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="" />