Why SFNO's???? I still don't get it

Dennis in MA

Dennis in MA

Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
6,860
Is it the handle? The blade size? What is it that makes this such a coveted knife around here.

I'm not big on the SF handle. Especially in mag. Too thin on the thins for me. The blade is fine, but I wonder what the allure vs. one of the SH's is. Prices sure are approaching SHSHII costs. Ganza offerings are snapped up faster than any other blade.

I'm just not getting it. What can it do that other offerings can't? I'm at a loss and want to know.

I don't want a great debate as to who likes what knife. What I'm hoping is a few SFNO fans post here WHY beyond, "it feels good" or "it looks cool." What does it do that a FSH or a SHSHII or a SH-E or a ASH-1 or a SJTAC "can't"? (Or is it really that it's desired and rare, so people just want it because others desire it and it's 'rare'.)
 
I coveted the SFNO from the day I found out about Busse. It was basically about the looks, since I had never held one. Now that I have one, I can explain my addiction with a little more logic.

It fits my hands perfectly.

It's size is perfect for the crossover of chopping/slicing chores.

Blade is easiest to sharpen for me. Due to length and shape.

It's heavy enough for a tool and light enough for defense/offense.

Just to name the reasons off the top of my head. I don't always have the same reasoning as others as far as knife preference, but that's part of why their are different ones, right? I am not a big fan of the SH line-up at all, unless it is the Fusion. The rest of them are just awkward to me, but obviously not to others.

Rarity and others desire for the SFNO don't influence me, other than the availability issues. I use what I own, but if I were a person with the means, I would have some of the customs for display as well.
 
It is a great looking blade. Wide and graceful. Lots of symmetry. FOr me it is all about symmetrical lines and Busse is expert at design and execution.
 
Dennis,

I finally got 2 of them at knob creek, but decided they weren't "THE" blade for me. I do like them, as a 1-knife does all scenerio blade, but I don't personally go by that philosophy (one-knife only.) If I did want to carry only 1 blade, the SFNO and/or the Hell Razor would be great options...

But I kind of go with the philosophy of "if you're going to carry a big knife, might as well be a really big knife" -- at least up to the point of what is comfortable to wear and not so heavy it pulls my pants down! If I'm going to carry something small, I generally vote for the old SJ.

Also, there are MANY people that love the SFNO handles. Some of these same guys hate the ergos, and don't like the busse-pinky of the straight handles. If you don't like ergos or straight handles, the SFNO becomes a valuable blade. It definitely feels like it would outchop a SJTAC. I happen to like the ergos, so I'm happy with the SH-e or a NO-e as a viable option for a knife that size...

Ultimately, I let the 2 SFNOs go because I was able to trade into knives i like better. But I know there are very many Hogs that would never let an SFNO go...
 
I bought one a Knob Creek also.

I frankly was thinking trade fodder when I picked it up.

After holding it, it's the perfect size for an all around knife.

At the CG level, the SFNO is an amazing value.

By the time I paid Garth for the knife, I knew it was a keeper.
 
I'm holding mine right now, and I wish I could get a decent photo of it. It is stripped, but the raw INFI on this one is smoother and cleaner than any other I have had. It is way better than DC. Almost as smooth as satin, but without the shine.
P1000337.gif
 
mymindisamob said:
I coveted the SFNO from the day I found out about Busse. It was basically about the looks, since I had never held one. Now that I have one, I can explain my addiction with a little more logic.

It fits my hands perfectly.

It's size is perfect for the crossover of chopping/slicing chores.

Blade is easiest to sharpen for me. Due to length and shape.

It's heavy enough for a tool and light enough for defense/offense.

Just to name the reasons off the top of my head. I don't always have the same reasoning as others as far as knife preference, but that's part of why their are different ones, right? I am not a big fan of the SH line-up at all, unless it is the Fusion. The rest of them are just awkward to me, but obviously not to others.

Rarity and others desire for the SFNO don't influence me, other than the availability issues. I use what I own, but if I were a person with the means, I would have some of the customs for display as well.
Click to expand...

I agree with mymindisamob.

I've had not many Busses, but I've had a SHSHII, have a SH-e and a BBSHSH. The ergo handles don't feel great for me. The straight handles feel nice but the SF handles feel awesome.
 
To very roughly paraphrase MMIAM: "Different strokes for different folks."
If everyone wanted the same knife, Jerry would only make one kind and we'd all be happy with it. Not the way people work. Everybody wants something at least a little different and when you find an excellent compromise among all the various tastes, opinions, needs, etc., you get a popular product, such as the SFNO, ( HR, ASH-1, etc., etc). It is not required to thrill anyone in particular, but it excites enough of us that many of those who don't have, want and many of those who do have, want more. Pete
 
It's where it all comes together to create Busse perfection.

You take the perfect blade shape and marry it with one of the best handles that Jerry has ever created, and what you end up with is the SFNO.. ;)
 
Ditto!

A great all around size. Certainly, compromises afoot but it is an awesome jack of all trades. I like the belly. Enough heft with do some chopping. Much more compact size for lugging around. The SF grips, whether on a HR or NO, are perfect for me when set in mag size.

I just love 'em.
 
mymindisamob said:
I'm holding mine right now, and I wish I could get a decent photo of it. It is stripped, but the raw INFI on this one is smoother and cleaner than any other I have had. It is way better than DC. Almost as smooth as satin, but without the shine.
P1000337.gif
Click to expand...

I'll take it!!
 
Currently I have to agree with what has been said, it is for me the best all around Busse for hunting/camping/survival. But, it may or may not be replaced by the ASH1. I've yet to really use an ASH1 but due to it's slightly smaller size, it may be a solid replacement for me. We'll see!
 
The SF handle is a good one. I prefer the EU-17 but the SF is a close second.

The blade size is good.

Essentially it's a heavier version of a Hell Razor without the swedge.

It's very nice but for $600, there are other Busses I would buy first.

My $247 Mud Razor is a good enough substiture (no, it's not for sale).
 
i've never owned or held one, but i really want one. the SF handle is my favorite full tang handle so far (with normal scales as i have small hands). haven't felt the SH. also, i think the blade shape is just awesome, like everybody else (though i would like the saber ground one better than the full flat).
 
Schuey2002 said:
It's where it all comes together to create Busse perfection.

You take the perfect blade shape and marry it with one of the best handles that Jerry has ever created, and what you end up with is the SFNO.. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm with Schuey :thumbup:

the SFNO is the ultimate all round bush knife. It will skin, butcher and chop well without being too large.

Born to be used.

Outlaws4.jpg


PigCatch3.jpg


Ian. :D
 
Today Wookie delivered me my new flat ground CG SFNO with mags :thumbup::cool:

Like others already stated the SFNO's are very good allrounders. Size is not too big and not too small for a variety of cutting chores.

But my fav is still a HOGFSH:D
 
Ian Allomes said:
I'm with Schuey :thumbup:

the SFNO is the ultimate all round bush knife. It will skin, butcher and chop well without being too large.

Born to be used.


PigCatch3.jpg


Ian. :D
Click to expand...

Ian, I love the camo on your SFNO!:D:thumbup:
 
Ian, I have a question for you. I have seen those pics several times. Did you actually kill the hog with the NO? That is what I call putting a user to use.

But, is it fratricide to kill a hog with a Hog? Or is that the only right way to do it?
 
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