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 SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
#297033
06/13/09 03:01 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139
Joshua J.
OP
Mutt
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OP
Mutt
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139 |
Now that the ground has been thawed for a month and a bit, and the trees have all grown in, I decided to do a little chopping test. While I didn't go hard-core chopping all day, this was my first time actually using the two knives at the same time. Starting with some light trimming, to chopping some dead 2-1/2" tree trunk (very dry). Trimming, the Becker won hands down. the extra reach and thin stock made it more like a machete (probably the proper tool for the job anyway), and the thin edge of the BK-9 bites into flexible twigs much better. One note, When I'm trimming live twigs. I find it best to hold the knife edge-up and give it a snappy upward cut; pulling the twig away from the branch and cutting fairly cleanly (just don't hit yourself in the face), rather than the downward stroke which usually ends in tearing bark halfway down the branch. The BK-9 performed very well with this maneuver, but I just couldn't get the right grip on my SOD to get it to cut cleanly. It's probably a matter of the blade being shorter, angled forward, and the edge is just a little too thick for the job. Chopping, the Becker outdid the SOD again. On 1" branches the 9" blade was better able to get momentum and cleanly cut through. With the 2-1/2 trunk it was still heavy enough to put some force into it, but the thin edge cut deeper with each chop. There was one situation where the SOD did a better job. cutting a 3" stump in a crowded area. When you don't have too much room for a swing the SOD does pretty well. In general, there was one glaring difference between the two knives. The thin edge on the BK-9. It just cuts better. The SOD even had a fresh edge, but it was just plain too thick to compete. Not that I'm going to give up on it, I've spent more hours than I care to count grinding down a stock profile into something delicate and oh so sweet to cut with. On the plus side, I am dead set in my love of the Res-C handle. Comfy beyond words (I wish Busse would use it on the Mistress). When the Regulator comes out I'll have to do a comparison of all three. At 1/3" thick that knife will be no slouch of a chopper. If only we could get a Zero Edge for the LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297034
06/13/09 03:13 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725
banana-clip
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725 |
Nice review, i figured that the SOD would win hands down because of the weight. I have a Becker BK7 and it is super light compared to the SOD. Great comparison.
JYD #85
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: banana-clip]
#297035
06/13/09 03:19 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,198
Bushman5
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,198 |
its funny, i used to think the BK7 (and 9) was HEAVY, then i got my SOD......and the SOD now and every knife i have feels light as a feather......
speed cutting.........
JUNKYARD DAWG #86
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297036
06/13/09 03:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688
MRpink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688 |
If only we could get a Zero Edge for the LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> you know that's not impossible, you can always do it yourself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
JYD #56
Scrap Yard Sword Club #00
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Bushman5]
#297037
06/13/09 03:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725
banana-clip
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725 |
its funny, i used to think the BK7 (and 9) was HEAVY, then i got my SOD......and the SOD now and every knife i have feels light as a feather......
speed cutting......... Yeah, I just love the weight of the SOD. Its the perfect balanced midsized knife.
JYD #85
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: banana-clip]
#297038
06/13/09 03:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688
MRpink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688 |
Yeah, heavy isn't always bad, really depends on the balance/feel.
JYD #56
Scrap Yard Sword Club #00
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: MRpink]
#297039
06/13/09 03:45 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725
banana-clip
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725 |
Yeah, heavy isn't always bad, really depends on the balance/feel. I agree on that...the SOD has a great balance to me. It feels good like the FSH does to me.
JYD #85
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: banana-clip]
#297040
06/13/09 04:35 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,198
Bushman5
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,198 |
JUNKYARD DAWG #86
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Bushman5]
#297041
06/13/09 05:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,902
mcjhrobinson
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,902 |
nice reviews JJ! got any pics from any of this?
i wonder how a convexed edge SOD would work against that bk9?
"Hey, this sure beats paying a Shrink $200.00 an hour" - Skunk Hunter
JYD #65
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: mcjhrobinson]
#297042
06/13/09 06:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139
Joshua J.
OP
Mutt
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OP
Mutt
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139 |
Oddly enough, my BK-9 is heavier than the SOD, almost a full ounce (16.688oz.) Neither of my SOD's go over one pound.
Balance is another thing that seemed better with the Becker. I could hit the sweet spot a lot easier.
Which reminds me. Having a 9" blade isn't just good for leverage and reach, it keeps your hand away from all the stuff you're chopping. I noticed a bit of hesitation with the SOD since the sweet spot is a lot closer to the handle on that knife than it is with the BK-9. Once I got in a good rhythm on the tree trunk it wasn't an issue, but when you're reaching into the brush it sure is.
Which is kind of a silly point to make.
I already know that my 14" heavy machete will clear brush faster than just about anything out there, and I usually resort to nippers after my arms are worn out anyway.
Which sometimes makes me wonder what I really need more brutish knives for? Sometimes...
Thankfully moments of insanity don't usually last too long.
Mmm Regulator.
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297043
06/13/09 06:33 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,061
Simon
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
... Having a 9" blade isn't just good for leverage and reach, it keeps your hand away from all the stuff you're chopping. +1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> long and light is good=WAKI WAKI WAKI WAKI!!!
JYD #89
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297044
06/13/09 06:34 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,902
mcjhrobinson
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,902 |
JJ you need brute knives for every room in the house....one for the car...etc.!! also when i got my SOD the factory edge wasnt what i wanted....i had the same problem as you with the limbing. after it got a sweet convex edge it was as good as my golok. machetes are great tools for clearing! right tool for the right job! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> the regulator sure is looking like it might be hefty! but i think that swedge will even everything out and also that bump in the tang.
"Hey, this sure beats paying a Shrink $200.00 an hour" - Skunk Hunter
JYD #65
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297045
06/13/09 09:21 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 238
Agent Iron
Mutt
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Mutt
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 238 |
Your test and conclusions were exactly the same as mine. I love my SOD a ton....there is no knife that I have handled more since receiving it, but that BK9 is one heck of a knife. Ethan may not use exotic steels, but he knows how to make some fuctional tools. Thanks for the review! Now that the ground has been thawed for a month and a bit, and the trees have all grown in, I decided to do a little chopping test. While I didn't go hard-core chopping all day, this was my first time actually using the two knives at the same time. Starting with some light trimming, to chopping some dead 2-1/2" tree trunk (very dry). Trimming, the Becker won hands down. the extra reach and thin stock made it more like a machete (probably the proper tool for the job anyway), and the thin edge of the BK-9 bites into flexible twigs much better. One note, When I'm trimming live twigs. I find it best to hold the knife edge-up and give it a snappy upward cut; pulling the twig away from the branch and cutting fairly cleanly (just don't hit yourself in the face), rather than the downward stroke which usually ends in tearing bark halfway down the branch. The BK-9 performed very well with this maneuver, but I just couldn't get the right grip on my SOD to get it to cut cleanly. It's probably a matter of the blade being shorter, angled forward, and the edge is just a little too thick for the job. Chopping, the Becker outdid the SOD again. On 1" branches the 9" blade was better able to get momentum and cleanly cut through. With the 2-1/2 trunk it was still heavy enough to put some force into it, but the thin edge cut deeper with each chop. There was one situation where the SOD did a better job. cutting a 3" stump in a crowded area. When you don't have too much room for a swing the SOD does pretty well. In general, there was one glaring difference between the two knives. The thin edge on the BK-9. It just cuts better. The SOD even had a fresh edge, but it was just plain too thick to compete. Not that I'm going to give up on it, I've spent more hours than I care to count grinding down a stock profile into something delicate and oh so sweet to cut with. On the plus side, I am dead set in my love of the Res-C handle. Comfy beyond words (I wish Busse would use it on the Mistress). When the Regulator comes out I'll have to do a comparison of all three. At 1/3" thick that knife will be no slouch of a chopper. If only we could get a Zero Edge for the LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Agent Iron]
#297046
06/13/09 12:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725
banana-clip
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725 |
Beckers were my first favorite fixed blade knives. I own a BK7 and the Crewman, great knives for the money and a heck of a deal before Camillus went under. Don't know much about the new Beckers.
JYD #85
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Post deleted by Private Klink
[Re: banana-clip]
#297047
06/13/09 12:46 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: banana-clip]
#297048
06/13/09 12:50 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,179
CruelRaoul
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,179 |
Thanks for the nice comparison. I don't own either knife, but it sounds like the comparison came down to size and sharpness mismatch.
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
#297049
06/13/09 02:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725
banana-clip
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,725 |
I've read good reviews on the new Beckers, banana-clip. I picked up a BK-2 and it's a beast! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Having said that, I still prefer the best balanced, mid-sized knife Scrap Yard has made so far . . . the Scrapper 6! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I heard the new Beckers were good too, and I like the Scrapyards much better too!!! For midsized you can't beat the SOD or S6
JYD #85
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Post deleted by Private Klink
[Re: banana-clip]
#297050
06/13/09 03:44 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
#297051
06/13/09 03:45 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,654
MustardMan
Permanently banned
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Permanently banned
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,654 |
I would go one further and put RAT right about on the same level as Scrap Yard - their warranty is every bit as good! (blasphemy, I know) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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Post deleted by Private Klink
[Re: MustardMan]
#297052
06/13/09 03:49 PM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: MustardMan]
#297053
06/13/09 03:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,668
sumoj275
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,668 |
I have wanted to try out a Becker for a while. Like everything else in OK, you pretty much have to order it as you can not find the good stuff at the local brick and mortar stores. I do appreciate the comparison.
Men you can't trust, women you can't trust, beasts you can't trust, but Bussekin steel you can trust
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: MustardMan]
#297054
06/13/09 04:10 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 332
archangel
Mongrel
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Mongrel
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 332 |
Having used an sold hundreds of knives , the Becker Brute was a longtime jungle knife I used for camp and building shelter with. A good heavy duty blade. Then I found TOPS , these knives were all tactical ,1095 heavy duty , multiple mission/use designs. They proved very valuable in the field of combat and survival. Above these, the Busse family of knives , outshines any of the others I've tested , used or sold. Scrapyard has the top position for price to performance...feel , durability. There not High priced...just high quality. Even to top end Busses are worth EVERY cent for what you get....wouldn't give up my for gold. Other knive are just OK to play with ,But something called "Pride of Ownership" comes to mind with our Dogs ,Hogs and Rats.
(archangel) instrument of Gods wrath
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Post deleted by Private Klink
[Re: archangel]
#297055
06/13/09 04:15 PM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
#297056
06/14/09 06:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139
Joshua J.
OP
Mutt
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 139 |
Thanks for the up beat comments guys!
At first I was a little worried there would be some backlash for someone liking a competitor's knife more (at least initially), but you guys have all done very well.
I wouldn't be on this forum if Scrapyard knives weren't the best. Where else can you find heavy duty knives made with S-7, an impeccable heat treat, Res-C handles, and the best warranty in the business, all in the same place.
If there's anything I got out of the comparison, it's that it would be really nice to see some more Zero Edge knives. That kind of cutting performance out of the box would top it all off and make these things darn near perfect choppers right off the bat.
I realize you can't have that kind of edge on all of them. A super thin edge won't hold up under a lot of conditions that people should expect the toughest knives in the world to breeze through, and ask for more.
The LE knives would be a good place to do the Zero Edges though, those knives are probably babied a little more, and if you advertise the Zero Edge enough people should know what they're getting themselves into.
If we could rally some support for a Zero Edge Regulator, and maybe a run of the Dog Father, that would be great.
I think I'll start another thread on it.
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297057
06/15/09 05:56 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,061
Simon
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
A pic of my BK9. Itīs got a nice patina ![[Linked Image from i283.photobucket.com]](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk301/simonby/P6150003.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i283.photobucket.com]](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk301/simonby/P6150008.jpg)
JYD #89
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: Joshua J.]
#297058
06/15/09 07:07 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,250
DocSavage
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,250 |
Which is kind of a silly point to make. I already know that my 14" heavy machete will clear brush faster than just about anything out there, and I usually resort to nippers after my arms are worn out anyway. Mmm Regulator. [/quote] The phenomenon you are experiencing is true machete use... what a machete is meant to do... a 14" machete is useless in a continual chopping scenario... 24" is the minimal in a sustained clearing endeavor... You cannot expect a large knife to chop like a machete.. it ain't gonna happen... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Large knives are not machetes...Machetes are not large knives... Can you use one for the other....sure... but it just doesn't feel right.... think of your tools... is a butter knife a screwdriver?... but how many of us have used it as such... the right tool for the right job... SY knives as I see them offer strong, well made, custom, well designed knives that deliver superior performance in their realm... Buy a big knife to do big knife things.... buy a machete to do machete things...the right tool for the job... 'nuff said end of line Doc
JYD #129
You should meet my JYD Brother of the Clock...
Sar5....
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
#297059
06/15/09 09:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,060
DotD
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,060 |
I've used both in similar situations, and have noticed similar results to what Joshua says. Both knives have factory edges on them. The SOD feels heavier and has a far more comfortable handle than the BK9. I just plain don't like the handles on the BK9. They're supposed to be ergonomic, but sure don't feel that way to me. I've taken to wrapping white hockey tape around the handle just to help. As the tape wears out too soon, I'm going to have to give it the bike tire inner tube treatment soon. I like both knives a lot, but feel that if the SOD were given a Horn Dog edge, that there would be very different results to a chop off. Given a SHTF situation like bld522 talks about, I too would feel very comfortable reaching for a Becker, RAT Cutlery or a Ranger. Thankfully though, I take my Camp Tramp with me everywhere (except the shower), but it sits there on the bathroom counter... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> for when I get out of the shower. Cheers
Dawgs travel in packs; Don't mess with the pack
JYD#62
Dave
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: DotD]
#297060
06/16/09 09:15 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 332
archangel
Mongrel
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Mongrel
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 332 |
Come on...can anything really beat a SoD (S)pecial(C)ustom(L)imitd(E)dition VEX by HornDog????
(archangel) instrument of Gods wrath
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Re: SOD and Becker 9 comparo.
[Re: archangel]
#297061
06/16/09 09:20 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,179
CruelRaoul
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,179 |
Come on...can anything really beat a SoD (S)pecial(C)ustom(L)imitd(E)dition VEX by HornDog???? Other than it's daddy with a HD vexing, not in my book <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
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