Ergo handles are very comfortable. They don't look near as cool as the fusion, or the straight handle knives in my opinion, but they fit the hand very well. They feel a bit flatter in cross section than some of the fusion handles to me (especially if the fusion handles have magnum handles).
The Ash1 CG is a thick beast at .32. It makes it bomb proof! Really, if I was grabbing one for actual combat, it might be hard to beat. The handle really locks in the hand. Great for smashing and prying stuff. Chops decent for the size blade. The down side is it is a bit heavy for the size. It is a beefy knife. If I had to pick just one to take into harms way, I really think that it would be a Ash1 CG. You just could not break it. Would be even better for a dedicated combat knife with a sharpened clip added to the spine for even better stabbing and back cut.
I am a huge fan of the saber ground SFNO. Tiny bit longer blade than the Ash1. More belly to the blade, and better handle for general utility. Shorter than the NMSFNO, so overall length easier to find a spot on your gear.
I think you also mentioned a Heavy Heart, or FusionHeart etc. They are a great bigger blade as well. I have not used one, but people love them. Again, it is going to take more room on your gear.
Right now I actually sold my Ash1CG and use a SarSquatch for my medium sized blade. It is thinner, lighter, and chops excellent. It also has a sweet comfortable handle. Not as robust and bomb proof for prying and smashing, but still plenty tough.
The Ash1 will still chop. Not a great slicer for stuff like fruit or veggies, but I have used mine to butcher an elk, and it worked great. Probably not as well as a skinnier blade would have, but I was not complaining.
For deployment, your unit may actually have max length limits.
The NMSFNO is a much longer blade. Great all around user though. It is a great chopper for its size and has good utility as well. Overall length might be an issue as to where to stash it on your gear.
