"Safe Queen" There was never a dirtier phrase uttered........I've already worn mine for two straight days and stabbed a few things. My only regret, not buying 5 more to use and abuse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> when the general models come out....I hope the blade is just as thick.

Overall I like the Keeper's shape and grind even better than the Mutt. If I could EDC the Keeper I probably would. It's "one" of my favorites right now, But that "favorites" list just keeps getting longer all the time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

nice pics!

I think one of the advantages of the Yard Keeper is the thicker spine in the event you want to use it for beating on. I still haven't measured the primary grind angles of the Howler and the Yard Keeper to compare. But, as HD showed, you can get a great edge on it. That said, like the DM, the Yard Keeper "Can" be made into a great edge cutter, but because of it's excessive thickness, it is not going to be the best through cutter. Thinner stock will have an advantage in through cutting. But, most people wouldn't notice too much real world difference if comparing a 1/4" thick knife to a 3/16" thick knife if they both have the same "edge" grind angles and same level of sharpness.

I do think the Yard Keeper is overbuilt. But, with a full height grind, I am OK with it. I haven't decided for sure yet, but I may prefer the Yard Keeper over the Howler (????). I KNOW I like the SATIN finish!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

.

I would probably agree and have to rank the Yard Keeper ahead of the DM for most usable in my book.

They are both great and I can do many things with my DM, but I think the Yard Keeper would get my nod.

There is something cool about the rediculously thick "CHUNK" that the DM is, but as a real world usable tool, I have to say Yard Keeper.

.

In trying to slice thin slices of apple, my HRLM did much better than my sharpened Keeper. But then, my HRLM has a full convex grind satin finish, too. That 1/16" difference does seem to make it a better slicer. The thick blade on the Yard Keeper tends to act as a wedge and break the slices before the cut is complete. Now who really gives a darn about slicing apples? In a survival situation, you'd just eat the whole thing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

This is where the extra weight of the Yard Keeper shines, you just beat the apple into sauce with it and save the energy it would have take to chew the apple. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> What was I thinking?

There will be "some" real world "through cutting"/slicing situations. Apples will be messy with the Yard Keeper.

"Pear"ing knives are VERY thin for a reason.

I should probably rephrase to say "Survival" situations instead of "real world". - significant difference indeed...

.

I think if a DM was brought too close to an apple, the apple would just turn to sauce on it's own in fear of being brutalized. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

.

Good one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

haha thats funny!

[/quote]


I think if a DM was brought too close to an apple, the apple would just turn to sauce on it's own in fear of being brutalized. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

. [/quote]