This is the way I see it. I own Rangers and Scrap Yards. For a chopper, the Dog Father easily beats the RD-9. The Res C handle is more shock absorbent and the broader, heavier blade of the DF just chops better. But the RD-9 is lighter and easier to carry. It still chops pretty well. The RD-7 is a great all-around knife, big enough to chop and small enough to carry all day. I like it a little better than the Yard Guard, but I can't say it is better. I prefer the Scrapper 6 to the RD-6. The S6 just has better feel and balance to me. I prefer the RD-4 to the Dumpster Mutt. But I consider BOTH brands to be serious hard use knives. The SR-77 probably has an advantage in toughness, but it is academic. You're not going to break an RD without a BIG cheater bar on it. The 5160 is a good tough spring steel. The full tang micarta handles are a little more durable than the Res C, but not nearly as comfortable. I like BOTH brands. That's why I own both brands.