Why are vintage straight handled Busse knives in so much demand?

S

Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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As the subject says, Why are vintage straight handled Busse knives in so much demand?

I am curious why there is so much talk and demand for the straight handled knives. Whether the knife is in A-2 or INFI, does not seem to be the root of the issue, even though INFI seems to be preferred. At first, I thought it was a pure collector issue looking for a nice wall hanger of a knife but, most people seem to want them for real hard use.

The newer generation "E" models seem to offer better ergonomics for general use, especially of the type Busse's are sought out for. The newer "E" models seem to be slighly shorter overall but, if that were the issue you could just order the next size larger.

Is a straight handled Steel Heart II or Battle Mistress really a better knife?

Thanks!

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
Well, I think that the main reason some people prefer straight handles is their appearance. They just look a little sexier and "badder". Well, I though that too until I actually held the knife in my hands. They look much cooler in real life, trust me.

Other than that, I don't know of any other reasons why people prefer straight handled knives. It is true that they are more valuable, but that is because they are no longer produced, and never will be again. They are now collectors' items, as well as hard users. Their value, frankly, has almost sky rocketed.

A lot of people who don't really research or know much about Busse knives (even some people who know a lot about Busse knives but haven't held one before) immediately decide that the straight handles are cool, and the E models aren't, based on their looks. Don't draw conclusions too quickly (I'm not saying you are), as the E models are very ergonomic and great users. I've never used a straight-handled Busse, but I've heard several people say that the E models are definitely more comfortable to use.

Hope that answers some questions for you.



[This message has been edited by Andrew Lynch (edited 05-06-2001).]
 
Exactly what Andrew said
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The old straight handles are by far the sweetest, baddest, sexiest or whatever strikes your fancy...but IMHO, after using them side by side the ergo models shine through in performance. Again, this is my opinion and some like the feel of the straight models better. They chop deeper and faster, but wear you (or me
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) out faster than the E's will.
The E's fill out your hand and fit more naturally, and they allow your hand and wrist to be more relaxed during hard use.

...but hey, everyone needs at least one straight handled can of nuclear whoop-ass
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I have used them both.
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The new "E" handle is better for chopping. The straight handled ones are classics and hold their value even after use.
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Both handles do well but the "E" handle is better for extended chopping use.

(NOTE: INFI Steel Heart Variants in Kenny Rowe alligator back inlay pin-lock sheaths)
 
some perople are traditionalists. I perfer the straight handle model because it's more versatile to me. The Curved handle does make for better chopping but the handle design doesn't fit my hand well. The outside curve of the handle seems to beat up the palm of my hand. But I got thick hands. Plus it's human nature to want what you can't have. A lot of people want them jsut because they know they are limited in number. The funny thing about that is... there are probably 10 times more straigths out there than E modles.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">They chop deeper and faster, but wear you (or me
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) out faster than the E's will.</font>
Click to expand...

Is this because the straight handled knives were slightly longer? Is this because the blade grind is different, providing more blade mass in a higher aspect ratio (more distance from spine to cutting edge)?

It is hard to tell from just pictures but, the older Battle Mistress looks like is has a different grind then the newer "E" model. Is that just an illusion in the picture and my eyes?

Thanks!

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
As Ryu pointed out.....it's in our nature to want what is desired by others, and that which can not so easily be obtained. And if something is so highly desired by others....we feel it certainly must be because it is the best to be had. We desire that which we can not have(or easily so), as it makes the thrill of obtaining it more exciting. Once had, many either sell or trade it after a while, to start the whole process over.


As for the knife/knives themselves......
there are a few things I like about my SH II as compared to my SH-E.

First(as Sid mentioned), the height of the blade is greater on the older models, allowing for more weight/heft behind the blade for chopping(regardless of length).
Another VERY important appeal factor to me with the straight handle models, is that the pommel of the knife can be used for pounding/hammering and also be used on the receiving end of a "hammer" type object(stone or whatever). The pommel is straight in line with the tip(on the drop points and clip point pieces). On the E's, the pommel is below the mid line of the knife, and would be more difficult to use in such a manner.

As for looks, to me it's not so important whether the handle is straight or bent, but actually that the older blades were taller(spine to edge) than the newer E's. I like having that heftier blade without having to go to an increased blade length.
 
Anyone with $400-600 to spend on a using knife obviously wants the best and is prepared to pay for it. In fact, this is just an average price range in the custom market. Yet for that money you can get a storied Busse model that will never be made again. To me that’s a very attractive proposition. The “straight” Busse’s enjoy a hard-won reputation for design and materials that rivals the reputation of any hard-use knife ever assembled. Add to that Busse’s guarantee, which means you can beat the hell out of the knife and the maker still stands behind it 100%. Plus, if you decide to cash out, the guy who buys it from you is covered by that same unlimited warranty. In short, I think the main reason people are paying big bucks for the “straights” is that they don’t mind paying a little more to get a legendary design that will never be made again, especially when they can still use the knife with impunity.

Actually, I think many of the same buyers who pay $400-600 for a straight Busse would pay that price for an “E” model, if it weren’t available for less. In fact, after I paid $650 for a Steel Heart “E” variant, I realized that the standard model is actually a stronger design. I sold the variant and kept my standard model—and I don’t think anyone is making anything better, right now, at any price. It’s just our good fortune that Jerry has put together a manufacturing process that lets him offer his current line at prices which are so affordable for so many.

-w

 
Sid, regarding your question- I've observed (SHII for example) that the slightly longer blade and slightly higher profile does give a little more bite upon chopping use. My other observation is that the narrow handle with the slightly higher profile will allow the knife to twist in your grip if impacts occur at angles other than ninety degrees. This doesn't occur with the E's, and even though they might require a few extra swings to finish off a limb (wooden or real
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) after an afternoon of use it will allow you to keep on going.

Now, back on track...I think that after a while the demand for old Busses will be by collectors. We are still in a transition phase from old to new and of course people are skeptical and want the original. Whether it be performance issues or because they seem more attainable now, there will always be that certain need as Ryu mentioned.
 
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