FBM opinions

dbltap45acp

dbltap45acp

Joined
Dec 19, 2008
Messages
2,033
Well, I have a quick question for everyone. I have a FFBM, and a CG FBM that I have not used yet. I really want a NMFBM but cant afford one any time soon. I would love the chance to just hold one even, but there is no one in my AO with any Busse knives.

How do the three knives compare as a large chopper? Which does a better job at other tasks? Which do you prefer and why? And last, which grips do you like best, G10 or Micarta. I have one of each, and the G10 seems harder on my hands. Thanks for all the great opinions that you all leave.
 
Micarta makes for the more comfortable handles.

The NMFBM and the FFBM are the best choppers of the bunch. Which of these two is better depends largely on what kind of a NMFBM you get - some of them are like .23" thick, and some over .27". The thicker ones are heavier, and should outchop an FFBM, as even the thinner ones come close.

In small tasks, the lightest of them, the CG FBM will of course do best, since it's lighter (and also shorter than the NMFBM). But it is still a very large knife and very inconvenient for small work. The FBMs are choppers, so I tend to go with the biggest of them, which is the NMFBM. But bring along a small 3 - 4" knife, too, for the small stuff...
 
Ive got a nmfbm and a ffbm and id have to say the nmfbm is a better chopper but the edge is more fragile on the other hand you don't even need to think about the edge on the ffbm there both awesome choppers though
 
I think the edge is what you make it. They all have their merits, but I suppose I would put order of preference something like: CGFBM, NMFBM, FFBM. I'm a micarta freak. Just has a warmer, "grippier" feel to me. The irony is that my absolute favorite Battle Mistress is a FBM SE with G-10. One of these days, I'm going to catch Garth drunk at Blade and get him to agree to put some micarta on that knife.

Mistresses2.jpg
 
I have a NMFBM, a FFBM and a FBM Satin Combat grade ( a cheaper FBM LE ). The NMFBM has a less deep blade which also means a less deep choil...for a choke grip attempting fine stuff you need to watch that...the deeper choils on the others anchor your forefinger better. The momentum on a NMFBM with the extra length make it the best chopper but not just because of this....it also balances very well...if you worked out a bit you could use this like a Golok....it is heavy for Machete use but is still doable in small stints....you need to be careful as always with any knife on follow through cuts and watch getting tired and complacent. But the blade length and the hand shaped grips make for a very comfortable user....for me I always like Micarta...you can sand and shape it easily for a perfect custom grip.

Next is the flat ground FBM Satin....again on balance....the FFBM with a sabre grind is more blade heavy...which is no bad thing...but in this company they all can chop exceedingly well. The choke hold on the FBM Satin is the best for delicate work.

The FFBM is a brute....you need strong arms not to get tired using this all day...it is however a blade I would contemplate sending to Ban for a true Convex blade as the Sabre grind lends itself to this. When that comes back it will be lighter....and may well be the best edge retention chopper of them all.
 
I agree a modded FFBM but for stock!???? Un less you are a big dude! The nmfbm was a little too weight forward for me! A great 2 hand chopper!! I would mod your ffbm, use it first! Then when it comes back you will be like!!! Oh snap this thing is bad azz!!!!
 
Think about getting an LE. They are sweet. Not too much heavier than CG I don't think. Neutrally balanced so they are nice for small chores.

The SE's got rave reviews too but they are quite rare on the exchange.

Other than that, if I am car camping or out on an atv or horseback then I would go with the FFBM for NMFBM ( the latter I haven't even held but size/weight put it in that category). The CGFBM is a serious chopper that gets consideration for backcountry use on foot. Let the usage decide.
 
And I won't get G-10 on anything. I know some like it but it's too hard/slick for me. I like micarta a LOT. It has a more "organic" feel to it like a hard wood. It also develops personality with use. Canvas feels the best, linen looks the best.
 
I have put the FFBM up against the NMFBM. and I would have to say out of the two the FFBM has better geometry for chopping or I should say splitting wood. Never did a 2x4 test or cynder blocks, but when it came to splitting a log FFBM all the way.:thumbup:

I do love the NMFBM though, the other day I was fooling around and hit the rim of my 30 gallon shop garbage can with the NMFBM blade and accidently sliced open the side almost throught the handle. I do that with a lot of blades and most sort of left a blade groove in the top. I was a bit stunned.:eek:
 
From the one's you gave, my order is thus:

CGFBM
FFBM (standard scales)
NMFBM

MY Preference:

Basic 9
BM-E
SHBM
CG FBM
FFBM (standard scales)
NMFBM

:D
 
Ok, thanks. I was asking because I was thinking about selling the FFBM to get a NMFBM. But from all of your responses, I will keep the FFBM and the CG FBM for days I want a lighter load. Thanks again for all of the responses and advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top