well I think testing is a good idea, on your part!
I finally did some hacking with mine; shweeeeet!

The flaw was definitely inside. I kind of take exception to the word "modified" as applied to sharpening and hand-polishing the surface. Technically, it IS modified from the factory condition, but any sharpening would do that. I really didn't remove much in the way of surface metal, if you can imagine removing a significant amount of THIS steel by hand!!

The thing that most impressed me was the dead-center placement of the flaw, and the way it looked like the edge peeled in half. Like the stock was rolled or folded from 2 pieces. i wish I knew a little more about foundry processes.

first the four legged elves clock in, then....

Along time ago I made a couple of swords for my 12 year old cousins to hang on there walls. I picked up some 1/4"x 2" 5160 new bar stock. I roughed it out and took it back to the spring shop where I bought it to have it heat treated. Brought it home and started to polish it and OMG <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> there was a line about 1/2 inch in from the edge running the entire length. A closer look revealed it was a seam and could not be polished out <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

Well I finished the polish and blued the blades to hide the flaw. Apparently it's not uncommon during the milling process for the metal billet to have folds usualy near the end. In a wall hanger it's no big deal but a user <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Not good.

How the hell did you polished black coated knife?

NAK - tread lightly on the suggestions ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Same thing happened to my Dogfather, but due to the most excellent warranty I got a new one.

All I can say about the replacement and this thing is a beast!!!

Remember when you have the Busse warranty, use it like you stole it!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Newazzkikr, strip the finish with paint stripper, then start sanding!!

I consider even the tiny mod Bramel did bluing the logo on his Swarden to be a mod. It was definitly not intended to sound like you abused your knife. It is however the kind of thing some companies use to weasel out of replacing a faulty product. I actually thought you had done a beautiful job on your DF.

One of the great things about Rats and dogs are their potential for modding.
The comp finish Jerry has mentioned is almost an in house version of the most popular mods. Stripping that awfull coating and giving it a wicked cutting comp edge.

I thought you and that other incredibly patient guy who has been waiting 3+ months for his DF have acted like gentlemen during this whole thing.
Boy you and your friend would have felt terrible if he had broken it.

testing is the 1st thing i'll do once i get mt DFLE


stay tuned for pics