Congrats on the NMSFNO Vic. I knew you would like it. Considering the sublte differences in style/shape and size, I think it might be hard to compare true apples to apples against the great Ratweiler. But, in a generic relative sense, I would think they are both comparable in that they are both among the LEADERS of their classes in over-all quality of design and performance. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> - Value and Bang for the Buck are subjective.

Honestly, in spite of the 100% praise of the NMSFNO that I read, I think the NMSFNO is under-rated and that is saying a lot considering like Vic said: "I haven't heard of anyone getting one that didn't like it." - For that matter, I have read a LOT of reviews and comments where people have stated how much they love the NMSFNO. Still, considering how great a knife the NMSFNO is, I would expect to read even more praise. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

The earlier SFNO releases have been "grail" and coveted knives by the Hogs ever since they was first released. And while the SFNO and NMSFNO are significantly different just by the addition of an inch of INFI, I personally think I like the (MUCH cheaper) NMSFNO even more than the (WAY more expensive on the secondary market) standard SFNO.

While I will personally say the DFLE, Battle Rat, Camp Tramp and SOD are still kings in the Value / "Bang for the Buck" in their catagories, I still say to my fellow Dogs here, if you have the means, grab the NMSFNO at the current (relatively) reasonable price while you can. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, while I often have issues with the prices of Busse/INFI knives, I still own quite a few. And IMO, from a "relative" perspective, the NMSFNO is actually a "BARGAIN" (for Busse <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) considering it's size and the features offered on the knife such as Meltdown treatments and convex "primary" grind.

Anyway, consider how the very nice Skinny ASH1 sells for $302 - vs. for only $25 more you get a LOT more knife with the NMSFNO.


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I said this before, but as MUCH as I really like the NMSFNO and I highly recommend it, I still have to recommend the Full height flat grind FSH as one of the greatest large use / chopper/camp knives of all time . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />


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OK..... now that I have gotten the NMSFNO stuff out of the way....., let's hear more about that Kalamazoo.

In your words, how do you compare the Kalamazoo to the Delta 180? How would you rate each on a scale of 1-10?

Feel free to add this to the sharpening thread if better suited.

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JYD #39 I prefer "SATIN" blades!!!