Use vs non-use

Joined
Jan 25, 2010
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86
First, a disclaimer: this is not intended to disparage anyone who buys Busse blades for their collectability or their investment value. To each his own....

That being said: looking at the current eBay offerings of Busse Combat blades--- numbering 690, as of 4/2--- it seems clear that there are a lot of Busse owners who don't use their knives: almost all of those being offered are new, never used.

This was somewhat puzzling to me, as I bought mine to use; and I'd been assuming that was the case for most others as well. The other two Busses I own-- a 20th Anniversary Straight Handle Battle Mistress, and EU-17 Magnum-- are also users.

What's the advantage of having a blade of that tough INFI steel--- which performs so well under hard use--- if you don't intend on using it?

I'm guessing that a lot of those being offered for sale were bought as investments, with the expectation that the value would rise over time; and since the value drops immediately with any signs of use, were never used.

Nothing wrong with that; just not why I buy my Busses....
 
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Same school of thought. Why buy a sports car if you’re not gonna beat the brakes off it.

but that being said, I do have “collectors” that come out occasional to chop the everliving$hit out of air.

but my favorites are my wore and beaten blades. The “butt” of my SHBM is deformed.....wider than the stock thickness and dimpled to hell from beatings that would probably void the warrant. My SHBA is much the same way. If push came to shove. The “ collector” grades would be the first to go and my users are my treasures.

These 2 are probably my favorite and I’d gladly sell my Presentation Grade #37 well before I get rid of this beater. They’ve accompanied me numerous times through the swamps. Outings. And battle with the elements after hurricanes. These will be the last Busse knives I’d ever need and will get passed to Gravelcub when I can no longer swing or cut with them.
 
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I use mine, I also understand that older models are limited in numbers + will never be made again. Sort of like a Randall Made Knives on steroids, with Busse knives often the thrill is
in "the chase".
Ive seen women that collect spoons or miniature tea sets & well most "men" like "manly things"
& not tea sets, so I can appreciate a guy that buys a Busse to use and possibly a few to "put away" too. I have a Randall that I use, but I get it that they also appreciate over time, some men will pay good money for a model they "just gotta acquire".. If the price is right guys will pull a never used knife out of the safe and sell to a guy "looking to buy" or trade.
Myself I like to convert my US dollars from the worthless paper and ink of a promissory note into something of even greater value and maybe more rare- like INFI steel & or silver and gold.
 
I like knives, I would not intentionally buy a knife I wouldn't use but I also have more than I could use, I also have favourites that get grabbed before the rest (which answers the questions for me about what I would keep if I could only have X number.

On ePrey I looked on the US site and I would suggest that a large proportion of the blades for sale are with a small number of dealers (roughly three including our own Knife Hunter, a mod on this forum) who specialise in such things.
 
There are also a group of members (and likely non-members, as well) that grab multiples of numerous releases with the sole intent of selling them at a profit. Sometimes the profit is relatively small (little more than covering associated cost); often it is not.
I've acquired a number of RMDs over the years - but I think I have only 3 that have seen use. There's just no reason to use the others.
 
A lot of those listed knives are dealers. I have many Busse knives I have no intention of using. I hope to never sell them, but if I do, as collectables condition is important.
 
It’s all bout “potential”. What you “could do” with the blade....

a Dodge Hellcat with 700hp can go 150+ MPH. Do you think most who buy them run around at 150 MPH?

potential....
 
I use probably more Busse knives that anyone else out there.
I have "used" well over 250 busse and kin knives over the years












now most of them have been "used" for sheath making LOL
But I do use other, some I have used pretty hard over the years
chopped about everything you can think of and even split bullets with a few ..............The hard way ;)


Also these guys below are quite right.

Over the last bunch of years (20+) I have seen a bunch.

The dealers do offer a service of selling some Busse's that have not seen the light of day for a long time.

will they be for "drop price" ? man I hope not.
If everything lost money when you resold it that would hurt a bit.
I for one really like how Busse knives appreciate in value and at very least hold thier value.
what other knife can you beat on and beat on (like that old SH you showed us) and still get more than you paid for it ?
I would say not too many.

again welcome to the family.

Have fun and ask lots of questions.

I like knives, I would not intentionally buy a knife I wouldn't use but I also have more than I could use, I also have favourites that get grabbed before the rest (which answers the questions for me about what I would keep if I could only have X number.

On ePrey I looked on the US site and I would suggest that a large proportion of the blades for sale are with a small number of dealers (roughly three including our own Knife Hunter, a mod on this forum) who specialise in such things.

There are also a group of members (and likely non-members, as well) that grab multiples of numerous releases with the sole intent of selling them at a profit. Sometimes the profit is relatively small (little more than covering associated cost); often it is not.
I've acquired a number of RMDs over the years - but I think I have only 3 that have seen use. There's just no reason to use the others.
 
I wont comment to specifically. I've only lost money . I'm fixing to beat the shit out of mine and say screw it on profit.
 
Lol. Same dilema here. just picked up a NMSFNO-LE. its got two tiny tiny knicks in the edge, looks to be 2-3 micro defects but im waiting for a jewler loupe so I can take a good look. otherwise it appears brand new and unused. the dilema to just sharpen it and have fun, or tuck it away.....
 
I’m a Collector by nature. I didn’t start out this way with Bussekin. But it developed over time. I don’t collect with the idea of future profit. But because I like a particular model - or appreciate its rarity. Value increase is just a welcome byproduct. As it is in most collecting.

I used to camp a lot, but not now in my late sixties. And for any other household/yard cutting chores, I do have plenty of other Bussekin users. As well as Chris Reeve, Shirogorov, etc.

I’ve also tended to concentrate on a few models. SJTAC; DSF; TG Series; SHSH2; ASH1; and the SH1. I’ve paid “good money” for my unused SH1’s. To use them to cut anything that would mar the finish, would trade diminished value for little satisfaction. I can use my well-worn ASH1’s for that specific pleasure.

Y’all have a Great Easter.
 
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Perhaps one of these days. “The Twins” are in one of several secure locations. It’s Saturday night. And Easter plans tomorrow. One of these days, I’d like to shoot the entire collection for posting on BF. One of these days...

I went back to 2014 BF posts to find one of the sales threads. Couldn’t locate, as I most likely PM’d the purchase. And saw some of your SH1 posts, Leonidas.
 
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I use probably more Busse knives that anyone else out there.
I have "used" well over 250 busse and kin knives over the years


Thanks!









now most of them have been "used" for sheath making LOL
But I do use other, some I have used pretty hard over the years
chopped about everything you can think of and even split bullets with a few ..............The hard way ;)


Also these guys below are quite right.

Over the last bunch of years (20+) I have seen a bunch.

The dealers do offer a service of selling some Busse's that have not seen the light of day for a long time.

will they be for "drop price" ? man I hope not.
If everything lost money when you resold it that would hurt a bit.
I for one really like how Busse knives appreciate in value and at very least hold thier value.
what other knife can you beat on and beat on (like that old SH you showed us) and still get more than you paid for it ?
I would say not too many.

again welcome to the family.

Have fun and ask lots of questions.
 
Thanks to everybody who responded

And yeah: it's a good thing so many of the older models are available on eBay, if you're looking for a particular one, it's the only place to find it, other than the Exchange here.

I gotta admit, I was tempted quite a few times as I browsed through them.... nothing I *needed*, but plenty I *wanted*....

There *is* something about a nice blade....
.
 
"Use" is my default setting, but I have accumulated a fair number that have only cut air.

I have discovered a pattern in my buying habits...maybe it's the same with some of you Hogs-- but the ones I've bought brand new or unused almost always stay that way.

However, at least one major exception to that was my B8LE. :thumbsup:

For that reason I like buying pre-loved Busse, or otherwise I have a hard time beating on them. It's a mental condition, I know. :oops:
 
First off, eBay BOOOOO. I have to point out that ePrey is a huge supporter of gun control so I do my best to avoid them. That being said, I have many Busse blades that are never gonna see any use, and several that will. Just as soon as I break my daily carry GW I'll bust out another one...if THAT day ever comes. In the mean time, anyone wanna buy a Flying Mr. Mojo?
 
I split firewood with my Short Butaniku when I had it...some of the best chopping fun I had. I use every Busse I get my hands on...hard not to. INFI is meant to use...so I buy ones I intend to use. Some I agree are too nice looking to use...but there is always a regular offering of that style available so to each his own. Great thing I think Is....they all look great used or mint.
 
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