The Perfect Busse for a Short Walk Across Algeria...

J

joshiecole

Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
515
This winter I am planning a several month walk across North Africa, probably starting in Tunis and ending in Timbuktu... It didnt take long to realise that the only knife for this job was a Busse.

I settled on the CG Boss Jack in Tanker Grey. Not too heavy for carrying in a rucksack, or too large to conceal if need be, but easily big enough to cope with some heavy duty tasks in an emergency. Plus in a desert scenario, it's not likely i'll be chopping down many pine trees!

Anyway, it arrived in the UK today and I'm extremely pleased with it!

I would upload a picture, but I havn't figured out how to yet...


... Have any of you taken a Busse on an expedition? which one was it? How did it fare?


Josh
 
If it were me I would carry a Boney Active Duty.......nothing bigger.

You do realize that some parts of that area are now in the control of Al Qaeda backed rebels who are not exactly friendly towards westerners? Be very careful where you go.

Good luck.........Steven
 
Thanks Steven,

Yeah, I know about the considerable risks, its just something I need to do. I think it's a case of minimising unnecessary risks and sticking to plan. Thanks for the concern though mate.

Josh
 
Be careful and safe. Someday we would like to hear from YOU about your trek and not from Fox News or CNN like we did with those hikers who ended up in the hands of the Iranians!
 
Hi Josh,

FWIW, I think the Boss Jack is a great choice. For times when I wanted to be more people-friendly but functional, the Boss Jack would be my blade. Have a good time on your trip and be safe. Come back and let us know how it went!

Cheers
 
Ha! Thanks guys. I will do my best to let everyone know how it went. In fact, if I get back one piece, I will hopefully be writing a book about the region (I'm an LSE political economist) because frankly I think our understanding of North Africa and the Middle East is too simplistic

I'm still curious to know whether anyone has any stories of how their Busse has saved their life, or whether its been useful on a big trip/adventure??
 
There are a few stories on the forums if you search, or maybe a more experienced member can find them for you. If my memory is correct, Jerry hacked threw a car to get someone out after a crash with a satin jack. There are many others. Good luck with your journey and def let us know how it goes. Be safe.
 
Hindsight said:
There are a few stories on the forums if you search, or maybe a more experienced member can find them for you. If my memory is correct, Jerry hacked threw a car to get someone out after a crash with a satin jack. There are many others. Good luck with your journey and def let us know how it goes. Be safe.
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INFI to the rescue



:thumbup:
 
What an adventure! :thumbup:
Have a safe trip and hope to hear all about it on your return.
 
There's nothing short about a walk like that. I spent some time in that neck of the woods with the UN as a Military Observer and it's a very, very hostile environment. Once, while out on patrol, we decided to stop for lunch once we found some shade, but it took us about three hours at about 75 kph to find something. I can only imagine the logistics of trying to walk it. Best of Luck! As for the knife the basic-4.
 
I really like my cg boss jack. Like it even better after thinning out the edge. still has the mass to chop but slices and carves much better.

it could be too heavy depending on what gear you will be toting with you

I wish you luck in your travels
 
I think a BOSS Jack is a good choice. If you are planning to camp a lot I would even consider something bigger like a SARGE or even a Basic 10. It's getting freaky cold out there from Nov-Feb and you'll be glad to have something to efficiently baton with when it comes to preparing camp fire. The wood burns like tinder so you constantly have to feed the fire - don't want to poke trees with a toothpick then :)

Have a good time and come back in one piece :thumbup:
 
I'm a bit jealous of your adventurous spirit. It's not an option open to me with a family. Best of luck!
 
for current events and info you may want to check small wars journal. hope your multilingual
 
I admire your adventurism! I think the CGBJ is an excellent choice. As someone posted earlier, thinning out the edge may be of use for a trip like this. How do you plan on carrying it on your body?

On a separate note, I think that's really interesting that you'll be writing a book on Western understanding of Northern Africa and the Middle East. I wonder if you'll include Turkish history as something to compare and contrast to the rest of the region, as they seem to have had similar foundations but ended up going down a much different route in the past century. (I was a nerdy Political Science major in college)
 
Wow! What an advernture to be taking off on! The BJ is a great blade that will serve you well. Not too big and scary looking, but a good all rounder. Coupled with a hatchet and other basic camping gear, you can't go wrong.

Make sure you post pics and stories of the trip! We'd all love to see them :)
 
Even when it looks like this:

DSC1473-L.jpg


you will find this:

DSC1459-L.jpg


and you'll need something like this:

DSC1456-L.jpg


to build a cozy campfire:

DSC1514-L.jpg


:) don't go too small on the knife. The CGFBM is overkill for such a long-distance hike, but you shouldn't go smaller than the BOSS Jack either. Better step up one size :)
 
Thanks everyone, some great advice there.

I wonder if you'll include Turkish history as something to compare and contrast to the rest of the region, as they seem to have had similar foundations but ended up going down a much different route in the past century. (I was a nerdy Political Science major in college)
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That's definitely something to keep in mind, and could be a very useful comparison!

Back to knives:

The CGFBM is overkill for such a long-distance hike, but you shouldn't go smaller than the BOSS Jack either. Better step up one size
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Having already bought a CGBJ and sheath I dont really have the option financially of buying another larger Busse. I will just have to see whether the BJ will outperform its size (which Im sure it will!) If it were imperative that I have a bigger blade I could take my 10.5" Nepalese Kukri I bought in India -- although it might be overkill! (Its also pretty heavy given that it probably weighs more than my tent

I really like my cg boss jack. Like it even better after thinning out the edge. still has the mass to chop but slices and carves much better.
Click to expand...

I will have a little play with it over the next few months and see if I can find the right balance... Its possible that I may want to keep the extra bulk just because tbh its likely that there will be some pretty tough challenges for it, that I can't even imagine right now!


Finally, for those you who have already been to Algeria do you have any other advice (particularly knife/Busse related)? Frankly the guidebooks just arent written for what I want to do!

Josh
 
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