SFNO vs. ASH-1 - and do I still need a SFNO?

Kenneth F Huls

Kenneth F Huls

Joined
Jul 11, 2012
Messages
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Greater porcinophile community:

HELP

I have 3 x ASH-1s (Skinny, Middy, and Fatty) + a 3B2 (my "Slender" ASH, IMHO).

I now have a NMSFNO (long lusted after and recently fulfilled, thank you to Mr. Chris "the Waterman").

I do NOT have a SFNO. Yet.

I have long admired the design, and the size is right in there where I like my all-'round wilderness users to lie, that being between about 5.5" - about 7.0" (I keep seeing different lengths attributed to the SFNO - 7", 7.25". 7.5").

Before I got my first ASH-1, I was up in the air as far as going with either an ASH-1 or an SFNO to replace my old (non-Busse), much-relied on, go-to, all-'round, wilderness knives. Both were phenomenal designs on paper, and both looked simply fantastic in pics (and let's face it, all other truly functional aspects being equal, a good looking knife beats an ugly knife!). Either one seemed to me to be the best choice for my all important, go-to blade once I tripped to how awesome Busses are.

By chance I ended up with an ASH-1 in my hands first. Love at first touch/marriage at first use! Despite repeatedly telling myself that I am not a collector, since then I added the few others I have 'cuz they are just that awesome. Because of that, I have not gotten around to a SFNO. I strongly suspect it could have been the other way around if I had ended up holding a SFNO first.

My most critical user niche filled, and filled so well, I still could not shake the desire for a SFNO. But because everyone was about as crazy about NMSFNOs as they were about ASH-1s , I ultimately obtained the NMSFNO. Plus, in my way of categorizing such things, it was in a different user category; whereas the ASH-1 and the SFNO were in the same category. BTW, yes, the NMSFNO is a truly epic blade of the 8" user type. I "get it." I adore it.

And yet I still undeniably but irrationally desire a SFNO (can't seem to help it - you know how it goes!), but I have my actual user needs totally met in that (for me) absolutely critical size range with my ASHs. AND the NMSFNO is only a bit longer than the SFNO and I have that, too!

So, given that I have 3 (4?) ASH-1s, and a NMSFNO, and my user needs seem to be already met, do I truly "need" a SFNO, or can I now work on letting it go (with undoubtedly tremendous effort)?

Someone who has and loves ASH-1s, SFNOs, and NMSFNOs please help me with my dilemma and share with me the way and the truth!

Many thanks, cheers, and such.
 
My feeling - ASHs aside - is that you don't NEED a SFNO since you have a NMSFNO. You may well want one, and I would be the last to criticize such a want. If you want, only you can judge how badly you want... and if that's an itch that must be scratched.
 
I'm with Mr. Moore. I don't think you need a SFNO since you already got the NMSFNO, and the ASH. Want is a different matter, and only you can answer that question. Since I got my NMSFNO (after having a BG SFNO), I haven't really wanted for an INFI SFNO. They look great. But.... not really wanting one.
 
Thank you both Kindly. You confirm what logic and reason tells me as well.

So, no compelling argument that the ASH-1 is junk and one must really have the irreplaceable SFNO instead.
And/or that the ASH-1 of course is totally not junk, BUT the SFNO does something very special somehow that the ASH-1 will not/cannot do well?

Thought not :oops:

Ah, well. Thought as much.

Again, my thanks!
 
Need versus want AND LOGIC where INFI is concerned???................You are kidding right????:D:D:D

Just get the SFNO........you want it ergo you need it!!;)
 
Andy the Aussie said:
Just dispose of an ASH to get the SFNO....;)
Click to expand...

Oh, that's rich coming from you, Andy! HaHaHa! :) Unless of course you mean send 'em to you? Yes, of course that is what you mean!

Steven65 said:
Need versus want AND LOGIC where INFI is concerned???................You are kidding right????:D:D:D

Just get the SFNO........you want it ergo you need it!!;)
Click to expand...

Yes! Steven65, deep down inside that is probably exactly what I was hoping to hear ;).

And the idea that I do not need "permission" to do so? - is somewhat untrue.

Here is my problem.

I grew up with hoarders. The real deal. In a hoarding house and all that. I have referred in several posts about a catastrophic house fire that destroyed a few Busses that I had given to my family. THAT was my childhood home three years ago. No one died, though several family pets tragically did succumb. They all (parents, sister, and her autistic daughter) could easily have died. Kinda a miracle they did not. I mention the fire because it is the pathological hoarding that led to both the fire occurring and its extent. Because I grew up like that, I of course became a minimalist. I have referred here and there to only acquiring users (much of their hoarding was rationalized as "collecting") and I make ridiculous rationalizations to myself as to why I am not collecting stuff, when I clearly am. Hey, Busses are pretty much the only thing that has crossed the boundary to becoming collecting, though I labor to enforce limits because of all this. And rationalize like crazy!

SO, TMI, but there you are :oops::eek:.

One of my "rules" is that I truly do use them all. No safe queens. (I even had to take several minimal years of a Japanese sword art in order for me to "justify" my custom Japanese daisho and tanto.)

Another is that I do not have "duplicates." So, originally no multiple examples of the same model. But because we are talking Busses here, something had to give, and adjustment made to accommodate. So when ASH-1 happened to me, I rationalized that different thicknesses of INFI make them not duplicates of the same model (therefore a Fatty and a Middy were ok in addition to my Skinny!). And then that this type of rationalization could only happen with one model (ASH-1). Badgers were not a problem here because the model "Badger" is a very loose concept, and all 3 that I have are so very different in design and (kinda in) size, etc. Right. I recently picked up a second Sus Scrofa - BUT this one is way Nuked so it is still not a problem, right?

And no "duplcates" in size range even if different models. Hence, I have so far resisted adding a SFNO when I already have a(n) ASH(es). As well, my shameless and obvious trolling for someone to please convince me that they are really, really, really different than each other :rolleyes::oops:.

It is just NOT working with INFI! I am weak! :mad:

So I am instituting a "15 Busse rule." I am at 15 presently. Oh, dear, oh, dear. . . . .:confused: SO, in order to buy another I will have to sell or trade (but then I am truly a collector!)

I am a mess! :(

Love this place :thumbsup:
 
My route was similar to yours. I had several ASH1’s before obtaining a NMSFNO. Then later picked up the SFNO. By itself it was fine, but somewhat of a letdown as I already had the longer version of it.

But we all collect (everything), steered by our own rudder. I wanted an SFNO in my collection. So I “accidentally” obtained one in a “Mystery Grab Bag” a few years back. I hope the Mothership offers this again, as it’s just like Christmas morning. With real expensive presents.

Essentially, I’m searching for particular models, and wait to see what comes down the pike. New or used. From any source. In the beginning, it was easy, cause I wanted (nearly) everything. Then you discover - the more you get - the less you need. Philosophically - also.
 
PS - Hoarding is endemic in this nation. For many reasons. The Psychologist in me will not delve into that now. Life should be a balance. It’s ok to practice minimalism in most things. But Bussekin are not “most things.”

I think it more damaging to deny yourself people; things; travel; experiences - passions that give you pleasure - and meaning. That’s a big part of our only life on this planet. As long as it’s not toooo obsessive. What that might be is up to you - and your therapist. That will be $300 please...;-)
 
Thanks for the understanding and empathetic post, tuica. Very kind and insightful. Yes, my therapist and I discuss this and related issues frequently. I am doing fine, so to speak, so I am ok talking about this in a playful manner. Though the underlying issues are significant, I can poke a little fun at myself. Especially on this stuff as these are the very least of my issues! Healthy self-deprecating humor is therapeutic for me. Keeps perspective.

Moderation in all things. True, so very true. And even with Bussekin/INFI - at least for me - or it truly could get out of control. I know myself there. So my silly rationalizations and rules are funny to me. But the 15 Bussekin limit is serious stuff. I think I can keep it at that. If not, I definitely would draw the line at 20. Others? Hey, go for it!

Thanks very much for the insight and related experience on your ASH>NMSFNO>SFNO history. JUST what I had hoped for!

I don't believe the SFNO will ever replace my ASH-1 love. But I probably will "need" to scratch that itch by trying one out for a spin. Not so sure it will be a "letdown," somewhat or otherwise, for me, but we will likely see. I hear you as to why that was for you, but though I really like my NMSFNO, and a younger self favored 8" blades (first handmade/custom knife was a gunshow purchased Randall #1 at age 13), for years now I have strongly preferred the 5.5" - 7" inch blade for most things. TBH, 5.5" - 6.5" is ideal. The ASH-1 is literally perfect for my tastes and use to the point that I feel like if I were to order my ultimate go-to wilderness user in true bespoke fashion, it would turn out exactly like the ASH-1 (had I the design skill and ingenuity of a J. Busse, which I most certainly do not!).
 
Save yourself now.
Take a deep breath and say no more.
Contemplate what you have, and what you might part with...and think about that before you buy another. If you end up making a purchase, sell one of the others. If you can't, sell the new one. If you can't do that, accept your fate and realize that there is no hope for you. Your path will then be clear (by virtue of using your knives).
 
Kenneth F Huls said:
So, no compelling argument that the ASH-1 is junk and one must really have the irreplaceable SFNO instead.
And/or that the ASH-1 of course is totally not junk, BUT the SFNO does something very special somehow that the ASH-1 will not/cannot do well?
Click to expand...

I could probably take that orange/black ASH off your hands if you decide you would rather have a SFNO :D.
https://bladeforums.com/threads/all-ash-1-variants-pics-please.1682965/page-3#post-19262691

I probably should just get a SYKCO trash at some point, the ASH's more affordable cousin.

But, to answer your question, I think you're probably pretty covered with what you have. But, the SFNO is not one that's really ever excited me, especially now that I've upgraded from a ratweiler to an infiweiler. I think you have a very good, reasonable selection of bacon if you are trying to limit how many you have at one time.
 
bikerector, thank you kindly for the offer - in jest or otherwise - re a trade for my CS Orange/black middy. Having just recently received her, as well as a pair of fancy pants for her, I think I owe her the courtesy of a solid attempt to make the new relationship work. If we just aren't compatible I will let you know!

The Trash 1 probably works just as well, aesthetics notwithstanding (subjective, of course)! Good call.

Thanks re the feedback. Basically that is where I find myself. We shall see how well this works out, but the forecast is gloomy!
 
My problem? This should be all caps, but I hate that.

I have never sold a single knife.

There it is. The secret is revealed. I’m not a hoarder, but a collector. We all know the difference. I still have knives from my childhood. Knives I carried in the Navy - about 384 years ago. Still have ‘em all. And Bussekin, Becker, Chris Reeve, Hinderer, Shirogorov, and other various manufacturers, collected within the past seven years? Of course.

And why not? They don’t occupy a lot of space. Still maintained in good working order. They’re very useful tools. And the long held models invoke good memories. Plus - the more expensive one’s are great investments - if purchased judiciously. Which I do.

So there you go. One man’s confession. And I’m positive I’m not alone in this regard.
 
Want vs. need – if I truly used "need" as the reason for buying/selling knives, I would stop buying and sell ~90% of the knives I have. :confused:;)
I will say more later.
.
 
gk4ever2 said:
Want vs. need – if I truly used "need" as the reason for buying/selling knives, I would stop buying and sell ~90% of the knives I have. :confused:;)
I will say more later.
.
Click to expand...

tuica, I hear ya'! I have sold just a very few knives and none were Busses. I cannot argue with you, and much of it I echo. But for me, I have to limit it. I know myself plus I have a wife that keeps an occasional eye on it - and I want to keep her! But mostly it is a pathological, but adaptive, response to my family of origin issues as explained.

So at some point need has to come into it for me. I am about there, sadly!
 
gk4ever2 said:
Want vs. need – if I truly used "need" as the reason for buying/selling knives, I would stop buying and sell ~90% of the knives I have. :confused:;)
I will say more later.
.
Click to expand...

This is me, too. Heck, I could probably start using knives today, any size for any job. Never sharpen any. Use one until it gets too dull, then put it back. I honestly believe I would be dead before I run out of sharp knives.

I will say I am nearing retirement. Not a young buck, even though my call sign is dogboye.
 
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