Basic11 VS ASHBM

dbltap45acp

dbltap45acp

Joined
Dec 19, 2008
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Quick question everyone. I have a used B11 that a friend wants from me, he would prefer the knife then cash for a couple Kifaru packs that I want of his. So, would you prefer a B11 or a ASHBM? I will be replacing it with a user off of our boards, may take me a bit to find one, but that's the plan.

I used to have an original 1/300 SHBM and loved it, but I have had no hands on experience with the newer version and don't really know the difference from the old and new, so help here would be appreciated. Which way would you go and why?
 
Although they are both awesome big choppers, they are both very different knives. The ASHBMs are a bit bigger than the originals I believe. This isn't one of the original 1/300s, but the specs are very similar as far as I know.

tumblr_mwtdhcsK6l1siuc9oo2_1280.jpg


I prefer a full tang knife for a big chopper, but that said, the res C knives are incredibly comfy. There's just something about the heft of a full exposed tang big knife. My ASHBMs chop a lot harder than the B11.
 
The Basic 11 is a good chopper but I do get some vibrations sometimes while chopping. Mine is a keeper for sure though.

I love the look of the ASHBM and couldn't wait to get mine. Unfortunately it didn't go well with my big hands. Most haven't had the issue I had. It's definitely worth a try to see how you like it. If you loved the old then I'll bet you'll love the new one too.

I wish everyone could try an 1111. The first time I chopped with mine I knew it was a good one. I think it's the best bang for the buck out there right now. If you like the Res C of the Basic 11 the 1111 is worth a try.



 
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I just the 1111 handle to be to small and i have medium-large hands. Feels like the knife wants to fly out of my hands.
 
We had a chance to compare some choppers at our recent GTG.

intel440 mentioned how he found that his B11 causes a 'zing' to the hand that the SY1311 does not. I was initially skeptical; but he might be onto something. Back to back, my B11 did seem to transmit some vibration to the inside of my fingers, on the bottom side of the grip, where the 1311 did not. Made me wonder if the handle of 1311 is just slightly thicker there, or if it has to do with something more fundamental about the vibration harmonics of the B11. It would be interesting to compare the SY1111 to a B11, but these two are different in thickness.

We were also able to compare an original SHBM to a new ASHBM. The new model is thicker, has holes in the tang to adjust the balance, and has more room in the grip. Chopping with these two for a bit of back and forth comparison, the new model did seem to have less pinky bite, as has been reported by others. It was enough to convince me that there will be an ASHBM in my future, with hand-shaped micarts scales, in about two weeks.

User B11s do show up in the Exchange for ~$350. What is surprising is that user ASHBMs can be had occasionally for below cost to patient buyers. I hope that continues to be true in the medium term future.
 
resinguy said:
We had a chance to compare some choppers at our recent GTG.

intel440 mentioned how he found that his B11 causes a 'zing' to the hand that the SY1311 does not. I was initially skeptical; but he might be onto something. Back to back, my B11 did seem to transmit some vibration to the inside of my fingers, on the bottom side of the grip, where the 1311 did not. Made me wonder if the handle of 1311 is just slightly thicker there, or if it has to do with something more fundamental about the vibration harmonics of the B11. It would be interesting to compare the SY1111 to a B11, but these two are different in thickness.

We were also able to compare an original SHBM to a new ASHBM. The new model is thicker, has holes in the tang to adjust the balance, and has more room in the grip. Chopping with these two for a bit of back and forth comparison, the new model did seem to have less pinky bite, as has been reported by others. It was enough to convince me that there will be an ASHBM in my future, with hand-shaped micarts scales, in about two weeks.

User B11s do show up in the Exchange for ~$350. What is surprising is that user ASHBMs can be had occasionally for below cost to patient buyers. I hope that continues to be true in the medium term future.
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I've personally compared the B11, 1111 and 1311. 1311 wins hands down. I was impressed from the first swing. It quickly became my favorite chopper and I've used it a lot over the last few months. Next would be the 1111 which was also impressive from the get go. Last but definitely not least is the B11. There isn't a thing wrong with the knife except a little vibration here and there. It's a keeper.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I really wish there was a local get together so I could actually get some hands on time with my B11 and a ASHBM. I don't use my B11 as a chopper nearly as much as baton with it while camping. I guess which ever I chose would be my emergency big blade if the world ever turned upside down.
 
N
RobStanley said:
Although they are both awesome big choppers, they are both very different knives. The ASHBMs are a bit bigger than the originals I believe. This isn't one of the original 1/300s, but the specs are very similar as far as I know.

tumblr_mwtdhcsK6l1siuc9oo2_1280.jpg


I prefer a full tang knife for a big chopper, but that said, the res C knives are incredibly comfy. There's just something about the heft of a full exposed tang big knife. My ASHBMs chop a lot harder than the B11.
Click to expand...

Rob, do you prefer the choil or no choil ASHBM? It looks strange without it, but function over form, which do you like more?
 
Some Busse big ones -
15378406177_068dc06f2e_c.jpg


The ASHBM will definitely hit harder than the B11, but for a general outdoor big blade or a multi-day trip, I wouldn't want to carry anything more than the B11. The NMFBM is so big and thick-ground, I honestly struggle to think of a practical use for it when I wouldn't take an axe instead, but it is a beautiful blade.

If I were heading out specifically to do some trail clearing though, I would probably chose the 1311 over all of these.

And I've never handled an ASHBM with choil, but I don't see any need to have it, as there is already enough space to choke up on the blade using the ricasso area on the choil-less version.
 
Brummie

I have had a NMFBM, FFBM, CGFBM, 1/300 SHBM and I agree that heavier isn't always better, and the fusion handles were always to long for my hands. Of the bunch I wish I still had the original SHBM and CGFBM. I just bought a ASHBM from the forms and should get it around Tuesday or Wednesday is my guess. I did decide to trade my B11 for the kifaru EMR pack with frame and all as well as a Kifaru Express pack, that's a good trade as I needed a couple good packs. If the ASHBM end up being to heavy I will just pick up a user B11 again. I will say, the B11 was nice as a large lighter chopper. Is there a noticeable weight difference between the two?

I chose the version with a choil mainly for looks, I know it sounds dumb but it just doesn't look right without it. Since I owned an original one I had a certain look in my mind as what these new ones should look like. Also, it will help with sharpening for me. I already have enough issues sharpening such a large blade. Since this is my emergency, of crap the world has ended large chopper I figured I might as well get the one I like the looks of as well. Most of my camping tends to be car camping, but on day hikes I don't tend to bring a large chopper unless I am doing bushcraft type stuff and I rarely have free time for that anymore. Work is killing me. I may look into buying a 1111 or 1311 as a light chopper though if I don't get another B11.

I appreciate everyones feedback, need to order a mashedcat sheath now for the times I do go camping.
 
I have a choiless ASHBM -- I can assure you that, as mentioned above, the Ricasso area allows for plenty of room to choke up. The additional cutting edge length is nice. I personally think the weight of the blade being too heavy is purely subjective. A heavier set man or a muscular man with high muscle endurance would have no problem carrying a 30 oz blade. Just my opinion though.
 
I'm 6'1", just over 200lbs, which is not all lean muscle, but I'm not carrying too much excess. For me, the ASHBM is not too heavy for use - it is a good weight and balance, although a blade noticably heavier than that does start getting too heavy for 1-handed use (you start to lose in accuracy what you gain in heft).

But still, if I were carrying my own gear on a multi-day trek, I would go for something lighter, like the B11 or B10 and a saw - I find a long thinner blade for slashing and splitting, paired with a saw, is a better option than a heavy chopper where weight is a concern.
 
Brummie said:
I'm 6'1", just over 200lbs, which is not all lean muscle, but I'm not carrying too much excess. For me, the ASHBM is not too heavy for use - it is a good weight and balance, although a blade noticably heavier than that does start getting too heavy for 1-handed use (you start to lose in accuracy what you gain in heft).

But still, if I were carrying my own gear on a multi-day trek, I would go for something lighter, like the B11 or B10 and a saw - I find a long thinner blade for slashing and splitting, paired with a saw, is a better option than a heavy chopper where weight is a concern.
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Yea, for the most part I agree. Although, if I was going on a multi-day trek -- I'd bring my Rodent Solution, HHFSH, and my Silky Gomboy Folding Saw. The NMSFNO would also be great paired with a folding saw. However, if I didn't have a folding saw -- if definitely bring the ASHBM, Hell Razor, and Street Scrapper 4 (INFI)
 
Rob_Mob said:
I have a choiless ASHBM -- I can assure you that, as mentioned above, the Ricasso area allows for plenty of room to choke up. The additional cutting edge length is nice. I personally think the weight of the blade being too heavy is purely subjective. A heavier set man or a muscular man with high muscle endurance would have no problem carrying a 30 oz blade. Just my opinion though.
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ASHBM are not even 30 oz, or at least mine is not. I have a G10 ASHBM with choil, and it sits at 27.9 oz.
My NMFBM is 32 oz, and it works better than the ASHBM for me. I think the NMFBM has the perfect blade geometry and grind for efficient chopping.

My CGFBM is 25oz, with Micarta scales, and for me it is the optimal hiking knife.
 
Mine is around 28 oz -- just used the number 30 to illustrate the point that even a 30 oz blade is reasonable for those that have practice, strength, or a large frame. The NMFBM is a beauty -- I'll probably get one -- someday
 
Rob_Mob said:
Mine is around 28 oz -- just used the number 30 to illustrate the point that even a 30 oz blade is reasonable for those that have practice, strength, or a large frame. The NMFBM is a beauty -- I'll probably get one -- someday
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Gotcha.
I also find the fusion handle more comfortable, no pinky bite whatsoever, compared to straight handle. Also the straight handle does not want to stay in my hand.
For me NMFBM is head an shoulders above ASHBM as a chopper. I find the more weight not a problem, because if I let the weight help with the down swing, combined with the full convex grind, the knife takes bigger chunks.

I made some vids on some decently big threes.

[video=youtube;kJkvvII17WU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJkvvII17WU&list=UUSYY-h0GOMcM_ZLyf3FtPtQ&index=4[/video]

[video=youtube;GDRZi2KijXA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDRZi2KijXA&index=1&list=UUSYY-h0GOMcM_ZLyf3FtPtQ[/video]
 
I'm not a little guy by any means. 6" and 275lbs. Anyone know how many OZ's the B11 comes in at?
 
H
Currawong said:
B11 = 17.2 ounces according to http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/736811-Specs-amp-Weights-of-Swamp-Rat-Busse-amp-Scrap-Yard-Knives. It feels to me like effectively no weight at all when chopping, compared to a cgfbm which I begin to notice after a little while. I start to lose accuracy with a heavier blade where I don't with the B11.
Click to expand...

Thanks brother. So I'm looking at about a 10oz difference between the two. Guess we will see how noticeable that will be while camping and normal usage. Hell, worst case I have a Boss jack that's new that I'm not using, maybe I will just trade for a new B11 if I miss it tht much.
 
If you ask me, there is no substitute for this.. It feel so light in hand compared to other knives it's size , bites deep and that asymmetric edge just stays hair popping and begs for more, I love this knife.
 
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