My SFNO is Sabre with the Mag grips and I like the Sabre a bit more than the full flat that I also have as a keeper. I almost always prefer the Mag grips as it fills my palm better and is more comfortable. I also use a relaxed/loose grip on my knives and the middle swell on the Mags gives me more control and feel than the flat scales.

The knives that I have, or have had and have moved/moving to new homes, in the 7" to 9.5" category are:
Hellrazor
Mini Mojo
Yard Guard
Camp Tramp [keeper]
SoD
SFNO, Flat [keeper]
SFNO, Sabre [keeper]
Sarsquatch
Chopweiler
Ratweiler [keeper]
NMSFNO [keeper]
FSH [keeper]
HHFSH
HOGFSH
Satin Battle Rat [keeper]
Battle Rat [keeper]

I have an opinion on all of these. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> This also happens to be my favorite category as it defines the upper limit of what I'm comfortable carrying on foot.

The NMSFNO and the FSH are practically identical with the difference being the FSH is a bit heavier since it has a taller blade and it has a little bit more of a drop at the tail for secure chopping. If I had to pick one between them it would be the NMSFNO as it is a few ounces lighter and the grip is more comfy to me while delivering the same exact blade performance.

The NMSFNO with an Overall Length (OAL) of 14" is actually very similar in use to the Battle Rat with an OAL of 14 3/8". The M9 fits in that same exact category as it is basically a Battle Rat with a Mischief handle. I don't know if the M9 can bump the NMSFNO from its perch but I'm willing to give it a spin. As for balance, the NMSFNO balances at the back 1/2 of the choil and the Satin Battle Rat balances at the front of the choil. I expect that the M9 will balance at the back 1/2 of the choil and will be functionally identical to the NMSFNO but in SR101 instead of Infi.

The NMSFNO is a fantastic blade and if you are on the fence, or ever wanted a FSH and didn't want to pay the aftermarket price, then you may want to seriously consider getting a NMSFNO while the getting is good. I expect it will come down in the next week or two to make room for the new HG55 series.

My favorite two knife survival combo:
NMSFNO + Active Duty (BAD) [more durable combo]
(or)
Satin Battle Rat + BAD [lighter combo]

My favorite one knife survival solution:
SFNO [more durable]
(or)
Camp Tramp [lighter] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />