Thanks guys. The difference in the blade thickness is just, like,...wow. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
Jason - I have a Gen 2 Howler with the sharpened swedge. If I get a chance this afternoon I'll try to do a couple quick comparo shots.
Vic - The Howler is plenty tough, I would have no worries there. For the chopping I did yesterday the shorter Howler blade would have made it tough to get as much swinging leverage as I was getting with the Mutt. Ditto for the advantage of the thicker spine in chopping. You may like the size of the HRLM handles more than the Mutt. The Mutt handles are smaller and thinner. Also, the HRLM seems like it would make the slightly better skinner of the two, because of the additional belly of the HRLM blade.
Thanks, Kraz. I guess any of those 4"-6" knives will do for backup, along with a jungle knife or machete. I'll just have to wait and see which one I prefer for carry.
