SFNO questions...

GregB

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Wondering how the SFNO LE (1 of 300's) feel compared to some of their bretheren:

I.E. SFNO SE 08, standard SFNO with standard scales, the NMSFNO with hand rubbed scales. The SE is a little too nice and a little thick for me. The standard SFNO with standard scales feels a little thin to me. I like the feel of the scales on the NMSFNO and do like the thickness, but it's a little long (imho) to be in the same class as the standard, SE, and LE. How thick are the LE's and are the scales the same thickness as the NMSFNO? Which of the three mentioned above would you say the LE "feels" the most like?

Thanks in advance.

GregB
BaconBeavers
 
How thick are the LE's and are the scales the same thickness as the NMSFNO? Which of the three mentioned above would you say the LE "feels" the most like?

Thanks in advance.

GregB
BaconBeavers

All the SFNO's (minus the fatty) are around .22" thick. The difference will be in the slabs. If you got hand-shaped scales on your NMSFNO, the LE will feel about the same--taking into account the differences in texture.

Also, don't forget that typical standard SFNO's (including the SE) were flat-ground, where the originals and the LE are all sabre ground. That adds to the heft of the knife. The Sabre is different than the Flat and the NMSFNO, so I'm going to say you'll have to hold it to know how different it feels. I like the heft of the sabre more than the full-flat, but I haven't touched an NMSFNO yet, so I can't compare for you.
 
Have had all three and a couple others not metioned and the LE slabs fell like the NMSFNO w/hand shaped slabs. And though the LE is a sabre I cant tell hardly any difference between it and my flat SFNO. Like you said the standard slabs on a SFNO are a little to small I agree with you and I think the machined mags are a little rough for extended use but the hand shaped mags on the LE and the NMSFNO are perfect IMO.


You CANNOT go wrong with the SFNOLE as Baconslinger has pointed out in his in depth review which is very informative BTW.

How about a link to that thread GatMan!!
 
What's the difference in weight between the NMSFNO and the SFNO LE (1 of 300's) ?
 
SFNO questions...

SFNO answers, baby!!

No, jk, I'm certainly not the expert around here, but SFNOs are a bit of a passion: SFNO Gallery & Info.

Of the three you mentioned, the SFNOLE feels most like the NMSFNO with handshaped scales. That is because both the SFNOLE and the NMSFNO have the same handshaped magum tigerhide scales. The SFNOLE is shorter in length, which you want, and is a total winner of a knife. BUT, if the 2008 SE was too thick for you, then I recommend a CG flat-grind SFNO with mag scales. That is because I have measured the flat-grind CG SFNOs at .20", while both the 2008 SE and the SFNOLE have the same thickess (.22"). It's hard to find a flat grind SFNO with handshaped scales, but the machined mags are very comparable. If the handshaping is important to you, look for a custom shop version that has CG thickness.

All sabers are .22" thick, so you're not getting any thinner there from the 2008 SE. Only the flat-grind CG SFNOs are thinner. Jason says all the SFNOs are .22" thick, and he may be right, but I believe I have measured them differently, so I'll double check when I get a chance.

The SFNOLE would be just as fat as the 2008 SE (.22" thick), and those hand shaped handles on the LE may be even slightly fatter than the machined mags on the SE, making it feel thicker in the hand as well.

Overall, I think the SFNOLE is a great knife, but since you thought the 2008 SE was too pretty, and too thick, you should really like a CG SFNO flat-grind with mag handles. The mag handles fill out the palm MUCH better than the standard sclaes on the same knife.
 
I appreciate the feedback and the link. Baconslinger, all I can say is WOW. That's an impressive review and speaks well for the LE. Your a man after my own heart. I tried to be as thorough as you have been in finding "the" chopper for me, but put the search on hold due to the reintroduction of the SFNO, via the NMSFNO.

I handled all three again last night and liked them all, for different reasons. As for the 08 SE, I think that if the scales were a little thinner, it might be a winner. I'll probably need to buy a LE and a standard with mags, before I can make a decision:D

Balislinger, have you tried a ZT SFNO? One of my favorite 6" knives of all time, but the price has kept me from replacing the one I let go of. I've been fortunate enough to have a 5/16th SHSH, a 1/4" SHSH, and a SHBM pass through my hands as well. Couldn't bring myself to beat on any of the three one, just too valuable. Once I find "the" 6" blade, I'll revisit the SHBM/chopper issue. Must focus..... So much INFI, so little money.....

GregB
BaconBeavers
 
Yep, the ZTNOE, was what I meant to type. To me the standard SFNO is the closest to it, but a little longer. I had a basic leather D guard on the ZTNOE and it really locked it into your hand.

GregB
 
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Well, personally, I'm not a big fan of ergo handles, because of looks, not performance, and the proportions of the ZTNOE design aren't quite to my taste. If I was just into the best performing user, I might be more interested in the ZTNOE, but design and proportions count for alot with me, and that's all about personal preference.
 
What's the difference in weight between the NMSFNO and the SFNO LE (1 of 300's) ?

I measure mine at:


SFNO-LE 1 of 300 = 18.5 ounces; .22” thick; 7.0” blade, 12.75” oal
NMSFNO............ = 21.5 ounces; .25” thick; 8.25” blade; 14.0” oal
 
Yeh...I'm not a fan of the Ergo handles either... but I LOVE the SH handle on my SHBA. I would LOVE to try an SHBM some day. I'm sure you're going to enjoy your BBSHSH, George. Make sure to continue your reviews.
 
Yeh...I'm not a fan of the Ergo handles either... but I LOVE the SH handle on my SHBA. I would LOVE to try an SHBM some day. I'm sure you're going to enjoy your BBSHSH, George. Make sure to continue your reviews.
Oh yeah! I've got two heavyweights on the way, nothing's secure around here! The LE's already working out, getting ready.
 
I tried all the E handles (I think) and the only two that I'd consider buying again are the ZT NOE and the Uncle Mofo. The NOE, isn't the best looking by a long shot, but the Uncle Mofo is by far the "best" E handle, IMHO. Actually had two Mr. Mofo's at the same time due to a mix up. Not a fan of the hook, if one had been an Uncle, might have kept it.

INFI inbound? Give us a hint:)

GregB
 
I measure mine at:


SFNO-LE 1 of 300 = 18.5 ounces; .22” thick; 7.0” blade, 12.75” oal
NMSFNO............ = 21.5 ounces; .25” thick; 8.25” blade; 14.0” oal

Not a lot of difference. Thanks.
 
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