SOD now or Wait for Regulator? GOT SOD

Hi guys, I want to buy a good camp knife, around 7.5 inch blade. So far, Im thinking SOD or Regulator. I can get the SOD now (unless someone nabs it first) or wait for the Regulator. The knife will be used for everything, light chopping, fuzz-sticks, food, firewood, ect.

Missed the Dogfather, so getting the second priority knife.

Zhangmaster122

Get both! Snag the SoD, and then since you'll own a scrap yard blade, you can get on the test team for the Regulator.

They are definitely different knives, with some overlap in their utility. I would get both and see which you like more.

Unfortunately, anyone who has one won't be able to give much more specifics beyond that, as we all agreed not to do so.

Both <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If you can't get both I'd get the SOD while you have a chance. It will probably be 2 years or more before the Yard offers them again. The Regulator won't be available for at least 6 months.

The regulator is available in the near future, if you get lucky after sending your email in to Renee to get on the test team. See the sticky thread here:

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=306631

I agree with MM- but I would get the SOD in LE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.Don't know much about Reg- but as a camp knife I would think SOD. Maybe some of the Reg guys know a bit more- just seems Reg more of a chopper or fighter ? Bit heavy for a camp knife ? I am going to stick the Reg under the seat of my rig. I would think would be great for that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

The Regulator would do fine as a camp knife, but the SOD IS a camp knife.

The regulator only weighs 14.5 ounces, per Dan's original "specs" post. It's not as heavy as it's being made out to be.

I couldn't find a weight specification for the SOD, but the very similar and much-loved-for-a-camp-knife Camp Tramp weighs in at 13.75. Really not that much of a difference.

You guys prefer LE or CG on the SOD ? Do ya think Reg will be offered in LE ? Thanks

The blade geometry is different. The Camp Tramp and SOD are designed as camp choppers. They work very well for that. The Regulator is a bowie knife. It can chop and stick and slice like any good bowie, but if I had to choose between the Regulator and the SOD for a camp knife, I'd go with the SOD, either in CG or LE version.

SOD is the way to go!

how can you get on the test team for these? I know Jerry opened it up but I didn't see a post where Dan did as well?

sod now.

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=306631

Here you go SB

SOD SOD SOD SOD and the Regulator!!

SOD

aight! SOD IT IS!

I don't think ill get the Regulator, only need 1 and only have $$ for 1 because I want enough funds left to get a DF at all times in case Someone posts it.

Hopefully nobody posts a DF for sale for another 2 weeks, I start work (hopefully, got hired, they're still deciding my hours) next week.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> BOTH!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like it's pretty much set that the new offering will be the regulater Bowie.
Maybe after that the dogfather will make a comeback.

I dont think this is the new offering. This is a special promo. They just did the same thing at Busse with the Killa Z. So I would not tarry. Fair warning.

Not really - sounds to me like they are getting the knives that are leftover from BLADE into some Dawgs' hands so they can get tested.

I seriously doubt you will see a full production release of the Regulator until the six month "test team" period is up.

What he said. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The Regulator is nice, but if I had to choose between the two the SOD would be my first choice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I love my SOD it's a great blade. I also really want a Regulator. As for a Camp Knife go with the SOD, if you get that now you may have money for a Regulator down the road.

I would go with the SoD as a camp knife, and for that purpose I actually like the CG better as the swedge on the LE will eat batons faster. The CG also has a bit more forward heft for chopping. The LE is prettier. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Definitely not arguing that - I too would choose the SOD for camp chores, if I absolutely HAD to make a choice between the two.

But I do find it funny when people act like the Regulator is this ridiculously heavy mega-blade when it's actually a quite svelte slasher that can also chop and poke. If for some reason I had to, say, bore holes in wood, I would much rather use a regulator.

But for chopping and splitting logs, it's hard to go wrong with a SOD. The regulator's performance in my real-world testing, however, makes that choice NOT QUITE as obvious as you might think at first glance.

Well- I just ordered two of the Regs so I will be doing some serious testing at last on this knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Is great that our SY folks are getting these out to more Dogs to evaluate <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.Should be VERY interesting to say the least. I have my SY favorites but surely love them all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />-Thanks

I'd get the SOD now and then get the Regulator when it is available. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think what I don't like about the regulator is the handle. It has the jeansguard on top and that is the same thing I dislike about the coldsteel trailmaster. This in my opinion gets in the way when batoning.

Yes Southstar but the "jeansguard" on the Regulator is Res-C. It shouldn't be too hard to grind off and make look right.

I think the SOD makes a great camp blade. Hard to say when the regulator will actually be made available. Get the SOD while you can!

i like the guard, it makes the Regulator look like a bowie. Whats the point in buying a knife and grinding off parts so they all look like the other knives?

blarg

I agree with you bushman. I like the guard on the Regulator just the way it is also, but Southstar doesn't. I was just pointing out for Southstar's benefit that it shouldn't be hard to modify. I like the ramp on the Scrapper 5 also but Bruce didn't so he sent his to Horndog to modify.

To each his own <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

fair enough, its just that after a while of ramp removals and res-c grinding they all start to look like the same knife.......

What kind of testing do you guys do? And how do you compare it? Newbie questions...

You beat on it- chop with it- make fuzz sticks- stab - slice and just about anything you can imagine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. Then you compare to other knives. At least that is what I intend to do.Also- see how it takes and holds an edge <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Check out some of Vic's tests and will give you an idea. When you have info I belive it then goes to Dan and Renee for evaluation. If I am wrong SOMEBODY can correct me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> ? Thanks

could i say.......stab concrete, cars, glass, oil drums etc with it, or chop concrete, or beat mercifully with a hammer thru kiln dried oak 12" thick?

Ordered the SOD guys!

Any idea how long the Regulator test edition will be offered?

The test edition is very limited and it is on a first come first serve basis

By the way welcome to the Yard

Dumpster Dan

There you heard it. Not long,,,either now or never, give your love to me. Wasn't that a song?

I hope that I can get in on a Test Bowie, then I can compare it to the SODLE that I love. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Now this is just me, because I have a bunch of 7" to 8" blade knives, but if I had one I would not need the other. The Regulator does have a certain cool factor, and I am sure that it would do fine as a camp knife. And it has that awesome SR101 steel. But the SOD is super camp knife and I think it would be better, but only the dogs who have both can tell us for sure. .......











After the testing period is up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

They are both sweet knives, but the SOD is a better camp knife in my opinion.

I want a test Reg so I can try it out. Trial and error is fun. I know I really love the SRCW but the handles of the SODLE is so much more comfortable. Hopefully in the near future when it cools off a little Jackell and I are going to meet up and have a blade show/ chop series.

Hey Sumo, too bad I couldn't afford to get in on the KZ test team Jerry offered July 4th. I have a small stump that needs to be removed. That would have been a great test. We'll just have to work out the Waki, Regulator, Scrapper5......you get the idea <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes sir, I do!

Is it possible the Regulator may never be in production, and the test knives are it? Just curious if that's happenned before.

Sig - as far as I know, the "Test Team" concept has not been used in the Yard previously. But if Dan says that recommendations will be used for the final offering, then I would count on it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> However, if you can get on the team - why not go for it!??! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

tell ya what i dont have a sod,but my buddy has let me play with his and it is definately a camp knife if you have the opportunity to get one ya better jump on it cuz they dont come around often trust me ive looked,and if they do they are usually high price on the after market so if youve found one for a good price id jmp on it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

SoD.....the best

I don't own either, yet, but I just got accepted for the test team Regulator model, so I will have this soon. I am kind of torn on recommending one versus the other. I think that the masses have spoken about the chopping of the SOD, but the Regulator will be no slouch on this front, and will have some piercing versatility to its advantage. Both would be well suited around a camp, I think, and perform beyond most of our typical needs. If you want a knife to work over lumber, it would be the SOD. If you are taking survivability to more of an extreme, and want a knife to dig into a tree, skin or process game etc. and also process wood well, the Regulator would be the one that would shine.

Hi all,
New to the forum and Scrap Yard Knives. Have some Randall, Reeve, couple other handmades. Currently using a Ontario RAT-7 but want to get a couple SOD's for backpacking/camping after seeing SYK reviews on knifetests.com Don't see how to order them - nothing on the order page - so sent mail to Patti. What is the process? These look like what I need. Thanks, JD

Welcome to the Yard JavaDog. You will probably have to goto the Secondary market to find a SOD. You can try ebay or BladeForums.

x2 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the yard Javadog. Sods are currently only available on the secondary narket!!

Reading this thread it seemed people were still ordering them. Was that on the seondary market? Why don't they put a note on the list of knives saying which are currently available? Very confusing process.

So, where is the best secondary market? Don't want to pay a fortune for a using knife that we're (my son and I) are going to put to the test, i.e., beat the crap out of during our trips.

Blade Forums is the best as well as the bay. Confusing process when you start out but it gets easier to understand.

J/d - Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the yard JavaDog - I agree, with all three Busse family companies, it can be a bit confusing to figure out how to actually BUY the things. My one complaint when I came around here was that the business model wasn't explained clearly on the website - having to read forum threads to figure out how to buy a knife is kind of a pain in the butt. Once you DO figure out how to buy these things, though, you will see it's well worth the initial hassle!


Lucky for you, right now it's very much a buyer's market - there are LOTS AND LOTS of knives being sold on the bladeforums exchange, so there is a ton of stuff available. Your best bet is to check the exchange at least twice a day, and you can snag some really good deals on some really nice steel.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=804

Very crazy process. So, I see an announcement that Regulators have shipped. I guess from reading the forum that this is the Test Team run? Can't tell otherwise. Not terribly fond of a bowie for my needs, but that Regulator sure looks nice! Too afraid of breaking the tip when prying, which I've done before. Will a production Regulator be offered and if so does an announcement go up, and email sent to members, or it just gets listed on the order form one day? Impossible to watch this forum constantly (too many forums, too little time) though there is some good reading here for sure.

In fact, I've been selling off all my collector knives, because it is just such a waste to have good knives sitting around not being used. I'd get a busse, but have a hard time justifying that kind of money except for a safe queen. Kind of like the guy who drives up to a car show towing a trailer to unload his pristine vintage pony car that never gets driven. What a waste. Some things are just meant to be used!

SOD looks like a real winner and should be a standard item if there ever was one. Checking Bladeforums, but doubt I'll be paying scalper prices. No need. My Rat-7 serves well, though some days I wish it were slightly longer and better steel. The 1095 is good for chopping but edge retention lacks. The D2 stays sharp but is too brittle for abuse.

The 10 inch blades (Mistress, Dog Father) would be great for chopping but impractical for carry. Just too big. My ideal backwoods carry chopper and all around everything is a meaty slight drop point with 7 1/2-8 inch blade. That with a Leatherman Wave, and what more do you need? I see that SYK doesn't like an exposed tang through the handle, but they are GREAT for banging and punching without doing damage to the blade tip. Something to reconsider for a working knife. Maybe a "Working Dog" in the making?

Wow, sorry for the brain dump. Got to run...

Later amigos!

While prying with the tip of most knives can be risky, I really wouldn't worry too much about breaking the Regulator Bowie tip.

Yeah, the Regulator is a test team run. As far as worrying about the tip - DON'T! That's the whole reason scrap yard has the amazing warranty they do. Break the tip off and they will replace your knife. Plus, the Regulator, at a third of an inch thick, is going to be tough to break, even at the thin part of the tip. It's a beast of a knife.


For normal production knives the timeline seems to go something like this: Dan posts some teaser pictures, then some number of weeks later, more official specs are released. A little while after that (the mysterious and proverbial "two weeks" that rarely lasts only 14 days), an announcement is made that they will be accepting orders soon, and then they accept orders for a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks after that, the knives ship.


If you're too busy to do lots of reading in the forums, your best bet is to check in occasionally and read the "sticky" threads at the top of the page - all important announcements will be made sticky, and you can get a good idea of what's coming next. Even checking once a week, or once every other week, should be enough.


While it's true that it is hard to bring yourself to use an expensive knife, the joy you get after you take that first step is awesome. I absolutely love beating on my killa zilla (over $800) or my NMSFNO (close to $400), and cannot WAIT to abuse the heck out of one of my swamp rat waki's.

It's much less frightening to beat on an expensive knife when it's made of some of the best steel in the business, and backed by the best warranty you'll find.



Keep an eye out, and you'll get the knife you want. And probably a few more after that. This is an addicting set of companies! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the Yard! Click the link in my sig for useful links.

Thanks for all the info guys. The more I look at this Regulator, the more I want to give it a try. Will have to get me one...or two. To bad it wasn't ready now 'cause I would take it on a trip I'm doing in upstate NY along the Delaware (I think) with my camping buddies. That's what I was hoping to get the SOD for. Massive amounts of abuse in store for whatever blades I take...but in a good way!

Re: NMSFNO. Now THAT is my kind if knife! That is one SOB that I could really have some fun with! Someday... Someday...

Nice pic HD! Got the SOD, arrived, and it is a Beast of a knife. Love the nice heft and the Res-c handles are great. I would like the handle to be a big wider though, but, whatevs.

Glad you like the SOD, the handles feel a little narrow to me too, I may try cord wrapping.

SAME!! but, I dont mind too much, its still quite comfortable.

OMG ARRGGGGGGG, Right after I bought the SOD, FREAKIN 2 DF's for sale popped uped. I had to miss both because I didn't have enough $$ (like 30 bucks short!). I wasn;t expecting DF's to turn up soo fast right after the SOD. FML!

GRR.

Ah well, Ive got a lovely SOD, which is still a beast, and a more usefull knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. But Daamn!, I want a DF soo bad.