Hey everyone.
I'm new here and need advice.

I been wanting a DF since I first saw it but they are hard to come by and when I do I always am short on funds to get it. I need a good real chopper and been waiting for a tan DF to pop up but none yet. Color doesn't matter much but if given the option I pick tan. I use all my knives anyway so it doesn't really matter much. Anyway In the mean time should I just get the 911?
I have several choppers I sold just to get a DF and now have only a made in USA Trail Master and an RTAK II left because if I sell those now I'll have no choppers. Actually thought I'd have a DF by now. STUPID! HELLOOOO!
Am I going about this wrong by wanting a DF or should I keep on waiting to see if one pops up in any color?
Right now I have NO real knives but have an order in and waiting which is driving me insane!
I have $250 saved up for a DF and still rising.
Pretty much what I'm asking is should I just give it up for now? I mean I am holding off on getting the current models just for the DF. I hope thats not stupid because I'd hate to miss the 711 and 511!
Give me your thoughts. I really can't decide what to do.

Well, it all depends <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You might find someone to proxy for you at some of the shows. DFs tend to show up once in a while--for a lot less than the $3-400 fetching on the forums. Might take a long time though.

If I didn't have a tan DF (just rubbing it in, sorry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), I'd jump on the 911. SR-101 is great steel AND you can get it at store pricing vice the crazy mark ups. It looks like it's gonna be a little lighter and have less of that "ultimate chopper" feel, but I have no doubt it will hold its own <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think the DogFather will still be king of the yard, but the 9-11 will be as close as you're going to get at factory prices unless you are patient.

Here's a quick little story about how I found my DFs.

When I found Scrap Yard knives, I was fixated on the Dog Father and DF LE. It took me a few months, but I ended up caving and buying one off the exchange for $250ish. A while later I made friends with a Dog who went to the AK trough show and asked him to grab a DF if there was one there. I got lucky and ended up snagging one at factory price. Another friend or mine who I met on the forums snagged me a DF LE from Knob Creek recently. It took me a long time, but with patience and some great friends, I was able to snag my two Scrap Yard grails at cost. If the DF is really something that you want, hang around, make some friends and be patient.

Personally, I think SR101 is a chore to sharpen on large blades, which is one of the reasons why I think that the DF is still king. If you're decent with a stone, or have a system then this really isn't much of an issue. Also, it is iconic -- the first real Scrap Yard chopper. I am sure you're not a thief, but getting a Dog Father for cost feels a little bit like steeling. I don't think there is any other big blade out there that will give you the same price to performance ratio as the DF. Anyways, I can go on and on about why I love the DF so much, but I've got work to do. I hope you find what you're looking for!

My 2 cents which is about all it's really worth. I had a DF. GREAT Knife, but it is rather heavy to carry all day. That is why so many folks love the DFLE. It's lighter.

From what someone said the 911 is only a couple ounces less than the DFLE, so just increase your arm speed or the force you hit with and you're in like Flint!

I swapped my DF for the forthcoming 911. I don't need a chopper as heavy as the DF. The dog I "Swapped with" does get out there and does use it instead of an ax, plus he's 22 years younger than I am and can lug around the extra weight that I lug around because I am old, fat, and out of shape (but I am working on two out of the three).

So, Get the 911 and if it still isn't what you want, you can put it up and try for the DF of your dreams.

My opinion is that DFs are well worth the release price, but not $250+ on the secondary market. They're also getting rarer at shows as time passes -- I think there were 4 at the last Knob Creek show, and everybody wanted them -- if not for themselves or proxies, then to flip on the Exchange.

I didn't plan to buy any 711s because I already have a several SoDs, but I did due to Camp Tramp comparisons. I won't be buying any 911s because I've been around long enough that I have an even larger pile of Dog Fathers, but I'd certainly buy 911s over paying secondary market DF prices if I didn't.

I have been looking for a factory priced df for the past year. I will still get one but I did order a 911

I wouldn't even bother thinking twice about a DF...personally.

The difference will be minimal, if any...probably not realistically noticeable to the vast majority of folks. Actually...I'd prefer the 911 over the DF, but that's just me. The 911 reminds me more of a Battle-Rat in size, which I think is more useful.

But...don't mind me...I'm just patiently waiting on the B-08 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Ok some AWESOME info and advice! Man you guys are quick too. Thanks for those comments on what Its worth. Now I have an Idea what to spend on it. The LE looks good to by the way.
I decided to just sit on the cash and wait and be patient but in the mean time I am willing to send someone the cash + extra if they are willing to grab one for me at a show.
As for the 911 I just put an order in. Might as well being that its a new from factory at a great price. Only thing is the wait 4-16 weeks according to the email I got from Renee. So In the mean time still looking!

Point taken. Its more of the length and thickness I like.

ADB, I think you will be happy with your choice. And this way you will have a chopper while you are waiting on your Grail.

Your right. At least the 911 should cure me for a while.
That DF is a Grail for me! Well worth the wait I hope.

The df is my grail knife also but I feel that in the spirit of the yard we should not wait and be chopper less!!!