I know, I promised a chop off today. The rest of my yard will just have to wait until I take care of THE YARD. Thunder is all around, but as you can see, my yard needs rain, bad.

So out to the chopping stump we go. Starting with three well-known 9" choppers, the Becker BK-9 Combat Bowie, Ranger RD9, and the new Swamp Rat M9LE. The Becker is 3/16" thick 0170-6C, the Ranger is 1/4" thick 5160, and the Swamp Rat is 1/4" thick SR101 or modified 52100 steel. The Becker and Ranger have micarta handles and the SR has G10 scales. You would be hard pressed to find three more similar choppers. The M9 has the thinnest scales of the three. I already knew that the Becker and Ranger were top notch choppers.

I found some good dead but not dry Red Bay for the test. I chopped 22 chops into the wood, starting with the BK-9. This a comfortable knife to chop with.

Next was the RD9 with 22 chops. It is also comfortable to chop with, but not as much so as the Becker.

Finally, it was the M9s turn.

All chopped closely, but the M9 went just a bit deeper than the Becker, followed by the Ranger. The difference separating them was only about 1/8".
I did a little light brush thinning with the M9 and its speed made it work well for a bowie. Not a golok, but not bad.

Then I remembered the Busse NMSFNO. But it is an 8" blade, not a 9".

It's a chopping beast with that full convex grind, and the heaviest knife here. It almost went all the way through in 22 chops. No contest.


So there it is. My NMSFNO will out chop my M9LE, definitively.
Here is how they ranked, but the bottom three are very close. For all practical purposes, the three bowies chop about the same.

I'm off this week and now my day is complete! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cool as always- gotta say I thought the Rat was gonna knock the Busse of it's perch.

Wrong!

I decided not to baton. What's the point? They all can do it, and all it would do is further scratch up my M9LE. I also decided not to include the 10" DFLE. It's a 10" blade. I already know that the RD9 chops about as well. The DFLE is my favorite chopping bowie, but my old DF CG would out chop it, as will my FBM. I felt that the three 9" bowies were alike in size and purpose. I threw in the NMSFNO because several have mentioned comparing it to the M9LE. The M9LE is the "fastest" knife in this chop off. It is less blade heavy than the RD9 and BK-9. The balance point is right at the end of the scales, like the NMSFNO, but the M9 is much faster in the hand for some reason. Maybe it's the thinner point, I don't know, but the two knives feel very different.

wow...so now i have to get the NMSFNO?

Yes. You must. Hurry, like Sham Wow, they can't make that offer forever!

if only i'd seen this chopoff before they went out of stock.

can't blow any more on bowies right now anyway.

Chopping isn't everything. I still prefer the feel of the M9LE to the NMSFNO just like I prefer the DFLE to the DF CG. Besides, you have a FBM. That's a heck of a chopper. But for an 8" blade, the NMSFNO kicks some butt. If I had to have just one knife in the boonies to survive with, I think I'd pick the NMSFNO.

i expected you to pick the lighter M9 or DFLE.

I'm sure they would do fine, especially in machete mode, but the NMSFNO is such a tank, it could handle anything.

Was the M9 Horn Dog sharp?

All of the knives were of comparable sharpness. I touched up the edge on the M9LE.

Wow, now thats saying something. I might have to get an NMSFNO now.

The NMSFNO continues to impress me. When it out chopped my Ratweiler, I knew it was bad. That Ratweiler is a beast.

Wow. I always love your chop-offs. I'm really interested in your statement of taking the NMSFNO with you. I have the ratweiler and chopweiler but not the nmsfno. Is it really that much better than the weilers?

On a side note...I just received the tanker gray dogfather and I have to say it feels much faster and lighter in the hand than the cg dogfather (probably due to the cutout in the back of the blade-thinner tip). Have you handled the tanker gray? I wonder how it might compare to the le dogfather.

No, the NMSFNO is not that much better a chopper than the Ratweiler. How could any knife in that size be? But it did out chop my Ratwieler and Chopweilers. But heck, if you have a Camp Tramp, SOD, CW, or RW, you don't really need a NMSFNO. Those are all fine choppers in the 7" to 8" blade size. I am just a chopperholic, I guess. I just told Magnum he needed a NMSFNO because he didn't get one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No I have not handled the Tanker gray one. Is it full flat grind or high saber grind? No matter, any Dog Father is a great chopper. I just prefer the lighter, faster DFLE, but the CG will out chop it.

The tanker gray is a high saber grind but it also has its clip point narrowed a bit. I just took them both out together and I think the cg is even a bit thicker throughout the blade. Not sure of specs but it looks and feels like a lighter blade. I will tell you what you told Magnum....get ya one! Thanks for sharing your reviews HornDog.
Dan

i always like to see the horn dog chop offs... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


all this talk about choppers makes me want to just go "look" at a few. love what you did to that nmsfno! but my m9le should be here tomorrow so hopefully that will calm me down until next week.

Sounds like a winner. That tanker gray sure is pretty. I have SO many big knives, and I can choose any for my swamp trips (which are not very often anymore), and the DFLE is the one. I use it as a mini-machete and chopper. I had to chop through some big limbs that had fallen across a log I was crossing a creek on, and the DFLE did the job. It carries light, too in the Rainwalker dangler sheath I have for it.

Welcome to the Yard

Dumpster Dan

Hey Vic, great post...thanks!

In your opinion, which knife needed the least amount of "Victumization" to be a good chopper...which had the best factory edge?

Thanks, and keep on posting!

How does the Sarsquatch compare to those knives?

See the big camp knife comparison or the wauseon comparison for details, but the Sarsquatch is not quite the chopper as NMSFNO or even the SOD. It is a fine knife, though, and I really like it.


The M9LE has the best factory edge of any Busse-made chopper I have bought so far except for the Sarsquatch Competition Edition.

Thanks for the welcome Dumpster Dan. I love this place.

Vic, did the exposed lanyard hole on the M9LE present any comfort issues during your chop-off?

No, it didn't. I didn't notice it at all. But for hard chopping, I found the thicker handles of the others a little more comfortable.

Thanks!

great pics and chop off info as always vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> good job!

that nmsfno looks great! i was gonna get one....never did. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

im very interested in checking out my m9....this "light in the hand" thing has really got me. a 9 in blade thats light in the hand!! i MUST have it!!!

Well done Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Well done HD....you now have me thinking about stripping/fully convexing my NMSFNO...I sometimes wonder about the difference this makes...I wish you had a straight FSH and a Basic 9 to compare the NMSFNO with...between these three and my DFLE lies my favourite but it is hard to decide. Too hard to find a "definitive" level of advantage...I could do with your thoughts on this...and were it not for the nightmare of hassle and expense shipping internationally and getting them back without being reviewed for tax again on them I would send mine off to you for a review. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Great pics...I was surprised how well the NMSFNO did.

Thanks. The NMSFNO really did not belong in this comparison for two reasons:

1. It has an 8" blade.
2. It has a full convex grind.

I only included it because both knives came out at the same time and many wanted to know which one to get, so they wanted a comparison. The M9LE compared very well with two well known 9" Bowies, so she ain't just pretty, she can dance, too. Anybody who has ever used the Becker or the Ranger knows that those are good choppers.

Nice job again, Vic. I'm still coming to terms with making myself skip the M9LE, but it looks like it might give me a crack at some more awesome stuff in the immediate future!

I hear ya, SJ. Blade is two weeks from today! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That was good stuff Vic.......Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

+1. Thanks, Vic.

Thanks for doing that chop-off! I'm glad to see the M9 LE did well. I was slightly surprised to see the NMSFNO outchop all of those larger knives, too. But not overly surprised. Just a little.

Fully convexed blades just seem to chop better. The NMSFNO always chopped well, but how much of its "victory" is due the full convex grind remains to be seen. It was the only NMSFNO I had. But it wasn't even close. That Outlaw just ate the wood up. I don't know how a standard one would do. All the edges felt about equally sharp and cut paper about the same.

Nice work, Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I really like the M9LE and I have loved my NMSFNO since the day it arrived, they are both among my very favorite ATM, along with the DFLE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I wonder how the Killa Z's going to do fit into my Fav's... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the Yard, mountaindan. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I mostly agree. I actually fully expected both the M9LE and the NMSFNO to both do very well for their size. Although, I don't expect either of them to quite be on par with the slightly larger DFLE, Battle Rat and FBM.

I sort of expected the NMSFNO and M9LE to be VERY close to each other, but I honestly would not have been surprised if the M9LE "Just" slightly nudged out the NMSFNO (assuming comparable edges). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The M9LE (or at least mine) weighs about 1.5 ounces less than my NMSFNO.
The M9LE has G10 scales vs. micarta on the NMSFNO. And the NMSFNO has just a slightly thicker blade vs. the slightly longer blade of the M9LE. I measure my NMSFNO at 0.25" thick vs. 0.23" thick for the M9LE.

In the end, the two knives "Balance" very similarly at the rear 1/4 - 1/3 of the choil or about 1" (+/-) in front of your index finger in the normal grip.

To me, the NMSFNO has more of a "Brute" feel to it in the hand sort of like a Chopweiler on steriods. I would likely have to concure with Vic in that because of this "Brute" feel (and because it is INFI), you tend to feel the NMSFNO just won't and can't fail - ever.
But, also as Vic said, I also prefer the over-all feel in the hand of the M9LE. It is just VERY enjoyable to hold in the hand.
The NMSFNO feels thicker and chunkier in the hand.

But, back to chopping, to me, the M9LE feels like it has good length and reach to add to chopping power with more blade leverage and snap ability.

To me, it seems the NMSFNO sort of locks into your hand more like a heavy extension of the arm. But, the extra weight adds a bit more power.

Whereas, the M9LE feels more fluid - hard to describe the subtle differences in words.


But, I really want to see a re-match! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have to believe the NMSFNO (likely) only significantly beat the longer M9LE due to the superior full convex edge on the NMSFNO.

With same edges, I don't expect the slightly longer M9LE to blow out the slightly heavier NMSFNO, but I think the M9LE and NMSFNO would most likely be MUCH closer and I honestly think the M9LE "might" just edge out the NMSFNO.
Still, I think it will actually be pretty close with similar convex edges. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

i already have a brute in my bag (CGFBM)...but a well balanced big bowie i have none. i hope the m9 slabs arent too thin for my big hands!

im with KG we need a best out of 3!!

Since my only NMSFNO has a custom full convex grind, I cannot do the rematch, but others who have both are welcome to do it. I won't feel insulted or hurt if somebody else's M9LE out chops their NMSFNO. But it wasn't even close with mine. My NMSFNO is a chopping machine! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

But then, my HG55LE is a fair slicer, too, now that I gave it the treatment.





The right edge makes all the difference.

I have to concure with this as well. When it comes to all out/all around "Chopping" performance, power to weight ratio, bang for the buck, etc., the DFLE is honestly QUITE easily still the champ - with the Battle Rat being very close and some very tiny trade-offs between the two.

Sure, the FFBM, FBM, NMFBM and DFCG all might outchop the DFLE and BR, but they all weigh a LOT more for carry.
"Feel" in the hand and balance are worthy traits and both the DFLE and BR have outstanding "Feel" and balance!!!

There are PLENTY of other reasons to value and appreciate MANY of the other knives. The M9LE, NMSFNO, Ratweiler/Chopweiler, FBM and variants, FSH, Camp Tramp, SOD, etc. - They ALL are honestly incredible well made knives with VERY worthy traits.

You can't really go wrong with any of the above knives.

Some of the smaller ones trade all-out power for a bit more versatility.

If you just base everything on chopping, the NMFBM is probably the best so far..... and a cheap machete, but with decent quality steel and a good edge will surprise the HECK out of many of you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> (not Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />).


But, my point being is that you can't "Rate/Rank" all of these knives on chopping alone. There are other traits, values, features and benefits of them all that make them good knives. (*** I am not saying this to Vic. Vic has made it clear to me that he values different knives for different reasons). But, some people might seem to gather that if a knife provides the best results in a chop-off that it is the "BEST" knife. I have to say that there are a LOT of other traits worth considering.

As much as I think both the M9LE and NMSFNO are both WAY high on the World Class ranking of 8" - 10" knives ever made, I am still not sure that I wouldn't stil be reaching for my BR. As a user that just functions like nobody's business, carries light, VERY comfortable in hand in use, super tough, and excellent edge, I find it still very hard to beat.

But!!!! - I have to give the M9LE the EASY nod for the MOST GORGEOUS from the Busse and kin factory knives I have (personally) ever received - that is ALSO incredibly functional! - AND "FEELS" so incredible in the hand!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I actually have the SFNO-LE which costs a lot more than the M9LE. I know I can sell the SFNO-LE more, so that gives it some investment world value. But, aside from that, and even if the SFNO-LE were the same price, as a looker and as a user, I would take the M9LE EVERY time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

But, I like satin blades. So, the M9LE has a significant jump on most Busse and kin blades right off the bat.
Most any satin Busse/INFI blade has cost WAY more than I could ever justify paying. Heck a coated AD costs about as much as a Satin M9LE or a satin NMSFNO cost about about 2.5 times as much as a M9LE. No brainer to me.

And while I LOVE Res-C for users on larger choppers, I do like the look of micarta and G10. And if done right, micarta and G10 can feel very nice in the hand. The M9LE "FEELS" very nice in my hand. So, since Scrap Yard has never released micarta or G10, while I can give a lot of credit to Res-C for users and feel, I can't give huge marks on looks.

That leaves other satin Swamp Rat knives. There aren't many. Excluding the satin Battle Rat and Bog Dog (both Res-C) and excluding the Rat Trap (folder), you have:

Safari Rat (D2),
Rat Hunter (SR-101)
Dog Skinner (D2 and SR-101)
Dog Skinner - Ganzaaa two tone double-cut (not satin, but SR-101)
HCLE (154CM),
That is all I can think of.... am I missing any????

Anyway, what is left: SATIN M9LE! ... and I think it is nicer looking than all of the other Satin Swamp Rat blades to date! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

In all fairness, I think the HCLE is actually pretty nice. The handles on the Safari Rat, Rat Hunter and Dog Skinner, although aesthetically nice looking, never felt quite right in my hands.

I am rambling.... got to stop. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

.

You are so right, KG. There are many factors that make a knife great. The M9LE is a well balanced beauty of a knife, and it some of my other knives will outchop it, so what? The M9 reminds me so much of the DFLE. Both look and feel great in the hand and are superb all-arounders. But I love that NMSFNO just as much. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> It is the new king of the camp knives for me.

I doubt it. I have fairly large hands. 6'2" about 185 and wear a size 12.5 wedding ring. I wouldn't describe my hands as beefy. But, pretty long and large. I wear XL gloves. I would guess Vic has pretty large hands as well. Vic is a pretty large guy. So, I would assume his hands are at least beafier than mine (???)

The over-all handle of the M9LE is actually beefier than the large Res-C handles. So, if you find the large Res-C handles sufficiently large, you won't consider the M9LE's handle too small.

However, some of the Busse "Magnum" handles are thicker.

The NMSFNO has mags. Sometimes I feel mags are OK. But, I often find I actually prefer the standard or thinner scales. I heard somebody once describe Busse mag scales as feeling like a handle with a golf ball in the middle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> - I can't seem to forget that comment. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In any event, I honestly find the feel of the M9LE's handle better than most mags.

I actually like the standard scales on my FSH more than the mags on my NMFBM. Between the standard scales on my FSH vs. the scales on my M9LE is very close, but the FSH is more prone to Busse pinky because of the beak though not the scales. I would say the M9LE is more hand filling than the standard scales on my FSH.

The M9LE scales and fit/feel in the hand is VERY good IMO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, preferences in feel are subjective. So, I hope that helps. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

.

Well put and fair decision. I honestly thought you might prefer the M9LE, but I can't even begin to argue with your choice. Thye are BOTH VERY good!!! <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="" />

Ever since I recieved my NMSFNO, I have been raving about it. Both are VERY good, just different.

I wish I could say it nice and simple like that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

On the Busse forum, one of the MOST popular "Grail" knives for years was the SFNO.

Personally, I EASILY rank my coated NMSFNO way ahead of my satin SFNO-LE..... And I like satin blades. That should tell you something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Once I strip my NMSFNO, fully convex it and make a few minor tweaks to the handle, my NMSFNO might climb to the top. But, for me, I am liking the M9LE a lot right now.

Still, again, for pure chopping use, the DFLE and BR are going to be hard to be bumped from rotation. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

.

kg sounds like it should be a good fit for me then! the mags on my fbm are ok...but i did have to paracord the bottom ring and pinky finger part....it was just way too thin....


golfball! thats a good one!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

i need an address already!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

vic that hg looks like a MIRROR!!!! no need for emergency mirror if you carry that knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Great review as always. I am so glad I picked up the NMSFNO...

Great chop-off. I always look forward to your reviews and KG's insight.

Come on Vic, when are you going to include your Clax in your chop off reviews

I have been looking at it and holding it, trying to figure out its purpose. I think it is for zombies.

I might have to get one of those now. The price is WAY too tempting.

But, tempting or not, Eric and Dan are making my funds scarce faster than I can gain or loose control of them.

Still, I think that one will be like when people were slow to pick up the Northwind at $100 and now pay many times that.

Having not handled it, I am not sure my thoughts on it. At one time, I had the Boker version and wasn't that impressed, but I think the new one should be better at chopping (?????). Still, from pictures, the ergos just don't seem like they would compete with the DFLE or Golok (??????)... maybe I will find out.... ????

clax....one edge to defend, one edge to defeat

It is surprisingly light in hand, I usually find myself handling that one with extreme caution, it would be very easy to loose a finger if you misshandle it. I love it, haven't chopped with it yet but hear it is an outstanding chopper and yes I agree Vic, that would be the one knife I grabbed if the Zombies ever show up at my door.

I have not used the Clax. Maybe tomorrow. I did a chop-off today over on the outdoor forum putting the NMSFNO up against all my other 8" blade knives. It rules.

Someone did some chopping with it on knifeforums, Bark River section. It chopped well!

It calls my inner-zombie killer, orc smasher dragon slayer...although I would rather have an AK or Northwind for all that...

I think I hear my wife at me...gotta go! Hah!!

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

On the real side..think I'm gonna score me a battle rat!

the price is VERY tempting for the clax.
I want one too.
I could always try to flatten one side of it so I could baton with it.

The only thing is that I hear the handles are pretty big (even though the newer ones have thinner handles) and i have small hands.

I could get over it though, just because it looks like such a monster chopper.

thanks for the chop off vic!
that NMSFNO must really be a BEAST.

If Mike has any blanks left he will make a single edged one for you, although somehow I think he said this was it on it.

I think I'll just save my Clax for Zombies. I have a defensive plan: Just swirl around wildly and randomly waving the Clax in the air. Bound to cut something.

SB, I wouldn't have a problem flattening one side.
I could use a friends belt sander.

Speaking of swinging the Clax around, how does it feel in the hand?
I'm guessing it would have a very weight forward chopping balance.

berserker viking combat zombie technique...very effective

Quick question if you wouldn't mind Vic: how did the Dog Father compare to the NMSFNO?!

surpising it swings very nicely, it is light in hand considering it's size.

I no longer have a CG Dog Father. I'm pretty sure it would chop better than any 8" blade.