I own the Junkyard Dog in D2/stainless (basically the same exact knife with about a 4" bellied sheepsfoot blade) and it is my pocket knife when I work in the Wilds of Detroit. Great knife, though I have plans to replace it with the Rake, because i know I want the point to be more inline with the spine in a reverse grip/defensive role.
Make know mistake, these knives are big (wide) and intimidating. I used it as my 'work knife' for about a week, and all the wide-eyed stares made me think otherwise. They are more than stiff and beefy enough to handle a defensive folder type role. And, as mentioned, the ergonomics are excellent, balance is excellent (1st finger on the JYD)
To the user who commented about the Speedsafe, these are not assisted opening, no springs or anything like that. Once you break the resistance that is holding the blade closed (by pushing on the finger-guard) the blade's own weight/momentum flips it right open. I've never had my JYD open in my pocket, or flip out of my hand. I equivalate opening one of these to racking a 12ga... THEY know you mean business, and the knife is ready in a heartbeat.
