HOLY WOW!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I just got my M9LE

"Suh WEET"!!! Doesn't begin to do this knife justice!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I WILL have to get me a spare on this one!!!! .... everybody in line BEHIND me!!!!

I am MEGA pumped and excited about the S5, but man I can't NOT mention how awesome the M9LE I just got in hand is! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

This thing is GORGEOUS!!!!! The pics DO NOT come close to giving this knife the awesome factor credit it deserves!!!! (I will have to find time this weekend to get some pics).... but, the pics I have seen so far do NOT let you realize how aweseome this knife feels in hand!!!!!!!

I have been considering how for micarta handled INFI, my FSH just slightly nudges my also VERY awesome NMSFNO. Those two pieces of INFI are incredible..... But, the M9LE FEELS nicer in the hand (IMO) - and a bit better design and shape for a user IMO!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

I have always liked Res-C for choppers, but this M9LE's handle fit, feels and balances so well, for function, the M9LE is right in line with the BR. ... BUT, with a factory satin finish and heavy duty "GORGEOUS" and flawlessly finished G10!!!!!

I honestly felt the M6 was VERY handle heavy. Somehow even with G10, I do NOT feel this M9LE to be handle heavy. It balances PERFECTLY!!!!

I have a history of making mods to a BUNCH of my knives and I am talking about from MANY maker including folders. I just modded a BM 707 Sequal..... But, I honestly can't see ANY improvements I can make on the M9LE... It is pretty darn PERFECT!!!! I think I might still prefer the lanyard hole at the bottom of the pommel rather than the top. But, that is about the only issue for me. Otherwise, this knife ROCKS - BIG TIME from tip to the incredible handle!!!

My BR has been my GO TO chopper for a few years now... and I am sure I will still use my BR a lot. But, honestly, while there might be some minor trade offs, they are VERY close. Historically, I have always felt the Res-C handles balanced better for a chopper. But, I think this M9LE is a HUGE contender for the BR and with quite a few advantages.... Did I mention it is GORGEOUS.... I will be VERY proud to carry this knife.... it will need a GORGEOUS leather sheath though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> .... I can't afford it right now with paying for all these awesome SR-101 blades right now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

The M9LE is perfectly balanced, perfectly sized handle in height, width, contouring - THE WORKS.

The finish is AWESOME.... maybe just a very small notch under the finish on my SFNOLE, but VERY nice and with the GORGEOUS temper line!!!!

The grind is typcical Busse and kin flawless, but the grind shape is distal tapered to the point more than previous Swamp Rat larger knives like the BR, CT, RW, CW, RM and similar that had a bit less taper.

If lining up the handles at the front of the grip area, the M9LE's blade is actually about 1/8th inch LONGER than the Battle Rat's blade!!!!!!!!

... and just about 5/8" shorter than the DFLE's blade.

I could ramble on.... I am in love with this knife. But, I have run.

I copied and paste this from my post on Swamp Rat, but I hope some of the Scrap Yard guys start giving Rat Chat Forum some love. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

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So... do you like it, then? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Really hoping I am able to snag one of the canceled orders, or that they have some at BLADE.

+1. The M9LE is one awesome blade. I have to agree that, as far as feel, it nudges out my NMSFNO.

See, now I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on the NMSFNO. The Busse doesn't have that gorgeous temper line, either....

Couldn't agree more, KG. Mine just arrived and she's a beaut. Now I have to keep repeating to myself..I will use this knife, I will use this knife.







It's going to look pretty sweet with the HCLE piggyback set up I've ordered from Jeff.

you guys are killing me... i'm having to wait to purchase mines and it's bugging me.

congrats on receiving yours! nice to know that you like em..

I LOVE it!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />


If I know Jerry, there will be some at Blade. But, they might go fast. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

It really is VERY hard for me to say anything negative about the NMSFNO. The NMSFNO really is an AWESOME knife. But, I honestly DO like the fit, feel and balance of this M9LE even more! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> -

The M9LE combines some of the best features of the NMSFNO with the FSH and then some!

The M9LE isn't INFI, but for those who haven't noticed, I personally feel SR-101 is PLENTY tough. I have a BR and some other larger differentially heat treated blades that have taken plenty of chopping and held up fine. Others have beat their's significantly more than I.
I chop hard, but I don't chop cinder blocks, rail-road spikes and Jeep door hinges. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> And those who have done so with their SR-101 still walked away with knives in good condition and impressed grins. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

And I don't do what I would call abusive prying. However, I do prying related to getting my knife un-wedged out of wood. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-

All of these knives are a bit different, so it still comes down to preferences and intended uses. But, as a Jack of all Trades large blade, this M9LE might be the new KING of large blades in my pretty good size collection of Busse and kin blades.

To me, it seems like it should chop up in the range very close to a BR, DFLE, Rat Mastiff and FSH. I think (????) it might out-chop the NMSFNO.

I doubt it will out-chop a FBM.

But, the M9LE is VERY versatile feeling in hand. It feels pretty nimble and balanced which helps for using for other tasks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

This is still just an opinion and review based on just handling the knife. But, I feel I have handled and used enough knives to have a pretty good feel for what I like.

And I LOVE this M9LE . They got this one SPOT on!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

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Awesome knifeguy. I'm seeing all you Dogs getting their M9's in and your descriptions are killing me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> I want to hold one!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Hell, I'm starting to want to own one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

My VIP passes came in the mail yesterday - I plan to be waiting when they open the doors at noon Friday <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully I can run to the Busse family tables and snag some good stuff right away

Uhhh... YEAH you do... All That!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I kind of feel I may have screwed up a bit now..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I bought the Special Edition HCLE's in micarta. I was able to get a 3.5" and a 4.0"... so, I passed on my G10 versions as funds were tight then as they are now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

But, MAN those HCLE's in G10 would compliment this M9LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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