So I cleaned up the knife a little bit, and ran it over an old unloaded strop to at least get some of the gunk and tar out of the damaged bit of the blade so I could snap some pictures of the damage. Here goes:
![[Linked Image from farm4.static.flickr.com]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3451115164_533298125e_b.jpg)
![[Linked Image from farm4.static.flickr.com]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3450298609_52b232a4a3_b.jpg)
![[Linked Image from farm4.static.flickr.com]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3451113992_e3a1484d55_b.jpg)
I honestly didn't think I abused it THAT hard - unless there was a nail in the birch that I didn't see or something? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> The damage looks to be mostly chipping, so it will take some work to get rid of it.
Great introduction to a new knife, eh? Had it less than a day and I'm already breaking chunks off <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
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Just confirmed it - not only did some idiot drive a nail deep into the tree who knows how long ago, but they used a hardened tapered shank masonry nail. Now I don't feel nearly as bad about the performance of the edge - I was pounding the hell out of that thing to get it through there, thinking it was just a big knot. Guest that'll teach me to check out the wood a bit more carefully if I am having problems batoning it.
I am glad I kept reading.
I read your first concerns about SR-101 edge holding up and was dubious. Then I saw those pics and was thinking WHAT THE HECK. I have seen SR-101 look better after chopping cinder blocks.
I am very glad you discovered the hardened nails and posted as much. SR-101 really has amazing edge properties and holds up VERY well.
On the other hand, I do have to agree about the weight and balance of certain recent Swamp Rat knives. I never had the Mojo. I might have considered picking one up, but I had picked up an M6 first. To me, the M6's handle is just too heavy for a blade that size for my preferences. I think the handle needs to be skeletonized or otherwise trimmed down in weight or something. The Scrap Yard S6 just had WAY better balance and feel in the hand to me than the M6. For those who like the feel of just a heavy chunk of steel and don't care for balance, the M6 might be a great? To me, the M6 had more of a chunky sharpened pry-bar with scales feel to it. And while that might be great for some, it just isn't what I look for in a 6" knife.
I might have preferred it with a .20" thick blade or so????
The handle shape, size and feel was O.K. to me, but I felt it could have been trimmed down in size a bit (and weight as mentioned).
Luckily, the RMD is trimmed down in size. The RMD's handle feels "Right" for the size of the knife.
Since the Mojos had the same handle as the M6 and not much more blade, I wasn't so interested. I still have my Yard Guard though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> But, my Camp Tramp and RMD still rule. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
The new S5 won't be replacing the Camp Tramp. But, it might very well make the RMD a bit nervous. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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