Stripped/Nekid TankBuster Project

BOSS1

BOSS1

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2008
Messages
1,707
Greetings all,

Well, this particular TB is an interesting story...I once traded it away, and was lucky enough to get it back, with a nice edge re-profile to boot.

In any event, it originally had a camo finish on it. IMHO, having a knife for outdoor use with a camo finish just doesn't make a lotta sense (unless you work in a profession where such covertness is necessary). Its like buy a car called a Gremlin. Buying a car named after a small mysterious creature that causes unexplained mechanical problems??? Why??? Having a camo outdoor knife that'll be extra difficult to find if you drop it or set it down in the woods??? Why make life more difficult for yourself?

And while some blades, say a Boss Jack or Boss Street have somewhat 'normal' familiar lines, IMHO the TankBuster rates pretty high on the 'distinct personality' in the profile department, particularly with the choil and swedge (it reminds me of Vietnam era SOGs) . And with the contrasting dimples (as opposed to the factory satin models), it gives it a serious 'don't baby me...take me to the woods and put me to work' appearance that I like. And I think the gunmetal blade finish matches especially well with the black/green handle scales.

I will say that the either my stripping gel was weak, or the camo finish was pretty dang tough, because it took multiple applications, and there are still a couple specks here and there that refuse to let go. I left the camo finish on the handle/under the grips for corrosion protection. I did do a little hand rubbing with some Flitz to smooth out the grind areas, and might do a little more, but I kinda like the rugged rough look of it at the moment. Paired with a SpecOps sheath and a 'little buddy,' it's a pretty rugged and capable outdoor rig in a fairly portable package.

In any event, for you Sunday viewing pleasure a 'before' and some 'after' shots...

BOSS
 
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You devoted a lot of time to this and yet it's only still a knife. I have to agree that camo finish is sheer stupidity in the woods if you accidentally put it down and then have to go looking for it later. My old-fashioned steel and wood belt knife has orange flagging tape tied around it during hunting season. Deer can't see in colour but I sure can, and losing that knife would make me terribly unhappy.
 
Pyromancer said:
Great job, looks very professional!
Btw what is the name of that "little buddy"?
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Well, he photographs well (tho I admit, no air brushing on this one).

The little buddy is an Outdoor Edge Blaze. Actually a very nice little folder with a grippy and obviously easy to find orange Kraton handle. AUS8 Stainless blade with a nice usable profile. Is the clean/sanitary half of the duo for food items, etc. They can be had for about $25 or less.


300Six said:
...it's only still a knife.
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Blasphemy!!!!

BOSS
 
It's the Busse knife that I use the most.
Mine is a bit "beat up" by now. Yours looks fantastic.

Your thread just reminded me. I need to make a new sheath for mine.
 
Lora7 said:
That thing looks like a beast!
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Well, a sexy beast...like I say, to me the TB has alot of character in its profile.

I definitely think it is one of the most under appreciated of the family. Not too big, not too small, one of, it not the most 'solid/stout,' blades I've ever handled, nice belly, with the choil and the ramp, you can 'choke' up nicely, fits right in a SpecOps sheath, etc etc etc.

TB = G2G! IMHO, a close runner up to numero uno, the NMSFNO.

BOSS
 
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