Today the mighty Ratweiler came in!

She's a beauty!

A little edge touch up, just to keep things even.

She has some serious competition:

Specs: Swamp Rat Knives Ratweiler 7 1/2" long 1/4" thick SR101 blade, 1 3/4" wide. High saber grind. Ergonomic micarta handles. Wt: 19 oz.
Ranger Knives RD-7: 8" long 1/4" thick 5160 blade. Full flat grind. Micarta handles. Wt 18 oz.
Scrap Yard Knives Yard Hook. 7 1/4" long >1/4" thick recurve SR77 blade. Saber grind. Respirene C handle. Wt: 16 oz.

This one is gonna' be fun!

This is gunna be a good one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Sorry, but I have too much else going on today. Just a little chopping comparison.
First I whacked the little tree I cut down yesterday with the BATAC. All three knives just sailed right through it in one or two chops. I like the feel of the ratweiler.

Then I got a hard old Live oak log and gave it 20 whacks!

Then 20 with the Yard Hook.

Then 20 with the Ranger.

I hate when this happens. I was able to chop about the same amount with 20 chops from each of them. They are all excellent choppers. The Ranger and the Ratweiler seemed to take less effort and bit deeper, but the Yard Hook's cushy handle let me hit it harder. So all I'm left with is my impression of which one I like the best. I just love the balance and feel of the Ratweiler. The handle is hand-filling and very comfortable for me, more so than the Ranger's. I can't help but think that a "mini" Dog Father with a 7 1/2" blade would rule. The high saber and flat grinds just seem to bite deeper with less effort than the thicker saber ground recurve. That goes against logic, but there it is. The weight probably helped the Ratweiler and Ranger, too. They are heavier. As choppers, I rate them as they are displayed, top to bottom.

Sweet pics, you are a lucky man, it is going to be a little bit before I get my hands on mine but it is coming. The sage looks great..... How was the edge when you got it? When I ordered my other 2 SR blades they both came hair popping sharp?

The edge was surprisingly sharp. It took very little work for me to get it as sharp as the others. This knife has a great feel to it, SB. And yes, the sage is a manly color, but girls like it, too. Like Irish Spring. I am very impressed with it.

Great Chopping Vic. That went about how I expected it to. I'll look forward to more... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Great comparison Vic! I wasn't sure how big the chopweiller was. Looks like a nice overall blade once again!

This is a great comparison.

I have been wanting the Chopweiler for some time now, but I am unfortunately selling knives right now just to pay bills. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

I actually had a STUPID moment and sold a couple that I REALLY didn't want to let go. I am having regrets. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I hope I don't miss out on the Chopweiler <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

Bruce, I have the Camp Tramp as well... awesome knife and part of my reasoning and justification for letting my first original Ratweiler go (part of the reason...).

But, I like the blade shape of this new Chopweiler. The Camp Tramp and Ratweiler/Chopweiler are both nice, but they are different.

I don't really "Need" one either as I have a Camp Tramp and a Yard Guard, but this hobby is largely about wants anyway....

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