I don't have the FFBM. But, I do have a NMFBM and based on that and knowing the FFBM to be 0.32" thick and probably "about" 31 - 32 ounces compared to the M9LE at an even 20.0 ounces on my scales, the FFBM and M9LE are VERY different creatures!!!
Mag mentioned the FFBM is more like an Axe and the M9LE is a "KNIFE".
I am VERY certain a consider the M9LE to be ALL KINDS OF "KNIFE"!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
I have mentioned before I like SR-101 and feel it to be PLENTY tough for my uses.
Similarly, while some knives I like to have a certain amount of thickness, I have yet to really like any knives over 0.25" thick for my uses.
I will probably keep my DMCG that I stripped for "NOVELTY" purposes. It is "NEAT". But, NOT my go to knife for a blade it's size.
Similarly, I have owned a couple Busse "Fatties". Some people love them. And I have no problem with that. To each their own. But, to me, they were more "Novelty" than what I want to use. I loved to hold, admire and drool on my HH. But, I sold it because I didn't think it would be a user for me.
I EASILY passed on the ASH1CG. I have never handled one, but I KNOW I wouldn't have interest. I prefer my Skinny ASH without any doubt in my head.
Vic will concure, as I have seen him post, a THIN machete can be tough and CHOP like crazy - even through hard wood. The only "real" drawback with a good ol' cheap machete for chopping is edge retention.
For users, I like lighter weight knives. I don't want to carry 2 pound knives. Heck a leather sheath for a FFBM or NMFBM probably adds another 1.5 pounds. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
When I look at a knife, I HAVE to consider versatility. And while some Fatties and the MONSTER FFBM and NMFBM are awesome to hold, admire and drool on, they are MUCH more limited in function - IMO. They are limited to be (mostly) just big brute chopper pry-bars.
If I want a 2 pound chopper, at that point, I have to consider a GOOD axe with a smaller knife combo.
Honestly, I am almost never going to carry a 2 pound knife or comparable weighted axe. But, I contend that a GOOD axe is still a better chopping tool and a LOT cheaper. And since I am not going to carry either, versatility is not as much an issue for either. They can be specialty/niche tools. And as a specialty niche tool, the axe wins.
However, knives like the M9LE, DFLE, BR, FBM, NMSFNO are still sized where I might personally consider carrying them and they are much more capable at many other "knife-use" tasks than the monster FFBM and NMFBM. - Again, just my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, the FFBM and NMFBM ARE awesome. But, I think their "Awesome" factors are more "Novelty" and much less related to function - unless you REALLY want a dedicated HEAVY chopper and don't like axes.
I have to concure with Mag on the M9LE. I have already made a post about how awesome I think it is. But, I will say it again. The M9LE may not out-"Chop" a CGFBM, a NMFBM or a FFBM, but it is GORGEOUS, well balanced, very versatile (* For a large knife), BEST factory guard/choil size, shape since the Bog Dog and SS4, FINELY finished, etc. etc. The M9LE "IS" an AWESOME knife any way you slice it.
Res-C vs. micarta/G10 is and will always be a FAIR debate. Any way you slice it, at the very least, Res-C makes a knife feel and balance different. Sometimes that is better. Sometimes micarta/G10 still has plenty of value and benefits as well.
I will also concure with Mag about my factory edge on my M9LE. This is EASILY the BEST and sharpest edge I have received from any Busse and kin to date.
While I still prefer a convex edge and a smoother edge, this edge is toothy, but it still "PUSH" cuts through paper. The edge profile is also one of the best I have seen on a Busse and kin. It doesn't have the "Masonry" chisel shaped typicaly Busse and kin chopper edge. It has a very worthy "Knife" edge.
Personally, I can't put mine down. I have it by my computer and keep reaching for it.
Those of you who cancelled your orders should REALLY reconsider contacting Eric back. He is trying to work with people over at Rat Chat and giving opportunities.
Those who did NOT get orders in should also consider getting on the Back-up list. You WILL be hearing a LOT about this knife.
As much as the RMD was one of the BIG Must Have knives from the Swamp, a LOT of people are saying this M9LE might be the new "best" knife ever from the Swamp.
I think the Camp Tramp and Battle Rat will always have a strong following and the use of Res-C will always make the CT and BR "Different". But, I think it is very fair to compare this M9LE to the BR, Ratweiler/Chopweiler and Rat Mastiff.
Personally, I EASILY prefer this M9LE over my Chopweiler, the Ratweiler I used to have and the Rat Mastiff I used to have. YMMV.
For spec comparisons:
Ratweiler (orig.)
. = 20.1 ounces; .25 thick; 7.5 blade; 13 oal
Chopweiler - Micarta = 19.1 ounces; .25 thick; 7.5625 blade; 13.1875 oal
Chopweiler G10
.. = 20.5 ounces; .25 thick; 7.5625 blade; 13.1875 oal
NMSFNO
...= 21.5 ounces; .25 thick; 8.25 blade; 14.0 oal
FSH (full flat grind)..= 22.0 ounces; .27 thick; 8.1875 blade; 14.4 oal
M9LE
.. = 20.0 ounces; .23 thick; 9.125 blade; 14.875 oal
Dog Father
.. = 20.1 ounces; .275 thick; 10 blade; 15.125 oal
Dog Father LE
.. = 17.0 ounces; .250 thick; 10.0625 blade; 15.125 oal
Battle Rat
. = 16.5 ounces; .250 thick; 9.375 blade; 14.4375 oal
FBM CG
.. = 27.1 ounces; 0.25 thick; 10.0 blade; 16.0 oal
Notice the M9LE is a bit thinner than most at 0.23". And weighs about the same as my Chopweiler, but with more blade length. For those of you who want chopping power, I would BET you the M9LE should out-chop the Ratweiler, Chopweiler and most likely even the FSH - and in most cases the M9LE is actually a bit lighter to carry.
For me, I think both the BR and DFLE feel to have a bit more control in hand compared to the M9LE. And my BR is probably a bit more nimble. But, to me, the DFLE and M9LE are comparably nimble.
I have not yet stripped my FSH. And I have been raving about both the FSH and NMSFNO for a good while now. I think the M9LE SPANKS both the FSH and NMSFNO in all around use and my uses... (Sorry Vic ).
However, because of being thicker, the FSH, NMSFNO, Ratweiler/Chopweiler are feel more "Brute" like in the hand. They also feel more like a heavy chunk of steel in the hand - for those who desire the feel of a heavy "Chunk" of something - especially for prying.
But, the M9LE just beams with quality, balance, finesse, all around usibility, looks, etc.!!!
Jeff says the M9LE outchopped his DFLE. I will take his word. I would have expected that to be very close and might "Guess" that the M9LE has a better factory edge to improve performance. With same edges, I really would think it would be close - and would have assumed the slightly more blade forward mass would give a slight advantage to the slightly heavier over-all M9LE.(????)
Vic - I know you just spent a TON of time and effort on your NMSFNO, but I HONESTLY believe that the M9LE FROM THE FACTORY and with maybe only a few minutes "FINE" tuning the edge (which is pretty good from the Swamp), you will find you probably like the M9LE more than even the NMSFNO (which I still say is a great knife!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> ) But, for $80 less and already with a VERY nice looking factory finish, I think the M9LE is ..... let me just say: "More usable and nicer" knife - even if not INFI. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
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