Tell Me About My Mean Street

S

Scott Free

Joined
Sep 15, 1999
Messages
3,319
Tonight a friend gave me his Busse Mean Street because he doesn't use it anymore. (He regularly goes through these purges and it's always good to be nearby when he does.)

Anyway-- I know this thing has enough value that I really can't keep it-- and I know that if I give it back to him he'll just give to someone else (who wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as I would.)

So-- I'm going to sell it and buy each of us a nice folder with the proceeds.

My problem is-- I don't know which Mean Street I have.

Hear is what I know: Coated blade. Black Micarta. Slotted screws. It is definitely thicker than 1/4" but looks just a hair thinner than 5/16".

Can someone tell me whether this a 1/4" or 5/16" blade? Do any of these clues suggest the steel? Could it be Infi? Are there other things to look for that might suggest when the knife was produced?

Scott
 
Sell it? I'd think twice... :)


First guess at the steel would be A-2. Thickness is probably declared at 1/4", all of the early Busses seemed to have a range from just below to just above 1/4". If it was 5/16" you'd almost be certain about it...they have a whole different character to them, lol :) I'm in no way a MS expert, Mistresses are my passion....but for an initial selling point I'd say $375-$425 depending on it's condition.


There are several people who live and die for MS's that will probably jump in soon....
 
A little more info: The blade coating is smooth and has been ground away on the tang where it's sandwiched between the micarta. The pommel is coated.

Scott

(this thing sure feels good in the hand.)
 
Here is what a 5/16" Mean Streets looks like.

ms_a-2_5-16ths_3way.jpg


Can you post a picture? MAybe someone could then give you more info.
 
Scott,

The condition of your MS will certainly influence the price. If you have access to a micrometer, use it to check the thickness. Some of the slotted screw models were A2 and some were INFI. A2 will rust, so if there is even a slight sign of rust anywhere on the exposed areas, then it is probably A2. You have a generous friend!:D

Gene
 
I dug up a micrometer. I'm getting .225" so its definitely NOT 5/16". There was rust on the uncoated tang-- on the other hand, the knife was kept and used in constant wet and dampness. I doubt its ever seen a drop of oil or other protectant and I'm sure it's never been cleaned. I had to clean clay out of the screw slots and in the corners formed my the micarta and blade. The whole handle was ingrained with dirt. (His Battle Mistress has some rust and looks just as bad-- and I know it's Infi.)

I've cleaned it up and it looks really good again. There are surface scratches in the coating but no chips.

Yes...my friend is generous. I've done him a few favors recently but certainly nothing to merit such a gift.

Scott

PS: Sorry...I can't post pics.
 
I just spoke with the friend who gave me the knife. It's A2 and NOT Infi. So--how does this affect the value?

Scott
 
Scott,
I can see your predicament... you were looking for folders and got stuck with this dirty ole fixed blade... I'll be the first to offer: I have a lightly used Al Mar SERE 2K and a VERY lightly used William Henry with carbon fiber scales I could trade you. Just to help you out, you understand :) :D
 
Originally posted by lmalterna
I have a lightly used Al Mar SERE 2K and a VERY lightly used William Henry with carbon fiber scales I could trade you. :D
Click to expand...

Whatever lesser knives I get, they'll be identical. They'll probably have an axis lock. I might even get each of us a Spyderco Ronin. (Is this a heresy on this forum?)

Scott
 
Scott,

The only 'heresy' would be to not let a forumite have first dibs.:D ;)

For my .02 I'd say hang on to that lil sucker and spring for the 2 new folders. My EDC is a fat BA in A2. No, it ain't infi but no slouch either. Dozier and Reeves both use A2 and that stuff really takes an edge. For some reason I can get my A2 blades sharper than the infi ones, but I think that is me rather than the steel. All were hair popping sharp when I got them. Just a learning curve I guess.

Keep it in the spirit it was given, and use it! You did say it felt good in the hand. So?? Perhaps thats why it ended up IN your hand.

Wet
 
Scott,

I don't think it being A2 instead of INFI would affect the value much if any, but I guess it might depend on the buyer. I think the condition would have the biggest impact on the value.

Gene
 
Scott, you have one hell of a friend there. Does he need any more friends like you? :D If I were you, I would find someone witha camera and mail one of us the pics of it. Then we can really give you and idea of what we'd give you for it. None of us would give you anything less that it's honest value, at least I wouldn't. :D
 
Scott,
My post was in jest. As the others said- keep it, it is a very nice knife. But... if you do decide to get rid of it :rolleye: I am sure I know of at least one budding newbie that would be happy to work a deal, to keep it in the family, of course :D
Later,
Bill
 
Originally posted by Progunner
If I were you, I would find someone witha camera and mail one of us the pics of it. Then we can really give you and idea of what we'd give you for it. :D
Click to expand...


Progunner--

Can I send the pictures to you?

The thing is, I don't think I'm supposed to be selling knives here. And its certainly not why I started this thread. I really like bladeforums and wouldn't want so much as a frown from someone.

I can send you the photos as long as everyone is cool with it.

Scott
 
Oh ha ha Spearhead....

Scott, as long as you are seeking information, cool.

You want to sell or trade, the for sale forum or e-mails would be how it should be handled.

It's teetering.....

Thanks,
Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top