Vic, I think you'll like the NMSFNO I would put it in the same catagory. I like it and the RW a lot and the seem pretty comparable to me in overall performance.

Here's a couple of comparison shots...





As far as the FSH goes... Mine's the HOGFSH so it has a .32 blade, I'd almost put it in another catagory. I'll have to admit I've only used mine for sheath making so I'm not really sure how it'd compare... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

I have to say too that the hand finished handles make a difference too. I loved the hand finished handles on the NMFBM so when I had an opportunity to get a NMSFNO with the hand finished handles at a really good price I couldn't pass it up. I've handled both the machined and hand finished on the NMSFNO and the hand finished is Sweet! It wouldn't be that difficult to do it yourself with the right equipment. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Great pic's Jeff! They really do show the similarities...that is a great collection of "ideal" knives there!

How heavy is your .32 FSH? My guess would be about 27 ounces? I agree it is probably up in the 10 inch plus category at that weight.

Thanks, Jeff. At some point I will likely order a sheath for it. First I want to see how much I like it. It might fit in the Spec-Ops my Chopweiler is in. Because of stupid rules where I like to walk, I need to carry my knives concealed, but I prefer large knives to dinky ones. What about a leather rectangular horizontal pouch sheath with a large flared opening for easy insertion for the NMSFNO? Is that nuts? Or maybe an upside down shoulder holster? Hmm. I really like the Bayley style sheath that my Bear Grylls has, I just hate dinky knives.

My SFNO is Sabre with the Mag grips and I like the Sabre a bit more than the full flat that I also have as a keeper. I almost always prefer the Mag grips as it fills my palm better and is more comfortable. I also use a relaxed/loose grip on my knives and the middle swell on the Mags gives me more control and feel than the flat scales.

The knives that I have, or have had and have moved/moving to new homes, in the 7" to 9.5" category are:
Hellrazor
Mini Mojo
Yard Guard
Camp Tramp [keeper]
SoD
SFNO, Flat [keeper]
SFNO, Sabre [keeper]
Sarsquatch
Chopweiler
Ratweiler [keeper]
NMSFNO [keeper]
FSH [keeper]
HHFSH
HOGFSH
Satin Battle Rat [keeper]
Battle Rat [keeper]

I have an opinion on all of these. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> This also happens to be my favorite category as it defines the upper limit of what I'm comfortable carrying on foot.

The NMSFNO and the FSH are practically identical with the difference being the FSH is a bit heavier since it has a taller blade and it has a little bit more of a drop at the tail for secure chopping. If I had to pick one between them it would be the NMSFNO as it is a few ounces lighter and the grip is more comfy to me while delivering the same exact blade performance.

The NMSFNO with an Overall Length (OAL) of 14" is actually very similar in use to the Battle Rat with an OAL of 14 3/8". The M9 fits in that same exact category as it is basically a Battle Rat with a Mischief handle. I don't know if the M9 can bump the NMSFNO from its perch but I'm willing to give it a spin. As for balance, the NMSFNO balances at the back 1/2 of the choil and the Satin Battle Rat balances at the front of the choil. I expect that the M9 will balance at the back 1/2 of the choil and will be functionally identical to the NMSFNO but in SR101 instead of Infi.

The NMSFNO is a fantastic blade and if you are on the fence, or ever wanted a FSH and didn't want to pay the aftermarket price, then you may want to seriously consider getting a NMSFNO while the getting is good. I expect it will come down in the next week or two to make room for the new HG55 series.

My favorite two knife survival combo:
NMSFNO + Active Duty (BAD) [more durable combo]
(or)
Satin Battle Rat + BAD [lighter combo]

My favorite one knife survival solution:
SFNO [more durable]
(or)
Camp Tramp [lighter] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

28 oz... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I'm sure having G-10 handles helps add to the weight as well.





Yep, you need a shoulder rig, maybe set up for ambidextrous carry, so you can get the most versatility out of it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well...it can get expensive on here!!....after thinking that I had'nt really got a "dessert" finish for my FSH's I ended up springing for a NMSFNO in sage and black linen machined mags...which I can hand shape for me...and for once I might leave the coating on! I have a RMD I got from Cold One I got as a spare and this has the same finish...so I might go with these two when I next go out.

That way I have a D/C FSH and stripped RMD for "Green" use and the above for "Sand".

Now I "need" to move some other stuff so that my "therapist" (bank manager) still thinks I am making "progress" with this addiction! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

28oz...wow!

For comparison:
FSH in micarta mags - 22.7oz
NMSFNO in micarta mags - 20.8 oz
Satin Battle Rat in ResC - 14.8 oz
Ratweiler in standard micarta - 19.5 oz
SFNO in micarta mags - 18.2 oz
Camp Tramp in ResC - 13.9 oz

Steel Fan, you are going to LOVE the sage finish. It's my favorite by a long shot and is very durable.

Nice post VoxHog...you convinced me... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have the exact same issue....I know Jeff is busy but I would love to see his design for your shoulder rig! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> All the good sheath guys seem backed up...so I decided to have a go myself...bought half a hide from a saddlery merchant near me and some other bits and bobs you need for something like this and am presently cutting and glueing "cardboard" mock up's to see what is the best carry option...the FSH's work well size wise for an inverted shoulder carry...but those Hossums are a bit too big...they hang too low for an easy draw...as does a NMFBM and a FBM LE combat... IMO...you would need a swivel design to pull the sheath up a bit to get the draw and to be able to re-holster comfortably in that size and that aspect together with wanting a "removeable" sheath/multi option combo has me foxed at present.

I have in mind a double rig harness like you would have for twin shoulder holsters to help "carry" the weight better and to offer attachment options for a "weak" hand draw which would help balance the rig by having two belt clip points either side and under the strong arm you can attach pouches for other handy equipment like...leatherman pouch and steel rod and ferro rod and a small torch...maybe even a small compass...or perhaps some of this stuff like a ferro rod could go on the sheath side...to be fair...that bit is easy...I have a number of shoulder holsters from my pistol days which I have used as "patterns".

What I want though is some versatile attachment options to enable a "cross the back Dundee" option for the larger blades if I am not carrying a rucksack...and if I am then they would just have to go in it...but to be fair...there is'nt much you cannot do with a FSH sized blade...carrying that and something bigger is unlikely for me at least...which brings me back to the issue of getting a good draw and re-holster ability on knives carried under the arm which are 12 inch blades ( and whether this is feasible at all? )...the handle is down where you would have a normal six inch knife blade on a belt carry...and I am 6"1 with a long back...so Dundee style I am fine...but underarm style the swivel requirement "foxes" me...unless I had some metal attachment swivel joint "custom made"...which I don't want to do as this makes the whole thing far more "complicated"...so any idea's are gratefully received <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Edited to add...after mulling on this a bit more...if you unclipped the sheath belt attachment on the inverted carry to free it and had an elastic strips between the two leather shoulder harnesses...that would give you the "flex" to swivel the sheath...so all you would need is a pretty good thumb snap attachment fitting between the belt and the sheath to free it on the draw...which is do able <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Just got to find the heavy duty elastic used in these sort of rigs... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I just ordered a NMSFNO in sage with black canvas micarta magnum machined grips. I don't know who porkerson is, so I blame VoxHog and Steel Fan!