I have to concure with this as well. When it comes to all out/all around "Chopping" performance, power to weight ratio, bang for the buck, etc., the DFLE is honestly QUITE easily still the champ - with the Battle Rat being very close and some very tiny trade-offs between the two.

Sure, the FFBM, FBM, NMFBM and DFCG all might outchop the DFLE and BR, but they all weigh a LOT more for carry.
"Feel" in the hand and balance are worthy traits and both the DFLE and BR have outstanding "Feel" and balance!!!

There are PLENTY of other reasons to value and appreciate MANY of the other knives. The M9LE, NMSFNO, Ratweiler/Chopweiler, FBM and variants, FSH, Camp Tramp, SOD, etc. - They ALL are honestly incredible well made knives with VERY worthy traits.

You can't really go wrong with any of the above knives.

Some of the smaller ones trade all-out power for a bit more versatility.

If you just base everything on chopping, the NMFBM is probably the best so far..... and a cheap machete, but with decent quality steel and a good edge will surprise the HECK out of many of you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> (not Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />).


But, my point being is that you can't "Rate/Rank" all of these knives on chopping alone. There are other traits, values, features and benefits of them all that make them good knives. (*** I am not saying this to Vic. Vic has made it clear to me that he values different knives for different reasons). But, some people might seem to gather that if a knife provides the best results in a chop-off that it is the "BEST" knife. I have to say that there are a LOT of other traits worth considering.

As much as I think both the M9LE and NMSFNO are both WAY high on the World Class ranking of 8" - 10" knives ever made, I am still not sure that I wouldn't stil be reaching for my BR. As a user that just functions like nobody's business, carries light, VERY comfortable in hand in use, super tough, and excellent edge, I find it still very hard to beat.

But!!!! - I have to give the M9LE the EASY nod for the MOST GORGEOUS from the Busse and kin factory knives I have (personally) ever received - that is ALSO incredibly functional! - AND "FEELS" so incredible in the hand!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I actually have the SFNO-LE which costs a lot more than the M9LE. I know I can sell the SFNO-LE more, so that gives it some investment world value. But, aside from that, and even if the SFNO-LE were the same price, as a looker and as a user, I would take the M9LE EVERY time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

But, I like satin blades. So, the M9LE has a significant jump on most Busse and kin blades right off the bat.
Most any satin Busse/INFI blade has cost WAY more than I could ever justify paying. Heck a coated AD costs about as much as a Satin M9LE or a satin NMSFNO cost about about 2.5 times as much as a M9LE. No brainer to me.

And while I LOVE Res-C for users on larger choppers, I do like the look of micarta and G10. And if done right, micarta and G10 can feel very nice in the hand. The M9LE "FEELS" very nice in my hand. So, since Scrap Yard has never released micarta or G10, while I can give a lot of credit to Res-C for users and feel, I can't give huge marks on looks.

That leaves other satin Swamp Rat knives. There aren't many. Excluding the satin Battle Rat and Bog Dog (both Res-C) and excluding the Rat Trap (folder), you have:

Safari Rat (D2),
Rat Hunter (SR-101)
Dog Skinner (D2 and SR-101)
Dog Skinner - Ganzaaa two tone double-cut (not satin, but SR-101)
HCLE (154CM),
That is all I can think of.... am I missing any????

Anyway, what is left: SATIN M9LE! ... and I think it is nicer looking than all of the other Satin Swamp Rat blades to date! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

In all fairness, I think the HCLE is actually pretty nice. The handles on the Safari Rat, Rat Hunter and Dog Skinner, although aesthetically nice looking, never felt quite right in my hands.

I am rambling.... got to stop. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

.