YKLE Vs MFS

[338 Stalker]

Just come back from a two day hunt. Long story short, whacked another bambi, this time a stag :D
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/SambarStag-1.jpg

Anyway did some more tests with my Strider MFS & the newer boy. The Scrap Yard LE.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/SambarStag-6.jpg

In hand both feel superb, but I think the MFS just edges the YKLE out due to the panacord grip. It really provides stable grip with blood soaked hands. The YKLE was also good, but like I said, & IMO the Strider just worked better. I also found the shorter handle/angle on the MFS worked great in my hands. With close-in work not a chore.

Plain & simple, this Strider was held it's edge now on two bone-outs(I'm surprised, as these deer have very tough hair, bone & skin). Still popping hair sharp. The LE came from the factory pretty sharp. But after some kitchen work, it needed another sharpen. I used my new Lansky diamond deluxe kit. Put a 25 degree angle on it. It came out popping hair, but wasn't quiet as sharp as from the factory. Still sharp enough to slice with ease through the Sambar meat, but did require a little more effort on the hide/skin. The MFS did it better here also. Mind you that Sambar hair/skin is sooooo tough, hide is super thick this time of year(winter). So both performed as intended.

Boning-out with the MFS was simple, edge held great. I found the LE lost it's edge here ALLOT quicker. Bone is a great way to test a blade. More later on this.

After retrieving all the meat, it was time to cut the head off & get it ready for the drying out process. This time I used the LE. Drove the blade hard into the base of the skull, prying, stabbing & chopping until it was the Striders turn. But I gave the LE most of this work. Big FAT blade that is designed for such torture :cool: .
I also used the Strider & Scrap Yard to pop/pry off the jaw bone. The longer handle on the YK worked great. YK wins it in the pry test. No failure on the LE tip, & I gave it plenty.

All in all, I would use & recommend both knives. But if I had to choose one. Strider MFS all the way :thumb:

Here are a couple of pic's of the LE blade. It tore, chipped & dented under bone chopping & stabbing. Just like the S6 in Noss's test.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/ScrapYardYKLE-7.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/YardKeeperLE-8.jpg

Overall the Strider MFS scored = 9. Scrap Yard LE = 7.

I think the Yard Keeper CG will be a better then the LE as a skinner/boning-out knife, due to the fact it so balanced with a thinner blade.

[eatingmuchface]

wow.
it also looks like the YKLE has a thick edge.
I would think the CG would be FAR better at this.

the edge does looks fairly banged up, but I'd expect that from the skull of a deer.
I would expect the strider's s30v to be great at this for sure.
overall, great test with great results.
:D

[338 Stalker]

Comparison
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/DumpsterMutt-4.jpg

[Thecarotidpulse]

Long story short, whacked another bambi


LOL first of all I love how my post influenced subsequent ones... Now everyone is calling them Bambi.
Tbh at least you didnt' kill the mother while the baby's there... .seriously tho nice shot just anterior to the scapula... Or did you go through the shoulder blade? (if so nice firepower)

TBH i would have thought that the respirene C handle would give you a better grip when wet than simple paracord...

In essence, nice deer, nice cuts (tho more pictures of how you dressed it would be nice) and thanks for the nice review!

[338 Stalker]

seriously tho nice shot just anterior to the scapula... Or did you go through the shoulder blade? (if so nice firepower)

TBH i would have thought that the respirene C handle would give you a better grip when wet than simple paracord...

In essence, nice deer, nice cuts (tho more pictures of how you dressed it would be nice) and thanks for the nice review!

Shot angled through & punched out near the last rib. 210gn TSX always exit. But at 2900fps at the muzzle it's smokin.

Yeah I love my 338. I can take the shot at any angle out to 300m, which helps allot.

The Scrap Yard handles are sweet, no doubt, I like them allot. But I did find the paracord/MFS a better choice(or at least compared with the smaller handle Scrap Yards. My Scrapper 6 might work better? Will see in the next few weeks) with blood soaked hands. Just the way it works for me I guess.

I was going too take a sh!t load more pic's, but I thought the gore would scare some of you home-boys ;) . Next time.

[Noss]

There you go again. This time you killed Bambie's brother. :( :D The scrap yard took some edge damage. Doesn't the para cord get all bloody on the Strider ? Do you just rinse it off ?

[338 Stalker]

The scrap yard took some edge damage. Doesn't the para cord get all bloody on the Strider ? Do you just rinse it off ?

Yes, it gets blood & guts(still has some jiblets in the cord :thumb: ) all through it. I just wash it in the river(whilst out bush). Then in hot soapy water, then rinse at home. Leave it to dry in front of the heater. All sweet after that :D

[sharpshooter996]

338 another nice one. This is the kind of test i love to see. Looks like you had a bit of fun if i might say. Im surprised to see the extent of of chipping on the Scrap Yard, you must of worked it hard.

I have to ask, did the Strider display any noticable effects from the same use. If no im pretty damn impressed. Keep up the great reviews, and dont be afraid of the blood and gore shots. The young ones can just turn their heads. Lol :thumb:

[Sharp]

That's really weird 338. I had the same problem with mine as well, but it was on fatwood.

After HD did his sharpening job I haven't had too many more problems (besides a really minor roll).

[338 Stalker]

338 another nice one. This is the kind of test i love to see. Looks like you had a bit of fun if i might say. Im surprised to see the extent of of chipping on the Scrap Yard, you must of worked it hard.

I have to ask, did the Strider display any noticable effects from the same use. If no im pretty damn impressed. Keep up the great reviews, and dont be afraid of the blood and gore shots. The young ones can just turn their heads. Lol :thumb:

Thanks SS :thumb:

Yeah I was also surprised at the damage of the LE, but I did give it more than the MFS on that deer & that particular test. I used the MFS hard on another deer, more about that later.
But saying that, I did also give the Strider plenty. The Strider only showed very minor flat spots. But we're talking bugger all, which didn't effect the cut. I have also found the Strider far easier to sharpen. My Lansky diamond did it no sweat. The LE is a chore & allot harder.
So from what I can see, S30V steel with the Strider heat-treat rocks. It might not keep up with the Scrap Yards in the punishment bend/steel tests, but it holds it's edge better IMO, with NO chips, dings, rolls or tears.
Noss proved this in his tests. The Strider took some serious punishment to the edge. The Scrap Yard could not. But the Scrap Yard looks to be far more flexible, leading some to believe the Scrap Yards are better. Yes & no IMO. It's all the way we treat our knives, so IMO that's a big ???.
Look, I 'm not bagging Scrap Yards, they're superb blades, that do have there place. But for me, I think I'm done with Scrap Yards ATM. Have 4 now, which does me for life. I only have one Strider, I'm tipping I will have another, after I can get my hands on a RAO :D

I have also observed, as I'm sure many here have. That Busse INFI steel looks superior than SR77. Not only is that steel flexible, but it's got one tough-ass edge. So as much as we all might think the Scrap Yards are equal to the Busse. I think that is not the case. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY$$$ FOR IN THE BUSSEKIN KNIVES. Or that's how I see it, in Noss's tests.

So any hard-core hunters like myself looking for a tough easy to sharpen knife which works superb in-hand. My number 1 vote(ATM) goes to the STRIDER MFS!

I'm going too run the Strider with the Yard Keeper CG, as well as my Scrapper 6. Man that S6 just feels sooooo sweet in-hand. That will work well boning-out the back legs I'm sure.

PS-Another test that I think I forgot to mention. I did stab through the deer ribs a good 10 times(hard), just to see how the Strider's edge would handle it. It bloke & cut through the ribs like butter, smashing two at a time. NO EDGE DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER. I didn't do that particular test with the LE.

I also like the index finger(spine) & palm(tang) jimping on the Strider. It's a peach.

The one area where the Strider did not suit at all. Was carrying it on the hip with the factory kydex sheath. With a pack full of meat, I found it was uncomfortable(pack waist strap & sheath didn't gel). But that could be fixed with a lower hanging sheath(traditional style sheath with higher belt loop). Next time I will just carry it in my pack instead.

This is where the RAO will work great for me. I'm thinking RAO on hip, MFS & Dragonfly in my pack.
I always pack 3 knives. I try to keep 1) survival/boning-out, 2) skinning & boning-out & 3) a little knife like the Spyderco Dragonfly for the fine areas, needed sometimes.
I can also see the RAO working well as boning-out blade, on the ground. That tanto/chisel edge, I can only see that as a plus for me & my style. I don't think it'll work well at skinning, but we'll see I guess.

That's just the way I see it guys. Hope I didn't piss anyone off ;)

[eatingmuchface]

yes.
some people really don't liek that about SY's.
I know some that don't like them much for woods blades because they get too many chips when hitting rocks and stuf. (although they make great prybar knives and are great for destroying stuff because even with chips they won't lose any toughness)
I would actually say swamprats are a better all around blade.
they will perform close to INFI under normaly hard use.

and that is where INFI shines .338.
:D
it's always good to hear things from personnal experience.

[sharpshooter996]

Thanks SS :thumb:

Yeah I was also surprised at the damage of the LE, but I did give it more than the MFS on that deer & that particular test. I used the MFS hard on another deer, more about that later.
But saying that, I did also give the Strider plenty. The Strider only showed very minor flat spots. But we're talking bugger all, which didn't effect the cut. I have also found the Strider far easier to sharpen. My Lansky diamond did it no sweat. The LE is a chore & allot harder.
So from what I can see, S30V steel with the Strider heat-treat rocks. It might not keep up with the Scrap Yards in the punishment bend/steel tests, but it holds it's edge better IMO, with NO chips, dings, rolls or tears.
Noss proved this in his tests. The Strider took some serious punishment to the edge. The Scrap Yard could not. But the Scrap Yard looks to be far more flexible, leading some to believe the Scrap Yards are better. Yes & no IMO. It's all the way we treat our knives, so IMO that's a big ???.
Look, I 'm not bagging Scrap Yards, they're superb blades, that do have there place. But for me, I think I'm done with Scrap Yards ATM. Have 4 now, which does me for life. I only have one Strider, I'm tipping I will have another, after I can get my hands on a RAO :D

I have also observed, as I'm sure many here have. That Busse INFI steel looks superior than SR77. Not only is that steel flexible, but it's got one tough-ass edge. So as much as we all might think the Scrap Yards are equal to the Busse. I think that is not the case. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY$$$ FOR IN THE BUSSEKIN KNIVES. Or that's how I see it, in Noss's tests.

So any hard-core hunters like myself looking for a tough easy to sharpen knife which works superb in-hand. My number 1 vote(ATM) goes to the STRIDER MFS!

I'm going too run the Strider with the Yard Keeper CG, as well as my Scrapper 6. Man that S6 just feels sooooo sweet in-hand. That will work well boning-out the back legs I'm sure.

PS-Another test that I think I forgot to mention. I did stab through the deer ribs a good 10 times(hard), just to see how the Strider's edge would handle it. It bloke & cut through the ribs like butter, smashing two at a time. NO EDGE DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER. I didn't do that particular test with the LE.

I also like the index finger(spine) & palm(tang) jimping on the Strider. It's a peach.

The one area where the Strider did not suit at all. Was carrying it on the hip with the factory kydex sheath. With a pack full of meat, I found it was uncomfortable(pack waist strap & sheath didn't gel). But that could be fixed with a lower hanging sheath(traditional style sheath with higher belt loop). Next time I will just carry it in my pack instead.

This is where the RAO will work great for me. I'm thinking RAO on hip, MFS & Dragonfly in my pack.
I always pack 3 knives. I try to keep 1) survival/boning-out, 2) skinning & boning-out & 3) a little knife like the Spyderco Dragonfly for the fine areas, needed sometimes.
I can also see the RAO working well as boning-out blade, on the ground. That tanto/chisel edge, I can only see that as a plus for me & my style. I don't think it'll work well at skinning, but we'll see I guess.

That's just the way I see it guys. Hope I didn't piss anyone off ;)

Thanks for the response 338. I dont think your going to piss anybody off around here. Nothing wrong with just being honest. I dont own any Scrap Yards but from what i have read and heard from others, they are dang fine knives. Im sure most dont think they are as strong or tough as a Busse, but for the prince dont see anything that will beat them.
Thats pretty impressive with respect to your MFS. The more i look at it, and the more stories I hear, the more and more I want one for myself ;) I have some experience with CPM S30V from my spyderco knives and I dont have anything negative to say. Everything you share matches my feelings as well. Now im just thinking of it in a 4"+ fixed blade. Sweet!!!
In hearing about your sheath issues, I have shared the same troubling problems, where the handles are carrying too high and get in the way. Like you say a traditional style or low hanging sheath will make all the difference, and make you almost forget your even carrying your knife.
Good luck in your journey to another Strider. Keep us updated :thumb:

[eatingmuchface]

you need to get one and start prying with one to really appreciate them!
:D
lol

It's just fun seeing how much I can bend my DFLE ... until the log splits apart. :D

[338 Stalker]

Some kitchen work. The stag getting chopped & diced :D

The DMDC & S6 worked great for this. Will do the field test soon.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Tez308/DumpsterMutt-5.jpg

[Noss]

Looks tasty :D Nice work :rockon: Did you sharpen the damage out of the SY LE yet. ?

[338 Stalker]

Did you sharpen the damage out of the SY LE yet. ?

Not as yet. Will do soon, even though I will not use the LE for a few months.
I want too focus on the S6, DMDC, YKCG & my two folders. Dragonfly & BM710. Plus the Strider is my pet skinner ATM. Can't see that blade ever staying at home :D

[338 Stalker]

Looks tasty :D Nice work :rockon: Did you sharpen the damage out of the SY LE yet. ?

I just did it. Talk about a long process, & I didn't even get it razor sharp. I must say, this LE is NO WAY as easy, or does it work better slicing through meat, as my MFS does.

I just gave my MFS Strider the finishing touches from the last sharpen. Now it's razor :thumb: .Easy as that! Man I need some more Striders. S30V :D .
Thinking about ditching the RAO idea for now & getting myself the Strider AR folder. Now that looks sweet. And I'll bet it'll work superb boning-out deer ;)

[338 Stalker]

Well, I kept on sharpening the Yard Keeper LE. In the end, she is popping hair sharp big time. Still not as easy as the Strider MFS, but we must consider the considerable difference in blade thickness, & the damage I did to it.
So I dare say the Yard Keeper CG will be allot easier to sharpen than the LE.

[Noss]

Good deal. :thumb: