2012 New Becker

[OFFICIAL_KA-BAR]

Below you will find release dates and pricing for the new offerings in the KA-BAR Becker line. Please note price is full retail value and release dates are subject to change:

BK4 Becker Machax 2/1/12 $135.67
BK14HNDL Becker Black and Orange Handle Scales for BK14 2/1/12 $16.37
BK15 Becker Short Trailing Point 4/1/12 $107.49
BK16 Becker Short Drop Point 4/1/12 $107.49
BK17 Becker Short Clip Point 4/1/12 $107.49



-OKB

 

[Guyon]

We're going to try this one again. I moved the original post to a new thread. Play nice or else.

 

[Murphnuge]

Aaaannndd we're back! Thanks for the fix after the derailment conductor Biscuit. I like how Christmas is over, but now it's starting all over again. March, man that's a lot of room for anticipation, but February is a good satisfying date.

 

[Guyon]

This Machax is a throwback to the original Cincinnati version. Lighter, quicker, and just all around cool. I've been giving the proto a workout around these parts.

 

[Murphnuge]

Keeping rubbing it in. Not much longer for the rabble. So this one is lighter, thinner and whatnot?

 

[Moosez45]

Keeping rubbing it in. Not much longer for the rabble. So this one is lighter, thinner and whatnot?

Not gonna say "lighter", as, its lighter than some, yes. Light as in for its size? No.

Thinner than Camillus, but like Ethan says, its is the closest to the original specs, since Cincinatti Machine Co. Ethan says that is the best Machax that has ever been, but this one is as close to, or even with that make. Those had a hard chrome finish.

These are pretty badass, if I must say so myself. I pretty much handled them daily, all day, last week. All the new BKT's actually. I like it. Good thing I already got me a couple.

Moose

 

[mrn8]

You guys and your early access. Come on, we can't stand you getting early access to these things, but we certainly need more specs, more pics, more info.

The Machax is definitely on my list of must-haves. I've started to bug dealers about when they'll have them...I'm sure they love me already.

 

[Bladite]

Keeping rubbing it in. Not much longer for the rabble. So this one is lighter, thinner and whatnot?

by weight, it IS lighter. which is interesting, as it's a wee touch longer (pommel).

i've held the phosphate (black) Cincinnati model up directly to the new model (prototype), and they're very nearly exactly the same from eyeballing. i'd have to take the handles off, and trace both out (as i did with the final production Magnum camps) and compare all the generations. haven't done that yet, since there's no final version in my hand

the new one is a touch thinner, with the *PROTO* being about .200 vs .240-.250 given variations. i don't know where the final version is at yet.

warrior models has a swedge at the tip, instead of a flat for hammering and easy of batoning. the new model has a swedge! so, a touch of the warrior there. will make it more pointy, as i'm sure some of its new intended use will be assisting people in places where lots of plant/tree cutting will be required plus potentially poking stuff.

i would rather have the hammer tip myself, better for batoning, but then, i don't baton a lot when i don't have to. it would make the tip more comfy for a draw knife though. okay, fine, be careful, wear gloves

as has been observed, the line through the bolts is way out of line with the "sweet spot" area, as found with many khuks. since Ethan advocates a slightly different technique with this knife, than typical for khuks, and definitely for straight blades, one will just have to adapt, and learn (snap cuts esp) if one wants to get the most use out of this. the BK5 Magnum Camp requires a bit of an adjustment for some people. esp with rope cutting. it's not a brute force tool like some might be used to. we shall see.

this model also bring back the very high grinds of the original models.

here's a nice clean prototype to look at:

having used a proto around Ethan's property for a bit, i find it's pretty bitey... feels a little different than i'm used to, and i was tired, and dead on my feet. not good conditions for testing :> i think i had a fresh enough edge, but that's another thing to do: convex it. first thing i'm doing when i get a user to play with, is beat the factory edge down (if i can), and then convex it and best that down (doubt i can). i used the worksharp tool to put a convex on my 25-30 YO CinCinn model with black phosphate, and well, just for laugs, batoned a few oak logs. with knots. beat that good. no damage, or change. even to the coating. phosphate is TOUGH. sigh. love that coating

well, carry on :>

 

[Skystorm]

I didn't notice the swedge on it, hmm I suppose I like it. Never batonned anything with a machax, Just have too much fun chopping through things instead.

 

[1066vik]

as has been observed, the line through the bolts is way out of line with the "sweet spot" area, as found with many khuks. since Ethan advocates a slightly different technique with this knife, than typical for khuks, and definitely for straight blades, one will just have to adapt, and learn (snap cuts esp) if one wants to get the most use out of this. the BK5 Magnum Camp requires a bit of an adjustment for some people. esp with rope cutting. it's not a brute force tool like some might be used to. we shall see.

what?
bah!
next thing I know you're going to start telling people to never get in a land war in Asia or make a bet with a Sicilian when death is on the line! hahahahaha........ thud.

 

[mrn8]

So, since there's some confusion over MSRP versus what you pay from a retailer, I noticed that the full-sized Micarta handles are MSRP of $40 in the catalog. Is this less than last year? I've been seeing them at about $45 - 48 everywhere they are sold.

 

[Captain Airyca]

Yay!!! Thanks for the post, now I can start squirreling away some cash!

 

[Skystorm]

What is this technique thing of which you speak? It has a blade and a handle, put it in your hand and go chop something.

Actually I hate kuhkri designs, I picked up my first Machaxe on a whim when and when I got I was like eh well guess I'll go chop something with it. Eh turned to omg in short order. If you have never used one, wait and try it out and I guarantee it will surprise you. If not you can always give me yours for a small rehoming fee.

 

[wildmanh]

what?
bah!
next thing I know you're going to start telling people to never get in a land war in Asia or make a bet with a Sicilian when death is on the line! hahahahaha........ thud.

That right there is an Awesome Post!! I'm glad I put my spoon down before reading it or there would be Oatmeal all over my keyboard and monitor.


Bladite, Thanks for taking the time to tell us more about the Machax Dito to you too Moose. It sounds as though Ka-Bar is doing the designs justice! I got to play with a custom Bowie last summer. The handle was Antler and really curved. Curved to the point if you held the knife like a torch the point was 10 degrees or so from straight out no up. It felt like you were holding a musket instead of a knife and just felt strange. But after some time, I got used to it and got dang good at making snap cuts on brush. Plus it sliced meat and veggies great if one took into account the curve of the handle. I figure the Machax is going to impress me the same way.

As for the other stuff, cool handles, and I can't hardly wait for the BK15!! I rather liked the BK5 when I got to use it in the 2010 pass-around. I felt that not only was it a good kitchen and wood slicing knife but that it was also a good Self Defence knife. The BK15 is probably all that and easier to carry do to it's smaller size.

 

[Moosez45]

So, since there's some confusion over MSRP versus what you pay from a retailer, I noticed that the full-sized Micarta handles are MSRP of $40 in the catalog. Is this less than last year? I've been seeing them at about $45 - 48 everywhere they are sold.

MSRP = Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price

Suggested. Doesn't mean anything other than that.

Tomar's has them listed for $37.42.

I think they went down in price, perhaps. I haven't bought any in so long, I don't remember. Seems like I remember them being $42.00 MSRP last year.

Anyways, it is possible they made a mistake in the catalog as well. I doubt it, but stranger things have happened.

Moose

 

[FAL'ER]

Micarta ranges in price. I bought 3 sets at our big eugene knife show last april for $30 each. Pricing is all over the place.

 

[axesbold]

As to the Machax I would have preferred the flat tip for the reasons stated by Bladite, mainly as I foresee doing draw cuts. The swedge looks short enough that it shouldn't be too much of a prob to work around. I have never seen nor handled one, so I'm raring to give it a go. Thanks for all this info... very helpful.

 

[mrn8]

I should have known to check Tomars. Most places show MSRP at $60. I just need to suck it up and replace the grivory.

It's going to be a good year. After looking through the catalog, I'm adding a BK9, Bk15, and BK17. I've got to decide on a Ka-Bar stacked leather knife, too, because I feel incomplete without one.

 

[BushOgre]

Dearest BK16, how I lust for you
And to hold you in my hands

These words of need I verily spew
Until you join me on these Oklahoma lands

We shall baton to feed the flames
Bushcraft for a bit

Process flesh from our hunted game
Dig a cat hole, for a place to.........spit?

Soon enough you will be mine
I will love you very hard

I suffer the days until it's time
To buy you with my Visa card

 

[1066vik]

I should have known to check Tomars. Most places show MSRP at $60. I just need to suck it up and replace the grivory.

It's going to be a good year. After looking through the catalog, I'm adding a BK9, Bk15, and BK17. I've got to decide on a Ka-Bar stacked leather knife, too, because I feel incomplete without one.

Navy Mk1 -- you know you want it...
Not too big, not too small, good stand-in for a tweener until March...