There's just something about a big knife (9" or longer) that makes you want to tackle a sequoia. Strikes me that we are missing a "big knives" comparison thread. Seems like, with all the new folks and some if the old, it might be useful to have some comparisons of Bussekin big blades to help each other figure out how to best spend our hard earned dollars.

So, if I recall right, the Yard has produced six blades in the "big knife" category. These include:

-- Dogfather

-- Dogfather LE (seems different enough to merit its own entry)

-- Scrapizashi

-- 1311

-- 911

-- 1111

For those with experience, can you speak to the differences between them? Ie, can you shed light on, from your experience, whether the differences merit the possession of each one, some of each, or if there's just too much overlap to consider too many multiples? Also welcome are comparisons to other large Bussekin blades.

I'll start.

I've owned/own the DF, DFLE, 1311, and 911. Of other kin, I also have owned Battle Rats (9" dif treated Res-C from the Swamp), Rodent Rucki (15" short sword from the Swamp), Rodent 9, M9s (Mischief 9s)--both CG and LE, Bushwhacker Mistresses (10.5" lightweight chopper), Basic 11, Rat Mastiff (10“ dif treated sub-hilt grip chopper from the Swamp), and a Killa Zilla 2.

I still own a DF and a 1311.


I'll break these into categories: 9", 10-11", 12+", and swords

9"

The 911 seems like a big knife, not a dedicated chopper. The 911 left me feeling that I didn't have enough in the tank compared to the DF. The blade seems relatively anemic--a bit too narrow and well-balanced to be as effective a chopper as the DF--but more controllable than a front heavy chopper. For me, a knife over 8" really should be more of a niche blade than a jack-of-all-trades blade, but that's my personal preference.

As for others in this category, the Battle Rat feels more natural as a chopper than the 911--wider and more front heavy, plus it has (most models) that awesome differentially heat treated blade. The Rodent 9 is like the 911 in shape and balance, but I never could get used to the handle on it. It's not a BAD handle, I just didn't like it all that much--combine that with the less-impressive chopping power compared to the DF or the BR. The M9 would be a great knife--great weight, good forward balance and G10 or micarta--but I just couldn't get over the bump where the lanyard hole is at the top rear of the handle. It gets in my way when swinging. Grind that off and I'd still have one in my collection.

10-11"

The DF is a THICK, front heavy, beast of a knife. It's got a LOT more chopping power than the 911 IMO. This knife is a powerhouse and epitomizes the "big chopper." It's also the first knife of it's size I owned and holds a spot in my heart. It's front heavy design with the slightly downward angled blade give it a lot of chopping authority.

The DFLE was too shiny and pretty for me to use. It's slightly thinner and more nimble in the hands than the CG model, and the lack if coating means it binds less in the wood, but the price difference on the open market meant I kept the CG and sold the LE.

The Bushwhacker Mistress is the ultimate chopper. It is the one chopper I wish I'd never had to sell. It feels completely natural in the hand, nimble enough to handle effectively, and heavy enough to do the job. It is the only blade I would trade my DF for. There is not enough good I can say about this, except that the secondary market has driven these beyond reach. Used to be able to find these used for well under 300. Now good luck finding one under 450. They are good, but not that good.

Rat Mastiff was a NICE blade. I loved everything about it but the sub-hilt grip. Same reason I prefer the Chopweiller over the Ratweiller. Couldn't keep it. For those who love the Ratweiller handle, this is one of the best blades you could own, IMO. However, with secondary market prices what they are, it's hard for me to justify owning/using it--especially given my aversion to the sub-hilt grip. Your results may vary.

Basic 11? Meh. It's nice, but would not pay more than I would for an 1111, which from its design LOOKS to be a better dedicated chopper than the B11. Nothing about it made me want to replace my DF.

I WOULD like to see how the 1111 ccompares to the DogFather. Just on looks, if I didn't have my DF, THAT is the one chopper I would want to have.

Only other one I'd mention in this category is the Ranger 9 I have from Justin Gingrich that was made from a BMe blank (IIRC). 10.5" blade that kicks butt. Got mine for about $100 and I don't think it will leave my employ during this lifetime

12+"

The 1311 is a truly awesome blade. It is much lighter feeling than the DF and is able to handle machete work with ease. I love the extra reach and the quickness of the blade. Every time I go bushwhacking or out to set up a stand, I take this along. It is an excellent chopper and sees a lot of use. If I can't have a BWM, this is a decent runner-up (although I really still would love to add the BWM back into the mix).

Killa Zilla 2. Never liked the handle on it. Loved the blade, but the KZ Prototype seems far better. It's definitely a blade designed to chop things to pieces fast. Would love to have an original in my lineup, but not at the prices these things command. Definitely not the "price to performance ratio" we are used to at the Yard. It's a niche blade, and not one for the faint of heart, if you have a budget. Would recommend an original or prototype if you plan to drop the coin.

Swords

I've only owned the Rodent Rucki. I liked it and could find a use for it as a machete fill-in, but I didn't like it enough to hang onto indefinitely. It has more reach than the 1311 for sure, and would make a great weapon in close quarters, but, like the KZ, it seems to be more of a niche player. I would happily use one and be glad to have it, but with the 1311 and a couple of 30 year old machetes I have, this one didn't fill enough of a niche for me to retain it. Put it in the category of "nice to have if money weren't an issue" or "sure, I'd buy it if all my gun needs were met."

Hope that's a useful post and a decent start to this.