I personally think that the SARSquatch should have been made by the Swamp outta SR101 as it looks to be a great user blade but because it wears a Busse badge most are just going to gather dust in drawers or safes !
I still think that this should be the design that Dan takes up and sticks a resC handle on.
I doubt it will be any better at chopping than the Chopweiler but instead should prove a better all round knife due to it's thinner stock.
The SARSquatch kinda reminds me of the the knife you expect to see old mountain men with stuck into a log near the campfire while their rabbit sizzles away over the hot coals !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

HD,

What do you consider a medium chopper? Would a Yard Hook or Yard Guard do?

good insight, pit.

Yes, but both the Ratweiler and the Ranger RD7 chop better for some reason. You would think that the YG/YH would do as well as a Camp Tramp. Maybe they do. I haven't tried a Camp Tramp yet. That would be an interesting comparison. I consider a medium chopper to have a blade from 7" to 8". That would include the RAT-7, Becker BK-7, Ranger RD7, Entrek Destroyer, MOD 4, Chopweiler, Camp Tramp, and the Yard Guard/Hook.

The big ones have 9" to 10.5" blades. The FBM, FFBM, RTAK, Becker 9, Becker Brute, Ranger RD9, Ontario Survival Bowie, Kershaw Outcast,and Dog Fathers are the some of my big ones.

Can not wait for the Report HD....I love my Chopweiler but have been eyeing the SARquatch as well !

I don't have the SARSquatch (....yet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> ), but I do have both the Chopweiler and CT.

To me, between the Chopweiler and the CT, the Chopweiler is a better chopper and the CT is a better all-around / versatile knife while still maintaining "good" chopping abilities.


The blades are fairly similar, but the Chopweiler has about 1/2" more reach AND weighs a lot more overall. The blades are both similar in thickness. So, it mostly comes down to more weight and more reach add to slightly improved chopping for the Chopweiler.

The Res-C handle on the CT is very comfortable. While I like the Chopweiler's handle quite a lot, I still prefer the Res-C handles for chopping over the Chopweiler. The Res-C handles offer a very secure and controlled, yet versatile and tactile feel. The Chopweiler's grip allows and/or requires a little bit of a slip motion in the chopping which is sometimes good and sometimes not. I just prefer the good ol' secure Res-C. I like Res-C for Chopping. But, honestly, I am not a Chop-A-Holic like Vic. So, while I like Res-C for chopping, I don't "Have" to have Res-C for chopping. It is just different.

But, I "DO" like the "Balance", feel and general light-weight vs. excellent all-around utility of the Camp Tramp. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

On the other hand, I like the dropped point of the Chopweiler more. So, while I honestly prefer SR-101, I feel my Scrapweiler design combines what I consider some of the better features of the Chopweiler including it's blade shape and some of it's chopping power with the CT's Res-C handle, lighter weight, balance in the hand and versatility. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I think Vic and I agree though, the Chopweiler has an excellent design in the handle for chopping - even if not Res-C.

Based on Specs, I can't see the SARSquatch being a better chopper than the Chopweiler. But, it is likely in between the Chopweiler and Camp Tramp in versatility and I would guess possibly not as good a chopper as the Camp Tramp.


The SARSquatch is shorter, thinner and lighter than the Chopweiler and with more handle weight and less blade weight ("theoretically"!!!... based on specs - I don't have the SARSquatch, but I am also interested in one - possibly....

But, I don't see the SARSquatch as a better chopper alternative to my Chopweiler or even the CT. I do see the SARSquatch as a micarta handled competitor to the CT as a great all-around camp type knife. - ..... Also comparable to the Skinny Ash as both the SARSquatch and Skinny Ash have 0.187" thick blades.

While the SARSquatch looks and probably is very similar in design to the SFNO, the SFNO had .22' - .25" thick blades which would (theoretically) make the SFNO much more blade heavy and most likely more suited for chopping than the SARSquatch. But, my "guess" is that I would likely consider the balance of the SARSquatch to be slightly favorable for all-around general camp use (?????)
I do like the look of the SFNO myself... just not the price. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Compared to the SFNO, I will have to stick with and be happy with my Chopweiler. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> The Chopweiler may not be as fancy looking as the SFNO, but it is a work-horse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.... Truth of the matter though, I honestly find my Battle Rat followed by my DFLE to be my two favorite choppers and my favorite mid-sized knives are my CT and SJTAC - for different reasons. SJTAC is not a chopper to me, while the CT is VERY versatile. So, my Chopweiler, as much as I will never let it go, is a little lost in the shuffle... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I am basing my "Theory" of the Chopweiler and even likely the CT being better at "Chopping" over the SARSquatch on the fact that the SARSquatch's blade is only 0.187" thick vs. .24" thick on the Chopweiler; the Chopweiler has a longer blade and people are saying the SARSquatch has a very large and thick handle. Also, they both have similar full tang and micarta/G10 type handles. - All this combined "should" (Theoretically) make the Chopweiler MUCH more blade heavy than the SARSquatch.


The reason for the Chopweiler being a good chopper (IMO) is overall weight and reach. It has good weight distribution, but a different feel than the CT. I think the over-all weight is what give the nudge advantage to the Chopweiler in chopping. The extra weight just adds a little more oomph power to each swing.

The reason for the CT being good at chopping is weight distribution and speed with reasonable power and control. It doesn't have the over-all mass of the Chopweiler, but it is more blade heavy via ratio. So, while it is faster and nimble in the hand than the Chopweiler, the CT is still able to deliver pretty decent power to the blade. But, the CT is lighter and faster. So, the CT is EASILY better than the Chopweiler for limbing and palmettos (IMO).

But...., the Battle Rat and DFLE are both better at chopping AND limbing than either the Chopweiler or CT.

On the other hand, the CT is more versatile for other chores than chopping than the Battle Rat or DFLE.


SFNO……………………….= ??.? ounces; .22” - .25” thick; 7.0” blade, 13.1” oal (est.)

**** I can't find the weight on the SFNO anywhere

SARSquatch………… = 17.0 ounces; .1875” thick; 7.0” blade; 12.75” oal

Yard Guard..............= 16.0 ounces; .277" thick; 7.25" blade; 12.4" oal
Camp Tramp............= 14.5 ounces; .236" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal
Ratweiler (orig.)……. = 20.1 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5” blade; 13” oal
Chopweiler - Micarta = 19.1 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5625” blade; 13.1875” oal
Chopweiler – G10….. = 20.5 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5625” blade; 13.1875” oal



With the SARSquatch's, specs, I consider it a good candidate for a versatile camp knife and I think it should compare more to the Skinny Ash. But, I honestly can't see the SARSquatch comparing to the Chopweiler and not likely well with the CT for chopping.

In any event, I am always interested and look forward to Vic's Chop-Off's. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


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KnifeGuy,

I agree with ya after seeing the spec's myself. You bring up some really good points. Still very interested in seeing the actual results.

Vic,

Don't forget to put the same edge on all of them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Interesting specs, KG. Have you compared your Camp Tramp to a Yard Guard as a user? On paper, the YG should chop about as well. Does it?

All three will get a good convex edge. All three will still have the coating on. I will have adequate wood for a fair and honest comparison. Knives will be tested for chopping wood against a chopping block, slashing free-standing saplings, and slashing lighter vegetation like palmetto fronds and grasses. And I agree about all-around performance. I find the DFLE to have superior all-around performance to the DF, but the heavier DF can outchop it.

Vic,

I do have both the Yard Guard and CT.

I don't have time to research some of my past posts. I need to post this and run.


Here is one: Camp Tramp vs Yard Guard @ Swamp Rat - Rat Chat --- There are multiple posts with more comments within that thread. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

And a pic of both of mine (both stripped, both with modified choils and lowered thumb ramp on the YG):




I have commented many times in the past about the Yard Guard being a under-appreciated knife that didn't get the attention it deserved.

Historically, people rant and rave about the CT - and it deserves it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, the Yard Guard never got near as much love. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Many people don't like recurves for various reasons.


I mainly just prefer the general "Feel" and balance of the CT. But, it is an odd thing that can't be explained on paper. You have to hold both.
The differences are reasonably subtle, but still plenty noticable in the hand.

On the other hand, "feel" is very subjective.


Honestly though, I do also tend to prefer SR-101 on my blades over SR-77. So, that is another advantage to me for the CT over the YG IMO. (sorry.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />)


The S6 is fairly stout and and you like the S6 a lot. So, who knows? You might prefer the feel of YG over the CT (????).

Not nearly as close a comparison, but I prefer the balance of my (modified) SJTAC over the S6.


But, the YG and CT are VERY close in many ways. And especially when you consider the price differences, I still say the YG was under-appreciated.


However, if priced the same, I would take the CT every time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


If I could have a Scrapweiler in INFI or even SR-101, I might be in my own little Heaven. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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Here is an older pic of my CT after cleaning it up and back when my Chopweiler was new.




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