Ranger RD9 and Scrapyard Dogfather Chopping

D

diceman

Joined
Jan 1, 2007
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I've posted this review on the SYK and Ranger forums and thought I'd share it here w/ you guys on BF as well (photos in the post below):

ALSO - if you like the review - I have 2 more photo sets of the Dogfather just destroying wood at the two links at the bottom of this post - both are at the SYK Forum.

Links:

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=34566&an=0&page=1#Post34566

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=35960&an=0&page=0#Post35960

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=36537&an=0&page=0#Post36537

Inital DF Chopping review follows below:
 
(OK - pix added)

Well, Ilyana, Jordan, the Scrapyard Dogfather, and the Ranger RD9 jumped in the Explorer today and went to Fort Fizzle. The Fort got its name because there was a battle there, US against the Nez Perce, and the US got their @$$ kicked. Hence... their plan "fizzled." I didn't name it.

So I walked a little until I found a good piece of downed Pine for the DF and RD9 to eat. Then I found a downed trunk to use as a chopping base.

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RD9 Recruve up first - has a nice sweet spot right at the belly about 3" from the end of the blade. Grip feels nice. The weight is just slightly forward, and is surprisingly light (probably due to the recurve - I've never handled a stock RD9).

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And as expected, the RD9 made short work of that chunk of Pine.

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The Dogfather's turn. What a beast. Just Brute Force smashing down through that same chunk of pine. The weight is very forward, and it chops well.

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I was really able to unload with the DF since the handle was so shock absorbing.

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Then I cut some smaller stuff with both knives. Each of them effortlessly chopped through this kindling sized pine.

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They both had their strengths, but no real weaknesses. The RD9 is lighter, quicker, sharper, and would work well on vegitation as well as wood. It also has a very substantial skull crusher, which could come in handy. The DF is heavy, destructive, comfortable, and makes short work of anything in its path. I was somewhat skeptical of the ResC when I first got it, but am amazed at how comfortable it is to use. Both knives are clearly winners.

The RD4 got to cut some smaller stuff today as well:

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The knives all performed beyond my expectations - its no wonder that Ranger and Scrapyard are my two favorite knife makers:

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Then we all went back by the river...

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and since Jordan wouldn't let me put him down, Ilyana put away the knives :) Overall, it was a very nice little outing!

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I forgot to throw this picture in... one of my favorites...

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And one more of choppers by the river...

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Cliff Stamp said:
Never thought I would hear someone say a RD was light and fast, nice work.

-Cliff
Click to expand...

Well... compared to the dogfather it is more evenly balanced and somewhat lighter. I think that the balance issue is what makes it "faster" for me than the Dogfather, which is very forward weighted.

Anyways, thanks for the comment - I'm a big fan of your work!
 
RD was designed by Busse. First RDs was even made from Busse blanks, so the are pretty close relatives - like brothers. No wonder they work both pretty well.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I knew that Justin was using old Busse practice blanks - but hadn't heard anything about the design being from Busse.

I really like Justin's 2nd Gen. RD's though - the new pommel is fantastic.

Both the RD9 and DF performed exceptionally.
 
Beautiful pics! Those two Rangers look awesome! I love the modifications - very cool handles!
Thank you for sharing!:thumbup:
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Great test Diceman! Which one would be better for camp knife tasks?
Click to expand...

The RD4 :)

Depends what you want, where you'll be. If you're just chopping a lot of wood - the Dogfather will suit you better. If you're doing general utility stuff, pounding stakes or anyything, cutting vegitation, the RD9 is your man!
 
thanks diceman. great info and pics. that RD9 is beautiful. did you get it from Justin like that? (i want one...) :)
 
tka1 said:
thanks diceman. great info and pics. that RD9 is beautiful. did you get it from Justin like that? (i want one...) :)
Click to expand...

Sure did - he can hook you up w/ different color options, handle materials, & spacers, etc.



Jaisland - thanks!
 
Leatherface said:
Great pics Dice!!!

That blue scaled Rd4 and Rd is Pimptastic!!
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave!!

By the way, I should mention that the leather Dogfather sheath that my wife is holding, and the sheath for the RD4 that is on my hip, were both made by Dave (Leatherface). Best leather gear that I've ever owned!

Thanks again bro!
 
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