The scales look like butterscotch.
I am not a big fan of the Busse micarta either. Still there is no reason you can't buff it to a nice barkie style finish yourself. I like the contrast between the buffed and oiled tigerstripe and the stock one. Great post knifeguy!
True. I can buff the scales myself. But, I think it is pretty sad as a consumer that we should be so willing to except lower quality finishes as something we just need to deal with or fix ourselves. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
However, trying to buff the scales on blades with coatings get to be a problem. And properly buffing the edge of the scales near the ricasso and pommel are very hard to get decent looking when attached to the blades.
To properly buff the micarta, you really need to remove the scales and get the edges near the ricasso and pommels in decent condition (which should be done before attaching them), attach the scales and then buff to fit flush with the tang. But, buffing the micarta all around the coatings will remove the coating to at least make the coating look worn. So, ideally it would need to be a satin blade.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
At some point we just need satin finished knives with proper finishing on the blades and micarta and at more reasonable prices. Or just stick with Res-C cheap beaters.
Otherwise, we are paying a lot of money to take on extensive projects for each knife to completely strip down, rebuild and refinish each and every knife to make them look decent. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
Or pay a LOT for a knife that doesn't quite look great because a bunch of finishing steps are skipped.
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I keep thinking what I REALLY want and need is a true Busse/INFI kninfe kit purchase option at a significantly reduced price.
Sell me INFI heat-treated blades that have had the primary grinds ground. But, NO Talon Holes for me on smaller knives. And no over-sized guards on ANY knife.
Then give me the option to buy micarta scales that have the CNC grooves cut.
Have an option for pre-cut hollow pins and a flaring tip that can be used in a vice.
If I am going to do all of this work every time, I would rather do it at a discount and save a few steps since attaching scales that need to be removed to finish the knife is counter-productive. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
Likewise, spraying on a coating that I don't want and have to strip is similarly counter-productive.
I LOVE INFI steel. It is the best knife steel I have used for most medium to large knives. And it is VERY good even for smaller knives - although, I honestly feel there are many good knife steels that work well for smaller knives.
I like SR-101 a lot except for rust.
SR-77 has it's niche. It is great for large choppers in my book, but honestly I am not really that interested in smaller SR-77 knives.
With these great steels and Busse's incredible heat-treatment, I really want to own and be happy with more Busse knives. But, after MANY years of buying and owning so many Busse and kin blades, I am just getting tired of paying these prices and then stripping, sanding, buffing, finishing, rebuilding, reshaping, or dealing with design flaws like over-sized non-functional choils that can't be fixed.
More and more, I just look more carefully at certain designs and don't buy as the design isn't quite right or I feel I am going to have to spend to much time and effort to make it right.
I try to be pro-active and suggest what I consider improvements. I don't "assume" all of my ideas are universally supported. But, I am not the only person making requests and suggestions and I just don't see any significant interest in consumer requests, suggestions or concerns.
I don't want to at all suggest that Jerry and Dan don't care about the product and costumers. I see that they provide GREAT customer service and take GREAT pride in providing the "TOUGHEST" steel and best quality heat treatment they can provide. I just don't understand why they can take such great pride in one aspect of a knife and then not take much pride in the quality of the finish of the end product. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Why not take pride in the quality of the entire product???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Maybe there "is" a majority of customers buying these knives that only cares about the quality and performance of the "STEEL" and not about the finish quality and to some degree design aspects of certain knives. Maybe I am a minority here and just need to deal with it or move on.
Clearly, there is an EXTREMELY rabid following of Hogs willing to buy up stock and inventory to hoard it and sell it for profits later. And Clearly this is fine and dandy with Busse. Further, clearly the secondary market supports this craziness as well as MANY other consumers are willing to pay REDICULOUSLY high prices for great steel blades regardless of finish quality. With this type of demand, I suppose I should realize my views just don't matter much.
I am not trying to bash Busse and kin. I am really a big fan of many aspects of the knives. Further, Jerry, Dan, Eric, Patti, Amy, etc. all seem like great people. I have been a HUGE supporter over quite a few years now. I have probably directly and indirectly sold MANY Busse and kin knives by my support and recommendations. But, I do see areas I consider "Needing" improvement. I am a consumer doing my best to try to help. But, I am not under any impression that my (intended as) constructive criticism is appreciated or taken to heart.
On the other hand, I mostly post on this forum and Rat Chat. For all I know, the decision maker never even sees my suggestions. (?????).
Oh well... it should be pretty obvious that the owners are not that active on these forums. I never see ANY replies to these types of posts.
If I sound worked up, it is because I care. I have put a lot of effort, money and time into this company and family of knives.
Maybe I just need to consider moving along and caring about something that makes more sense to me.
Sorry for rambling my opinion here.... again...... Sorry for being frustrated, but it is what it is.
I haven't been posting much lately as I have been busier with some other stuff, but also just biting my tongue. Sorry when I sometimes find time to post my opinions. I should probably bite my tongue more......
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