I mostly agree. I actually fully expected both the M9LE and the NMSFNO to both do very well for their size. Although, I don't expect either of them to quite be on par with the slightly larger DFLE, Battle Rat and FBM.

I sort of expected the NMSFNO and M9LE to be VERY close to each other, but I honestly would not have been surprised if the M9LE "Just" slightly nudged out the NMSFNO (assuming comparable edges). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The M9LE (or at least mine) weighs about 1.5 ounces less than my NMSFNO.
The M9LE has G10 scales vs. micarta on the NMSFNO. And the NMSFNO has just a slightly thicker blade vs. the slightly longer blade of the M9LE. I measure my NMSFNO at 0.25" thick vs. 0.23" thick for the M9LE.

In the end, the two knives "Balance" very similarly at the rear 1/4 - 1/3 of the choil or about 1" (+/-) in front of your index finger in the normal grip.

To me, the NMSFNO has more of a "Brute" feel to it in the hand sort of like a Chopweiler on steriods. I would likely have to concure with Vic in that because of this "Brute" feel (and because it is INFI), you tend to feel the NMSFNO just won't and can't fail - ever.
But, also as Vic said, I also prefer the over-all feel in the hand of the M9LE. It is just VERY enjoyable to hold in the hand.
The NMSFNO feels thicker and chunkier in the hand.

But, back to chopping, to me, the M9LE feels like it has good length and reach to add to chopping power with more blade leverage and snap ability.

To me, it seems the NMSFNO sort of locks into your hand more like a heavy extension of the arm. But, the extra weight adds a bit more power.

Whereas, the M9LE feels more fluid - hard to describe the subtle differences in words.


But, I really want to see a re-match! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have to believe the NMSFNO (likely) only significantly beat the longer M9LE due to the superior full convex edge on the NMSFNO.

With same edges, I don't expect the slightly longer M9LE to blow out the slightly heavier NMSFNO, but I think the M9LE and NMSFNO would most likely be MUCH closer and I honestly think the M9LE "might" just edge out the NMSFNO.
Still, I think it will actually be pretty close with similar convex edges. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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