Who has modified their CS Trailmaster?

U

UPSTARTCROWE

Joined
Oct 17, 1999
Messages
122
Has anyone put a new handle on their Trailmaster or file worked the blade. I read the latest battle/review of the Busse vs Trailmaster and I know my baby (the TM) is a loser but I still love her. Does anyone have any suggestions for modifications. Who has put the coolest new handle on theirs? Any pics?
 
Yeah, mine has Stag handles, no file work and it's not a loser, cause mine is prettier, at half the price. Can one Busse out perform TWO Trail Masters? I think not.
 
I've had one of the kraton-handled TM's since the mid-late eighties when they first came out. Back then it was only $125.00 from Atlanta Cutlery, who's not exactly known for great prices.

I've always wondered about customization. Some people apparently blue the blade; I'm more into the fileworking that you guys suggest. I'd love to replace the now worn and loosened kraton with something else, but I'm afraid it will look like a$$. Any suggestions with how to effectively rehandle? I guess I could always route-out wood to go on it, but something more durable would be better. Rough-finished micarta would be the best IMO. Suggestions? Thanks. Professor.
 
Well Professor, at least I have company. I have been running searches on the Forums and have found this question asked before in old posts but not really answered. One member was making a Micarta handle for his TM and promised pics but never posted them. I am wondering if you and I are the only ones in search of Trail Master beautification.
 
I'm in the process of re-doing a TM handle.

Desert Ironwood scales and one or more
mosaic pins ( can't decide if I want the
hassle of drilling more holes). One word
of caution, make sure the guard to blade
fit is good before spending the time/money
on a new handle. My TM as so much gap that
water drips out of it whenever it gets wet.

Otherwise a fine knife, if the thickness of
the blade doesn't bother you.

Mark
 
Phil, the #9 Basic is under $200 at Discount knives, the Stag Trailmaster is $220 and the Carbon V is $170. The Trailmaster is not half the price of the Basic.

-Cliff
 
Cliff, I didn't pay, $200 or $170, for my TM. in Stag, and even if I could get a BASIC Busse for the same price. Mine is still prettier. (Insert Smilley Face Raseberry here)
 
I have to agree with you PhilL. My TM is prettier than that old Busse Basic. Probably a better chopper too if I could get a new more comfortable handle on it. I got mine from a pawn shop, new in the bubble wrap for
$50.00 (that's three TM's to one Busse, unless someone wants to pawn their Busse.)
I'm not the most skilled handle maker so I'm hesitant about performing the surgery. I would certainly feel more confident if someone could relate some positive success stories. (hopefully with pics)
 
Upstartcrowe,

You might check out the Busse/Cold Steel
article for tang pics. Very helpful if you
are wondering what resides under that Kraton.

I'll post again when I am through with the
job and let you know what happened (with the
holidays might be awhile).

I have heard throught the grapevine that
Wayne Goddard has done re-handle and
convexing jobs on Trailmasters in the past.
I do not know if he is accepting work now...


Best,

Mark

 
How do you all feel about the Moran edge on the TrailMaster? My experience with it has been very bad and I am thinking of attempting a re-edging of it. I have a Carbon V model from the late '80s and, while it will shave my arm, it will not chop brush worth squat.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
Arlington, Virginia

 
Hugh, while I have not used a CS Trailmaster with a Moran edge, I have used other blades that had them and never saw any problems like you describe. Is their a distinct edge bevel on the TM or does grind run smoothly from the spine to the edge?

-Cliff
 
It's not easy to understand how an edge that can shave can't chop. Does the blade get thicker very steeply behind the edge? That's the only explanation I can think of, unless the Gentry have put a curse on the blade ... a very limited and selective curse....

-Cougar Allen :{)
 
UPSTARTCROWE,
What do you mean the old Busse Basic? Are you using old as a figure of speech or something.
I happen to think that both are fine knives. You have to be slightly dumb(like the folks that argue over whether chevy ford or dodge is best) to complain about one being SO! much better than the other.
I myself have the Basic 9. I like it and think it is well worth the 199 bucks i spent for it. It is very functional(as is the TM) and sharpens nicely. Either way you buy, you aren't getting ripped off.
 
Hello,

i see in the test that was conducted that Mike Turber Customized a Trailmaster and the bussee at the end of the test!!!!! sorry i couldnt resist..

Allen Blade
 
Lukers, "that old Busse" was a figure of speech. I meant to imply that I was slightly
envious of the test results and wish my TM had proven superior. As far as arguing about the various merits of these blades, I guess I am "slightly dumb" but I come by it honest. My Dad drove a Ford truck and his friend drove a Chevy and they constantly argued about the superiority of one over the other. They enjoyed it. Reviewing these posts I don't see anybody virulently attacking either blade. Just some TM and Busse fans and knife fans having fun.

I still would love to rehandle my TM. Maybe some green linen micarta. I'll wait to see the ironwood though. It sounds like it will look great.
 
To All BUSSE Owners! I admit it, you won, it's a BETTER KNIFE, it's a better Axe, it's a better Mousetrap. You WIN! All of this from me, who owns a second rate TM, it's all just Sour Grapes.

Except for the fact that, my Stag TM is prettier, and the Busse is "as plain as a MUD FENCE!"

I admit it, I don't know much, but I know what I like.
 
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