2nd Gen vs 1st Gen Becker BK2 Campanion

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soapboxpreacher

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Apr 3, 2010
Messages
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Ok I know the obvious...the skeleton/hollowed out tang under the grip and the better sheath on the 2nd gen. I think the hollowed out tang weakens the 2nd compared to the first...to shed an 1.5oz or so of weight. One would think the 1st Gen is a better blade? Are there any other differences between the two? Oh and also the micarta handles...I have heard many have issues with the screws not fitting from the Grivory into the Micarta once you get the new scales. The Grivory are garbage...everyone pretty much agrees...they loosen, transfer tons of shock and they are slick. Why the hell doesnt Becker just make it with the micarta handle as a second option instead of adding it after. 40 bucks for micarta is a little steep!! But I (without using the BK2 in the field) like the BK2 grip with Micarta more than my RC5...the way it fits the butt of the hand is a lot nice for chopping. But the RC5 warranty is like no other..plus that blade is made exceptionally well!!
 
I have the BK2 with the pommel. I wanted to have available, if ever needed, a sharpened pry bar. The BK2 is it. I usually use a lighter smaller fixed blade or folder for most cutting chores.
I added a rubber handle wrap to make a non-slip grip.
 
I just purchased one of these tonight a Smokey Mountain Knife Works and it seems to be a brute!! Mine had an exposed pommel so am I to assume it's a first gen knife? I can't wait to get this thing out and give it a try. My buddy that was with me purchased a ESEE RC 5 and I can't help but wish I'd had the money to buy the same knife but I really don't think the BK2 will ever let me down!
 
I hate to admit it, but the more I think about it I am going to just do an S1. I really dont like my RC5 (thought the BK2 would be a completely different experience..but I honestly think I am kidding myself)...no one seems to want it (RC5). It is heavy yet short...just like the BK2. It chops (BK2 is better, because of the handle design) but cant chop anything too big and the same goes for batonning. It doesnt do fine work well at all for it is simply a big, heavy and clumsily knife...that lacks a good grind to help offset its Caesar complex it is stuck in. If I want a bigger chopper that batons and does everything else under the sun I will reach for my A1. And that is funny...because it is substantially lighter yet has a better grind but also isn't as thick of a blade. But in the end the A1 schools its heavier, thicker counterpart. When I pitted these two against each other the A1 killed it, it wasnt even close. I honestly dont think the BK2 will be all that much different. Not to mention I would need to add the micarta putting the BK2 at nearly $100. For $125 I can grab an S1 and be more versatile, lighter, corrosion resistant, and as effective at batonning. I might miss chopping but there's a few other ways I have discovered to chop with a lighter blade that seems to burn less calories and end on the same result. Save your post. I am stepping away from the BK2 at the moment. It would have been a step down from the RC5 I bought that no one wants. I even looked to trade an RC6 plain edge...no takers. This size and design is an odd one. It seems many are seeking different approaches with better results. Just my JD induced $0.02. 1st or 2nd gen...I guess the answers in the difference I was seeking considering I have an RC5 I dont care for dont seem to matter.
 
You *don't* need to replace the BK-2 handles so the cash comparison is somewhat bogus but to each their own. Also, the BK-2 isn't a clumsy knife as you speculate but if you like the S1, you should buy the S1.

I've yet to hear anyone say they hate the S1 - should be a great knife for you.
 
GingivitisKahn said:
You *don't* need to replace the BK-2 handles so the cash comparison is somewhat bogus but to each their own. Also, the BK-2 isn't a clumsy knife as you speculate but if you like the S1, you should buy the S1.

I've yet to hear anyone say they hate the S1 - should be a great knife for you.
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OK then I'll be the first...I hate the S1!:D

The BK2 is an awesome knife and I think the only reason anyone changes the handle scales is because you can. I feel the factory scales are better at preventing blisters than the "upgrade" micarta scales.

I like the 2nd gen BK2 better than the 1rst gen because of slight weight reduction but mostly for the better sheath. I removed the nylon belt loop and just carry the knife in my pack.

It's a big knife but I think most of us also carry a smaller knife. If I wasn't so cheap I'd get the Bark River Bravo 1 instead but then I still like the 2nd gen sheath of the BK2 better than the kydex sheath for the Bravo 1...I'm never satisfied!

Collecter







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Bobby Craig said:
I believe the first generation used 0170-6 carbon steel in its blade and the Ka-Bar uses 1095 Cro Van Steel. There are also a few minor changes to the handle size I have heard and the new sheaths are better and shaped more to the blade then the first gen.
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Were talking about the first and second generation Ka-bar BK2's.

The first one they made had no exposed pommel and came with "imo" a low grade kydex sheath.

The second generation has the exposed pommel, cut out's in the handle, and ship's with an upgraded sheath. Both knives are 1095 CroVan.

Becker porn :D
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Picture's are of a first gen knife, with a second gen sheath.
 

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