My most Busse-like folder? Boy, that is a tough one. Just as with fixed blades, there are so many different qualities a folder can have. Some folks value a folder that is almost weightless and effortless to carry. Others place a premium on extreme cutting efficiency. Many highly value speed of deployment. And yet others prefer their folders to feature beautiful damascus blades, mokume bolsters and mammoth ivory scales. When it comes to Busse aficionados, however, it's probably no surprise that we'll be looking for something 'nuclear tough'. And where does a folder earn a reputation for being tough and strong? I'd say from the security of its locking mechanism more than anything else.
Of course, trying to decide which lock mechanism is the best has been done to death in the General Forum and never resolved anything. Truth is, you can find well executed examples of just about any locking mechanism you can name. With that in mind, here are a few of my personal faves listed by lock type:
Lock back-- An old lock type but still a goodie. The Spyderco Manix is a solid contender in this field, although I must admit that mine's developed a tiny, yet annoying, bit of up-and-down blade play when locked open. Based on the majority of reviews, however, it would appear that mine is likely an anomaly, so I would still give it a conditional recommendation.
Liner lock or Walker lock-- Very prolific and yet occasionally questioned for its reliability. Still, there are a number of big beefy folders with very secure liner locks. Personally, I've had very good experiences with the Strider AR and, taking rookie of the year honors, my new Jerry Hossom/Ontario collaboration folder which goes by the name 'Retribution'. Either of these possess an inherent "Busse-ness" which I think would be appreciated by this crowd.
Frame lock-- Again, when properly executed, this is a very secure locking mechanism. Personally though, I don't really own any that would fall into the "overbuilt" category, excepting perhaps a Strider SMF which has performed exceedingly well for me albeit in only relatively light use.
Axis lock-- A relative newcomer, but one that has been enthusiastically embraced by the knife community for its strength and security. I have several Benchmades with this technology, yet none of them are overly brawny. I'd say the AFCK with its 4 inch D2 blade is probably the largest Axis I own, but it borders on delicate when compared to some of the brutes that have been mentioned thus far.
Button or plunge lock-- Here's a lock that's almost exclusively associated with autos (and for good reason, I might add). This association, however, shouldn't take away from the fact that the plunge lock, when properly maintained, is extremely strong and reliable. I should also mention that it
is possible to find manual action production folders that employ this lock mechanism. My personal favorite is the full size MOD Duane Dieter CQD model. It's an extremely solid, well built folder with a large plunge lock and an extra safety slide that prevents accidental blade closures.
It's hard to imagine that any folder, regardless of the manufacturer, could ever give you the kind of piece of mind you get when holding a big solid slab of INFI in you hand. But hopefully Jerry understands that this isn't the standard to which we intend to hold him. Yes, if and when a Busse folder ever does come to fruition, we'll expect it to be nuclear tough-- but that should be in comparison to other folders.
, I'm also really into folders too! )
Thanks for asking this. Come on hogs and pork rinds. Any thoughts? 
