One of the problems we all face when buying knives on line or from catalogs is the inablilty to compare what we think are similar knives. Take the Yard Keeper and Ranger RD4. These are just not similar knives, but both are thought of as 4" knives. The RD4 is a full-sized knife, weighing 14 oz and having a blade over 5" long, 1 11/16" wide, and 1/4" thick. It has a 4" cutting edge. The Yard Keeper is a much smaller, handier knife that weighs about 4.5 oz with a 4.5" blade that is 3/16" thick and 1 3/8" wide.


Bulk and weight are considerations when choosing a knife. The Scrapper 6 has a 6.5" blade but only weighs 11.5 oz, compared to the RD6 at 15.5 oz and the RD4 at 14 oz. The DMLE has a 5 1/8" blade and only weighs 7 oz.
Left to right, YK, DMLE, RD4, S6, and RD6.

Top to bottom: RD6, S6, RD4, DMLE, and YK. I hope this helps for any of you shopping for knives in these sizes.

Great info, Vic, Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Wow, what a difference! I never realized the RD-4 was so different, I've been considering one of those, I'll take that info into consideration.

I really like the size and weight of my Keeper, makes a pretty darn good EDC! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I hope Dan makes some more eventually. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you get a RD4, make two kydex sheaths for it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Who knows? Maybe the next YK will be in some "numbers and letters" stainless. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

wow, I had actully been told the rd4 was a big knife, but this comparison realy shows it, it's similar in size to the s6.
really cool information, and your right about not being able to compare knives from online sources and magazines.
thats why it's good to ask for real comparisons onf forums.
thanks vic, I HAVE to buy an rd6 sometime and its good to see it's size in comparison to a knife I have.
I love the size of the rd6, looke juet about perfect for what I want too.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

That's a good point ya make Vic !

I nearly ordered an RD4 a while back as I was wanting a small but stout edc, after a little research I realised just how big they are !!!

Right, pitman. If you wanted a knife similar to the YK but with micarta scales, the HRLM or one of the Bark Rivers would do, but not the RD4. I see you found a Ratmandu. That is one of my favorites, like a thinner Dumpster Mutt with micarta or G10 scales. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with the RD4. Its a great camp knife. It is just a bit bigger and heavier than most folks realize.

Thanks for the comparison. I did not realise the RD4 was that big either. I do have my eye on an RD6. I don't have any Ranger knives yet, but feel like I need at least one to see what they are like. Thanks for the info.

Thanks horn Dog, I was interested in all those! Awesome comparison, It really makes me want the scrapper 6. The Rd-4 with a slightly thinner blade and false edge would be awsome too!

You're welcome, amc. Sometimes it helps to see the various models side by side. While the Scrapper 6 may look rather plain, it has that perfect balance and "feel" that make it a joy to use. It can chop, slice, or stick. It is light, fast, strong and tough. The perfect all-around field knife IMO.

that rd4 looks awesome. hadn't realized it was that heavy.

my list is only one knife long right now, the wenger evo88. plenty of room to consider that ranger. i have an ang khola lighter than that at 11.5" overall.

The RD4 is a beastly, sort of clunky thing. No finese. That is it's charm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I lust after a S6LE.

The RD4 is really a 4 inch version of the RD series. It would make a wicked bowie with a sharp clip and a bit thinner steel and possibly wood scales.

The Muttly is a very little big knife. It packs a lot of knife in a small package.

My list is silly long.

Boker trench knife.
Barkie scalpel
Buck hartsook
old school Puma with stag handle
Browning comp knife
the next Mule
Several WW1 bayonets (in the mail)
Wapinicia Str8 razors 3 (also in the mail)

Plus lots of knife related stuff

8000/4000 Norton stone
Strop
Trail hawk
several Rainwalker sheaths.
And that is all I can think of off the top of my head.