OK - I'm looking for that "indispensible" all-purpose 7-8 inch camp, tactical blade....since the Camp Tramp is going for $300+. it's coming down to the Yard Guard vs. SOD.

Y'all have WAY more experience with them both, so...what's your opinion?

If you needed to really depend on one or the other, in a tight bind... in the wild...or an emergency situation...which would you want strapped to your leg or pack???


Thanks dogs....

SOD!

it is hard to go wrong with either. I would get a chopweiler first and then a yard guard. the yg is under rated.

Sod +1

I agree with el clint and CP on this one. BTW hope you had a
very good birthday EC! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
A SOD would be what I take, just because I'm not very
good at sharpening recurve blades.

I could be wrong, but physically, there doesn't seem to
be very much difference between the SOD, CT and Yard Gaurd.
These are the specs that I've been able to find on the three knives.
The "N/A's" mean that I haven't been able to find out those specs.

SOD
Steel: SR-77
Hardness: 58 - 60 Rc
Handle: Resiprene C
Thickness: .250"
Blade Length: 7 1/2"
Overall Length: 12 1/2"
Balance Point: Slightly to the front of the choil (My observation).
Weight: N/A (Haven't weighed it but it is slightly heavier than the CT in my hands)

Yard Guard
Steel: SR-77
Hardness: 58 - 60 Rc
Handle: Resiprene C
Thickness: Approx. .280"
Blade Length: 7”
Overall Length: 12”
Balance Point: N/A
Weight: N/A

Camp Tramp
Steel: SR-101
Hardness: 58 - 60 RC Differentially hardened.
Handle:Resiprene C
Thickness: .250"
Blade Length: 7 1/4"
Overall Length:
Balance Point: About the middle of the choil
Weight: 390 g

The differences that I see are the recurve, and the balance.
Obviously, the recurve is a big difference here.
Not having a YG, I can't say anything about that, but the SOD
is a bit more "blade heavy" than the CT which feels more balanced.

They're all about the same size and physical dimensions with the
SOD being the longest. I don't have a Yard Guard, but I do have
the other 2, and have put a few pictures up to look at for comparison.
Maybe there's a very lucky (and smart) DAWG out there who has
all 3 and would post pics of them all together.

A couple of pictures of the SOD CT comparison.

Have both. Like SOD a little better.

I like the SODLE. It is light and still chops well.



But for a hard core tactical knife, the more expensive NMSFNO is very nice.

I don't think ya can beat a ChopWeiler but they seem to hold their value well so in regards to those you mention I think I'd go for a SOD. I even think the SOD looks nicer than the CampTramp but will maybe not hold an edge as well.

My camp tramp smoked my yard guard in dropping shrubs and small trees I had to clear last year so I said adios to the YG.

Everybody is saying the SOD does as well as the CT, so I say SOD!

sod! touch the factory edge up a bit and its a great knife for the money. i know mine can take a beatin and keep on tickin

Most bang for the buck - SOD! I have it in my bug out/natural disaster bag.

Well said! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> (but in all fairness, all 3 are great knives <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)!