It seems a 42" or longer belt would be more stable. Mine 1x42 is much cooler than a bench grinder for sure.

Never ordered the M9LE, I'm so disappointed with the Swamps performance. I won't rant about it, it doesn't do any good.

Luckily, my 8-10" chopper category should be soon filled anyway.

Imagine,

I am not trying to instigate a rant, but can't help my curiosity about "what" specifically has caused the dissappointment.

Are you dissappointed in a Swamp knife?????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Or are you dissappointed in how the forum and communication almost fell off a cliff over the last many months?

Or do you feel there should be more communication to people who have placed orders for the M9LE?

I have a hard time believing anyone is really dissappointed in a Swamp Rat knife.... other than possibly dissappointed with a factory edge - which aren't typically horrible or any worse than any other Busse and kin. Or if you just HATE any knife prone to rusting.

And if you never ordered an M9LE, I sort of assume you are not holding out for communication related to orders placed. Personally, I am REALLY not worried about not having heard from Eric on my order. I don't know why Eric isn't more on top of things faster (He doesn't have an Amy or Renee - and for all we know Jerry has Eric running circles doing who knows what and how many hours ?????) and I am sure many people are chomping at the bit to hear back about their orders, but I am actually (personally) NOT ready to pay yet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> (my income just recently stopped again and I am hoping for some income again SOON <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> .... working on it...) and in the end, I know that Eric will get back to everyone.

So, my guess is your dissappointment has something to do with forum lack of communication for so long and general lack of Swamp activity (?????). If so, while I don't know why Eric doesn't actively participate in the forum so much anymore and I personally have been dissappointed that has fallen off a cliff, I think blade release wise... It is still run by Jerry and part of Jerry's "whole" business. I am pretty confident Eric is given pretty clear directives regarding what he can and can't say about up-coming knives. I am confident it is safe to say: Jerry is the one who likes the mystery and tease games. But, I don't really know why Eric hasn't participated in the forum. To me, it appears Eric did read through many of the forum posts - at least more regularly than he posted (?????). Somehow Eric does seem burned out or something though. He doesn't seem to have the enthuesiasm he used to have. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I buy the knives because I know I will like them and confident in the product and service in the end - regardless of timeliness of service.


Sorry if I ranted for you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

If you would rather not post openly and still willing to discuss, feel free to PM me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

Bingo!

No offense taken KG <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. It is just the lack of cumminication on any front from the Swamp is all. If you can't say something nice...

Their knives are great, they do rust, but are still great.

KG,
I'm not particularly worried about the lack of communication.
Went through this with the HCLE, so I kinda know what to expect.

What I had and am still having a real problem with, was the choice between
the NMSFNO and the M9.
I can only get one and I'm hanging in with the M9 because I feel that it will be
a good knife for me, but my gut is telling me that I should pull the trigger on
the NMSFNO.
Judging from reports by people like HD, tne NM is a great knife.
Which makes the waiting that much harder.

I really like the looks of the M9, heck it looks like a Jimmy Lile "Sly".

Dot,

I expect it to be a tough and close call between the M9LE vs. the NMSFNO in actually performance and use. I think they will both have certain sublte variations and differences compared to each other and some will undoubtedly choose and prefer one over the other. One is satin, the other is INFI, etc.

But, I think the most relevant differences will come down to ergonomics which differ in preferences from person to person.

Personally, though INFI is king, I find SR-101 to be MORE than sufficient and EXCELLENT for my uses. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The only way to know what works best for you is to handle and possible use both.

If you have the means, I have to recommend getting both (at factory cost) and making a decision first hand which is the BEST for each person - is the best way IMO.

Then, I couldn't ever really fault anyone from selling one since they are likely to be so similar that one will likely negate the other in practical use.

The good thing about Busse and kin knives is the ability to buy, handle to decide and resell without too much risk of loss. In most cases, you can at least make enough profit to cover Busse and kin's over priced ($18.95) shipping plus the realistic turn around shipping when selling of about an extra $7.00 - $10.00 or so Priority with insurance. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Typically reselling for about a $20 - $30 profit is reasonably easy.

I think it is worth the hassle to be able to handle first hand to be able to decide. And in many cases, I wouldn't even mind being out of pocket $10 - $25 or so. It depends. But, that is just me.

.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />


I might be guilty... But, in my mind, my comments are "Intended" to be constructive views to help improve. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


I have a bad habit of calling things like I see them. Those who know me well, get to realize, I never intend to hurt people (or companies) feelings or don't "try" to be offensive... although some people are sensitive.

I try to determine who is too sensitive to handle my style. Coming from a significant background in sales, I do try to "read" those I am talking to in many cases.

But, I tend to take a passionate approach about certain things. In regards to Busse and kin, I am a big knife collector/enthuesiast, etc.


Sometimes, unfortunately, I might get frustrated or just generally get lax in my use of LOTS of disclaimers and really explaining myself or my statements. Notice my posts tend to be long. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I like to make sure I am as clearly understood as possible in most cases. But, sometimes, my comments might come across as "Short" if I don't make myself clear (????)

Busse and kin and Bark River are "Easily" my top two favorite makers for various different reasons.

If there are things I think could be improved, I tend to see my comments being "Intended" to be "Productive Criticizm" and intended to help a company I care about possibly improve their position with their product to their buyers.

I am not one who finds most products to be "perfect" and I think many things can be improved.

Sometimes, I know that my views are just my opinions, but then I might just take a selfish approach from time to time because "I" want something a different way.

I don't like the choils and Talon Holes on Busse smaller knives. - that is my opinion. Although, I fail to understand those who find any appreciation in them on smaller knives and don't see the shortcomings (?????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I don't like coatings. But, I know some do. Again, I don't really understand why except for certain cases concerning rust.

I don't like that Busse charges $200 - $300 for satin finishes when the industry standard is satin and it just DOESN'T cost that much. $20 - $40 isPLENTY for satin upcharge and more than cost.

I don't really like the $18.95 shipping when $10 - $12 should be MORE than enough and more than cost. But, I don't really hammer that one much.... Maybe those guys buying 20-30 blades are off-setting the shipping costs somehow. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> - But, it is simple to me, charge less for what costs less and more for shipping as needed. I think we are paying enough for these knives. (????) - I don't know. Maybe those extra shipping charges keep Amy and Renee paid. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I have ranted about fuzzies on micarta... I have seen a bit of improvement. So, I haven't ranted on that much in a while.

And most important, and not really an opinion to me is factory edges.

To me, a high end reputable knife company should take SERIOUS pride in factory edges and "CUTTING" ability of their knives from the factory.

Over the last couple of years, Busse edge grinds have improved a bit and I actually get a reasonably sharp one from time to time. But, I know Jerry knows what a "Competition Edge" is and how certain edge grinds cut better. I would think making those quality edge profiles and quality sharp edges standard would be a worthy priority on the level of knives Jerry sells.... Busse and kin just really isn't up to par with the industry on factory edge quality. Sorry. I can name a LOT of companies providing much better on WAY lower priced knives.

Maybe it is just my opinion <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> .... But, I do know a LOT of people who LOVE to receive a knife from the maker with an AWESOME edge that CUTS like crazy... since that is what a knife is SUPPOSED to excell at. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
But, I don't mind repeating it - with "HOPES" of seeing it happen some day. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Side note: While most people expect their Busse and kin knives to be "able" and tough enough to bash through cinder blocks and such and while certain Busse edges seem to be suited for cinder blocks, I really don't see too many people actually using their knives for cinder block bashing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I would think the "Large" gains in customer appreciation for HIGH quality cutting edges would easily outweigh the VERY few cases where someone might complain that their HIGH quality cutting edge didn't hold up so well to cinder block bashing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I think most of us would still understand and appreciate the toughness of Busse and kin's steel - even if HIGH quality cutting edges were roll some or ding easier in certain abusive situations. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
I think as a forum community that understands and appreciates sharp cutting edges, we can explain to those who have issues with sharp quality cutting edges - why they had an issue and how to dull their edge appropriately for certain abusive uses as needed.
.... As opposed to a lot of us spending SO much effort trying to constantly help each other and learn about how to put quality edges on the knives to improve the factory edges.

Anyway... still just ttrying to provide constructive criticism. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />


.

Sticky,Sticky,Sticky please <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's all about surface area.

2" wide belts seems to be the preferred size for many knife makers, but I think it has to do with the availablilty of 2 X 72" belts for machines like the KMG.

Most 30" and 42" belt machines I've seen run in 1" wide. The wider and longer the belts, the more surface area and cooler it runs, so belts last longer.

I've grinded knives on both a KMG (2x72") and my delta (1x42"), and the KMG just tears the delta apart. First of all the KMG had something like a 3HP motor vs my 1/3 HP motor. Secondly when profiling knives, you take the knife to the belt at a perpendicular angle, which destroys the belts (knock off the grits) compared to sharpening. A 1x42" belt has a surface area of 42" and a 2x72" belt has a surface are of 144"! Profiling knives wear the belts on my 1x42 faster, and since it has less torque, you have to push into the belt harder which knock off even more grit.

If you are on the fence with the NMSFNO you should buy one at factory pricing if you can afford it. I have a feeling that the NMSFNO is going to be one of those knives that climbs in value like the original SFNO. YMMV but I really like the NMSFNO and it is my go-to blade in that size category.

The expect the M9 to be a winner but I know that the NMSFNO already is.

+1 ... I have to concure on most all that Vox said - especially about potential for the NMSFNO to appreciate well. It is DEFINITELY a winner and I think most people just need to handle it to appreciate it. I expect it to definitely grow in desireability as more and more people start using theirs and praising it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I have said before, I will say again, while I often feel INFI is high priced, for INFI pricing, the NMSFNO is really a pretty good bargain for it's size to price ratio, convex, melt treatement, etc.

I think people are neglecting and taking it for granted because it is readily available or something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.

I SUSPECT the sneaky Hogs are keeping quite about it until it is gone, so they can "THEN" say how great it is and make more profits on the BUNCHES they have stashed away. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />


Personally, I picked up a SFNOLE and while the LE is nice and not really an apples to apples comparison, I honestly like the NMSFNO more.

I also happen to like my SARSquatch more more than the SFNO - which IS pretty much an apples to apples comparison. But again, the SFNOLE is still VERY nice, just saying how great the SARSquatch is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

er... I to look up to figure what YMMV means, but yeah.... that to. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

.

YMMV = Your milage may vary. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />