I agree, get a sod. I would buy both though. I personally think the BK9 will get better edge retention than a SOD and for chopping it will do better but the handle and strength on the SOD will be better than the BK9. Ideally I would use the BK9 more than the SOD because of edge retention. I am sorry but the yard guard and dog father I have dull noticeable faster then my Rats and Ranger knives. the dog father does well but it rolls more than other steels.my favorite knife in the sizes we are mentioning would be a battle rat or chopweiler. Busse kin knives are amazing all around and for a super tough knife I turn to the scrap yard collection I have. I actually have sold 3 or 4 scrappers lately because I have been disappointed with edge retention but I will always count them as my toughest knives. the becker line is all made in the USA except one of the necker models that was made in japan. it is very nice, still I would rather have a swamp warden.