Spyderco Respect vs Darn Dao?

[shqxk]

Can't really decide which to go right now. Would appreciate opinion from anyone who own both.

 

[lmcq784]

I don't have the respect, but I can say this: the Darn Dao is beautifully made, and you don't see much of the styling anywhere. The respect is a bowie... (Many of those out there)
Between the two, i'd pick the Darn Dao Every time. And I did!

 

[BladeScout]

Two very different knives. What do you want to use it for?
Kinda hard to advise without knowing for which tasks the blade will be used.
Were I to use it for for clearing brush or doing work in the garden, Id pick the Dao for example.
Were I asked to pick one for myself, Id take the Respect because bowies.

 

[MolokaiRider]

Both are beautiful pieces. Please post pics and thoughts after you choose.

 

[madcap_magician]

They're different knives... the Dao is a chopper. It's heavier and has a forward balance. It's also got much nicer fit and finish, the handle sculpting and polishing is lovely.

I really wanted to like the Respect, and if it had been a hidden tang the same way as the prototype was, I'd call it dead nuts even, but the exposed bolts and decreased contouring/polishing turned me off.