Service Life of Resiprene C handles

Whats the longest a Resiprene C handle has been used and what does it typically look like after years of use?





Bors

I'm also interested in this topic.

I'm not a member yet kept getting some kind of error when I tried to sign up so I have not tried for a while.

I will have to email them I guess and see if they can help.

Perhaps I will make it my first post on the Busse forum haven't they also been using it for awhile?




Bors

Well I'm already over at Bladeforums so I will just pop in there and pose the question.

Thanks Bors.

OK posted over in the Manufacturers' area of Bladeforums.com.

For all those interested here is the link.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=460543



Bors

For what it is worth, I have owned a Swamp Rat Battle Rat for 3 years now. I have been using it about every day during the growing seasons and quite a lot during the off months as well. Other than being dirty the Res-C handle looks and feels about the same as it did when it came out of the box.

I've not yet heard of anyone wearing one out.

sure is comfy

Bors,

You know.. i've only come across 3 instances of re-handling Res-C.

1. on Swamp forum, someone was batoning on the rubber handle from the back repeatedly over extended periods (iirc he used it to teach bushcraft) and the tang poked eventually out the back. He didn't want to claim warranty so he made his own handle.

2. on Swamp forum, someone's pet rat gnawed the Res-C.. rat vs rat! lol

3. on BF, 360Joules had his HR rehandled in some beautiful ivory & walnut iirc.

oh and i think Cliff Stamp set a Res-C handle on fire.. why? dunno.. because he's Cliff Stamp?
hmm.. not sure if related.. but could this be why micarta was chosen as handle for Crash Rat Axe rather than Res-C? Andy might know..


Truthfully Bors, i've heard of MORE cases of Micarta needing replacement.. almost always due to Throwing!.. cracked/chipped scales, rivets getting mis-aligned, etc. Imho.. Throwing puts a LOT of stress on blade/handle.. i've broken LOTS of knives (and other pointy objects) by throwing. Imo.. a dedicated "thrower" should have no scales or handle material.. just steel.

oh.. and folks who throw Res-C knives say Stand back!.. cuz it bounces back like one of those rubber bouncy balls!


So.. if you ever need to Throw a Flaming knife at someone.. and have it come Back! Res-C!

I mentioned this on BFC, but I'll say here, too:

I've been using my Battle Rat for about 5 years, and the handle still looks, feels, and works fine.

I think it is almost bullet proof. Maybe if you place it in the oven long enough you can reshape it. I would like to see it on some street or off road tires and see how many miles can I get out of it. Dang good rubber here!

Resiprene C Handle

(Think of it as an all-terrain truck tire with better chemical resistance)

Resiprene C was made famous as a handle material when it was used on the Busse Combat Basics. Respirene C, these handles have all the advantages of rubber handles without any of the disadvantages. They are comfortable, shock absorbing, slip resistant when wet, and provide insulation from the cold. Unlike Kraton, Resiprene C is a Non-hygroscopic material which means that it will neither "take on" or "emit" fluids. This quality not only gives them unparalleled durability but makes them extremely easy to keep clean as dirt will simply not stick to them. It is impervious to salt water, petroleum based chemicals and is much more resistant to higher and colder temps than is Kraton. Resiprene C is likewise impervious to the powerful insect repellant, DEET. It is so amazingly tough and durable that Busse stands as the only company to have ever put a Lifetime Guarantee on a rubber handle. All Scrap Yard handles are fully textured to supply a slip-resistant purchase in any grip configuration. So, whether you hold the blade in a saber grip, reverse grip, upside down grip, side grip, or whatever which way you are required to hold it for your particular application, you will be assured of having a secure hold.

mmm respirene handles are definitely awesome. Micarta is cool and comfy but for a hard user the shock absorbtion of res-c is my preference.

With you on that BlondieStomp, res-C for users..

(If it didn't last Dan wouldn't give it the warranty!)

THe resiprene stuff will surely outlast Kraton. It's only as tough as a truck tire.

Yeah, that was Moine. I went to find the thread for you guys, but the pics are no longer working. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for looking Andy

What is the status on your oldest Res-C handle now. Some of them have to have 10+ years of wear on them by now.

They're still as tough as tank treads.

What is the oldest res-c you have, and has it varried at all?

ALL mine are still in great condition. Course I don't use mine anywhere as much as some folks. BUT once I "Rounded" off the butt of my Wardog using a belt sander. It took a LONG time to do it even with the sander. I tried hand sanding at first, but that didn't hardly even scuff it.

The oldest Res-C I own is on my BattleRat, which was my first of MANY Bussekin knives I own. I believe I bought it in 2002.

That is fantastic to hear, on both of you.

I love Res-C for handles; it's shock absorbing, lightweight, and more comfortable in hot or cold conditions.

I have several knives from different manufacturers with "RUBBER" handles. But those Dan puts on Yard blades are BY FAR the grippiest and most comfortable I have ever held in my hand.

And probably the toughest out there!

I agree with Tom & Randy: Res C is shock absorbing, comfortable and grippy – superior to micarta and G10 in all of these qualities. I have all of the original Basic series (3, 5, 7 & 9), and my first Busse was a B9 in late 2001 – they all feel the same as they did originally. I have used a SHBM (with smooth micarta), Basic 9 and 1311 to chop with – the SHBM was hard to hang onto when it hit the log (it would tend to twist in my hand), but no problem with the B9 or 1311. Res C is really good stuff!

Even when wet the rubber is not that slick. I would even go as far to say that wet Res-C has more grip than wet G-10

Res-C just grabs you!

Yup!

It's grabbed ahold of me... My favorite of all Kin handle material!!!

My two oldest are my Camp Tramp and Battle Rat, not sure of their birthdates as I bought them both used, but the handles are still like new. The BR has been into the woods a lot and to Africa with me twice.

If left in the elements, I'd imagine an archeologist a thousand years from now might dig up a handle that looks like it just left the factory and a whatever remnants of a blade still hangin' on.

I don't think any of us will live long enough to ever find out the answer to the topic question posed.

Stumpy, I didn't know that you have been to Africa. Hunting and / or photo safari?

Hunting... But I took pictures too!

The blades...



First African sunset...


First African campfire...


First African sunrise...


Our Bush home...(we were reallllly roughing it)


Leopard pug mark...


Attacked by a wild camp DOG...

(Wow, look at them white legs... it's a wonder I snuck up on anything!)

.375 H & H ?

Beautiful pics; I'm envious!

Kind of took inspiration from the yard when picking the rifles (Go BIG or go home).... My small bore was my 358Win., the cartridges in the pictures were for my 458Lott Ruger No.1. They were fun trips, wish you had been there Buddy!

To keep this thread on topic...The Res-C looked/felt exactly the same before and after each trip.

.458 Lott...go BIG or go home!

Hey SB, or anyone. What is that smaller blade. I should know but can't quite figure it out.

Looks like a Swamp Rat Vex.

Yep, Custom Shop Vexillarious in D2. We're not supposed to have any regrets, but that thing was a SLICER!!! Just another instance where I wish my hands were smaller so I could enjoy a broader spectrum of Kin and Custom blades.

Oh yeah the Vex. Couldn't afford one at the time, but sure wanted one.

Yeah right! (enter the tongue sticking out emoji here).

Hey that was a long time ago Tom. Just cause I made about half as much again once I retired helps A LOT!

Braggart! LOL

Haha, honest if I ever do begin to sound like a braggart, PLEASE let me know. I HATE folks like that.

That's OK, Bezos, Gates, and other wealthy folks TRY to act humble too.

Hey, TRYING to be something you're not isn't easy.

Personally I think Jeff and Bill are doing a semi-passable job. Now Donald is doing a bang up job I feel.

The Donald refused to accept his salary as President, something B.O. wouldn't do.

Yeah, B.O. was a S.O. well you know.

Yep'