I watched this forum for a while before participating. One day I stopped by JRE Industries to pickup a custom handled and sheathed Fallkniven A2 they had for sale and noticed he had a tan micarta BAD in a freshly made sheath. First time I ever saw a Busse in person and I was impressed!
I then watched some more in the forums and tried getting a handle on all the current and past models. Takes a while to get some understanding of it but the Old HOGS helped with my questions.
I then was on the "hunt" for what I wanted and that in and of itself was awesome. I only have a couple left from this group but this was what I had rounded up over time.
After that I had a few SJLE'S and a CS ABA. IMO, the best of Busse's blades for woods use.
I even tried my hand at swapping out slabs and re-tubing it. Wasn't the greatest work but it was a fun project with the help of the folks here that had experience doing it.
Some I admired, some I used and some I abused pretty bad and that is when I finally understood just what INFI is. It's some good steel for sure!
After parting with most, I am down to a small collection of only what I will use. There are two that I wan't back and a couple HOGS are going to send them back soon for what they paid from me.
I also rounded up my favorite Busse's, the SHBA. One I had sold and regretted it. I asked for it back and back it came for the same price.
And an old Hog, who noticed my fondness for the general design and the feel of the handles on the SHBA, but my displeasure of the guard and choil, introduced me to a maker who has a blade that fit the bill! Abe Elias Bushcrafters (Diving Sparrow Knife Works). I can keep my SHBA's unused and safe queens. Thanks!
A few things about these old HOGS. They are generous and look out for you.
I was asked, when Busse released them, if I scored a 1-300 SFNOLE because of my known fondness for the model. An old HOG had an extra and was concerned I didn't get one. It was available at cost!
Last year I was scraping by with a back injury (not working/ no money coming in). Another old HOG offered to send me some knives to sell for him and make a few bucks to keep food on my table. I was shocked to say the least! That was real nice of him to offer!
And yet another Hog and I have a great mutual trust. Either of us will send the knife out and if we are short on cash (just paid the mortgage?) pay whenever you can even if it is next month. These are big buck blades too!
To some it may seem like just another internet forum on yet another message board but it is more than that. It's more like family here.
The folks at Busse are great people and AMY-O is a bonus to the Busse threads!
When the old HOGS return - take notes because they are good people!