HG 55 LE

Just got word from Amy-0. I may have my HG55LE in a week. I just spent $700 more on my daughter's Jeep today. Brakes, fuel injection, oil leaks, spark plugs...ugh! Oh well, at least she is working two jobs and going to college. As bad as she was in high school, she seems to have acquired a good work ethic, so she deserves my help. When it rains it pours. Might as well have Jeff make a real killer leather sheath for that LE. I won't be getting any more knives for quite a while! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I think I'll start carrying the HG55LE to the Jeep shop. I used my Swamp Rat Trap to cut out a discount coupon there today. The service manager only had a puny Al Mar. He was impressed. Wait till he sees the HG! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

congrats, HD. 5.5" of INFI goodness headed your way.

That's great Vic! Let's see some pics when it gets here!

Way to go Vic!!!
Sorry to hear about the Jeep.
I've got repairs upcoming on my Chevy S-10, so I know how you feel.

Hey, if the HG55's are shipping, I wonder if the M9 is going to
be very far behind?
One can only hope eh?

Us Dawgs are going to need lots of pics Vic.
Action shots... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Right now, I have no plans to chop or baton with this knife unless necessary, but it will be my new fixed blade EDC once I get a sheath made. I may cut out some Jeep service discount coupons with it. The HG55LE is such a sleek beauty to me. I will take some pics of it, though.

Good to hear that they are shipping soon.

Bad to hear about the jeep repairs (Ended up putting new axles and cv joints in my pathfinder this summer)

Absolutely great to hear that your daughter is doing well! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I remember how rough things were a mere year ago..

cool news on the hg. been wanting one since the picture of the handle. i'm holding out for m9 and the s5 but that's one knife that i'll always see and wish i had snatched up. that is if i dont...

great news on the knife! the hg55le sure is pretty...glad youre getting a busse le!!!

Hey SNOTPIG! basic stuff like that for the Jeep is CHEAP compared to letting it go for too long.....trust me on this....

Congrats Vic - I'm envious! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Congrats!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Congrats, and i expect to see pics!

congrats vic
I hope the jeep repairs stop there <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I wish. There is a bad oil leak at the engine/transmission seal. That's a $1000 job. Not just yet, though. The 2003 Wrangler only has 55,000 miles. But my daughter likes jeeps for some crazy reason.

Maybe if I just meditate on this, I'll feel better about it all.

Nice score HD

Great news on the HG55! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I'm starting to get excited about it now... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sorry to hear about the sick Jeep though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Seems like it's never a simple solution. I've got a good friend that's a super mechanic. A couple of years ago he moved away, but he recently moved back, I'm really glad to have him around again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

H/D - that IS one sweet-looking knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> You're not alone on the unexpected bills though - I'm facing a root canal and crown dental bill of over $1,000.00. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hey Vic...I bet your looking forward to your first LE...and it is the best one for an EDC that I have seen them produce since I became "nuts" on these things...I am hoping it feels like a very "sturdy" RMD...and on the car front you seem to know your way around the Jeep and what the problem is...might it not be easier to jump outside of the "main dealer" service and get some cheaper labour? I managed to make friends with one of the mechanics who was at my Audi main dealer when putting the car in for service during the warranty period...he now does mine in his own time and at a lot cheaper cost....maybe the same could be sorted out for you...or get some of your biker friends to work on it...when I was into bikes the best mechanics I have ever met were "bikers"....crazy guys but brilliant with engines...

My Harley mechanic works at the Jeep dealership, but he only works on Hondas (a Harley man working on Hondas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />). Jeeps are peculiar vehicles, and since I don't personally know a good Jeep mechanic, I must pay dealer rates for now. I hate being skinned like that, but my dealer does stand by their work.

Sorry about the break down.

All this shall eventually be taken care of. I am grateful for what I do have. Looking forward to that pretty Busse in my hand! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Looking forward to pics of that pretty Busse in your hand.

Sometimes knowing "shiny" is in the mail and on it's way lifts my spirits a few notches - I know, I'm a materialistic bastard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Just got a message from Amy-0. My HG55 LE shipped yesterday. It won't be long now! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Congrats! Can't wait to see pics of it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Was just checking in to see if you have that beauty...Monday probably?

Lot's of photos popping up on blade forum...saw one next to a Batac...how lean!

Can't wait for a report!

It looks good, Bruce. But then I like Bucks. You need to drill a hole in the finger guard and then stencil "BUSSE BUCK" on the blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Check this out!

That looks KILLER! Comparison shots? still kinda hard to tell how big it is..

I'll have to get Jeff to make me a nice leather sheath for it. For now, it carries in my Bark River Mountain Man Dag sheath

I am still in my camo bathrobe! I'll get dressed and take some pics out back with some other knives.

nice vic
I like it.
how many barkies you got? how many busse?

And a dumpster mutt? Pleeesse? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

MAN thats a beaut! congrats! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Awesome knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Probably a lot of us will wish we had sprung for that one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

OK here is the HG55LE with some other knives. No Barkies, no Dumpster Mutts.

The only Dumpster Mutts I still own are the DMDC, DMLE, and Urban Mutt. Here it is with my unused DMLE.

What a sleek beauty!

Thanks. It is just what I had hoped it would be, a Busse with about the same size as the popular Buck 119. The Busse weighs about 11 oz.

How do you like the feel Horn Dog? handle shape, weight balance and all...

Still, I hope they post a pick of the S5 asap! I keep telling myself it will be similar and less than 1/2 the price...(as I drool looking at these photos)

The handle feels nice, big enough for my large hand, but not bulky. The way it widens toward the rear makes it very secure when slashing. The jimping on the spine is long enough to use in both the saber grip and choked up on the choil. There is a slight palm swell in the scales, too, that doesn't come out in the pics, but it feels good. Even though the knife is fairly heavy at about 11 oz, it is fast in the hand with balance on the first finger. In the reverse or stabbing grip, the flat pommel gives the thumb a place to rest. Oh, and I forgot to mention something very important to me: The knife came with a shaving sharp zero convex edge, like a Barkie, only in INFI!

if they had put the palm swell in the info i mightve gotten one!!<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> i wonder if the CG version has the same attributes?

I would think the CG scales are profiled the same. Did you ever find your package of knives today?

Thanks for the pics Vic! That helps a lot.. I am now hoping the Scrapper 5 will be this style..

it is a beauty as mentioned. I like that the handle doesn't add waisted length and weight. it looks like a great size. with the swedge will the point be easily broken like your harry carry?

Not likely. The point is not thin.

Grats! I like it!

Congrats on the 55 Vic - nice pics as well! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Very cool! Congrats Vic!

Horn Dog, what color is the handle?

Busse calls it Tigerhide.

Saw this earlier and realized something was missing, where are the serrations on the CG? Are they so subtle they didn't show up in this picture???

The grooves just don't show up well in that pic, I guess.

Good to know, I can see along the edge they're there, guess the finish caused a lot of reflection that washed them out to the camera?

It was knawing at me....

Cool, reminds me of a washed out snakeskin

Yes, it does.

Great looking blade. Looks like it would be a good carry blade for around and about.

Hi Vic, congrats on the HG55 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Now I know how you felt on the NMSFNO <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I thought I had my order in before you did....my order number is 245307...but I have not yet been dingned on my card for payment. I did ask Amy to change my shipping addy later so maybe my order goes to the back?

As I am going to D/C the finish I don't mind having a low number...but was'nt told changing the addy etc would put the order back...still...patience IS a virtue <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Does the knife feel like it could perform a utilitarian role like a RMD?

HD, congrats on the knife! I bet that is going to get a good pass through the third world grind shop and become a quick favorite. Have you used it or batoned it yet?

Yes, while it is primarily a fighter, it cuts well enough. It is thick, but sharp. It looks different, but it reminds me a lot of the SOG bowie with its thick but sharp and pointed blade. I think it could skin and do some light bushcraft if required. Probably not the knife I'd choose for slicing tomatoes very thin. It is certainly more utilitarian and rugged than a Gerber Mk2 or a F-S Dagger. You will love it, Peter. This is a soldier's knife. I still don't know if it beats the Ratmandu. After all, perfection is hard to beat.

WHOOOOOPPPIIEEE!!!!

Now THATS is a knife!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Man that is a super sweet design and color combo there Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I hope like heck that Dan reveals his version in SR-77 and at half the price of that beauty! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Although considering it is a satin L.E. version and those beautiful scales at twice the price of a Scrapper I was a fool not to buy the INFI version. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Well done my dear friend. Very well done indeed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


Peace.

Congrats on getting the knife. It is a great looking blade. Very unique. It seems like a great knife for most situations from a BOB to a hike.

I love the fighters I guess it is that high speed low drag sleek look that draws me to them and that HG55 fits in the mix rather well.

It is certainly among the finest. I think of my Al Mar SERE and SOG Bowie as fighters. Even the popular Buck 119 looks like a fighter to me. Those knives are S30V, SK-5, and 420HC. I like the INFI HG55 LE better than those. It is as pure a fighter as the SOG and as utilitarian as the Buck is. Make no mistake, I did not buy this knife to do bushcraft. I bought it because it pleases me just to hold such a well made weapon. I plan to carry this knife in the open in a leather sheath. That is legal in Georgia unless otherwise prohibited by law. It will not have that military or "tactical" look in the sheath, but this is surely a better self defense knife than any folder. Gentlemen used to carry swords, then daggers, then bowies. As firearms improved, the blades got smaller. I am not a skilled knife fighter, but am reasonably sure that in a close quarters encounter with an aggressor, I could use this knife well enough to stop an attack.

Oh snap! Very nice HD!

Thanks Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I am eagerly anticipating this knife...a "comparable" review by you between it and the RMD on general tasks would be "edge of the seat" reading for me and many others I am sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It will probably be the only "competition" the RMD has for me....maybe my Woodlore as well...but I would need to pick one or the other...this and a heavy knife would be "it"for me....due to weight...and making my mind up will not be "easy"... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

I don't mean to disappoint anybody, but I have no plans to compare the Ratmandu and the HG55LE doing bushcraft. I didn't buy it for that. Feel free to do it with yours. It would be interesting to see. But my HG55LE is more for urban light duty "carrying", if you get my drift.

thanks for those comparison pics. really nice knife you got...

between the spine shots and the buck 119 comparison this tells the whole story for me. would love to have one.

hope the scrapper 5 is going to be similar...

Yes, I will try and do something when it arrives...it might be a while though...

Congrats on the nice lookin HG55LE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I got my HG55 CG this weekend, and I really like it, but it's not as purty as yours... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Let's see some pics Jeff!

Let's see some pics Jeff, maybe some nice pants to boot.

Well, still no e-mail for me as to the HG55 LE I ordered and Bill Seigle has posted on the other forum that he feels like HD....it is a nice knife but not one you could use for slicing food....now given my RMD's work excellently at this task...and at skinning...and should it be needed at defense...I am half tempted to cancel my order and just save the money to put towards a Zilla....the price release for the MOAB has me thinking a Zilla might well be dearer than I hoped for... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

LOL...when I get my Camp Tramp back from the States I would'nt be at all suprised if after all this Busse "buying" I have been doing that the Camp Tramp ends up stealing a favourite slot for my larger knife option. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/footinmouth.gif" alt="" />

That would be a strange thing....although I have strong hopes for the Zilla being a great option.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Well, Peter, the Camp Tramp IS an excellent knife in its own right!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes....everyone who has them has great things to say...it also combines a Res C grip and a size blade that I find the most useful...

This is definately a knife I am looking forward to testing!

Weirdly for me....although I have no comparable exact same knife in the RMD size in Infi...but I am sure I am able to get a sharper edge on my RMD's than I can on my smaller Infi blades...not by much and only noticeable after dozens and dozens of paper cuts...well over 500....but I feel sure now after testing this because of my curiosity over noticing this some time ago that SR101 seems to slice through "paper" without hanging up slightly better than Infi on my Jackhammer...my 3B2...and a SJTAC Custom...

Hard to explain but it is as if Infi "roughens up" on the edge after a fair bit....whereas SR101 just seems "smooth"....but hey...what do I know??????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

They're ALL good! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Very True P/K <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And on that basis I think I will try and settle for the good "affordable" ones I already have... I just cancelled my HG55 LE order and will put the money to a Zilla....after seeing the MOAB prices the Zilla will not be cheap <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/footinmouth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> and I do want an Infi Khukri!!

As far as users go, the HG55LE is mostly a combat knife. It can slice, though not as well as thinner blades.






As you might expect, the BDLE rules the apple slicing combat knife event.

Nice pics H/D.. How did the Muk do?

The Muk is a good slicer. In slicing, all other things being equal, thinner is better, so the Bird Dog is just a bit better at this critical combat test.

Those BDLE's are a real "asset"....you hardly ever see one up for sale on the secondary market...but "all round" the RMD still has top slot for me so far...although I think I could have missed out badly on not getting a BDLE...I would have jumped on one if I were a fisherman...but as a potential "piggy back" food prep knife they take some beating...

Nice set of comparison pic's Vic...many thanks...

I use the BDLE as a carry knife for hikes. It is just a sweet slicer with a wicked point.

I was thinking it would make a nice companion to a DFLE...I fancied an inside the waistband sheath for my DFLE on a rear slant carry and a rear flat sheath on the belt loop for the BDLE similar to the Bear Gryllis sheath but slimmer and more of a scandi type pouch design...just sketching it out now on a pad...

There is a BDLE on the exchange but it is a bit of a steep price....too steep really...

well lets see it

Well I would need to adapt to using a horizontal carry on the loop for an existing knife I own....might do a horizontal one for a RMD....or maybe a Leatherman/SAK type option....I have a few sheath patterns in the mix at present but will post when they are done.

Cool pics there HD. I still love the looks and possible use of the BD.