I got back from physical therapy yesterday and found an orange slip in my door, indicating I missed a shipment. I drove to the post office today (first time driving since the surgery) and picked up the box. Got home and unwrapped about 9 1/2" of differentially heat treated SR-101 with sterile black coating and black micarta grips on a subhilt handle! This has been on my "grail" list since I first knew about it. I gotta say, this thing is a BEAST! I'm not sure about that subhilt handle though...seems a lot like an unrefined Rodent 9 grip. I REALLY wanted to LOVE this blade--don't get me wrong, it is a GREAT blade--but that handle is disappointing compared to the Chopweiler or the BWM. I think what I REALLY want is not yet in production: a 10 1/2" Chopweiler Mastiff <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If it can grow on me in the next few days, I will take it out and abuse it when I'm feeling better. Otherwise, it looks like catch and release <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> If I'm gonna use a knife that cost that much coin, I need to LOVE it (like the BWM <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) The Mastiff, the M-9, and the KZII are the only "grail" blades I've owned that I've not taken an immediate shine to. The Dogfather, the Chopweiler, the HCLE, the Muk, and the Mud Puppy have NOT disappointed.

Any way, some pics with some of it's brethren:












A bonus shot of the Rodent 9 to see how that subhilt handle compares (a bit pointier)



And a shot of the M9, just for kicks. I keep thinking maybe I should grind the back of that beast down and round out the end where the lanyard hole is. That would make it a MUCH nicer blade, IMO. Or maybe I just wait until the Swamp finally releases the CHOP MASTIFF!!!!

Nice! I think that candle design is either you love it, or it just doesn't work for you

I can't tell yet where I fall on that spectrum <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have always thought of the Mastiff, but the sub-hilt really does look like a love it-or leave it deal.

If they released it at swamp prices I might have a go, but the BWM looks waaaaaaay more comfy

MM

BWM is niiiiiiiiiiice. I REALLY want to love the RM!

It will be nice to see how it compares to the 911.

Nice Mastiff, DT! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I'm jealous! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've always loved my RW, and hope to have a RM and RD some day as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks. The handle is growing on me a little. It's one of those "gotta use it to fully know if you like it" things. Problem with that is that if I don't like it, then I've lost cash in the resale <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Nice pics DT

that mastiff is awesome, they could make a killing with a re-release.

Wow, I need to get over to your place and check out the new family members. Must be nice to have such a wife that is so understanding to your addiction. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Yeah SF, come on over. You keep promising <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />