Well, I HAVE bought enough INFI in the past, but because I can't be there and go through the motions, I can't buy one. I am occupied with slightly more important things right now. Oh well.

Jerry and Dan have always supported our military and make special runs for them. I don't think that making special offerings available to inducted Hogs changes any of that. Like most folks on this forum, I have been left out of some hog only sales from time to time. I had to miss Blade last year because of my daughter's graduation. So I missed some sales of the CE Sarsquatch, but I eventually scored one later on. The kukris will be available to the general public at some point. Sure, some of it is silliness and fun. But I do not think Busses intended to slap any loyal customers in the face with this Test Team offering. So you think it is wrong to offer things at Blade that aren't available elsewhere? I may or may not score one. But I will sure enjoy the good company of some of my fellow knife nuts. I am to be inducted Saturday night. It's all in fun, and in no way makes me special or more important than any other customer. It just means that I asked for it, that's all.

BTW: SF & Tolly, I applaud those who serve in defense of this nation and Great Britain. Belonging to the Hogs or Dogs or Rats cannot compare in any way with those who serve in harm's way. I doubt if anyone thinks that. I'd be willing to bet that if you asked a hog or dog to get you a knife that he could get for you, he would. In fact, after the six months is up, if I get a TT kukri, I'll sell it at my cost to either one of you.

I agree Bruce- just can't see that kind of catering to the sales made at a show versus the internet. Maybe I am wrong- but have run a very successful business for many years and one must understand that these are very hard times. I admire the loyal bunch here on the forum and would value them as customers.I also can see Peter and Tolly's point of view and surely appreciate their service. Thanks guys !! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

These last few posts remind me of what a good crew we have here on this forum! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I know from Vic's record that he has stood more than his "watch" on the wall defending the USA...as no doubt have others whose details I do not know...and thanks for the generous offer Vic. However if there is "one" soon to be HOG who can give some informed feedback on this knife it is you and you thoroughly deserve any place on a "Test Team" special issue and the pleasure of using and keeping this knife.

For me Tolly says it like I feel it...if you do have an interest in Knives and Guns "generally" or whether for a given time of your life they are the "tools of your trade"....my experience is that you share common values and perhaps see this sort of thing as a bit of a "nonesense"....just "games" to make your "market share"....which is fair enough...

If the knife is all the better for it six months down the road I will be suprised though...for many I expect the knife will find a shelf in the safe to come out for daylight six months down the line and either be flipped for a good profit or used as yet another form of "exclusivity" and "status"...which in fairness to "collectors" there is nothing wrong in that.

If Jerry was really serious about "feedback" I suspect "pricing" to be the one area where the "feedback" is needed....the "combat" part of the Busse title is probably insufficiently paid to "reach" for these Satin models....I could do it if I sold my other stuff which I might well do....even if I do so on principal...because for me these "games" are getting tiresome. I felt like this when the SAR4 LE was introduced through the store with no "heads up" that other cheaper models were in the pipeline...some of which would have done just as well for my use and saved me a fair bit as well...I feel the same over this sort of thing and the "games" are not for me. Life can turn out to be too short sometimes and even if you get the chance for a "good innings"...you are changed and no longer have time for stuff like this...to me "customers are customers" and I should'nt have to do more than "pay for" what I want to buy. Time to move on....

I just hope the CG model is cheaper than the test team version. I frankly don't care what color it is, I just want a big honkin' INFO kuk!

I'm still a bit irritated at the exclusivity of it, but it's starting to look like there will be enough other cool stuff there to take the sting out of it. I agree that the "test team" designation is a bit of a misnomer, because a fair number of those HOGs will be putting those suckers in a safe, never to see the light of day unless it's to snap some pictures for the "for sale" ad.

I might not be a HOG, and I might not own a single bit of INFI, but if *I* were on a test team, I would test the crap out of that thing - and test it against at least one other kukri in the process.

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. ~Benjamin Franklin

I'm with you Dogs. All make valid points. It's good to let it out.

We are talking about a knife right? I know I know, it's the principle...

I guess in the end the S5s actually take a bit of the sting out. Yes Art- it is principle- but like Peter says "customers are customers" and pay in USD or whatever should be enough. I truly think Dan & Jerry will have these availible to the " commons" in a short period of time. ( hopefully) I own MANY Bussekin knives as does SF and Jimmie. Plus my PMs have been full with dogs that feel the same way we do. If what Bruce says is true and internet sales mean very little to the guys- well- I guess quite a bunch are gone and doubtful they will miss us. Great knives- super nice people so kudos on that- but this " test team" stuff just leaves a bitter taste. We shall see in the next week or so. Just my thoughts-Thank You <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Let me say that I have nothing against the HOG fraternity idea...it is a good thing and generates camaraderie...and the people behind the companies in Bussekin do support the military and are first class in every respect... "marketing" is a hard task though and some of this may be unappealing to the likes of me....but it takes "all sorts" to make up a "customer base" and if I don't have much patience on the "tease" aspect it is perhaps because I see a more "harsh" side of life in what comes from military service and time is often seen for me in the "short term"...I don't know...for me these knives sell on performance...end of story...and the search for good gear which gives you better performance is "endemic" in any Armed Service...and the scramble to get something which "is good" is often encountered and the hardest thing for most of us is getting the "cash" to buy them. Once that is done...you sort of feel you ought to "qualify" to buy them....if that makes it clearer???

Good to see you posting Bob! Although, I have been gone for some time.lol. How has the recovery been? Hope all is well, let us know if we should send more smoke.

Thanks SF! That definitely makes it clearer. I see what you mean, I totally get the feeling of "qualification". Spending right now is very tight for most in the nation. To actually raise the funds for a purchase such as this and then find out you can't get one does hurt a bit. It's like waving food in front of the hungry.

It is a shame that current combat soldiers who use combat knives in their profession cannot be on the test team unless they can make it to Blade. Other loyal customers feel slighted, too. Maybe Jerry will find a way to make it happen. He did let some become hogs "on line" recently. Maybe he'll find a way to get some of his internet customers on the test team. I am pretty sure he never meant to slight any of his loyal customers with this test team idea. If I am lucky enough to get one and can afford it, I will give that Killa Zilla hell, I can promise y'all that.