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As far as I know the only thing shared between the Busse companies is how to make the knives. I haven't seen any patterns shared between the different companies . . .
Patterns are shared across the companies all the time, Joshua. Here's just the latest example:

Busse Combat Bushwacker Mistress:

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Scrap Yard Dog Father LE
[Linked Image from scrapyardknives.com]


No no, those are two very different patterns.
Simillar in function, but one has a thumb ramp, different choils, different handles, different blade shape, different blade length... Actually there isn't a single thing about those two knives that are the same.
The thing that adds cost when making a new pattern is setting up all the machinery to make that pattern. Programing the CNC machines to cut the outline out of steel barstock, shape the handle scales (if you're using G-10 or Micarta) and possibly grind the blade as well. With folders there's a lot more engineering that has to go into it, you have to ensure that many parts fit together perfectly, with fixed blades it should be a much simpler process.