What knife most closely resembles older Busse knives?

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Nov 7, 2003
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I like the older Busse Combat knives that were made out of 5/16" A2 tool steel. These are not made anymore. Is there anything currently made that is close in construction to these older Busse knives?
 
Which knife are you refering to?
I think that some of the Bark River offerings in A2 will be a nice replacement for the mean street or possibly the badger as well.
For the badger, it's a little tougher, maybe something by Trace Rinaldi, like a thicker tactical kitchen knife. I don't know how close you're trying to get either.
And for the others, Steel Heart, and Battle Mistress, there's TOPS knives, Ranger knives, and Fehrman knives, with Fehrman using the best steel out of these, 3V.
BUT if you look hard enough, and are willing to pay the $$$$, there are still A2 Busses out there to be had, and INFI versions of the same knives which will actually be cheaper, even though the steel is better (in my opinion).
 
The Ranger Knives RD series share some heritage with the Busse straight handles: the first batch of RDs was made out of leftover 5160 apprentice blanks.
 
Is there any particular reason that you don't want to buy one made out of INFI? This will greatly increase your chances of finding one.
 
bill_G said:
...Bark River makes some nice ones in A2.

These are not similar in construction, very different geometry.

Esav Benyamin said:
Mission and Chris Reeve make some heavy-duty fixed blades out of A2.

These are not similar to the 5/16" Busse A2 blades either, totally different heat treatment and the Reeve's are hollow ground with a narrow blade. The Missions are also much lighter in hand, very different blade.

The RD series from Ranger knives are very similar to the old style Busse blades, he could probably grind one in A2 if you asked.

-Cliff
 
The Ranger would be your best bet short of a Busse.

Why not get an older Busse in A2? I EDC an older 5/16" Straight Handled Badger Attack simply because I've never had another knife fit my hand so well. It's also the perfect size for concealed EDC. Well, actually the largest size I can comfortably conceal. It may be A2, it may be INFI, don't know and don't care. It was made during the transition from A2 to INFI and was done on the A2 grinding equipment, but has the dimples, characteristic of INFI.

What size were you looking for? What use?

Rob
 
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