To SH-E or not to SH-E???

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
8,583
Guys. Convince me. I have the chance to buy a "like new" SH-E. It would be a user. It would also replace my RW for chopping/prying/etc... Seeing how it costs 2x as much as my RW what will the extra $$$ get me with the SH-E over the RW. If I buy the SH-E then I have to sell the RW. If everything works out w/ a sale I have going I can drop the $$$ on it tomorrow and have that bad boy next week sometime. :confused:
 
That question is really up to you. Since it's a user, I'm inclined to ask you if you prefer how it feels in you hand. Of course the INFI will perform like INFI, and the rat will be close, so I think it just comes down to comfort in your hand and geometry and balance, which only you can determine for your own needs.
 
Good recommendation WM. Terry, I'll bring a couple of samples of the E-Handles next week if the person that you are dealing with can hold off until then. For what its worth, the other thing to consider is blade length. If you feel that the NO will be long enough for you to do whatever it is you do with your mid sized fixed blades and is smaller, lighter and easier to carry, then go NO. If you feel that the extra length or heft of the RW would serve you better and weight isn't too much concern (not talking a huge difference here), then the RW may be your better choice with all other things being equal.
 
The thing with the E handles is that it's really love it or hate it kind of thing. A lot of people think they feel funny at first, until they use them. IIRC, MikeH really likes them.
 
The E-handles are very confortable, they just don't have the looks, thus, they lack appeal to buyers, but they are very functional. I've sold one E-handle and I regret it.

As for the RW vs SH-E, well, they will be very close in performance overall, I think as they have similar dimensions. Performance wise, while INFI may outperform SR101, I doubt that you will notice the difference. INFI has this habit of not only holding an edge, but it takes such a keen edge after just a little sharpening. It is one of the easiest steels to sharpen. I have not had a chance to abuse SR101 so I cannot comment on it. I have not sharpened it either so who knows.
 
I don't know why I was talking about a NO. Please disregard what I said about it. The offer still stands to bring E handle blades though. One of which is a SH-E. :D
 
Yeah, go for it! If you should change your mind down the road, you'll have no problems selling it on the net.. :thumbup:
 
OK, just got back from a nice head clearing walk in the woods with my dog and realize that I had all of my wires crossed before. DN, please disregard my comments all together. [head-in-ass-smiley] :confused:
 
I'd say go for it. The SH-e is an increble value and one of the best mid sized hard use blades you'll find.
 
If it's gonna be a user, I'd go with my Hogs and say get the SH-E. That handle really is comfy in the hand, and later, if you want to, a used Busse will always find a new willing owner.
 
I resisted the E-handles for a long time because of appearance. I finally broke down and ordered a NO-E, and fell in love. I now have a few NO-E's and SH-E's. I have somewhat larger than average hands, although not real hams. IMO, the NO-E can't be beat in that blade length. I prefer it to the SFNO, because if I want a chopper I go straight to the SH-E , FSH or Battlerat.

Since I don't own and have never used a Ratweiler, I cannot give an honest SH-E/Ratweiler comparision.
 
I like the SH-E better than the RW. For me it's just how the handle feels in my hand. I don't have huge hands and the Ergo's fit me just fine. I carry a NO-E or a BA-E all the time. The RW hadle doesn't fit because the back of the handle is too wide toward the rear where it's rounded. Also the little groove for your index finger bothers me. My fingers just don't fall where that wants to separate your fingers.
If the RW feels good to you then I really wouldn't worry about it unless you want INFI.
I just like the SH-E design better.
Here are some pics.

ratandheart.jpg


dbcf41af.jpg
 
I sold my SH-E and Ratweiler like a moron. And since Poorguy brought it up, I sold my NO-E too. I replaced them with other Busse's but still.

:(
 
Get the SH-E by all means, but I've found that selling Wauseon steel ends in regret later. Even if you never use it.
I really wish I hadn't sold my... most infiholics and rat fiends can fill in the blanks with any number of blades, and the fact that they sold in order to buy is only partially soothing. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
 
I just finished purchasing and installing a new stove top oven my wife REALLY wanted. She'll have a nice surprise when she returns home later. Believe it or not she is one of those women who loves to cook and is really good at it. Her old stove/oven was on its last mile. The reason I mention this is just in case I go with the more expensive SH-E this little Valentines gift will help smoooooooth things out when the credit card statement comes in. :)

Thanks for the input guys. I'll keep ya posted and pics to come if I make the leap.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
I just finished purchasing and installing a new stove top oven my wife REALLY wanted. She'll have a nice surprise when she returns home later. I'll keep ya posted and pics to come.
Click to expand...

Uhhh, ok. I'm not that interested in pics of stove top ovens but hey.

;) :D
 
360 did a very nice comparision on the RW and the SHe. You might want to do a search to see if you can find it. I believe it was within the past month or so. He went into some very serious details on using both.

Once you've held the Ergo style handles you will get over any "look" issue about the handle. It fills your hand like you can't believe. It screams use me. I've owned a RW before, and while it does come close to a similar feel it just isn't the same IMHO. I'd say buy one, you won't be disappointed!
 
I actually like the look of the Ergo handles. Plus, I'm looking for practicality so if it feels good then that's all I need.

I will look for 360's RW -vs- SH-E comparison. But I will probably go for the SH-E. Then when my new RW arrives I can see them side by side and make a final decision on which to keep. If it's not what I want I know it will be easy enough to sell in order to move on to the next. But I have a feeling I'm gonna like this one. Thanks guys.
 
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