SYKCO 911 or SRKW Rodent 9?

FettWillKill

FettWillKill

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Oct 3, 2012
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I'm finally gearing up to get a chopper and the obvious two choices for me are the 911 or the R9. While I realize that both have almost identical blade lengths and styles, I'm curious how the handle material and design affects each knife, in terms of balance, being able to choke up, etc. I understand that the R9 has slightly larger OAL and an exposed tang, but from what from what I can gather, the Res-C on the 911 beats it out in terms of comfort and shock absorption. I haven't handled either, so I'm pretty much in the dark, other than handling my buddy's R6 (quite a beast)! I would love to hear everyone's opinions, good or bad on either. Pics, side by side or otherwise, are greatly appreciated. Thanks, everyone!!
 
I've owned both. My opinion of the R9 is that it is so heavy it makes a great chopper. The 911 is lighter in hand and more versatile. Thats my short version.
 
Moved to the Swamp Rat discussion forum, with a redirect link left in the Busse discussion forum. :)
 
I have an R9 and its an amazing in both design and structure. That narrow blade coupled with the full tang makes it incredibly light in the hand.

I dont have a 911 but I do have a Battle Rat. Not a huge fan of Res C in the looks department but it works well in a chopper. I do get hot spots from it though, it really holds on to the skin of the hand and rubs are a inevitability.
 
This thread needs pics:

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Also this:

[video=youtube;iCphmLgvaV4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCphmLgvaV4[/video]
 
My thoughts :

The Rodent 9 has a great handle and weight for chopping, when you choke back the handle really allows your hand to lock in securely. It also balances perfectly when you are choked up into the choil, so it allows you do to do smaller stuff easier with it. The only part that I have a problem with is the ability to reverse your grip comfortably, which is a drawback of the handle bump and guard.

The weight of the R9 is a bit excessive, IMO, for something this size that will be carried on foot. In this regard, I much prefer the 911 because it's almost 1/2 pound lighter. Also, being lighter you should also experience less fatigue when using which is something to consider. I don't care much for the square edge on the spine of the 911, the R9 spine is much more comfortable.
 
aaaa_cccc said:
My thoughts :

The Rodent 9 has a great handle and weight for chopping, when you choke back the handle really allows your hand to lock in securely. It also balances perfectly when you are choked up into the choil, so it allows you do to do smaller stuff easier with it. The only part that I have a problem with is the ability to reverse your grip comfortably, which is a drawback of the handle bump and guard.

The weight of the R9 is a bit excessive, IMO, for something this size that will be carried on foot. In this regard, I much prefer the 911 because it's almost 1/2 pound lighter. Also, being lighter you should also experience less fatigue when using which is something to consider. I don't care much for the square edge on the spine of the 911, the R9 spine is much more comfortable.
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All very good points, A to the 4th, thanks for all the input! By any chance do you have any pics of the 911 you could post?

Sweet avatar as well, bro! I love old school horror :p
 
Can't go wrong with either blade. I do prefer the R9 because of its weight.
 
I have little to add as I have a R9 (unused) and no 911s. Why is the R9 unused and the 911 not purchased?

The 911 is not purchaed because I have a 711 that I find to be great for campsite chores; and because I got my R9 before the 911 was released. 1311s and an 1111 is a different story. ;)

I have let several folks hold the R9 because everyone is curious about the handle. Nobody said anything too negative about it from initial hands-on inspection. All think it's a quality knife with good weight and balance.

But keep in mind this is all opinion from feel, not use.
 
I don't have R9, had one in my hands and the handle shape did not agree with my smallish hands.
911 is a great larger knife, used mine some and rally liked it. The Res-C handle pretty much eliminates all the vibration while chopping and makes it very comfortable to batton with. Balance is very good for the size, it is quite light for a chopper which is a bonus for on foot travel.
 
al g blenny said:
I noticed the exact same thing. I have slightly small hand and the handle on the R9 just felt quite oversized.
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This is definitely good to take into account. I have medium size hands on a good day, and this wasn't something I'd taken into account. Elof and Al, have either of you noticed much about hot spots, like what Leatherman was talking about? (also realizing that gloves would probably mitigate this).
 
FettWillKill said:
This is definitely good to take into account. I have medium size hands on a good day, and this wasn't something I'd taken into account. Elof and Al, have either of you noticed much about hot spots, like what Leatherman was talking about? (also realizing that gloves would probably mitigate this).
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I have done some chopping and battoning with 1311, 911 and 711 and didn't have any issues with either of them. And I didn't wear gloves.
I'd imagine that folks with large mitts could have some issues with their pinkie rubbing the raised bottom of the handle.
 
elof_alv said:
I have done some chopping and battoning with 1311, 911 and 711 and didn't have any issues with either of them. And I didn't wear gloves.
I'd imagine that folks with large mitts could have some issues with their pinkie rubbing the raised bottom of the handle.
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Also very good to know. I'd probably have about an inch past my hand at the end of the 911 handle so I can't see pinkie rubbing being an issue. I've seen some videos of the 911 in action, but in your opinion, how did it chop based on its weight?
 
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