OK lads it looks like I'm in the market for a thicker/meatier blade, these two boys look the part.


Blade Steel = SR-77, Blade Length = 4 1/2", Overall Length = 9", Thickness = .267", Handle = Respirine C


Blade Steel = SR101, Blade Length = 4 1/2", Overall = 9", Thickness = 1/4",
Handle = Resiprene C

As most of you already know, I have a YKCG coming my way. So some here might ask why are you looking at the same sort of lines in your next blade. Reason being is that for the work I do I prefer my blades staying under 5", 3.5-4" being just about perfect. Although I cannot see a 4.5" blade giving me too much grief boning/chopping up a deer. Plus I really like the look(beefy design) of these two.

I know the SE & Fats are gone(out of production) & are hard to get but I have seen the odd SE popping up & I've come across one or two second-hand Fats getting around.

Question is, apart from the choil on the SWHF what is the difference between these two knives? And how does the SR101 compare with the SR-77 steel?

Thanks in advance,

338 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


PS-If anyone knows of any Fats or SE's getting around drop me a PM.

i don't have these knives but i can tell you that SR-77 is the tougher steel, SR-101 has better edge retention. in a smaller blade, i'd prefer SR-101 since it won't be taking all the shock associated with large chopping blades. personally, i also prefer the large choil of the rat.

I don't have a Howling Fat, but from a design standpoint, I would take the YKLE mainly because I lean more towards having more blade and less choil vs. more choil and less blade.

From a steel standpoint, either one works for me. I really like SR101 and I have been able to put a great edge on my SR101 blades. SR77 is obvisouly tough stuff and has worked well for my uses (mainly camping and hiking).

The choice would boil down to availability to me. Good luck.

I believe I've seen the Fats and SE on the bladeforums.

I have the same thoughts as Ron (Jeepsrock) on the choils. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

+2

For what it's worth, this is my opinion...

For me a knife should either have next to no choil or a very usable choil so in the case of the two knives mentioned I'd go with the very usable choil of the Howler. Regarding the steel both are great but if you are preparing deer etc I would take the one with the greatest edge holding ability which once again is the Howler !

+3

I have a Keeper, Great little knife. I don't have the Howler but I'm sure it's a great knife though.

Me, too. On a blade that size, more blade and less choil, please.

Couldn't help myself, NIB Yard Keeper LE coming my way <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> . Still wouldn't mind a "Howling Fat" though, it's got a certain ring to it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


338

If you're wanting a smaller fatty, don't forget about the original Dumpster Mutt <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />