Today was the long awaited rematch between my NMSFNO, with its full convex zero edge, and my re-profiled convexed M9LE. Last time, to the suprise of many, the shorter NMSFNO clearly out chopped my touched up M9LE. The M9LE came with one of the best factory edges I have ever seen on any big knife. So all I did was give it a few light strops with a ceramic rod. But this time, I thinned the edge a little more for a thinner final convex edge. I have learned through experience that the edge profile can be critical in a chop-off. And I just can't bring myself to leave factory edges alone.

My first hint was the fact that I could stick the edge of the M9LE into the log to hold it there for a picture, but try as I may, the more rounded profile of the NMSFNO convex grind would not let me do that.

This is a pretty big limb, so it will take some sweat and work today. Here is the limb after 50 chops with the NMSFNO.

Finally, after 117 chops, I chopped through.

It's the M9LE Bowie's turn. It stuck deep with each chop, but occasionally would bind in the wood.

After 50 chops:

I finally chopped through after 123 chops.




Some might consider this one too close to call, and it is close, but I give the edge to the Busse. It is the choppingest 8" blade I have ever seen, even beating my Ratweiler and Bark River Hudson Bay Camp Knife. And those are killer choppers. For an all-around chopper bowie, I still prefer the DFLE and M9LE, but for an indestructible camp/survival knife, I am going with the NMSFNO.
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/Busse/M9NO006.jpg[/img]

What makes this doubly impressive is how much shorter the NMSFNO is. I know after I took your advice and convexed the edge on mine, that thing has turned into a heck of a little chopper. It was your prior chopoffs and praise of the NMSFNO that convinced me to finally invest in one, and after my initial disappointment in the factory edge wore off, it's been a great purchase <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

HD did you get my message?

I need to send my SNofo down to GA.

I'm glad it worked out for you MM. No doubt that with factory edges, that lazer M9LE would have out chopped the NMSFNO. The edge really does matter, and I'm glad you're now happy with your NMSFNO. It's a heck of a knife. I'm a dog, a rat, and a hog, so I have no axe to grind in this. I got what I got. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Excellent! With a difference of only a few chops, and the margin of error regarding thickness and hardness of the wood, muscle fatigue, etc., I would say they are pretty evenly matched at this point.

Yep. I'd say you're right. I am not a machine. They are really close.

Edit:
In my first chop-off, the NMSFNO chopped much better than the M9LE. But with more equal polished convex edges, they are very close. I am surprised that my convex edge made that much difference, as the M9 came with a very sharp factory edge.

Yeah, but your inbox is full, Gambit. Answer: Bravo-1.

Ya know we are playing with big blades when an 8" knife gets referred to as a little chopper!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Excellent test as always Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But it's such a cute little thing...

Swing the killa zilla for a few logs' worth and tell me the NMSFNO isn't a "little chopper" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Great comparison. Thanks Vic!