DSSF vs NMSFNO

T

ThornStrike

Joined
Sep 5, 2009
Messages
194
Hey all.

I've been looking to buy another busse. I want one around 8 inches long that is capable of pretty much anything. It needs to be able to cut little things, chop, baton, you know, all that good stuff. Just an all around camp knife.

And right now I'm torn. I am seriously considering either getting a DSSF or a NMSFNO. I know a lot of you probably are going to say "Those knives are in different classes, they are incomparable", but let me explain.

I'm comparing the two because one is an 8 inch big heavy, thick, wide all around hefty blade;while the other is an 8 inch thin, light, slim minimalist knife.

While ordinarily for this kind of knife I would pick the thicker one for the extra strength and stuff, while looking at busse knives made of INFI i have the utmost confidence that the thinner one will not break. So knowing that, what is the benefit of the heftier knife? I know it is easier to chop with a very bladeheavy knife, but anything else? Is it worth saving the weight while backpacking and having a lighter blade?

Thanks in advance as I know you hogs can answer my questions.

And If there are other blades you think I should be considering, please suggest them!
 
They're both great knives that are reasonably priced on the exchange. I'd say scarf up the pair. I don't think you'll regret it. They compliment each other well. Many people like the SAR8 also.


 
I would love to get both, and if I could justify the cost of getting both I wouldn't hesitate. But with the holidays around the corner and the economy still pretty shaky I just can't.
 
I love the handshaped mags on my nmsfno. But I don't have a DSSF to directly compare it to either.

I went by handle shape since I love the TAC handles. Although the NMSFNO may be heavier, it's superbly balanced.
 
I like the DSSF in this case.

Lighter, less expensive, more compact, and just as capable.
 
ThornStrike said:
... I'm comparing the two because one is an 8 inch big heavy, thick, wide all around hefty blade;while the other is an 8 inch thin, light, slim minimalist knife.

While ordinarily for this kind of knife I would pick the thicker one for the extra strength and stuff, while looking at busse knives made of INFI i have the utmost confidence that the thinner one will not break. So knowing that, what is the benefit of the heftier knife? I know it is easier to chop with a very bladeheavy knife, but anything else? Is it worth saving the weight while backpacking and having a lighter blade?

Thanks in advance as I know you hogs can answer my questions.

And If there are other blades you think I should be considering, please suggest them!
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From having used both, as well as a SAR 8, I would pick SAR 8, DSF, NMSFNO in that order. However, of the two you specifically asked about my advice would be get the DSF (which is surprisingly underestimated) now while they are priced so competitively and a good sheath for it, try it out and IF you find something it CAN'T do to your liking then you can always get an NMSFNO later.

I kept a SAR 8 and a DSSF, but I sold my NMSFNO's as for the heavy weight I much prefer an FSH in the 8" belt ballast department. :p
 
A lot of you have said that the DSSF / TM DSF is the way to go. but, if you could, please explain why the DSSF is better? what advantages does it have over the NMSFNO? what advantages (if any) does the NMSFNO have over the DSSF?
 
The NMSFNO is more massive and with it's taller convex grind it's going to be one of the best batoning knives out there that still fits on your belt. It'll chop better too. The DSF is a long satin jack that can do it all but will take more oomph to do it. I'd imagine the DSF to be the more agile bushcraft knife when you choke up on the choil. I think the DSF is a perfect hiker, camper knife, whereas the NMSFNO is more of your basic Tarzan knife. ;)
 
If I could only have one knife it would be the NMSFNO.
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Ugh tough call - they are both excellent knives and I'd say get both - there are a bunch of DSSFs that are an absolute steal on the Exchange right now for around $240 shipped... NMSFNO are rare on the Exchange, but still a lot less than they were a year ago.

I own both (well not a DSSF but a TMDSF which is practically the same, but with canvas micarta vs g10 - micarta is a big plus in my opinion) and would never part with either...

I guess it'll come down to how much chopping you need to do...

If you chop a lot: NMSFNO

If you don't chop a lot: DSSF

Honestly, either will do the job and make you happy :thumbup:

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I have both and from what have outlined, DSSF. Why? lighter, smaller footprint and fast in the hand. In fact I am considering getting another. Both are a fair price on the Exchange and I hope the prices remain that way, which is great for the users like us.
 
I haven't handled the DSF, but prefer a FSH to the NMSFNO. The Fusion handle is a better one. Can't deny the better value of the NMSFNO, though.
 
shunsui said:
The NMSFNO is more massive and with it's taller convex grind it's going to be one of the best batoning knives out there that still fits on your belt. It'll chop better too. The DSF is a long satin jack that can do it all but will take more oomph to do it. I'd imagine the DSF to be the more agile bushcraft knife when you choke up on the choil. I think the DSF is a perfect hiker, camper knife, whereas the NMSFNO is more of your basic Tarzan knife. ;)
Click to expand...

I agree...if I ever head out into the jungle wearing just a loincloth the NMSFNO would be my go to knife. It can do everything the DSF can do except be smaller and lighter.

I think the DSF is a great all around knife, but my NMSFNOLE is truly a thing of beauty. (Maybe Jerry should make a LE version of the DSF;))
 
I had both knives NMSFNO and DSSF and I used both. I like better DSSF. It's lighter than NMSFNO - and thus it carries better and because I like hiking - weight counts for me. DSSF (or DSF) is as tough as NMSFNO, and with it's sabre but flat grind it cuts better than NMSFNo.
Of course it does not chop and split as good as NMSFNO but it's suprasingly good at those jobs for it's weight.
The thing I didin't like about the NMSFNo was the obligatory mag handle. I have quite small palms and for me mag slabs were an overkill. But if your palms are not small you should be very satisfied with an NMSFNo.
Both are great blades.
 
I do not own a SFNO but I got to handle one today, and I do own the DSSF. As far as hiking and weight, the DSSF is lighter, capable of almost anything you need to do in the woods. The SFNO would be a better chopper because of the extra weight, and feels good in the hand. Overall the DSSF is the winner for me.

For the prices DSSF are going for, it would be foolish to not snatch one up.
 
NMSFNO is my favorite Busse so I can't give you an unbiased opinion. I like the handle. I like the convex grind. Just a great all around knife.
 
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I'm honestly surprised by all the DSSF love. I bought a couple at the last Knob Creek, but more because they were a show special (and I thought the orange-black G10s looked good) than because they resonated to me as a great field knife.

I really like the NMSFNO, especially with hand-shaped Micarta, although the hand-shaped option pushes the NMSFNO price to near that of a FSH. I'm hard pressed to pick between a NMSFNO and a FSH, although if the Outlaw has hand-shaped handles and the FSH has machined grips, I'd probably go for the Outlaw -- hand-shaped grips make a lot more difference than I thought they would before holding one.
 
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