My humble busse collection is growing.

VERY nice kuanomar!!!

SWEET <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> I want a Waki but the price tag has stopped thus far... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I really want a Waki too. I have the AK but I have not had the heart to pound on it. I really used to be against safe queens for me. But now, I have two. The AK and KZ. Although, I will send the KZ to Nate for some sharpening and when it comes back I'll use it.

I think that I'll wait until a Waki user comes up. That way I can beat on it without any tears. (my tears not the waki's)

lookin good!

I am jealous of your collection!
Right now I have the Regulator and am waiting for my RMD's and SW's from Swamp Rat...

Whats the color combo on the AK...hopefully I can order a Waki soon.


oh, I'm also gonna have to buy a Zombie hat real soon as well

Thanks MM,


I think the AK is sage and brown micarta.

Sir...nothing humble about that collection! It's what I call "awesomesauce" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Those are some beautiful pieces of INFI!! I look forward to owning a Ruck someday...I can dream, right?

I keep staring at that KZ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Looks very impressive!! Is the one to the left of the Desert Dog Father a ASH1 ? If so what's the colour please? I have a pair of Skinnys (tan & dark green)
Have you a Regulator coming soon to join it's relations?
: )

Very nice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If I am seeing this and reading it correctly, you appear to have what I consider to be a very good start to some of the MOST worthy Busse and kin options and a good selection covering a "variety" of uses and applications:

Dogfather of some variation (???) - You can try the others, but the Res-C choppers are really hard to beat. I like the talk about a NMFBM type blade with Res-C handle. (INFI or SR-101????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

NMSFNO - Great all-around large blade. Finish to a TRUE Full convex and satin and AWESOME knife!

ASH1 (?????) - What size? I am personally fond of the Skinny and feel the CG a bit too thick and chunky for my preferences. But, to each their own. In any event, the ASH1 is classicly unique and IMO the skinny ASH1 in particular is quite versatile while being a good size and weight for carry.

SarSquatch - Great mid-sized camp blade or large carry nife - Very versatile and more suited for carry than many of the larger blades (IMO). Just a bit larger than the Skinny ASH1. - Another that would benefit from being a FULL convex. Personally, I wish it didn't have the swedge, but.... still a great knife.

S5 (CG/LE ????) - Awesome blade for most EVERYTHING short of chopping. Awesome "trail", hiking, carry blade. The Mudder handles are ideally suited for about this size a knife IMO. I made a few mods to mine, but personal preferences.


The AK and KZ are both very unique and collectible. They are both a bit "niche" in application. I have handled the KZ. It is a BEAST. As has been discussed, with some edge profiling, there is not much doubt in my mind that it is a POWERFUL chopper. But, quite large and heavy. I can't see personally having much interest in carrying such a massive blade. But, it is "Awesome" to hold in the hand and drool on. Great for watching Zombie movies while fondling. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I have the Waki. It is cool, but honestly probably more "Fun" and entertaining to own and toy with than practical in the field (IMO). Still capable of SERIOUS damage to whatever you whack with it though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I had a Ratchet, but I sold mine (2 actually). Some people like those types of tools, but I didn't find it to suit "my" needs. I think it is too small for any real chopping short of being a compact tool to chop a sternum or pelvic bone for game or similar uses. I don't personally consider it a good skinning or processing tool/blade. I have other options and find other tools much better suited for every task I can think of. To each their own.


My recomendations to add:

Ratmandu - Properly satin finished of course. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> - You don't need this if you have an S5. But, the RMD is a CLASSIC and very nice as well.

SJTAC - A bit smaller and lighter than the SarSquatch. Another convex blade. I think it is better with the ramp removed and again (as always) I prefer satin. This is a good in-between size between the SarSquatch and S5/RMD. Nice and light for carry, yet plenty big for larger chores including batoning, although a bit light-weight for chopping. *** The new "Boss Jack" could VERY well be as good an option!??? But, I have yet to see specs to get a better feel for comparison. I think you have to step up to the Camp Tramp or Regulator at just a little bit more weight and significant more chopping ability compared to the SJTAC.

Since you have the SarSquatch, so you don't "Need" the Camp Tramp and/or a Regulator and I hate to mention the Camp Tramp anymore considering how hard they are to come by, but it is still a classic. That said, I think many might be surprised at the similarities between the Regulator (I have the TT and can only speak for the TT) and Camp Tramp in hand along with actual abilities. They weigh and balance very similar with the main differences related to "Feel" in the hand really mostly being the two different shaped handles. The Regulator seems more of a fighter with its sharp point and the Camp Tramp is more of a classic camp knife. - Or so it might seem..... The Regulator's handle is beefier and fills my hand very well. I think the Regulators handle is a bit more suited for chopping and I think it offers a more secure grip. Whereas the Camp Tramps handle is slimmer, still works great for chopping, but feels a little better for choking up, detail work and such. They are both nice handles.
The Camp Tramp's primary grind is a little more acute even though the Camp Tramp is a saber grind and my TT is full heigh flat grind. The TT Regulator is still more obtuse in the primary grind. I think it is safe to assume the Regular release Regulater with it's saber grind and 0.333" thick spine is even more obtuse than the TT. For chopping, I don't think it will make a huge difference. Neither knife is great for long term chopping, just a bit here and there. The Camp Tramp is probably a bit better at slicing for say food prep around camp and such. I don't really care about "Fighter" abilities, but I think the Regulators tip is obviously better suited for "piercing". But, depending on fighting application or style, I think an arguement could be made that the Camp Tramps edge is better at slashing. So, whatever that is worth.
In the end, both are very well rounded knives. I am still a HUGE fan of the blade shapes on the SJTAC and S5. I would love to see about an 8", full convex grind, SATIN finished (SR-101 or INFI), SJTAC shaped blade on either Res-C handle. I prefer probably 0.20" - 0.22" thick spine or so. I prefer a full steel choil like the Camp Tramps over the Res-C backed choil on the Regulator, but I like the choils closer into the handle than the Camp Tramp originally came (just shorten the guard length to bring it in closer to the handle). Considering the Camp Tramp is so hard to come by and considering how GREAT a deal Dan is offering the Regulator at, I kind of have to recommend it.


Hell Razor - Very versatile and usable, but also classicly uniqe designs. If nothing else, just worth it for the design. Honestly, a bit redundant if you have the Skinny ASH1 as the Skinny ASH1 and Hell Razor are pretty comparable in size and abilities. But, mentioning anyway.


FSH - of some variation (????) - I like the full flat grind - another great all-around large blade. Classic and COOL. But, you don't really need with the NMSFNO.


S5CG………………………….= 6.75 ounces; .185” thick; 5.125” blade; 10.0625” oal

Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal

SJTAC….(stripped)…. = 13.0 ounces; .187” thick; 6.375” blade; 11.875” oal

Camp Tramp..................= 14.5 ounces; .236" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal
Regulator TT (Test Team)= 14.65 ounces; .333” thick; 7.5” blade; 13.0” oal

Hell Razor…………………= 14.75 ounces; .1875” thick; 6.625” blade; 12.75” oal (est.)
Skinny ASH (ASH1)..= 15.25 ounces; .1875” thick; 6.4” blade; 12.0” oal

SARSquatch………… = 17.0 ounces; .1875” thick; 7.0” blade; 12.75” oal

NMSFNO………………….= 21.5 ounces; .25” thick; 8.25” blade; 14.0” oal
FSH (full flat grind)..= 22.0 ounces; .27” thick; 8.1875” blade; 14.4” oal

Dog Father………….. = 20.1 ounces; .275” thick; 10” blade; 15.125” oal
Dog Father LE…….. = 17.0 ounces; .250” thick; 10.0625” blade; 15.125” oal

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Anyway, you have a GREAT start with some of the Best options IMO. The above should cover a LOT.


.

Great looking collection so far.

Very good looking group of blades. Grab a Warden before they are out of the store, that will cover your small blade.

And a HRLM! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the comments.

Knife Guy,

Holy smokes, you know your blades.

As soon as funds free up, I plan to add quite a few more blades.

The three I use the most are the NMSFNO, S5LE and the SARsquatch. The ASH-1 get's some use too. Actually, the Ratchet gets used for things I don't want to subject my other blades to. It's actually pretty beat up. I want to send it to Nate to transform it into a stubby, SR-101 Razel type blade. I think it would be different and kind of cool.


The ASH-1 is CG and Green G10.

The tan handle RES-C blade is a Battle Rat.



The S5 is an LE

And the SARsquatch is fully-convexed and satin.




I do need a warden size blade. At that size though, I have a few folders and a few favorite small-fixed blades that fill that role.

My favorite small knife is a benchmade nimravus cub in M2. It's been on many, many adventures in the past several years. I'll have to post of pic of my ugly old friend.

Hey KG, Also enjoyed reading your comments as I own a tan Camp Tramp, a pair of Skinnys & the S5LE (+ a pair of Regs on the way)

Kuanomar, Great collection BTW! A nice Bowie to add to the family would have to be a M9LE : )

I think KG would also agree with that statement! I love mine!

Stay Smooth!

JB

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> .... I guess I have been around for a while. There are a good number of guys here who could have picked out your blades though.



I can see how that would work. Those cover a broad range and all great knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />






EVEN BETTER IMO. I love my DFLE, but I use my Battle Rat more. I prefer the edge qualities of the Battle Rat and while the DFLE has a bit more chopping power, I like the nimble feel of my Battle Rat. I have satin finished and convexed mine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



GREAT Score!!! I wish I had scored the LE. I prefer INFI for its extra corrosion resistance and I WAY prefer satin. But, I got impatient and I had already satin finished my CG before Dan announced the LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />





AWESOME - that is how it should be.... I still would prefer without the swedge, but it is hard to remove once there short of completely changing the knife. As is, better left alone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Great knife. Was that done by Ban? That looks familiar - like one I almost bought on the exchange a while back. (?????)

Unfortunately, finances have been bad for me lately. I have had to sell a few knives I REALLY did not want to sell, but I keep telling myself I will have to purchase again later. The SarSquatch is one of those. I had, but had to let go with hopes of getting again later. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />





I hate to speak poorly of the Warden - especially when currently up for sale. But, I had one from the original release and it just did not fit or feel right in my hand. For me, the handle/grip area size and ergos just didn't work. I thought the blade was fine, but wish it were satin. Some like the little Warden. So, to each their own. I didn't. Maybe differences in hand size or something (?????) Plus, it was coated and I don't like coatings anyway, so with it being so far from what "I" want and like, I sold mine. In all fairness, I am not really a fan of skelly knives anyway. I like handles that fit my hands and feel comfortable.



I have a full size Nimravus with the deeper index finger groove. I like the knife, but I originally picked up one with serrations and I am not fond of serrations really. Also, the kydex sheath is a bit bulky and gadgety for me for a knife this size. I guess it was designed to be "Jump Rated" or something (?????) it has a little lock on it. Anyway, the knife itself feels nice, comfortable and secure in the hand with a good blade design. I have a TON of 4.0" - 5.0" bladed knives and I tend to get very particular about knives in that size range. While I am a big fan of Busse and kin for mid to larges sized knives, for certain smaller knives, I have a lot of good choices from other makers. I am particular fond of smaller blades from Bark River. But, the SS4, HRLM (with choil mod) and Vex are all very worthy and some others are quite decent as well.

I am equally picky about folders. And I tend to EDC a folder more often than a small fixed blade and even for most local "Walking the dogs" trails, I tend to just go with a folder. But, for when camping and more serious hiking and such, I do tend to prefer a good 4" - 5" fixed blade. The S5 and RMD are pretty high on my list.

For me, most 3.0" bladed fixed bladed knives are not of much interest to me. I have a few that I keep around, but rarely really ever carry. 3.5" blades get a bit borderline. I have some very nice folders that I feel are sufficiently tough for my needs while offering better handle sizes and ergos, better blade lengths and much more compact and convenient for carrying along with a clip rather than a sheath - when compared to most any 3.0" - 3.5" blade fixed bladed knife.

I don't like things dangling from my neck either. To each their own.

.

Hey Rob,

Yes.... I am a BIG fan of the M9LE and VERY greatful it was offered in SATIN for a change. First SR-101 in satin in YEARS! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Luckily, I still have "One" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, satin aside, the M9LE - and I assume the M9CG for those who like coatings really is a CLASSIC Bowie. The proportions and balance are EXCELLENT.

I almost mentioned the M9LE, but I was already rambling.
And between the Battle Rat and NMSFNO I felt that size knife was pretty well covered for "Function". But, I did throw in a few that overlap a lot in function on a couple other knives...

To me, the M9LE is reall a full height flat grind, satin version with G10 scales of the Battle Rat. They are VERY similar.

The Battle Rat is a bit lighter over-all, but because of the Res-C handles, the Battle Rat feels a bit more forward balanced.

The M9LE is a bit more neutral feeling in the hand with more handle weight from the full tang and G10 scales. But, the M9LE is nowhere near the weight of many of the larger Busse blades.


M9LE……………………….. = 19.35 ounces; .23” thick; 9.125” blade; 14.875” oal

Dog Father LE…… = 17.0 ounces; .250” thick; 10.0625” blade; 15.125” oal

Battle Rat……………. = 16.5 ounces; .250” thick; 9.375” blade; 14.4375” oal


.

Nothing humble about that collection. What a great looking family. Thanks for sharing the pics

Dan

I echo what the Big Dog said! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Sweeeeet!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I hope to order my hat(s) next week.

That is quite a nice setup. You'd be hard pressed to NEED something else, but of course, you must HAVE some more <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks CR.

Being from Golden, CO, have you been to Spyderco's factory? Benchmade and Spyderco make some of my favorite folders.

Nice collection alright.Thanks for the pics.

You have a very nice collection going! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great collection. I could've used the Waki a couple of days ago when I had to (got to?) cut down a big 9' tall bush. Sadly <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, I had to use my FSH and DF. Don't cry for me though - it was still fun (I mean work, yes work) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Very nice collection you have there, I am really aching to get my hands on a Sarsquatch but I have a couple of Regulators, 3 SwampRats and a Horton to pay for before hitting the exchange again

+100

Thanks for the comments.

The SARsquatch is a great blade. I was not sure about the swedge either, I've seen Horn Dog make his into a bowie. It looks awesome.

The swedge on mine is sharpened. It may make the tip weaker, but I'm sure it's a wicked stabber.