SFNO or ASH

LightGuy · Jan 25, 2011

Ok, I finally freed up just about enough funds to get 1 (one) of these knives. I've been drooling over picks of both for some time now, and decided to sell off some of my collection to fund the purchase.

Either will do the chores I need to do with it, but the big question on my mind is COMFORT. I want it to be comfortable in my hand whether I am doing light or heavy work. As a bit of history, I bought a BATAC and promptly traded it due to the discomfort of the handle (protruding hump in the handle). I traded it for a Boss Jack, who's handle was too thin. However that was fixed by getting a couple of liners under the scales.

So since this is not a "try before you buy" item, I need your expertise. Since I drool equally over both the SNFO and ASH, which do you think fits the hand better, and is more comfortable in both light and heavy duty use?

I'm trying to avoid another situation where I buy one and have to instantly turn around and trade it off.

Also - I am not a collector. I will be using it.

Thanks in advance!!

reddawn · Jan 25, 2011

i have owned a skinny ash,fatty ash,and sfno.still have the sfno

for me the sfno is much better.

fbusmc · Jan 25, 2011

SFNO for an all round user

jnphares · Jan 25, 2011

You can't go wrong with a (NM)SFNO, preferably with hand-shaped grips.

BOBO · Jan 25, 2011

I bought the SFNO when they were first offered, and carried it for a few years, and always disliked the pointy "skull crusher". It didn't feel right to me. When the ASH came out, I bought it and have been carrying it on my kit ever since. The handle just feels better to me, in all grips. The SFNO was a replacement for another knife I carried on my leg while deployed, but when I bought the ASH, I was able to carry it on my support side, on my vest. That works better for me. All in all, if you need a pry bar, go with the .320" ASH, but if you need a light weight 7" blade, go with the SFNO or 8" blade NMSFNO. Both of my knifes had standard canvas micarta scales.

J. Oeser · Jan 25, 2011

The blade shape/profile is almost identical on these two knives. There is a picture floating around comparing just that. So that leaves the handle as the only real difference and for me the SFNO handle is just better so it gets my vote. :thumbup:

JGarrison Knives · Jan 25, 2011

SFNO or a SHSH

manix J · Jan 25, 2011

SFNO......best all around "one knife" for me

def get one with tube fasteners and not mosiac pins for a user.

J

LightGuy · Jan 25, 2011

Thanks for all the quick replies and letting me know your preference based on personal experience! I think it is safe to say I'll be going with the SFNO.

I was actually leaning toward the SFNO as well due to the more open handled design. I love the look of the ASH handle, but I've heard a few reports of "pinky bite" when shopping. Regardless, I'm sure the ASH is very comfortable as well.

I can always enjoy the ASH by looking at all the beautiful pics of yours online - thanks bladeforums!

Who am I kidding...I'll get one of those eventually too...

TheBladeMaster · Jan 25, 2011

Sfno my fav busse hands down

Just one question. Why tube fastner and not pins for a user.

roenman · Jan 25, 2011

I'll throw another vote for the SFNO
LightGuy you have email

wolfdad · Jan 25, 2011

I really like them both. A fat ASH just feels great with mags. SFNO, can't go wrong.

azwelke · Jan 25, 2011

I like them both, but I really like the handle on the ASH1 and the blade on the SFNO. I wish they would make the SFNO with an ASH1 handle

.
The (NM)SFNO is the one I would pick.

WILLIAM.M · Jan 25, 2011

I bought and sold both models you asked about-plus others below.

I would say that the SFNO was more comfortable than the ASH-1 by a large margin.

Lil' Foo · Jan 25, 2011

You mentioned that you don't like how the swell of the tac handle feels in your palm.

The SFNO has similar characteristics... not as exaggerated as the Tac handle mind you,
but has similar feel in noticible "filling" of the palm. Well, in in my palm anyway.
You can see the differences in William's pics.

The ASH handle is far more comfortable to me... I love the straight handle on the ASH.
My preference is the LE or the skinny... But the .320" thick CGs are bomb proof!

Pinky pinch... if you chop with a loose grip, you'll get the pinch.
If you keep a tight grip... not so much.

Here are those SFNO / ASH 1 comparo pics. :thumbup:
These both have thin / standard handles... not MAGs.

mmmmmmmmmmmm... ASHLEy!!!

LightGuy · Jan 25, 2011

Man, those ASH's are beautiful knives........

Now you have me wondering about the handle on the SFNO. The Batac was quite uncomfortable to me.. Does anyone who has both think that the SNFO has a much more comfortable handle than the Batac? I wonder to if the magnum handles make a big difference. My Batac handles were flat.

Anyone happen to have any pics of the SFNO in hand? I should have mentioned I have medium sized hands.

Bigfattyt · Jan 25, 2011

It is tough without holding them both in your hands.

Honestly, the SFNO really appeals to me, especially the saber ground ones.

As has been said, the blade length and shape is very close. The handle on the Sfno allows you to shift your hand back for chopping.

I had a CG ash1, and at .32 thick it is a beast. I never had any issues carrying and using it.

It might come down to what you are going to use it for. Combat? I would go with the ash1, just for the super secure feeling the handle shape gives. Like it could never come out of your hand. But this very thing also limits hand positions a bit.

Also, the SarQ is a great all arounder. Much thinner and lighter. Bit longer blade.

The Tankbuster is also sweet. To me, with the no choil and round but options it is worth a hard look.

What ever you choose, you will probably be happy, and if not, can get your money back and try again.

You might find some Hog close to you and get together to try them out.

Lil' Foo · Jan 25, 2011

Don't get me wrong... I think the SFNO handle is comfortable too,
but I like the Tac handle as well, sooooo...

I like the proportions of the NMSFNO better... no offense to anyone,
but I think there is a little too much handle for the blade on the SFNO.

But on the NMSFNO... killer!

.

high desert · Jan 25, 2011

LightGuy said:
Man, those ASH's are beautiful knives........

Now you have me wondering about the handle on the SFNO. The Batac was quite uncomfortable to me.. Does anyone who has both think that the SNFO has a much more comfortable handle than the Batac? I wonder to if the magnum handles make a big difference. My Batac handles were flat.

Anyone happen to have any pics of the SFNO in hand? I should have mentioned I have medium sized hands.

I disliked the sarsquatch for the palm swell in the grips. I now have a snfo with standard grips and for my medium to large hands they fit great.

13ninjas · Jan 25, 2011

BOBO said:
When the ASH came out, I bought it and have been carrying it on my kit ever since. The handle just feels better to me, in all grips.

wolfdad said:
A fat ASH just feels great with mags.

azwelke said:
I like them both, but I really like the handle on the ASH1 .....

Lil' Foo said:
The ASH handle is far more comfortable to me... I love the straight handle on the ASH.
My preference is the LE or the skinny... But the .320" thick CGs are bomb proof!

Pinky pinch... if you chop with a loose grip, you'll get the pinch.
If you keep a tight grip... not so much.

LightGuy said:
Man, those ASH's are beautiful knives........

It looks like I'm with the minority on this one...... I much prefer the handle, overall feel, and look of the ASH. The bomb proof model is my preference.

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SFNO or ASH

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