Today I took possession of my new Yard Keeper LE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />!
I wanted to provide a qualitative review of it for my fellow Dogs that might not ever get a chance to behold such a magnificent blade!
Here's the technical information:
BLADE LENGTH = 4.5"
BLADE MATERIAL = SR-77
FINISH = Satin (GORGEOUS!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />)
THICKNESS = .267" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
HANDLE = Res-C
RELEASE: 2007 Blade Show
Onto my impressions:
First - this knife fits my hand PERFECTLY! The handle size and design is incomparable. The knife feels like an extension of me!
![[Linked Image from i40.tinypic.com]](http://i40.tinypic.com/qo95ld.jpg)
Second - the balance is exactly how I want a knife to feel: solid in the handle, but a little blade heavy. The knife feels oddly light, yet "hefty" at the same time. This incredible balance conveys a sense that you could chisel thorough an engine block or delicately carve a Fillet Mignon at Ruth's Chris.
Third - this is a gorgeous knife. Its clean lines and impeccable satin finish contrast beautifully with its brutality. I think this blade would look equally welcome on a industrial foreman's hip or accompanying a gentleman to the country club.
Fourth - This knife is SCARY sharp!!!
In summation, this is as close to "perfect" as a "general purpose" fixed blade knife can be. I didn't think the RMD would be easily knocked from my "favorite knife" pedestal, but the YKLE has done it. If Dan released these today, I'd order at least 3 more (probably 4 or 5). Why so many of the same knife? Because a full flat ground satin finish SR77 with a nicely proportioned Res-C handle would never EVER leave my side....I would EDC that blade to meetings with clients and long range hiking trips alike.
Since I only have the one copy, she will remain safely nestled in my Safe.
Before you look at the pictures, I want to give a very big and public
THANK YOU to Tom (aka Private Klink) for sharing this fine blade with me. Tom, thank you very much - this knife is everything you said it would be and much more <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />. To everyone reading this I can say: Tom epitomizes the spirit of the Yard!
Since you're all here for the pics <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
![[Linked Image from i42.tinypic.com]](http://i42.tinypic.com/9a2rg7.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i39.tinypic.com]](http://i39.tinypic.com/2q3u2vt.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i43.tinypic.com]](http://i43.tinypic.com/ygfur.jpg)
Dan is a master - LONG LIVE THE YARD!