+1
Although its the only chopper other than the SFNO LE
have held. (If you consider that a chopper)

Hey Tolly- I haven't landed the DFLE yet but it looks a dandy for sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I did get my SODLE today and am trying to figure which I like best . Heck-I was having a time picking between the tan cg and the black cg (lol) ..... now I have the LE in there really making it tough <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />!! So you might have real valid point on the DFLE for sure. I am liking that sticker you are putting togeher- looks REAL useful from where I am sittin <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

It would be very interesting to know how a DFLE compares to the DFCG and
what the difference in feel is between the SOD LE and CG.

Don't know on DFLE/DFCG as only have the cg at present. But-I do have the SODCG and the SODLE and to me there is a HUGE differance. And-I haven't pounded on them yet. That should be very interesting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anyone ever compare a Rat Daddy to a Dog Father? I bet that would be quite a chopping shoot out!
AI

the DFLE is much more nimble in the hand than the DFCG.it really is lighter.

why,is the SOD LE flat ground all the way up??thats where the weight difference between the two DF's comes into play.

i'll take the DFLE over the DFCG anyday.the DFLE is without a doubt my most used of all my large knifes and probably the most used edged tool i own and has harvested more firewood than all my large blades and GB axes & hatchets combined

Could you share how the DFLE harvests more wood then your GB axes and hatchets? That is an amazing statement as they are as good as it gets. Do you just enjoy using the DF more, or is it in some way more efficient for you to use to get wood? Please share in what ways it is superior to the GB tools? Please as this just may be my way of justifying a DF.....now!!!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
AI

I feel the same way about the DFLE. The DFLE is as close to perfect as a big knife can be. It is big enough and tough enough for hard chopping and splitting, light enough for easy carry, fast enough for machete work or self-defense. The SOD LE is just a shorter version of the DFLE. These are my two favorite Scrappers.

So far for me in the large Bussekin choppers the Flat Grinds make for a better balanced knife. My flat grind FBM Satin Combat feels better than my sabre grind FFBM...my DFLE feels better than the DFCG...the DFLE feels better than the FBM Satin Combat which on comparison feels just a bit too heavy...whereas the DFLE feels about perfect. It shares that "zone" of balance and feel with a SHBM which as you will see on the Exchange go for $1500 and more...so the DFLE is one "hell of a knife" for the money. The NMFBM has for me a better feel than the FFBM as it is seemingly balanced better...albeit the true weight is very close. For a top end performance chopper the NMFBM is probably the best there is on chopping but the DFLE is a much more readily carried knife.

A Busse Basic 9 is lighter than the DFLE but I actually prefer the extra weight in the DFLE...although the Basic 9 has an OAL more in the range of a FSH...and for me is more comparable as a mid range knife...preferred by me because I can carry them on the back of my webbing in a slanted draw and they are not in the way.

So all told...for me at least...unless you can afford a SHBM...the DFLE or the Tan on Tan combat version is the best out there....and that is on balance and feel...factor in the cost of the knife and it is an amazing knife...

The only one I have not tried is the Swamp Rat version of the DFLE...forgotten it's name...but with 52100 steel it should be worth a go...

The main difference seems to be the "forward heavy" aspect between sabre grind and flat grind blades...the lighter flat grinds are less tiring in the hand.

Right now though I am thinking of selling a number of knives and waiting for the Khukri to come out from Busse...if it has the right weight and balance to it...that could be THE ONE....

Good post SF- for me it is not whether I can afford a SHBM but rather that old " value" thing. From the reports I hear it has me looking for a DFLE as it is something I want in my collection. The SODLE feels light - but also has a real good feel to it for camp chores etc. I surely wouldn't mind adding some INFI- but the 77 and 101 seem to be a better value and maybe some 5160. I am not into selling anything quite yet - but all you guys sure got me wondering about a Khuk for sure. And Vic's posts have me looking machete <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />!!Thank You

Great post Steel Fan....simply outstanding! The Swamp Rat you were thinking about...was it the Rat Daddy, or the Mastif? Man do I have a hunger for a DF regardless of the finish. I just wrestled with broken brake lines at about 5 degrees for three hours...I deserve a Dog Father!

AI

i cant say that the DFLE is "superior" to a GB axe or hatchet and honestly probably is at a disadvantage when compared to my GB.

here's where it comes into play..........BATONING.

sure,you can split logs with an axe but those logs have clean cut,flush edges.when i'm done taking down a tree with a knife or hatchet/axe the ends are tapered like when a beaver gnaws one in half.try splitting that on the forest floor with small axe or hatchet.

so my safest alternative to braking down the timber into smaller pieces and kindling is to baton and thats where i use a large fixed blade and the DFLE is my favorite.

i do use the DFLE for PLENTY of chopping though and for two reasons.it is very light and nimble for its length so it gets great speed,hits hard and bites deep and since its light its easy on my shoulder when i'm hacking away for hours & half drunk.

the only knife that compares to the DFLE is the swamprat battle rat but its a half inch shorter and a bit lighter so it doesnt dig in a much.

my FFFBM,NMFBM,CGDF & BR pretty much stay home when i go camping and i sold my RTAK,RD-9 & CS KHUK because its all about the DFLE for me.

i would realy suggest finding one if you dont have one and quick because the more people like me rant about them the more the prices keep going up,sometimes over $300