I have both the 3.5" and 4.0" HCLE's and I do prefer the 4.0". But, I think they are both good as far as "blades" go.

My issue with the HCLE is the handle. It is just too short for me and doesn't quite fit my hand or feel good in my hand. Also, neither the 3.5" or 4.0" HCLE need a choil. They both would be WAY better with a longer better fitting handle and no choil..... That is what the Vex offers! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The Vex has about the same blade length as the HCLE 4.0 - the Vex actually has about a 3/32" longer blade (just under 1/8"). But, without the choil, even with more blade, the Vex offers a much better fitting handle length while still being shorter oal.

Outside of the handle, it is actually amazing how close the 4.0" HCLE to the SS4. There are a LOT of similarities between the HCLE's blade and the SS4's blade. Same length from choil to tip, same edge shape/curve and just small differences in grind height and spine shape that are less a factor.
So, I can't bash the HCLE's blade and I actually feel the choil on the HCLE is even a bit better than the SS4's. Further, the HCLE was satin, which I WAY prefer (although, my SS4 is now satin after a LOT of work.)

But, the SS4 has a handle that FITS!!!!... feels good, balances well, etc.

And without a handle that fits or feels right, the HCLE in either sized blade just can't do it for me. And I don't see a worthwhile solution for fixing either handle. I would have to grind the tang down to make it hiden or partially hidden and completely rebuild the scales.... which isn't going to happen.

For some reason, I can't sell my HCLE's either. But, neither is a user and I don't see either being used. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />


The HCLE reminds me of the Fehrman Peace Maker (which I sold one I had) - Great build quality and finish, good blade shape and design, great steel (I might slightly prefer 3V over 154CM for some reasons), but Fehrman's small handles doen't fit me worth a FLIP!
Conversely, Fehrman's Last Chance (which I also sold the one I had) has a very nice and comfortable handle, but REDICULOUSLY big and chunky for it's blade length. And VERY handle heavy - which I personally hated in the Swamp Rat M6. And NEVER was interested in the ASH1CG or BATACLE which are also to heavy/chunky vs. size for my preferences. IMO the handle on the Last Chance is suited for a VERY large chopper - such as the Final Judgement (probably - as I don't have the Final Judgement and have never handled. But, it seems like an ideal handle size for a large chopper - NOT for a 5.5" bladed CHUNKY-as-heck knife - IMO).


For comparison:

Fehrman Last Chance = 16.0 ounces; .25" thick; 5.5" blade; 11.0" oal

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Similar Busse overly HEAVY "TANK"/Anchor knives:

BATAC-LE.......= 16.3 ounces; .25” thick; 5.00” blade; 10.75” oal
M6.............= 16.2 ounces; .235" thick; 6" blade; 11.68" oal
ASH1 – CG......= 21.0 ounces; 0.320” thick; 6.4” blade; 12.0” oal

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Other much more reasonable proportioned knives:

S5CG................. = 6.75 ounces; .185” thick; 5.125” blade; 10.125” oal
Ratmandu (G10)........= 11.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal

SAR5................. = 11.0 ounces; 0.200” thick, 5.0” blade; 10.0” oal

Desert Jack (stripped)= 10.0 ounces; .175” thick; 6.0” blade; 11.25” oal

DMCG..................= 9.0 ounces; .270" thick; 5.25" blade; 9.75" oal

Scrapper 6 LE.........= 12.7 ounces; .268" thick; 6.25" blade; 11.44" oal

SJTAC(stripped)...... = 13.0 ounces; .187” thick; 6.375” blade; 11.875” oal

Skinny ASH (ASH1).....= 15.25 ounces; .1875” thick; 6.4” blade; 12.0” oal



IMO, Fehrman would make great knives if he could get his handle sized and general proportions sized right. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> - and the HCLE is an unfortunate casualty of an undersized handle that just does NOT work for me.

If the HCLE had the handle length of the HRLM, but slimmed down a bit in width and height, the HCLE would have been great.

As is, the Vex BLOWS the HCLE away for me. The Vex's handle fits and feel great even if slender in width. The Vex is veyr confortable. And I actually prefer the Vex's blade shape and more dropped point / shallower bellied edge. The Vex just works: Great design, GREAT Fit, Feel Finish and ergos, great balance, nice weight, good steel and it is "ALL knife", no waste. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

For a smaller Busse and kin knife, I have not seen any better than the Vex. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, for the next size up and a bit more all-rounder, I think the S5 might be the new champ! .... until Jerry makes a skeletonized handled RMD in SR-101 with more dropped point. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />


..... or make the SHBA with-OUT a choil and with a skeletonized tang!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Normal choil at top and IMPROVED/Fixed version at bottom. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />




.... The SHBA concept without choil and skeletonized tange and the RMD with skeletonized tang and dropped point (both in SATIN) are two Grail knives HIGH on my list. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

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