The Right Busse?

CPC

CPC

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2010
Messages
490
Hi folks,

I currently own a BWM which I love. So far, it's proving to be the best all round camping tool I own. I've used it for everything from a hammer, bottle opener, shovel, cutlery, axe, even a knife. It's great but it is definitely a "camping" knife. Great for putting in the 4X4 or camping kit when heading out bush. It's too cumbersome to carry in or on a pack for a 3 hour or 3 day hike, and I don't think it would be as practical as some smaller knives in those situations either.

So I'm forced to expand my collection of Busse knives. I want to pick up 2 more. I want a really lightweight, handy cutting knife for short hikes away from camp. Something I wont even know I'm carrying. I also want a slightly more robust knife that I could attach to a pack for a 3-6 day hike. Something that could split some branches if needed and still cut an apple.

My knowledge is still very limited but I've been doing some searching. This thread has helped me out a fair bit:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759888&highlight=hiking

I was thinking something like a Leaner Meaner Street would fit the bill for the lightweight short hiking knife. I think they might be a bit hard to find though. Are there any others very similar to this knife that might be easier to find? Does anyone have any pics of this knife or ones like it in the hand, so I can properly see dimensions etc?

I'd also considered the HG55 for the more robust addition. It's larger at just under 11" OAL and has a more useful blade at 5.5". It still seems to be light enough to keep out of my way on longer 3-6 day hikes. Is this knife capable of more serious abuse - batoning etc but able to be handy as an "EDC" on the trail? I'd prefer not to carry 2 knives while hiking. Again, does anyone have any pics of one in the hand or performing tasks?

Please give me any suggestions on others or variations of these two that I don't know about. The more pics the better. Help a piglet out! Thanks.

Chris.
 
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if a BWM is too heavy for your pack--you need to take some knife money and invest in a more versatile pack(s) (osprey/black diamond/arcteryx/camelbak-mysteryranch collaboration..etc)---all the best knives in the world aint worth a thing if you cant bring them with you when you need them
 
HG55 is a good knife in that size but i don't think it would do very well as a chopper. You could certainly baton with it. I've used mine for some chopping, but all on stuff smaller than 1". Branches doing yard work and stuff. If you want a mid sized chopper I think i would consider an ash, but the thicker blade in the shorter length might be close to the weight of your mistress. I don't have a bwm so i'm not sure, but i now the ash1 i have is pretty heavy.
 
I would say the CABS fits the bill perfectly and it is available for purchase right now :thumbup: and i would consider a B11 for your pack, those 2 together are a perfect combo
 
CPC said:
Hi folks,

I currently own a BWM which I love. So far, it's proving to be the best all round camping tool I own. I've used it for everything from a hammer, bottle opener, shovel, cutlery, axe, even a knife. It's great but it is definitely a "camping" knife. Great for putting in the 4X4 or camping kit when heading out bush. It's too big and heavy to carry in or on a pack for a 3 hour or 3 day hike, and I don't think it would be as practical as some smaller knives in those situations either.
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Sorry, man, you've GOT to be kidding. The BWM too heavy?


Anyway, to answer the rest of your post:
IMO, get one of the ABS models for sale right now.

A medium blade is going to suck at chopping, just realize that. But for general purpose, maybe a SFNO.
 
silverbullets said:
I would say the CABS fits the bill perfectly and it is available for purchase right now :thumbup: and i would consider a B11 for your pack, those 2 together are a perfect combo
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My thoughts exactly. I love the B11 and I think the CABS will become my favorite but we'll see if it can edge out the Cultie. :cool:
 
for your small one depending on how small, my suggestions would be a Boss Street or a meaner street. a great small size where you wont' even know your carrying it

For an actual knife to carry that could take down branches and used for larger cutting but without the length of your BWM, I would strongly suggest a SFNO, Tankbuster or BATAC in that order. I still think the SFNO is the all around perfect knife for a variety of task from cutting up branches for firewood and making shelter, to smaller cutting task, however if it is a bit larger than what you want then the Tankbuster or Batac may be the best shot. I carried a BATAC on a trip once and for the smaller size, it actually was a pretty good chopper; not near as good as the SFNO, but will work.
Good luck. good call on a small medium and you have the large. One of my military friends who has been in for 28 years, and has gone from Ranger to Spec ops and has been to numerous combat environments really liked the BWM, for its size vs weight as a large blade and the Hellrazor for carrying and a fighter.
 
hankbarlow said:
if a BWM is too heavy for your pack--you need to take some knife money and invest in a more versatile pack(s)
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Agreed. I've been looking at a couple of the Kifaru packs. I still think the BWM is too cumbersome to add to a lightweight pack though. I can't really think of a scenario where I'll need something that big on a hike.

joshuabl said:
HG55 is a good knife in that size but i don't think it would do very well as a chopper. You could certainly baton with it. I've used mine for some chopping, but all on stuff smaller than 1". Branches doing yard work and stuff.
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I probably didn't describe my usage very well. I'll remove the word "chopping" from my first post. What you're doing with the HG55 sounds about right. Any pics of yours?

silverbullets said:
I would say the CABS fits the bill
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Dennis in MA said:
I'd go Cultie/Tank Buster.
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DowntownDM said:
BOSS Jack and a CABS
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fbusmc said:
Boss Street or a meaner street.
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I'll look closer at these. I'd been having a good look at the SCABS already. Anyone got any pics of theirs?

Cpl Punishment said:
Sorry, man, you've GOT to be kidding. The BWM too heavy?
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Too cumbersome. When I'm comparing the weights of different stoves, sleeping bags etc to make sure they're the lightest around then yes, the BWM is too heavy as well. I can't imagine a use for it in a day pack and still think it's overkill for up to 6 nights on established trails. I have some nice folders I could use, but as you'd imagine, they are very small and not as strong. Plus, I just want more Busse knives, so these new Busse's will end up replacing the folders.

Chris.
 
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youll notice that the busse folks like huge knives, and multiples in a backpack. im guessing not too many like or participate in ultralight or long distance backpacking. i think the cabs would be a great choice by itself.

might not be as fun as hacking a fallen tree for firewood with your bwm, but it should get the job done for 99.99% of trail tasks
 
fbusmc said:
for your small one depending on how small, my suggestions would be a Boss Street or a meaner street. a great small size where you wont' even know your carrying it

For an actual knife to carry that could take down branches and used for larger cutting but without the length of your BWM, I would strongly suggest a SFNO, Tankbuster or BATAC in that order. I still think the SFNO is the all around perfect knife for a variety of task from cutting up branches for firewood and making shelter, to smaller cutting task, however if it is a bit larger than what you want then the Tankbuster or Batac may be the best shot. I carried a BATAC on a trip once and for the smaller size, it actually was a pretty good chopper; not near as good as the SFNO, but will work.
Good luck. good call on a small medium and you have the large. One of my military friends who has been in for 28 years, and has gone from Ranger to Spec ops and has been to numerous combat environments really liked the BWM, for its size vs weight as a large blade and the Hellrazor for carrying and a fighter.
Click to expand...

SFNO is a great all around knife....it carries well with or without a legstrap.
It is comfortable in my droop loop dangler as well as my kydex without legstrap.
 
BWM is about 23 oz...the b11 is about 17 oz and is awsome, but is about 11 inches...not really small...

the SAR8 is in my opinion a great knife at 8 inches and 17oz as well...

if you wat a small one, the best priced would be the SCABs or CABS on the Busse sight right now....just google busse and go to the sight!
 
Also not mentioned yet is a Sarsquatch. A bit longer. Not too heavy. Thinner than many busse's and currently available on the exchange for good prices. Heck, I just picked up a Sarsquatch with BuyBrown sheath for just under $300 shipping and insurance included!!!

So far, I absolutely love it!

The Basic 11 is longer than your BWM, but significantly lighter. I love mine.

You could pair that up with a CABS or a BAD or AD, and still be under the weight of your BWM.

Or you could go Small and medium and still be fine in almost every scenario.

I have day hiked with my FBMLE, Ash1CG and SS and GW all at the same time for day hikes and been fine, even when carrying my water and my kids water.

On a longer hike, or harder hike, I would definitely leave the KZII at home, and maybe "settle" for the B11 combined with a smaller blade like the BAD. Or even the Sarsquatch and bad combo.
 
My BWM fits nicely inside my backpack and the weight is not very noticeable. I've used mine to cut branches and chop firewood from small dead trees. I would combine the BWM with a 4 inch blade for more finer cutting, even though the BWM slices very well.
 
Go with the CABS - It's a current model and you will never regret it:thumbup: ;) It's that good!
 
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