Quote
Well for starters, the TGLB is the only blade mentioned that is INFI..... so that ALONE should count for something.

It also has arguably the best grind of the bunch and it makes for a VERY sharp edge which avoids having a rediculously thick shoulder. The handle contours allow for securely choking back to chop without feeling like you need a lanyard.

The Camp Tramp is a classic but about the only thing you could argue that it adds over the 711 is a round choil and differential heat treat which might not really matter unless using STRICTLY as a pry-bar. The 711 has a smaller footprint, increased penetration in my opinion a favorable grind for SR-101 in the Ultra Convex Saber.

I believe the Taliwhacker might be a tad short to fill the role of chopper reasonably well. I've never had one personally but I'm just going by the specs, but it looks like it would make a great combat knife.

I've really got no opinion on the Rat/Chopweiler other than they are very popular and there might just be something to that. They've both struck me as being a couple of the more repulsive looking Rats that I've seen.

I would argue that 9.5-10" blades make for the best all-arounders if the extra length doesn't present carry issues. I do not own anything between 6.5-10" anymore, reason being that anything over 6.5" is going to be difficult to conceal, limited in chopping/limbing/draw knife ability AND much too large for ease of use as a utility knife.

Therefore my strong recommendation would be a Basic 10 LE or 911, both of which will be nimble enough to do relatively well at the small tasks. You could always wear a necker in addition like the Scrapivore or Swamp Warden if you felt the need for a small knife.

Otherwise, I'd pick the TGLB out of the bunch if limited to that size range. Mostly because it's INFI, secondly because of the grind, thirdly because they are pretty good at dispatching zombies......

Thanks, AFF. I agree, INFI and Grind are very attractive for the TGLB. Good points. I must admit, the whole Daryl factor really makes me want one also. It carries some nastalgia. Although obvious, I had forgotten that the TGLB is indeed trimmed down beneath the handles, so weight is less...which actually raises its stock a bit for me.

Thanks for your thoughts on the B10 / 911. I used to have a B11, and now have my 1311 and a Fiddleback machete (12"). I think if I was carrying a 911 / B10, It would be the same as my 1311 paired with a good 4" bushcraft blade (B4 / CABS / etc). I guess I'm not dexterious enough to dual use a 9-10" blade....that, or not enough training.


JYD #121
The chief cause of unhappiness and failure is trading what you want most in life for what you want at the moment.