Knife Guy,
Holy smokes, you know your blades.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> .... I guess I have been around for a while. There are a good number of guys here who could have picked out your blades though.
The three I use the most are the NMSFNO, S5LE and the SARsquatch. The ASH-1 get's some use too.
I can see how that would work. Those cover a broad range and all great knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
The tan handle RES-C blade is a Battle Rat.
EVEN BETTER IMO. I love my DFLE, but I use my Battle Rat more. I prefer the edge qualities of the Battle Rat and while the DFLE has a bit more chopping power, I like the nimble feel of my Battle Rat. I have satin finished and convexed mine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
GREAT Score!!! I wish I had scored the LE. I prefer INFI for its extra corrosion resistance and I WAY prefer satin. But, I got impatient and I had already satin finished my CG before Dan announced the LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
And the SARsquatch is fully-convexed and satin.
AWESOME - that is how it should be.... I still would prefer without the swedge, but it is hard to remove once there short of completely changing the knife. As is, better left alone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Great knife. Was that done by Ban? That looks familiar - like one I almost bought on the exchange a while back. (?????)
Unfortunately, finances have been bad for me lately. I have had to sell a few knives I REALLY did not want to sell, but I keep telling myself I will have to purchase again later. The SarSquatch is one of those. I had, but had to let go with hopes of getting again later. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I do need a warden size blade. At that size though, I have a few folders and a few favorite small-fixed blades that fill that role.
I hate to speak poorly of the Warden - especially when currently up for sale. But, I had one from the original release and it just did not fit or feel right in my hand. For me, the handle/grip area size and ergos just didn't work. I thought the blade was fine, but wish it were satin. Some like the little Warden. So, to each their own. I didn't. Maybe differences in hand size or something (?????) Plus, it was coated and I don't like coatings anyway, so with it being so far from what "I" want and like, I sold mine. In all fairness, I am not really a fan of skelly knives anyway. I like handles that fit my hands and feel comfortable.
My favorite small knife is a benchmade nimravus cub in M2. It's been on many, many adventures in the past several years. I'll have to post of pic of my ugly old friend.
I have a full size Nimravus with the deeper index finger groove. I like the knife, but I originally picked up one with serrations and I am not fond of serrations really. Also, the kydex sheath is a bit bulky and gadgety for me for a knife this size. I guess it was designed to be "Jump Rated" or something (?????) it has a little lock on it. Anyway, the knife itself feels nice, comfortable and secure in the hand with a good blade design. I have a TON of 4.0" - 5.0" bladed knives and I tend to get very particular about knives in that size range. While I am a big fan of Busse and kin for mid to larges sized knives, for certain smaller knives, I have a lot of good choices from other makers. I am particular fond of smaller blades from Bark River. But, the SS4, HRLM (with choil mod) and Vex are all very worthy and some others are quite decent as well.
I am equally picky about folders. And I tend to EDC a folder more often than a small fixed blade and even for most local "Walking the dogs" trails, I tend to just go with a folder. But, for when camping and more serious hiking and such, I do tend to prefer a good 4" - 5" fixed blade. The S5 and RMD are pretty high on my list.
For me, most 3.0" bladed fixed bladed knives are not of much interest to me. I have a few that I keep around, but rarely really ever carry. 3.5" blades get a bit borderline. I have some very nice folders that I feel are sufficiently tough for my needs while offering better handle sizes and ergos, better blade lengths and much more compact and convenient for carrying along with a clip rather than a sheath - when compared to most any 3.0" - 3.5" blade fixed bladed knife.
I don't like things dangling from my neck either. To each their own.
.