The NMSFNO LE I got was serial #1 and I have not been able to bring myself to use it yet. The Queen status of the LE is the primary reason that I have the CG NMSFNO to play with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I have used the hand shaped NMFBM that has a similar smooth feel and it is great, no problems at all. I think there is a slight tradeoff with the machined handles providing better grip and the hand shaped providing more comfort but I have not chopped enough with the NMFBM to really have a strong opinion. I would guess that the hand shaped would produce fewer hotspots during heavy use but that is a pure theorycraft.
If you order the machined scales I think that it would be pretty easy to sand them down if you decided you wanted them smooth instead.
p.s. - I just finished drilling out about 20 wooden beads and cutting 2' lengths of paracord to make new lanyards. I'm going with the Osborne Safety Lanyard style and using the forward handle hole so that the knife won't swing into my leg if it slips. Now I need to figure out a way to make it work for my ResC knives.
Yes I have the smooth grips on the NMFBM and took it out this morning to give it a good work out to see if the SFNO LE would be the same...the NMFBM grips are a bit bigger and deeper and I had the chance to smooth off the "peaks" on the grips to give a "flatter" profile which I like...I will post a thread on using this...crikey...the NMFBM is a "fierce" chopper and is balanced and not too heavy for me...I used it to chop down a blackberry orchard and netting fence frame...been at it a good 4 hours and have it all burning off nicely...just in for a spot of lunch...miserable cloudy day here...but the grips were fine...no problems at all...I think I was being a bit "too quick off the mark" having doubts on the SFNO LE grips. If they work like the NMFBM they will be great! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
On the NMSFNO I have gone for standard Mag's which I can smooth off as you say...
