Bruce, I'm not sure that they understand there are three different Busse Companies, which make different models (although often quite similar in design) using different steel formulations. I do not disagree with your assertion that $69.95 was an outstanding price (I bought one at that price myself), but the comparison of a DM CG with one of the $800 offerings may indicate that they're not familiar with the differences between brands and Combat Grade vs Custom Shop knives.
Scrap Yard is the best value to performance ratio of the three. While they have made some models in SR101 ("Swamp Rat's steel") and a couple in INFI ("Busse Combat's steel"), as well as 154CM, their bread-and-butter has been a steel named SR77 (based on a tool steel, S7, commonly used for high impact applications, such as jackhammer bits). Scrap Yard models average around $100 in price, and have topped out (thus far) with the S5LE, made of INFI, for $200.
As with all three Bussekin companies, Scrap Yard knives have a 100% money-back (release price, not secondary market) or replacement (if available) guarantee. All three companies also use proprietary cryogenic heat treatment processes. So, while Scrap Yard knives are not as expensive, that does not mean they're not as "good". Scrap Yard is run by Jerry's brother, Dan.
Swamp Rat is run by Jerry's wife, Jennifer. Its primary steel is SR101, which is a customized 52100 (ball bearing) steel; SR101 has a reputation for holding a shaving-sharp edge longer than SR77. However, while both SR77 and SR101 are high carbon steels that will rust, SR77 tends to surface rust, while SR101 will pit deeply if not cared for. Other than that, the biggest difference is that Scrap Yard uses a synthetic rubber material called Respirene C for their handles.
Busse Combat began using Res C, then discontinued it in favor of Micarta/G10 as their handle material. When Swamp Rat began making knives in 2002, they used Res C, until they also decided to switch to Micarta/G10 for their their handles -- some of the Rats still lament that decision. Scrap Yard was the last company formed (I believe in 2006, this appears to be the first Knives Forum thread:
Hi Gang...), and they continue to use Res C.
Busse Combat is the original Busse knife company, run by Jerry; they've used various steels over the years, but the current is a proprietary formula called INFI -- Here's a link to the page where its discussed over on the Busse Combat site:
INFI page. Busse Combat knives are the highest priced of the three companies. A "Custom Shop" model that has been produced in fairly good numbers is named the MOAB; they start at $2197.00 each. That's on the extreme end of their prices, but it's common to spend between $250 and $450 for a non-Custom Shop, non-LE Busse Combat knife.
