Talk me into/out of an ASH

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DocGP

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
586
I have been reading too many reviews of the ASH and have been considering picking one up. I currently have a Tankbuster and a Hell Razor, and was looking for any comparison between them. I guess I am trying to talk myself out of the ASH, but it will probably be a futile attempt!! I am guessing that there is nothing that the ASH will do that can't be done with the 2 blades I have.

Any input comparing them would be great.

Doc
 
Which ASH1 are you interested in? Knowing will make it easier to discuss. They're significantly different in thickness, thus having somewhat different properties.
 
Yes you are correct, your two knives are outstanding and should do the job that a medium size knife should do.
The only thing is that it sounds like you "want" an ASH1 CG... :-) and the .32" thick are just bomb proof. You have to hold one to know the feeling.
 
If you're looking for someone to talk you OUT of a Busse, you're in the wrong place....;)
 
OK, talking you into a CG ASH1:

Indestructible
Feels great in hand
Very secure grip
Oh so satisfying
Cuts better than you'd think
Chops more powerfully than most blades of the same length, due to its weight
Works decently as a wedge for splitting
A heck of a lot of fun to use
Truly reliable when needed for unusual tasks in an emergency

And talking you out of a CG ASH!:

Heavy for it's size
Thinner knives tend to cut more efficiently
The handle design mashes your pinkie when used for extended chopping
May scare people with delicate sensibilities
A lot more expensive than not getting any knife at all
If you already have a TB and HR, your spouse won't understand buying this, too
 
CG ASH Rocks, feels great and yes can still cut very well too! Bomb proof knife!!!
 
Hmmm if you have a Tankbuster, I'd say go for a Skinny ASH instead - I've owned a CG ASH1, Skinny ASH and Tankbuster and always wound up grabbing my Skinny due to weight on the belt...

Big difference between the TB and ASH are also the handle shape - I love the versatility of the TB handle as it feels good in EVERY grip - the ASH, not so much - reverse hammer was weird, choking up was weird and when I chopped the curved end always gave me pinky burn...

However, after a few months I kept my Tankbuster and sold both ASHs due to not being a fan of the ASH handle.

With THAT said, I eventually sold my Tankbuster as well as my SARsquatch has an inch or sore more blade than TB/ASH, skinny blade like skinny ASH that saves on weight, and a fantastic handle that is more comfy to me than the TB/ASH...

NOW WITH ALL THAT SAID, buy an ASH1 to feel it - it's a real evil monster and youll always want to know how it feels :D More than half the fun with Busses is trying out all the different models and, if one is not for you, you can usually always break even selling it on the exchange.

So go get your ASH and try her on, but don't sell your TB to fund it :D

Edit: here is a pic for you - far left is CG ASH, Skinny ASH then the Tankbuster
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And a pic of TB, Skinny ASH and then my beloved SARSquatch to show handle differences:
IMG_4406.jpg
 
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Ash 1 Rock! There is is the .187 "skinny" the .22, which is a very nice size blade and the .320... "built like a tank" LOVE EM!
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What do you really want to do with it? As most mentioned, its great as an indestructible prying, splitting, gauging tool that happens to have a sharp edge. I borrowed one from a kind hog and was immediately turned off by the weight and thickness. I'd never wear it on a belt, and its too short to be a dedicated chopper. Yes... it can chop, but it's not a chopper. It CAN cut, but its thickness inhibits its ability to do that as effectively as most other Busses. Busses by nature and warranty ARE indestructible, so I say buy something better suited to the tasks you want to use it for.

People are always amazed at how "beefy" and "indestructible" it is... but what do you realistically do with that? Stab cinder blocks? Hack car doors?
 
I have the CG, LE and Skinny. Get the CG if you want something different. The skinny is definitely different then the TB and the LE is my user knife, but the CG is one of those knives you have to see, feel and use for yourself. In the end you may choose a different carry blade or user, but the CG is a must have IMO.
 
Also, to go against the people that may argue its too heavy to carry I would reply that I carried mine in a chuddy bear sheath on my belt for over a year of LONG walks. I never noticed it... Maybe it had to do with the design and quality of the sheath??? Anyhow don't let the weight scare you off. Its not that heavy...

With that said, when I would travel with it in my bag it did add a noticeable difference and that is part of why I carry the LE. More so then the weight on my belt...
 
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ASH1CG is heavy and thick: you have to know that before buying. Not the same use as - to take the knives above- SAR4 LE or SFNO LE, much more "usable" in my sense. But it's sure as a fan of Busse you have to have one in your hand, one time, just to see :-)
 
I'm a big fan of the .22 ASH. I've owned a skinny, CG, & a .22. The .22 is the only one I've kept. I like the way the handle "locks" the knife in my hand, does limit versatility a bit, but I just love the feel of it, very subjective thing. Try a .22 ASH and I think you'd be willing to part with the HR and the TB.

GregB
BaconBeavers
 
CG ASH is an overbuilt pinky pincher.

The Skinny ASH is the way to go.
 
If you want to be talked out of buying a knife. Just ask you wife's opinion and be sure to include the cost. :foot:

I use my Skinny ASH a lot. I never use my CG ASH. It's a sweet blade for sure but it's not very practical IMO.
 
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