Why doesn't Busse offer Resiprene C handles on more models?

Sesoku

Sesoku

Joined
Oct 19, 1998
Messages
498
It seems like there are a lot of advantages to the hidden tang style of handle. For example, you don't have three holes in the tang to weaken it. Also aren't the resiprene C handles more comfortable? The only question I have is has anyone had moisture get between the Resiprene C handle and the tang? Or is some sort of epoxy applied after the handle is molded onto the tang? Or is it even necessary? I don't know how much the handle material actually adheres to the tang. Is there a reason that Busses quit offering their Basic line with the resiprene handles? I guess about the only advantage I can see of th micarta handles are that you can pound on the exposed tang. I don't own any Busses or Swamp Rats, please fill me in on the strengths and weaknesses of each style. Thanks a lot.
 
Busse stoped offering the Basics because of the cost. They were using Modified INFI, which started out cheaper than INFI, but got to be as expensive. The Basics were intended to be a lower cost line, and when the costt went up, the discontinued it.
 
I figured something like that was the reason for dicontinuing the Basics. My real question is about the handle style. Does the micarta have any advantages over Resiprene C??
 
Micarta, especially canvas, is tougher than Respirene C. A number of people have reported that it's more cut, puncture, and abrasion resistant. On the downside, the Busse micarta handles are not fully-enclosed so they may be uncomfortable to hold in extreme cold or after being left in the sun. The hidden tang of the Respirene C handles is not the full width of the blade, so they are probably weaker than the full-width tang of a micarta handle. The three holes don't really weaken the tang (remember a hidden tang has a hole, too). I think it's safe to say that the blade or blade-handle junction will fail before the handle does. It's gonna take a tank round to break a 5" section of 1/4" INFI with canvas micarta on both sides!

I still like the Respirene C handles, and that's what Swamp Rats are for. The generally have a more forward balance because they have less metal in the tang. If you can, handle some Swamp Rats and Busses in person, and see which ones 'speak' to you. If you're patient, wait and see the new line of knives Jerry is coming out with :D .
 
Yeah, I know about swamp rats and they look really cool. However I want INFI...
 
Then you need an INFI'coot! Best of both worlds. The hard part will be finding someone that will part with one.
 
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