Want to buy first busse

The 511 is maligned in some circles for what people perceive to be its small handle. Personally I love it, and I have big hands. It's a really good fit, great blade shape, and didn't cost an arm and a leg when it was available. They don't come up on the Exchange very often, which either means there aren't many out there, or that those who own them love them too much to let them go. If you can track one down, I would say go for it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
 
Ummmm, yes?

The Ratmandu is probably one of the "all-stars" of the greater Bussekin lineup. The JMD is basically just a slightly longer version. Both are currently available from the Swamp.
 
After hearing great things about the RMD for years, I finally decided to order one as an upgrade to my ESEE-4. For me, the handles are a big upgrade, very comfortable.

As for colors and handle materials, I say look at pics and order what you like. I personally like the feel of micarta slightly over g10 and ordered my RMD in black with tan micarta scales, but then I also bought a satin LE with black g10 and really like those as well. Then on my JMD I went with tanker gray and blue/black g10 just because I saw a pic of a RMD in that combo and really liked it (plus I have a Rodent Trail with the blue/black and black blade and figured they'd make a nice pair). If you want to keep cost down, you're not really missing anything with the micarta.
 
Thanks for the responses. I purchased the plain black because I liked it, and wasn't sure of the other colors
 
I much prefer micarta over G10 for my Bussekin blades. The couple of G10 handled Kin I've handled have felt a bit slippery which I find odd because I've not experienced it on other G10 handles I've held. My first RMD was black canvas micarta (which actually has a greenish tinge) and my second was tan canvas which is superbly grippy. Plus, getting micarta handles means $25-$50 towards your next Bussekin blade. :)
 
Hope you enjoy it man!

I guess the part I left out is to watch out for the wait...

After I ordered my RMD CG I ended up buying 5 blades off the exchange and just ordered the JMD. It may still be a couple of months before my inital order is filled, lol. Really have no idea how long the JMD will take, but I'm assuming it will be well into 2016.
 
It can do. If you want a standard model and don't want the wait, keep your eyes on the Exchange and grab something you can have in your hands in a few days. I ordered my TGLB on 15 May 2014 and it shipped on 16 July 2014 but that's fairly quick in comparison to some.
 
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I already ordered. I think it'll be for the best that it takes a while to arrive, because 3 knives in one week would get me in trouble with the missus.
 
The last TGLB I ordered was 1 month from order to my door, same wih my SYKCO 1111, and Swamp Rat Rodent Solution...

My RMD took 9 weeks, and I just got confirmation of shipping for my CG SOB at 8 weeks....

It all varies, but with the weekly models one could assume longer wait periods to be expected...

The wait is a killer, but once you have the knife in hand it all becomes well worth it.
 
I don't mind the wait. When do they charge you for the knife? At time of order or time of shipping?
 
"PAYMENT TERMS: We charge $1.00 at time of order to validate your payment method. As a courtesy to our customers, order balance will not be charged until 7-14 days prior to shipment. All Swamp Rat knives are built to order. Stock merchandise ships within 1-2 business days."
 
Received my sykco 1311 yesterday, but didn't have time to open it till today. First impressions; its a badass blade. Comfortable handle, though a little square for my liking, a razor sharp blade that is extremely light in hand. Even the junglas that I handled felt a lot heavier than this. Overall, a good buy that I won't regret. I have high expectations for this blade
 
I love the beefier version of the JackManDu. I collect Blue & Black G10 Bussekin as it is my favorite looking, but I prefer the feel of linen or canvas micarta a little better. On the BeefMandu I went for both.

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I've recently spent some more time with my 1311. It's a beast of a chopper and batonner. My only concern is that it may be too big.
 
BennettS. said:
I've recently spent some more time with my 1311. It's a beast of a chopper and batonner. My only concern is that it may be too big.
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It is a big knife for sure. Glad you got it safe. Here is the thing with it. Even though it is a big knife, the edge to OAL ratio is better tha knives with much shorter blades. For example an NMFBM has an OAL of 17.5 which is 0.75" shorter than the 1311, yet the blade of the 1311 is 2.2" longer. So for just 3/4" more overall length you get 2.2 inches more edge to use. That is very efficient. Also the 1311 is very light for a big knife.
 
I take back my earlier statement. This thing is freaking awesome. I was splitting 10 logs with this, no problem. I love the extra reach. Thank you so much Cobalt! One thing I did notice is that the coating smooths away when I baton is this normal?
 
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