A big +1 on that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I thought Mike "was" planning something similar to the Halo (?????)... I haven't been regular on the forum for the last few weeks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> .... Maybe I don't remember something right.

Anway, Bark River did make their own variation of the Randall called the Socom Series in two sizes Called the Socom 7 and the Socom 5

The Socom 7 has a 7.0 inch blade and the Socom 5 actually has a 5.5" blade.

If interested or curious about either of the many variations of the two Socoms:

Socom 7

Socom 5


I actually have a Slither which is in my mind one of the more perfect smaller fighters and not bad at a number of other tasks, but a little focused on SLASH cutting as a recurve that really Slash Cuts like crazy. I think you have to handle it to appreciate it crazy cutting ability. Plus, it fits my hand like a mold. The handle on mine really is probably one of the best (possibly the best) fitting handle in my hand of all my knives.

I wish I had picked up one of the custom run KSF Bowies. Sorry to have missed that one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, while the M9LE should be a decent chopper, I think it will be very similar to my NMSFNO - which is a good all-round, pretty darn good chopper, decent fighter for a large fighter and general use for it's size. We'll see.

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BIG (HUGE) +2 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I was going to pass on the NMSFNO because of the M9LE, but VoxHog convinced me that I needed to get a sfno. It will be interesting to compare the MPLE to that and to the Ranger RD9 and DFLE.

horn dog that sounds like a nice day! battle of the nines!

I already know that the RD9 chops about as well as the DFLE. The DFCG will out chop it, as will the FBM. I am just guessing that the M9LE will be similar to the DFLE and RD9 in chopping, but only a chop off will tell for sure. I prefer the DFLE and RD9 to the heavier DFCG and FBM for all-around use. So I'll take these 8", 9", and 10" blades and see how they perform in chopping and machete work on lighter stuff. So far I have yet to use a blade that I like better than the DFLE. It is light, fast, and comfortable to use. The Bark River Golok is another favorite of mine, but that's a whole different kind of knife.

This is supposed to be the only thing (other than necessary) that I blow cash on between now and Blade. All this talk about Barkies (Golok on the list), SFNOs(store has em in stock and the shipping is 1st rate), pics of the HG55, you guys are killing me!!!
I put in for two, half tempted (or at least thinking about) attempting a recurve on em. I have these to play with and learn my sharpening on 1x42....:

they've seen some neglect.

What about the HG55 vs the Ratmandu?

You have a lot of good material to practice with there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would be pretty sure the weight aspect will have a big "seperating" difference on these two knives...the .25 thick HG55 will be more of a DMCG type knife with the hollow ground being done to assist in slicing so there is less blade resistance...but the thickness will have you "convinced" you have a "tank" of a knife for heavy use.

My RMD's though are going to have the only "competition" I think from this knife as a small belt knife option for service use...

However...the edges my RMD's take are just "amazing"...

I actually cancelled my M9LE order I had for "two" because I figured with 2 FSH's and a Basic 9 it was getting "over subscribed" in that range...then I got a NMSFNO before they vanished as the combat price is excellent for Infi in that size of knife. Now that knife in Sage I don't regret as it is even more balanced and "ideal" I think than my FSH's but it is a close run thing...

I will say though that SR101 seems to take a sharper edge for me than Infi...or at least it takes it "easier"...my Jack Hammer is my sharpest Infi edge and my RMD's both cut paper without "catching" better than it....go figure???

Maybe it is just that SR101 responds really well to stropping with leather and green compound?? Certainly the edge on this steel suits a 5.5 inch knife and it's uses....very very impressive... up there with Cowry X steel and damascus R2...which cost an awful lot more...

But on a chopper Infi seems to come into it's own... especially once convexed...

My NMFBM just seems to be my immediate "choice" knife for any work of this nature. Infact it is a "lot" better balanced and powerful than I ever imagined it could be....I was very lucky picking one up at the last minute....the CG's were another really good value price for the amount of Infi you get!!

I wrestled with the same problem but decided that I had to order one just in case it felt amazing in hand. If we were interested in PURE utility then we would get by with 3-4 knives in total but what fun is that?



+1 on the NMSFNO being a great deal. If I had to pick between the NMSFNO and the FSH I have I would probably have to go with the NMSFNO but I can't bring myself to sell my FSH as it is such a classic/icon. It's like selling your Dogfather or Ratweiler.