:
With a steel like INFI it's easy to understand why we offer the toughest guarantee in the business. We guarantee against any and all unintentional MAJOR damage forever.

Jerry Busse

You might scuff it a bit or scratch it, but you're not going to damage it by accident. If you do ... send it back and Jerry will take care of you. We've seen him do it before (but only a handful of times in over 10 years) -- this man stands behind his product like no one else.

Swamprat:

You might enjoy reading about some of their testing here: http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=002109#000000

I should also have shared the SwampShack link: http://www.swampshack.com/
Lots of great reviews and testing information at this site.

They have the Busse warranty. Otherwise, they wouldn't be a Busse company!