Well I got my SOD on Friday and as it happen we also went down with a storm. Lost a tree so I decided today to do some chopping (not the most logical decision, a chain saw is a bit more efficient) to test the SOD against the Benchmark of camp knives: Her Majesty The Ratweiler.

First impressions on the SOD: the balance of the knife tips towards the front, the balance point is somewhere around the choil. And speaking of the choil: yes it is angular and don't ask me if this makes sense or if it is just a marketing ploy to differentiate the Yard. Fact is that it is comfortable, it detracts of the blade length but frankly this is not relevant.

Also the SOD and The Weiler are extremely close in size, both sport their Bowie heritage with the clip point and the overall "size matters" attitude:


The SOD handle is bigger than I thought but very comfortable, cold is not an issue here so if a tang is hidden or not doesn't really matter. The grip is great. The Weiler handle sports a design hump which makes the handle very easy to grip, not the best thing while chopping but great when you do any detail work.


The chopping was fairly even although you can hold better onto the Weiler grip. Nevertheless because of the balance (or lack thereoff) the SOD feels more at home than the Weiler when you whack limbs.

On average I still prefer the Weiler, because the knife feels a lot lighter than it really is due to its neutral weight distribution, the SOD feels heavier. On the plus side the SOD has muscled its way into my heart, did a camping trip over the weekend and took the SOD. It also fits great into the old cordura sheaths from the Swamp, actually it fits better than the Weiler because it is slightly fatter.

It is one great knife, destined to be a classic. If you didn't buy it directly run to the secondary market because the SOD is a keeper.

thanks for the photos and review bodhi, 2 great knives.


how did the edge hold up on all that chopping?

Both are razor sharp, no issue.

Great pics, and review...Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks !! I am thinking the SOD is one heck of a value !! Makes me think of SOD/ Camp Tramp . They are all great knives for sure and I am betting " head to head" for performance. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Although the link that Bruce posts about CT is pretty darn impressive too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />!! Thank You

Man! I reaaally need to get a Ratweiler. I love my CW, but every time I see a RW, I get a feeling of "need".

Nice pants for the Ratweiler!

I think you'll fine the SOD, Camp Tramp, Ratweiler, and Chopweiler all very close in chopping performance, which is to say above the others in their class. The only non-Busse knife I can think of that performs close is the Ranger RD7. No way the Becker BK-7 or Ont/RAT-7 can touch those in chopping. Yes, I have them all. Nice comparison. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Plus One!!!

The RW is top on my list too... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Oh Yea... Nice pics and review, bodhi. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The Ratweiler just has them all beat in the looks department. It's just flat SEXY!

I truely love them both however it is going to be hard pressed to find a sexier blade than the Weiler

bodhi,
Those pics are great.
I have the same combo right now, except that my Rat is tan/muddy
and my SOD is black/black. Just the opposite of yours.
The blade on my Rat is just a little bit longer if you line up the choils
together, and both feel about the same weight.
I did find too that the balance points were different.
When my Camp Tramp gets here, I'll post pics of all three together.

Great shots!
Cheers