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

Kenneth, having owned all three and then some, I have the following 2 cents to offer you.

The SFNO is the most beautiful Busse. It has classic proportions and pleases the eye. When the NMSFNO was introduced, my first thought was, 'this is too long, it doesn't look as good as the original SFNO'. And I still feel that way -- aesthetically. But the NMSFNO is one of my absolute favorite Busses and I think it's one of the most versatile and useful knives that Jerry and the crew have come up with. It's more useful and versatile than the SFNO or the ASH-1, in my opinion -- and it feels great in hand with spectacular balance. So the NMSFNO is a GREAT knife. But I don't think it LOOKS as good as its sibling.

Now the ASH-1 is much loved. I love it too. I have all versions. The .22" LE is my favorite. But it's not my favorite Busse. If forced to choose between my favorite ASH-1 LE and the NMSFO LE, I would go with the latter ... on the basis of feel in hand, balance, and usefulness. But I still love the ASH-1 -- it's a compact brute, not too long to be nimble, yet very tough.

In summary, I think the SFNO looks the best of all three -- or anything else that Busse has made in the past 10-15 years! But ... for sheer utility, the NMSFNO trumps it ... and the ASH-1 may too. The SFNO is sort of long to cut stuff with, but sort of short to chop with. It's a tweener, which is not a bad thing. One knife lost at sea and I might choose it. But 2 or 3 Busses and I'd be happy with an NMSFNO and a couple others.
 
JohnM said:
Kenneth, having owned all three and then some, I have the following 2 cents to offer you.

The SFNO is the most beautiful Busse. It has classic proportions and pleases the eye. When the NMSFNO was introduced, my first thought was, 'this is too long, it doesn't look as good as the original SFNO'. And I still feel that way -- aesthetically. But the NMSFNO is one of my absolute favorite Busses and I think it's one of the most versatile and useful knives that Jerry and the crew have come up with. It's more useful and versatile than the SFNO or the ASH-1, in my opinion -- and it feels great in hand with spectacular balance. So the NMSFNO is a GREAT knife. But I don't think it LOOKS as good as its sibling.

Now the ASH-1 is much loved. I love it too. I have all versions. The .22" LE is my favorite. But it's not my favorite Busse. If forced to choose between my favorite ASH-1 LE and the NMSFO LE, I would go with the latter ... on the basis of feel in hand, balance, and usefulness. But I still love the ASH-1 -- it's a compact brute, not too long to be nimble, yet very tough.

In summary, I think the SFNO looks the best of all three -- or anything else that Busse has made in the past 10-15 years! But ... for sheer utility, the NMSFNO trumps it ... and the ASH-1 may too. The SFNO is sort of long to cut stuff with, but sort of short to chop with. It's a tweener, which is not a bad thing. One knife lost at sea and I might choose it. But 2 or 3 Busses and I'd be happy with an NMSFNO and a couple others.
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JohnM, thank you very much for the quite thoughtful and informed response. Just what I was hoping for.

I believe I agree with you regarding the aesthetics of the SFNO. It is a stunner. And I suspect that is why I cannot seem to shake that itch despite now having the NMSFNO. I really like the NMSFNO, but yes, it loses a bit in the aesthetic balance with the extra length. That extra length certainly adds something in utility for chopping, no doubt. But I do not tend to chop much on extended backcountry tours. I really don't do fires unless just camping, and rarely then anymore. While very, very well balanced for what it is, it is blade heavy compared to a blade in my favored all-'round range, in which the ASH-1 squarely sits. And frankly, while I do really like the old SF handle, it is not quite as perfect for me as that of the ASH-1 (absolutely perfect saber grip, though!).

Your calling the SFNO a 'tweeter makes a lot of sense, and puts to thought and word what I think I was suspecting. So your thoughts have really added a lot to my internal discussion.

Regardless, I am now suspecting I will probably have to try one when it is all said and done. Perhaps I will completely concur with you and the beauty may not prove enough to keep her - though it might! :rolleyes:
 
I think you will not regret adding an SFNO -- there really is no more beautiful Busse. It has the lines and proportions that make it special. You will likely reach for something else for close work, or for long chopping or slicing, but it has its place as (one of) the ultimate beefy Busses overall. It's a do-it-all blade for tough jobs that require a bit of length. The NMSFNO may have better overall balance but the SFNO is quicker in hand, more like the ASH-1 in this respect.

It's funny because I always thought the SFNO, especially the LE version, would be one of the Busses that everyone talks about ... forever. It may still become that. But it's been on the middle or back burner for the past decade or so (I think) because Jerry has introduced so many other nice knives that compete with it. So, oddly, I think the SFNO is a sleeper ... destined to be a collectible classic. Not that anyone collects here -- we just use our knives, hard! ;-)
 
Reading more of your intended uses, have you considered the NFNO. Nano-Fusion Natural Outlaw? Similar blade lines, but thinner, I believe. And a little shorter. Out of my BG SFNO, NMSFNO, and NFNO, for the sort of camping and working you mention, it might make you reconsider the ASH-1 as the best beast.
 
JohnM said:
I think you will not regret adding an SFNO -- there really is no more beautiful Busse. It has the lines and proportions that make it special. You will likely reach for something else for close work, or for long chopping or slicing, but it has its place as (one of) the ultimate beefy Busses overall. It's a do-it-all blade for tough jobs that require a bit of length. The NMSFNO may have better overall balance but the SFNO is quicker in hand, more like the ASH-1 in this respect.

It's funny because I always thought the SFNO, especially the LE version, would be one of the Busses that everyone talks about ... forever. It may still become that. But it's been on the middle or back burner for the past decade or so (I think) because Jerry has introduced so many other nice knives that compete with it. So, oddly, I think the SFNO is a sleeper ... destined to be a collectible classic. Not that anyone collects here -- we just use our knives, hard! ;-)
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Thanks, JohnM. Though I must say you are not helping to talk me out of yet another purchase, and in this case possibly, per your posts, one that might be mostly a safe queen (against my ethos) - but one that most certainly does not have to be a safe queen! ;) I agree about the LE. I have long admired it the most aesthetically of all Busses. Interestingly, there is a forumite corresponding with me about a possible trade for one as we speak!
 
dogboye said:
Reading more of your intended uses, have you considered the NFNO. Nano-Fusion Natural Outlaw? Similar blade lines, but thinner, I believe. And a little shorter. Out of my BG SFNO, NMSFNO, and NFNO, for the sort of camping and working you mention, it might make you reconsider the ASH-1 as the best beast.
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You raise a really astute point, dogboye, and I both can see and appreciate how closely you have followed my thoughts here. How very considerate of you. Thank you.

I have considered the NFNO. When they were announced, I almost went in on one. It was simply the fact that they lost out aesthetically with the shortening of the blade and the swap out for the NF handle. So I ended up with the old SFNO still on the hamster wheel in my head and not the NFNO. But then I saw the NFBA and on that blade the NF just worked for me. I picked one up and really like it for my smaller paired blade choice. I typically pair up a Badger of some flavor (I have a HOG, a mod'd SOB, and the NFBA) with an ASH-1 when I can get away with the weight of two blades. Liking it, I thought again about a NFNO, but while it is not exactly fugly to me, I think it kinda looks like the red-headed-step-child by suffering from comparison to the original. 'Course looks ain't everything, so you got me thinking again and reminding me that I prefer the 6.5" blade and the NF handle does fit my mitt, so it is the logical choice. Good call!

Now, heart vs. brain??? o_O I wonder which of the two usually wins that battle with a male Homo sapiens?
 
It’s really hard to beat any version of the SFNO for looks. And IMO, it is extremely difficult to beat the grip area of the SFNO series. Which is probably why my favorite blades have that grip: BGSFNO, NMSFNO, BGHR, HR2.

I will say the BG SFNO, which is a 1/4” saber grind, chops above its weight/length, and slices below its thickness. But only a little below its thickness, if you get my drift. I can’t say how the BG SFNO compares with any other SFNO, though. I will say I quite like it. But not as much as my NMSFNO. And probably none as much as my HR knives. But that is beside the point. I think I’m in a minority on the Hellrazors. And there is oribably a reason for that, vs the SFNO series. So I’d say there’s no reason for you to consider going down that path. Just mentioned it to point out the grip similarity, and how good that grip is.
 
dogboye said:
It’s really hard to beat any version of the SFNO for looks. And IMO, it is extremely difficult to beat the grip area of the SFNO series. Which is probably why my favorite blades have that grip: BGSFNO, NMSFNO, BGHR, HR2.

I will say the BG SFNO, which is a 1/4” saber grind, chops above its weight/length, and slices below its thickness. But only a little below its thickness, if you get my drift. I can’t say how the BG SFNO compares with any other SFNO, though. I will say I quite like it. But not as much as my NMSFNO. And probably none as much as my HR knives. But that is beside the point. I think I’m in a minority on the Hellrazors. And there is oribably a reason for that, vs the SFNO series. So I’d say there’s no reason for you to consider going down that path. Just mentioned it to point out the grip similarity, and how good that grip is.
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dogboye, I feel you RE the HRs! I do not particularly care for the HR2 (from afar) as I think it strayed too far from the light and quick blade of the original HR/MR concept and design. So I just don't get it. Basically I cannot really tell much of a practical difference in the blades of the HR2 and the Forsaken NFSH.

If I ever run across a Mud Razor I would probably pay whatever the asking price is, no questions asked. Ironically, given that it is a "Mud" Razor, it is so, so clean a design. I totally dig it!
But yeah, we digress (in a fun way!). The necessary but oft waning resistance to hunting down an old HR/MR is another story altogether!
 
Kenneth F Huls said:
dogboye, I feel you RE the HRs! I do not particularly care for the HR2 (from afar) as I think it strayed too far from the light and quick blade of the original HR/MR concept and design. So I just don't get it. Basically I cannot really tell much of a practical difference in the blades of the HR2 and the Forsaken NFSH.

If I ever run across a Mud Razor I would probably pay whatever the asking price is, no questions asked. Ironically, given that it is a "Mud" Razor, it is so, so clean a design. I totally dig it!
But yeah, we digress (in a fun way!). The necessary but oft waning resistance to hunting down an old HR/MR is another story altogether!
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You don't want a Mud Razor. The coating started flaking off mine, so I had to throw it out.
 
Dear Mr. Huls. How about another model to further scramble your brain? The SAR Series. Perhaps the 6”, 7” (The Sarge), or the 8.” Haven’t been made for years, but surface occasionally on BF or eBay.

I just picked up my first off of the bay. The aforementioned Sarge 7. One of my strategies is to purchase at least one Bussekin from each one of the somewhat limited series offered over the years.

I can’t afford the whole set of SAR’s, so the 7 will at least represent the series. If you knew how much $ I have sunk in Bussekin, you might give the local Asylum a call. Pickup and Delivery Department.
 
tuica said:
Dear Mr. Huls. How about another model to further scramble your brain? The SAR Series. Perhaps the 6”, 7” (The Sarge), or the 8.” Haven’t been made for years, but surface occasionally on BF or eBay.

I just picked up my first off of the bay. The aforementioned Sarge 7. One of my strategies is to purchase at least one Bussekin from each one of the somewhat limited series offered over the years.

I can’t afford the whole set of SAR’s, so the 7 will at least represent the series. If you knew how much $ I have sunk in Bussekin, you might give the local Asylum a call. Pickup and Delivery Department.
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Normally I would be easy pickings for such a ploy, but I just do not like the looks of the SARs at all. Not sure why. Something suggests "generic knife" to me in the design language. But from what I have heard the SARGE 7 is the one to have and is supposed to be an amazingly well-balanced all-'rounder, so good on ya's! IF I ever tried one, that would be the one.

Enjoy!
 
I just gave up a rare and very good un' in some fantastic leather pants to get into a nice SFNO LE. :thumbsup:

My. That is the NO to end 'em all if looks be any indication. Cannot wait to get a hand on the new gal and see how she feels! Love me some CS hand-shaped Tigerhide and satin goodness! I will let you know if she is a disappointment, but I rather doubt it. :p
 
The LEs are beautiful. Scored 4 in the Ganza, but eventually sold them off, as i moved away from safe queens and collectibles. Too soon, in hindsight, as the market price keeps rising. Ah, well.

Back when the Ur SFNO were still a rare and coveted blade, I scored a user from Heavy late one night. If you are willing to pay S/I both ways you can borrow it for a try out.
 
resinguy said:
The LEs are beautiful. Scored 4 in the Ganza, but eventually sold them off, as i moved away from safe queens and collectibles. Too soon, in hindsight, as the market price keeps rising. Ah, well.

Back when the Ur SFNO were still a rare and coveted blade, I scored a user from Heavy late one night. If you are willing to pay S/I both ways you can borrow it for a try out.
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This is 100% what this community is about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
resinguy said:
The LEs are beautiful. Scored 4 in the Ganza, but eventually sold them off, as i moved away from safe queens and collectibles.
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So very beautiful!

I, too, do not "do" safe queens and collectibles. All my blades are users - meaning I either use them currently, or off & on, or they are blades that I am willing and intend to use, but have just not yet put to use. Since I am buying users only, I am not investing per se (though I am now finding that I am willing to trade in order to perfect my self-imposed "15 Busse blade cap!").

Anyhow, resinguy, my point being that I believe the SE will be a fine user and I fully intend to use her, and use her hard.

But I completely understand the concept for other people of keeping something as beautiful and relatively scarce as the LE (let alone 4 LEs!) pretty much pristine for trades, investment purposes, or simply admiring.

My Busses that receive the hardest use are my ASHs (well, my Skinny anyway - the Middy is brand new to me and not yet baptized, and the Fatty is my ultimate truck knife, at the ready for cutting and prying my way out of a wreck or doing same to get someone else out of a jam, so she has thankfully not seen that hard of use yet simply cutting as needs arise in the truck) as they are currently my go-to, hard-use/survival backcountry blades of choice. I am hoping this SFNO fits right in for rotation in the same category of frequent, heavy user. The other knives that get demanding action are my Sus Scrofas, being that they are in the muck of technical slot canyons cutting cordage, etc. EDC's (currently MMS - lovely little bit of kit!) cut lots of stuff, but not stuff that really tests their limits.
 
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