I could probably break down the comparisons to much more detail against all the above mentioned "possible" competitors.
But, I will try to keep it short and simple if I can <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> (.... ended up not being short <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />)
Some of the above would be worthy competition and worth comparing, some not so much a competition. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
1) The number one competitor would be the Camp Tramp: The Camp Tramp is/was a great knife that most people can't get anymore unless they pay too much. The Camp Tramp would be the closest in size, weight and design, but not price (anymore). Something "similar" to the Camp Tramp is LONG over-due to be brought back, but Swamp Rat is not allowed to use Res-C anymore( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ... pity! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />) The Scrap-weiler would have a slightly longer blade and a better point for many types of field use and bush-craft type uses, but without suffering in chopping. I would argue the point to be an improvement over the Camp Tramp. Further, if my "tweeks" get utilitzed at the guard and ricasso, the Scrap-Weiler would have a more comfortable reach to the choil and a blade edge that is closer to the normal grip for improved use in the normal grip. The guard just doesn't need to be as large as many Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard "guards" have been. (IMO). So, Winner: Scrap-Weiler !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
2) The number 2 competitor would be the Chopweiler which is also a great knife, but is much heavier in the handle and the Scrap-Weiler should cost less. Basically, the main difference would be in weight, feel, balance and cost. I don't know if there would be any obvious winner in feel and balance. It would come down to a personal prefference. I will no doubt still love my Chopweiler, but I would likely prefer the Res-C as I like a more blade forward weight for chopping and I feel confident the balance would be more to my preferences. and I generally seem to prefer a lighter weight handle and generally prefer lighter over-all weight for most knives..... - Personally. But, the Scrap-Weiler would win in over-all weight. It would likely weigh about 4 ounces or so less with make a very noticable difference in weight - making the Scrap-Weiler easier to carry into the field. I am guessing the Chopweiler might have a VERY small advantage to the Scrap-Weiler concept in over-all chopping "power" because of the weight. But, I beleive the lighter handle and over-all weight along with more of a blade-forward balance will give the Scrap-Weiler more blade speed. Further, the Scrap-Weiler should be more nimble in the hand making it much better for many other tasks. Oh.... and again, PRICE! The Scrap-Weiler should hopefully cost about $129.95 or so (based on comparing it to YG and DF prices) which would be about $70 less than a micarta Chopweiler and $90 less than a G10 Chopweiler = HUGE Bang for the Buck advantage to Scrap-Weiler!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> - Winner - Scrap-Weiler!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
3) Yard Guard - I still say this knife is under appreciated. But, the Camp Tramp is better for most uses IMO than the Yard Guard. The Yard Guard is a little be of a niche knife. It can chop decent, but the Chopweiler will out-chop it and I am VERY confident the Camp Tramp and Scrap-Weiler would out-chop the YG. The recurve has it's pros and cons. The Point has it's pros and cons. I tend to feel the Yard Guard is thicker than it needs to be for function. Although, it is pretty cool when stripped. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> - Still in the end for all around performance, the winner would be: Scrap-Weiler!
4) Hell Razor and SFNO - I don't have either, but I REALLY like both of these knives - mainly the general blade shapes. I would honestly want a SFNO or a "MUD" Razor except for the price. I HATE the CBT. I don't really care for the fancy "waves" on the spine of the Hell Razor, but I like the spear point a lot for a general purpose knife. Tis why I try to incorporate more of a spear point design into my Scrap-Weiler concept. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> At 7", the SFNO and Hell Razor would both appear to be a great mid-sized all-around utility type knife. They should both loose in a chopping contest to the Scrap-Weiler concept. The Hell Razor with it's micarta handle weighs about 14 ounces (I don't know about the SFNO, but I assume pretty close) which is probably about 1.5 - 2.0 ounces less than I estimate the Scrap-Weiler to weigh. So, the Scrap-Weiler would have a much more blade forward weight as do pretty much all Res-C handled knives and I tend to be good with that. All 3 would have their merits - just slightly different spheres for use between the 1" longer Scrap-Weiler and different balanced knives. Next on my list would be a Scrap Yard concept with a SJTAC, SFNO or Mud Razor styled blade without the CBT or waves on the spine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Then, the Scrap Yard would have the winner again because of bang-for-the-Buck again! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> - As is for function, I have to predict a draw due to slightly different spheres for use and not entirely an apples to apples comparison in my book. But, because of price and similar performance - Winner: Scrap-Weiler!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
5) Fehrman - First Strike - Fair comparison. With a 7.5" blade, the over-all size would likely be about the same size as a Scrap-Weiler. I haven't had a First Strike, but I have had a couple of Fehrman knives including a Last Chance. Ironically, Fehrman's knives have a strange quirk IMO. The larger handled knives have a VERY nice handle, but way too large for the Last Chance. The smaller handles are just too small for me. I haven't tried this new "special run" (???) - but they are different and wouldn't compare to the Scrap-Weiler. I have to give HIGH praise to Fehrman for fit and finish of his knives! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I just wish his handle sizes where better matched to over-all knife sizes. 3V is a VERY tough steel that holds a very good edge. Not as tough as SR-77 - I am sure. But, Plenty tough IMO. However, at $280+, the Fehrman First Strike would not have any functional advantage over a Scrap-Weiler. Higher fit and finish - Sorry, but no doubt. But, Bang for the Buck and end usability - Winner: Scrap-Weiler!!!
6) Ranger - RD7 - Would probably need to be an RD8 to compare. Both would be good. Both are good bang for the Buck - SR-77 is much less prone to rust. But, the simple answer - I like Scrap Yard more. - Winner - Scrap-Weiler.
7)Ontario - Rat-7 - Actually seems like a nice knife to me and a good mid-size all-arounder, but my understanding is the Rat-7 actually has a 6.5" blade. Scrap-Weiler should chop circles around it and still be a good all-around user and a higher level of quality - Winner: Scrap-Weiler
8) Becker BK7 - Smaller 7" blade. Still a good/decent mid-size all arounder blade design. But, handles are not as nice as Res-C (IMO) and Not quite in the same league as the Scrap Yard - Winner Scrap-Weiler
9) Becker Tac Tool - Too ugly. Winner - Scrap-Weiler for a lot of reasons.
10) KaBar - Camp Knife - Actually appears to be some similarities in blade shape and size. I have not owned ANY KaBar knives. They just seem even more cheaply made than their prices. Indications are that KaBar is Not in same league as Scrap Yard - Winner Scrap-Weiler
11) Cold Steel - Recon "Scout". 7.5" blade. Good knife mid-sized knife, but blade design isn't great for chopping. I don't personally like double-guards. Top portion of guard always in my way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> The SRK is also a decent knife, but at 6" doesn't compare. Kraton handles not nearly as nice as Res-C IMO - Not really apples to apples, but - Winner: Scrap-Weiler
12) Fallkniven - A1 - Fallkniven makes great knives IMO. But, A1 is very different in size and shape. Great all-arounder, but significantly different sphere of uses. Not as tough as SR-77 - although VG-10 is a GREAT steel in my book. Handle not as good as Res-C. As was already stated, not an apples to apples. But, anyway: Winner: Scrap-Weiler
13) Bark River - Teddy - I am a big Bark River fan. I don't personally care for the fuller on most of the Teddy's, but this knife was also made without the fuller. I also don't like double-guards. But, this knife was also made with single guards. I have a Teddy without fuller and with a single guard (amboynia). VERY nice knife. A2 steel is VERY good stuff in my book. But, as stated, this knife has a 6.25" blade and not an apples to apples comparison. No winner. I will declare this one incompatible comparison. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
14) Bark River - Bravo II - Hasn't been released yet. I don't remember the "estimated" blade length, but I don't believe it will be that big. I think it is supposed to be around 6" - 6.5" (???). Not likely a comparison.
15) Entrek - Elk - Running out of time... must make short. Paul always searching for Stainless. This is 440C. Good, knife for the money. But, not great. I think that is hollow ground. Not my preference for a camp knife or chopper. Also has a double-guard - I don't like. I have dealt with Ray Ennis directly in the past. Nice guy. But.... pretty easily - Winner: Scrap-Weiler.
The Scrap-Weiler would be KING!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
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